Breathing Room

First off just wanted to clarify the situation with my engine. The engine has been a topic of debate since the beginning and was not a sudden problem. In the end, the kindly but unorganized mechanic who thought he had a box of spare parts - didn't.
I have been getting a few concerned people saying that if my boat wasn’t even seaworthy enough to get out of the harbor how am I going to make it around the world. I would have kept my old engine if I had had the spare parts. The new engine will be important in waters with coral reefs and narrow passages.
The extra time is good - gives us more breathing room to finish up some loose ends and sea trial the boat some more. My grandmother from England will be out for my depature. This is so cool because she is super supportive and a great person. My new departure date will coincide with the Marina del Rey Boat Show. Should be a good time on the 14th.
Last Sunday we took a day off the boat for the first time in about a month but still spent time studying charts and courses and answering about 200 emails and sponsorship stuff. Today we're trying to secure an engine and possibly sponsorship for it as the cost of a new engine is running the budget dry.
In my last update I forgot to mention the help of Darrell Steffey. He has been on board daily for the past few weeks and has been a core contributor to the cause here as well as inviting local political figures to come out and see me off. I think he even sent a letter to President Bush. I guess it doesn't hurt to think big! Pete from Lady K has also been down most days and been a great help.

Any way got to finish packing.

Cheers,
Zac