There is something special about the first real day of getting to know a new boat. It is a little like starting a new friendship. You show up curious, roll up your sleeves, and learn every corner, shelf, and hidden compartment she has. That was my whole day with the Capri.
I emptied her out completely. Every cushion, bucket, tool, fender, line, and mystery item tucked away in the lazarettes came out into the daylight. Part treasure hunt, part archaeology, and part “what on earth is this thing,” but I loved every minute of it. For the first time, I could see the boat as a clean slate. Her cabin looked open and bright, and I could finally imagine all the ways she might grow into the perfect little Snailor adventure pod.
Sitting inside her empty cabin felt exciting and a little tender. There is something grounding about cleaning a boat from bow to stern. You get to touch the story she has lived and start shaping the story she will carry next.
Now that everything is out, I have a clear plan for what comes next.
First, I am going to give her a deep clean inside and out. Fresh surfaces, scrubbed corners, and that satisfying feeling of starting with a clean baseline. After that, I will refinish the three teak pieces on the boat (thank goodness that’s all!). They are a tiny bit worn and tired, but underneath is beautiful wood waiting to shine again. Next, I am going to learn how to repair the gel coat. A few small spots need attention, and I am excited to learn something new.
None of this is work I have done before, but that is part of the fun. Slow and steady learning is the Snail Sailor way, and this little Capri is already teaching me patience, care, and joyful curiosity.
This is only the beginning, but it feels like an important one. A blank slate, a clean cabin, and a boat that is ready for the love, learning, and adventure ahead. Here’s to bringing her back to life, one slow and steady step at a time.
