Let's save S/V Swirl from the yard!

Yesterday was insane; but the highlight is, y'all did it! I am overwhelmed with the love and support everyone (no matter if you contributed, shared, or just sent good energy) who came together to help me save my home!

I woke up to what was supposed to be a nice quiet morning with my partner after being apart though this turbulent week. This was cut short when I received word from a marina that a slip was available, and I could bring Swirl over the same day, but only if I was able to get to the marina by the end of morning and pay for the slip and sign the lease. I scrambled out the door as quickly as I could and drove to the bank and then marina. I was too late, but, I called the manager and she said she could come back if I could be there right at 1:15 (wish she'd said that from the start). I went and picked up y friend who was going to help me move the boat (I know she's set up to single hand, but tight maneuvering is far more comfortable with two); and we got back to the marina right at 1:15. Signing was fast and left us time to get to the boat yard where Swirl was still sitting up on jack stands.

I settled up with the Yard and we waited for our 3pm launch time. The boat was moved into the slings in the machine that would gently dip her back in the water. We climbed on board with her still dangling 10ft over water, that was the first scary moment of the day. They lowered us back in and we hung in the slings while I went below and checked the thru-hulls I replaced to make sure there were no leaks. Everything looked shipshape and they dropped the slings from under us and we were back floating and moving on our own. After stopping by the old dock and grabbing a few left behind items, we took off for the end of the storm-break at Shilshole.

We were warned as we came to the exit that the waves were pretty bad as soon as we passed the storm-break. I hugged the wall so we'd have plenty of time to maneuver if we were blown toward the wall on the other side. From there we zig-zigged toward the locks, hitting waves at a 45 degree angle as much as we could. Little Swirl did great in the waves that were taller than her deck! Our engine sputtered and rev'd on it's own a little, and gave me lots of concern. I will be inspecting before our next outing. We finally made it through the waves and to the Salmon Bay bridge, where we tied to the southern wall and waited for several trains to pass so it would raise and we could go beneath. Creeping into the open locks went well and the kind Lock Masters were very understanding of it being my first time taking a boat through. We exited smoothly, and got Swirl to her new home. Docking went the smoothest yet.

Swirl is safely tied up in her new slip, my new home. I basically collapsed when all was done. This week was insanely stressful. But I have a wonderful community, and I cannot thank you all enough for your love and support. Y'all made this happen. So many things could have gone wrong, and it all came together so well. but the biggest truth is, this is the beginning of a new chapter, and the last one had the very real potential to end disastrously, but it's thanks to all of you that it didn't.

Here's to smoother waters ahead.

Good morning! Thank you all so much for the contributions so far! This allowed me to get a critical piece of paperwork done yesterday that cost $1,093. This was one of the main things that was risking the loss of Swirl. I am overwhelmed with love, support, and joy that this was able to be accomplished! Now we will wait and see what the yard fee actually turns out to be. it will be somewhere between $700 and $1,400. If it's the lower, everything will be ok... but, if it's the higher end. I will still be unable to afford a place to keep the boat for the next 2 weeks. Anyone else who can chip in just a little, it would be greatly appreciated. To those who are already helping, thank you so much. Continuing to share, and sharing this update would be very appreciated. I owe you all endless gratitude.

Thank you all so much for the sweet, and concerned messages, and contributions. I really didn't think that was going to be a situation I'd be in; but, the friends and community that I have is wonderful, thank you all for supporting me. Waking up and seeing this, this morning renewed my hope a lot. Please, if you haven't shared, that's also super helpful.

I am already brainstorming what the thank you baskets of baked good are going to look like! Sourdough bread and Chocolate Brioche Buns are definitely on the list!