Billedgalleri Kleine Beer 2002 - 1

There are 5 picture galleries. Look at the map, click and you will see the great images Rubens has taken. Images and text from Ruben - Kleine Beer.

We left the "Kleine Beer" in the water in the marina of San Antonio on Ibiza. -She was in good condition and suprisingly dry inside after being left in the water for 6 month. Of course we needed to clean her bottom and do anti-fouling and some repairs because the rudder started to vibrate a bit while sailing. We took her out in the marina of Santa-Eulalia after sailing to the other side of Ibiza. Lars from the <www.comfortina32.de> site suggested to check the metal bolt and washers that connects the helm with the actual rudder shaft. The washers were a bit worn and loose after 13 years but replacing them was not enough. I also brought the lower rudder bearing along wich turned out to be quite a heavy piece of bronze. It has 3 holes for bolts to attach it to the hull and it turned out that on the new bearing the holes were in a different place. There seems to be several different models of this bearing. I took the old bearing and had it redone by the local metalshop and that works fine, upto now. It is possible to change the bearing without taking the rudder out! 3 Month later we returned the unused new bearing to the Dutch Comfortina dealer. I also had taken the Valeo alternator from the Volvo Penta 2003 engine back home and had the regulator changed in a 3 phase charging pattern regulator. It charges the batteries more quick and efficient. I got an electrical diagram from the workshop that had changed the alternator and managed to hook it up without melting the wiring and it works better than before. For details look to http://www.mastervolt.com and search for Alfa Pro regulator info.

Next came Menorca. On land less scenic then Mallorca but with a beautifull coastline. We were lucky with the weather and spend about a week on the southcoast. It was littered with beautiful anchorages in secluded coves with turquoise blue water and many caves. Good snorkeling.....The towns of Ciudadella and Mahon are recommendable.

Read more about the journey in the second halv of this gallery.