Jocalia’s winter maintenance and new upgrades

Although we missed Jocalia during the winter, she was tucked into her tonneau cover and well looked after by the contractors on site in Scotland.

Thanks to the dedicated work of the Tops’l maintenance team, our much-loved yacht has been thoroughly prepared for the season ahead.

A hardworking team of four – Orla Cronin, Peter Greinke, Andrew Riley, and Tim Phillips – tackled the winter maintenance schedule, including:

  • Engine oil, coolant, and filter change
  • Propeller service and anode replacement
  • Jib furler service and greasing
  • Anchor and kedge inspection including rainbow tag
  • Steering check following a bearing and linkage replacement
  • Winch servicing (all five!)
  • Dinghy check
  • Full rig check

Crucially, all onboard safety equipment was serviced before launch. Lifejackets were checked and inflated, with lights replaced; jackstays checked and refitted, and fire extinguishers verified. Both heat and CO alarms were tested. These modern alarms now benefit from a 10-year battery life. The liferaft was also serviced and returned to Troon by the manufacturer, ready for refitting.

Even the soft furnishings were laundered and replaced. Special thanks to those who dealt with Jocalia’s famously fiddly curtains!

Upgrades and a smooth relaunch

With the boatyard handling the relaunch, the team took a short break.

Many congratulations go to Andrew for installing a brand-new services alternator, to hopefully put to bed the charging problems. And for battling his way through the undergrowth of Jocalia’s wiring to install a converter to re-route the AIS data to the new Axiom multifunction display. This display was also updated (twice) to bring the software up to the latest standard and the charts up-to-date for 2025.

I hope someone remembered to close the sea cocks and rig the sails.

Jocalia in Troon boatyard

Troon is a very popular tourist destination and golfing haven with three full-size courses, so it is good to note that our team didn’t have to spend all their time working. At the time of writing, Jocalia was rounding the Mull of Kintyre on her way to Oban.

Want to enjoy the season without the stress? Join a club that takes care of the hard work.