The Miami International Boat Show!

Strictly Sail, Miami International Boat Show

For the past few days, Lisa and I have been in Miami at the Miami Boat Show and the Strictly Sail sailboat portion of the show. Sponsored by NMMA (National Marine Manufacturer's Association) and Progressive Insurance, it's one of the largest shows around. It covers three venues; two marinas and the sprawling Miami Beach Convention Center. It was a good show. We were able to make a lot of the critical equipment purchases for our refit over two days spent between the sailboat location and convention center, see some old friends, and enjoy some really good Caribbean and Cuban cuisine.

The show did come with it's quirks, as much in this fun and diverse city always does. Snafus in shuttle services between the venues and parking left us stranded once and standing in long lines frequently, but such is the nature of the event. Regardless, for anyone searching for equipment, shows like this are the ticket - we were given some amazing deals, and negotiated even better ones from an array of vendors. I highly recommend it. Just be prepared to reset your clocks to 'island time'.

Be Prepared to Stand in Long Lines for Shuttle Services

Today, we're going to our old neighborhood to see how things have changed and who's still around. We lived here for about 10 years, and left in '98.

Test Fitting the New Reverse Cycling A/C System

The refit itself is progressing. When we left for Miami, the A/C and heating system and new refrigerator and freezer installs were nearly finished. A quick call from LeFiell Marine in California confirmed our new mast and boom are nearing completion and materials we've ordered through Jo Beth's builder, Pacific Seacraft are getting ready to ship. I expect the pace of things to really pick up over the next few weeks. Exciting!