La Sirena is a 1980 Rafiki 35 — a solid, heavy-displacement cruising sailboat being brought back to life after several years sitting unused.
This blog follows the recommissioning, repairs, maintenance, systems work and eventual return to cruising. The plan is to leave the boatyard in October 2026 and spend the winter exploring the Pacific Northwest, anchoring out as much as possible and documenting the experience.
It is also the story of learning the boat system by system: hull and bottom work, seacocks, rigging, engine and gearbox, refrigeration, watermaker, electrical systems, anchoring and all the small jobs that come with owning an older cruising boat.
And there is a first mate: Birnie. A rescue who has been through a whole lot and deserves an adventure. He is a unique long legged Dachshund who has appointed himself supervisor of virtually every job aboard. He’s very special.