We are back anchored off Fethiye again. Roam II and Esper have converged here for the International football on Saturday evening. Lars stayed on to see it too, as Norway were playing. We simply relaxed. On Sunday, the Mate decided enough was enough, and I was encouraged to fix the remaining fixed port in the coachroof that had leaked slightly, as evidenced by the salt deposits underneath. Unfortunately it did not want to fall out like the others, and in encouraging it with the chisel, it cracked. Much depression ensued, enquiries off to Dehler for a replacement. (Dehler have now discontinued the DS41, it seems). It may be possible to get one made up locally, but it is a tricky bending job that really requires a purpose made jig. Lars departed on Monday, and Bill and Angie came on board for a few drinks prior to her departure back to Manchester.
The following day, Bill came for some lunchtime succour, having taken Angie to the airport that morning, and came for supper that evening. The planned meal with Rome 2 was postponed, on account of the international football match on the Wednesday evening.
We got cracking early with the alarm, as Bill wanted a hand with taking British Tiger up to the boatyard for the repair work. The lift out with the hydraulic scissor lift went without a hitch, and British Tiger was soon chocked off. The washdown revealed some problems with earlier work by exposing areas of 'gelcoat'. We then moved Fuga and anchored in a bay close off the boat yard, so that Bill could stay aboard if he wanted, and we could lend a hand. That evening we went aboard Rome 2 for dinner, and Tony and Pat from Full Flight were there with their guests Mick and Helen. Mick and Helen modestly revealed some of their adventures cycling and travelling all over the world.
Friday was the 70th birthday of John on the yacht La Gabriella. Celebrations began with a pontoon party at 1430, allegedly the hour of his birth, and then after an interval resumed with a Barbeque supper at the Yacht Plaza hotel. It was good to have an opportunity to meet and talk with some new faces, including two couples from Australia and New Zealand. Entertainment included a Belly Dancer who did well to involve her audience.
From time to time, John lent Bill a hand in removing the loose paint and sanding off. British Tiger has only made two brief appearances out of the water in the 9 years that Bill has owned her, once in Brazil and once in Cagliari. Hopefully she will last as long between treatments next time. I couldn't resist taking some of the anti-pirate coating of stain and rust off the topsides, but left a token amount.
On Sunday, the mate was getting restless. She had not been off the boat for 3 days, and the Sudoku was wearing thin. We decided on a walk up to the Lycian tombs above Fethiye, and also walked up to the castle (middle ages, ruined). Afterwards we dropped by the shops for supplies.