What is the holdup? - Why no sea trials?

Well, for all those following, here is the update - Everything was set for leaving, sails bent on, and I try start the outboard to leave the marina, a 2hp Honda that normally starts second pull and after 10 pulls things were not right- so, check fuel level and there is nothing, it had a full tank, so all the fuel leaked out. Now this engine  is from  the year 2000, so 25 years old, which is not a problem, my lawnmower is a Honda and it is from the same timespan super reliable and it also starts 2nd pull, so I brought it home and removed the carb, checked and cleaned everything, and then it would not start at all. I rebuilt the carb a short while ago as well and it started and ran well - so I do not understand why it suddenly developed these issues. In addition it has an oil leak which I have an idea why it does this, it is a known 2hp honda problem, so it needs some open heart surgery - I will repair it - . they are great simple motors.

The Honda - now, not inspiring reliability  and the fact that I live on a volcanic island with sharp rocks etc etc and also being summer, with the Azores high and the certain possibility of very light to no wind conditions - this is not a great scenario, so I ordered a 3.5hp Tohatsu NEW in the box, flown in from Lisbon and we will see how this plays out.

stay tuned for what follows.

In the interim the the TAK-C is progressing really well

 And some more pictures

Closing the companionway always makes me smile the cat sticks its tongue out
and then it gets a "tongue piercing" - maybe I will make a video

From left gennaker halyard - jib halyard  - main halyard -  jibsheet jammer
then on the lo profile dodger - topping lift -  kicker - reefs ,2,3,1 that work the reef tack - boom brake - extra cleat and  then jib sheet jammer - main halyard - jib halyard-  gennaker halyard. However - the extra main halyard can be used as a topping lift and then there will be 2 extra cleats available on the lo profile dodger that can be repurposed for other jobs that I have in mind.

the boom has an outhaul and reef cleats for the clew cringles -  as I am running a 2 line reefing system with all boom reefing done on the outside of the boom  - simple,  less rope and less chance of jams and line snarls inside the boom and also the boom can be lighter. All of course IMHO.

Inside looking forward main and jib on port bunk with one of the twin mainsheets . All the reefing lines for the boom on the bunk insert/ chart table - shackles and lo friction rings on handrails along with Rosie and Jim the hardworking crew, under the bunk insert chart table are the spare split companionway hatch covers , starboard berth with yoga mat, foam fenders, daggerboards, the floor has thick close cell foam for kneeling, note that the mast bulkhead has the collision door removed at the moment.
under the bunks are rope, spares, clothes, extra blocks and fittings, tools, crocs, foul language weather gear, sea boots, harness etc etc

On the left hand side we have the yoga mat, the removable roving  50 W solar panel lives on the yoga mat at the back , mainsail battens - and the daggerboards and 
below the companionway - cooker box, and step   
and on RHS -  2nd jib - gennaker - storm jib  - zenbivy sleep system , thermarest inflatable mattress - and a very big beanbag for sleeping on the floor or anywhere else and a real pillow.

Bow compartment -  battery on the left, lifejackets, anchor, chain, warp, bucket, fire extinguisher still needs to be fitted once decided where, flares and safety stuff in container, 10 ltrs water foam fenders, and some other bits

so basically add food water and maybe some other safety bits and ready to go. Oh and also the windvane

A new project in the workshop