Preparing Osprey for Sea: Mast Climb, Rig Tune & Bilge Reset”.

First update since I got back to the boat. Today aboard Osprey I'm walking through the boat showing where things stand as we push toward departure. A lot has been happening below decks. Both bilges have finally been cleaned properly after discovering how water from the engine bay actually splits across the internal frame and spreads into both side bilges. With everything flushed and reset, we’re installing a new bilge pump and bringing the system back into proper order. The grey water tank top is now fitted, which makes life on board a lot easier, and the mast boot is secured, reducing the water coming down the mast dramatically. On deck, I’m preparing to go up the mast today. The rig has been pumping more than it should, so we’re going to put a basic tune into the rig and start stabilising things properly. We also spotted something interesting on the backstay chainplate — the shackles were installed upside down. Those will be turned over and new lashings fitted to bring that connection back into proper order. So today’s jobs include: • Mast climb and initial rig tune • Correcting the backstay shackles and lashings • Finishing the bilge pump installation • Finalising the grey water system • Continuing preparations for departure One major job still ahead is dealing with the mainsail mast track, which is absolutely essential to get sorted before Osprey can properly head back to sea. Every step is part of bringing this Grand Mistral 80 maxi yacht back into full working order for the next stage of the voyage. --- The Mariner Podcast The Mariner Podcast explores offshore sailing, leadership, long voyages, and the realities of life at sea. It’s currently ranked in the top 3% of podcasts globally. --- The Mariner’s Library The Mariner’s Library is a growing archive of maritime writing, ocean knowledge, and reflections from life offshore. --- Support the Project If you'd like to support the Osprey campaign and help keep the voyage moving forward: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/themariner Your support directly helps fund the refit, preparation, and storytelling behind this project. --- Follow the Journey YouTube – Mariner Podcast – Mariner Podcast / Mariner's Library Patreon – The Mariner --- About Osprey Osprey is a Grand Mistral 80 maxi yacht originally built for ocean racing. The long-term goal is to prepare her for a solo circumnavigation — one of the hardest challenges in sailing. Every repair, discovery, and system rebuild you see here is part of that preparation.