Cartagena: preparing BEHEMOTH, day 2

December 6, 2023

Slow progress, the engine didn’t start yesterday. It seems that the fuel pump needs to be replaced. They ordered a new one yesterday that is coming from Barranquilla and it is supposed to arrive today.

From my side, I spent the day checking things around, adding items to the to-do list, and then sorting out halyards, sheets, and reefing lines. I started with the equivalent of the mainsheet for the self-taking stay sail, which I figured had to run to the cockpit. Among the sheets I found in a bag, I located one that was attached to a fiddle block that should be connected to a traveler. Once in place, I identified two fairlead blocks on deck that seemed to be there to run the sheet to the cockpit, which I did. It lead to one of the two winches on the port side of the companion way (see pic black line).

Then came the main sheet. This one was connected to three single blocks and one fiddle block; a very different system from what I had in ANTARES. It took me a while, but I manage to install it. Once the fiddle block was connected to the traveler and the single blocks to the boom, I run the sheet through a stand-up block and then to the second winch on the cockpit (see pic).

I was also able to sort all the halyards, reefing lines, outhaul, and topping lift. BEHEMOTH has two mast pulpits that, I imagine, provide great support when reefing but that also help organize the lines neatly.

Here is part of the TO-DO list for the next couple of days: