October 2023
Departure day was looming on the horizon — and as any sailor knows, the list of “small” projects never really feels small in the final week. But there’s nothing more satisfying than ticking off those last essential tasks that will make life aboard safer, more organized, and just a little bit smoother once you’re underway.
Here’s what’s been happening aboard lately as we hustle to wrap things up before setting sail:
Securing the ground tackle is non-negotiable. Rich finished splicing our 8-plait nylon rode to the anchor chain this week. If you’ve ever fought with stiff, stubborn line, you’ll understand the quiet pride in a clean, strong splice. It’s one of those projects that gets the adrenaline going — thinking ahead to the first night at anchor, knowing the splice will hold when it counts.
When we installed the new Beta Marine 43, the dipstick ended up completely inaccessible without removing the engine cover. After some creative carpentry and reorganizing, we now have clear, easy access to check oil levels without dismantling half the cabin. A little peace of mind goes a long way when you’re offshore.
Securing the dinghy on deck is a safety must, especially in rough weather. We’ve installed solid padeyes and tie-down points so the tender stays exactly where we want it — not shifting with the swell or threatening to become deck decor for Neptune.
We ran the jacklines this week, making sure they’re positioned for safe movement around the boat while underway. It’s one of those small details that doesn’t seem critical — until you’re on a rolling deck at 2 AM with a reef to tie in.
It’s easy to forget how much things move down below until your coffee pot tries to fly across the galley in a good swell. We’ve added straps and lashing points for loose gear — because nothing ruins morale like a flying can of beans or a busted laptop.
The engine room now looks… well, let’s call it “organized chaos with intention.” Spares, tools, fluids, and emergency gear all have designated spots. The key is knowing you can lay your hands on a wrench or fuel filter when it matters most — not digging through a black hole of parts with the engine overheating.
Finally, a touch of tradition: we mounted the ship’s bell. Besides being required for sound signals in fog, there’s something special about hearing that solid brass ring. It reminds us we’re not just preparing a boat — we’re preparing our ship and our home.
Our Highfield CL260 Dinghy
After much deliberation and more online research than I care to admit, the big day finally arrived — we took delivery of our brand new Highfield CL260 dinghy!
For the uninitiated, the Highfield Classic series has earned its stripes among cruisers for blending durability, practicality, and clean design. It’s a compact, aluminum-hulled RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) that strikes a perfect balance for those of us who need reliable transport to shore, a workhorse for gear runs, and a little adventure vessel rolled into one.
Our old tender had been slowly deflating its way into retirement. It was time for something more rugged, reliable, and manageable for daily use. Plus, our old tender was too big to fit on the foredeck After hearing rave reviews from fellow sailors, the Highfield became the obvious choice. We chose the CL260 because it was the only one small enough to fit on the foredeck.
Here’s why it won us over:
Aluminum Hull: Light but tough. We wanted something we could confidently beach on rocks or haul over docks without worrying about damage.
Perfect Size: At 2.6 meters (8’6”), it’s ideal for our foredeck, compact enough to store easily, yet spacious enough for the two of us plus gear or groceries.
Solid Performance: We traded our Honda 9.9 four-stroke for a Mercury 9.9 2 stroke and reduced the weight on the transom by about 30 pounds. The heavier Honda felt too heavy for this little boat. With the Mercury, the CL260 feels stable and responsive. It’s not a speed demon, but it planes well with two aboard and handles chop comfortably.
Durability Meets Simplicity: No flashy frills, just straightforward, well-constructed components built to withstand real cruising life. It has a large bow locker for a 3 gallon fuel tank and a raised deck making the floor flat and dry.
The craftsmanship is immediately obvious — clean welds, robust tubes, and a thoughtfully designed interior. Launching her was straightforward, and right away I noticed how solid she felt on the water. The aluminum floor and keel give the dinghy a reassuring sturdiness underfoot.
A good dinghy isn’t just transportation — it’s freedom. It gets you to shore for provisions, off to explore hidden coves, or to that beach bar you spotted from the cockpit. The Highfield CL260 feels like the perfect fit for our cruising lifestyle, rugged enough for the unknown, yet compact and manageable.
Early verdict? The CL260 fits our boat well. It’s easy for the two of us to manage getting it up on the foredeck and secured down with our newly installed padeyes. If a larger model had fit on the foredeck we would have gotten it, but we’re satisfied with the smaller version. Everything on a boat is a compromise