March 2007: THE MAKE OVER
Decked out in a fresh topcoat of shiny platinum awl-grip, s/v Encanto is fitted and ready for the Pacific Ballroom. We are celebrating her ‘Quincinera’. Traditionally in the Latin American culture, when a girl turns fifteen, her family gives her a big coming of age (debutante style) celebration. So, we will do the same for s/v Encanto on her fifteenth birthday. Her topside shines and reflects like platinum; we can see billowy clouds casts in her reflection. Buffed and polished, she sheens like a brand new car. Finishing touches were applied; a lime green sash (boot stripe), as well as application of her name and homeport (also in flashy lime green) was placed on her flanks, starboard and port. Draped in her new ball gown, she’ll be making a stunning entry into the Pacific Ocean anchorages for several months to come and even in the SF Bay when we return in 2008.
Prior to this unveiling:
Our efforts to get the final topcoat applied were not without some trials and tribulation. Nothing ever is simple or smooth sailing when in a boatyard. The first time we applied the topcoat, we choose a matte finish paint-inspired by the sight of the cold steel, bare hull of Encanto. However, either the paint set up too quickly in the morning heat or the matte component to the paint separated from the base paint but this first attempt failed. Application of the paint in too warm a temperature will cause the paint to eventually crackle. George Stewart, (Stewart Yacht Services) was not happy with the way the paint was setting up, so he suggested a repainting of the boat. We discussed many options and finally decided to change the paint and give up on our desire for a matte finish. The second attempt, we used a glossy finish paint that is used to paint automobiles, however it started to showed signs of separating, black from white. The painters found that some spots were perfect, while others were mottled. We were all unsatisfied with this result. After exploring several options with George and since we were going back to the USA, we decided to order paint from the USA and have it sent to Ecuador. Would it arrive in time before we had to leave Ecuador? Would it pass through USA and Ecuadorian customs? Would we be charged 50% duty on the paint? Would it even work?Upon arrival in the USA, our Captain immediately researched paint options and the order was made. The paint would travel to Miami, Florida then be placed on a boat and shipped to Ecuador. It arrived six weeks later in Guayaguil, Ecuador. A week after we returned from the USA. George shepherded it through customs and brought it to the boat yard. Luckily, we had no problems with its entry into the country.
After a good bath to remove all the guano, droppings by our fine feather friends, the frigatebirds, she was ready for her fitting. Within a few hours she glowed, just like a blushing teenager on her first date. We are very pleased. As the marina workers walk by, they would come up to John and remark, “Es muy differente.” Remarks from fellow cruisers have ranged from, “Wow” to “I’ve never seen a boat painted like THAT!” Another cruiser made a favorable glib, “From a blah ordinary white, rust stained bucket to a glimmering, shiny, high styling designer make-over. This was like watching the make-over of Ann Hathaway in “The Devil Wears Prada.”