DtoA: The time has come to find the horizon!

This is what I call my 'driveway' - the docks I walk every day to get to the boat!

We decided two days ago that it was time to leave. Everything was organized and we were ready to go. We had officially checked out of the country too. It was a bit of a rush and a hasty exit but soon we were motoring out of DOSC, leaving behind a small group of people waving us off. We literally were sailing towards the stars - it was beautiful. Our exit was short-lived however. Our autopilot stopped working along with some new electrical issues. So with heavy hearts we turned around and made our way back to Dubai. We arrived at 2am and all headed straight to bed. I think the excitement had turned to despair and had taken all our energy. 

The next morning we woke up and all had a mission - we were going to get this boat ready to leave the next day. When you arrive at a port, you are allowed a 48 hr window to restock your boat or fix any issues, without the requirement of a visa. Due to the fact that we had checked out, our arrival back to DOSC meant that we had now begun the 48 hr window. So we had two days and counting...

Straight away we got on the phone and organised for technicians to get down to the boat to get everything fixed asap. For the other crew members, it wasn't too much of a worry as they could check back into the country at a moment's notice due to their passports. I, having a South African passport, require a pre-arranged visa for Dubai. This can take anything from 2 - 4 days and I didn't have the time. Therefore, we had to get the issues fixed and then get a move on. 

All the technicians were absolute stars. Coming at a moment's notice, leaving other jobs to attend to ours. We had the Satellite system fixed and working again, within hours. The autopilot was done by the end of day one too. All that was left was to fix the hydraulic arm for the steering and the air-conditioning unit. These were to be completed by day two, which is today. All should be done and fitted by the early evening and then once again, we will set sail and hopefully not have to return. 

20th April 2017 - Day of Departure from Dubai, UAE to Sydney, Australia! (Hopefully!)

Whilst we have had the extra time here, I have had the chance to make friends with a gorgeous cat and found some interesting things on the boats. I have also met some amazing people who live on the boats full time. Fascinating and inspiring how people live so minimalistically. 

Meet Cat - gorgeous little cat at DOSC

This boat had the Turkish eye of protection on board - I like this idea and should I have a boat one day, then I am putting one on my boat! 

That is all for now! Hopefully the next time I blog, I will be sitting in Kochin, India.