With out the help of several important manufacturers it would be impossible for us to actively participate in the relief efforts. The following companies and in some cases private individuals are the real heros. We choose them because we wanted only the most dependable equipment. There are also a few thank yous to private people who made our work easier or in some cases much safer.

We want to send out a special thank you to the Iridium Satellite phone system and a case of cyber beers to the great guys that keep watch on the AST help line for fielding some pretty stupid and also some very important questions. You guys are the greatest. Without you that trip would have been a lot harder on us all!

Many thanks go out to Harald Krogstad owner of the cargo jacht Lyna. When Vegas variable pitch propeller system broke down, effectively keeping us from carrying any further relief supplies, Harald didn't ask questions he just went to tha manufacturer in Norway and got us the parts. Lyna could be a sister ship to Vega. They are the same size, tonnage, and shape. Harald is the typical old style sailor he believes that true sailors always help each other as the sea gives us enough problems to cope with. Again, Many thanks Harald.

Visit Haralds site to learn more about Lyna and his 20 year labor of love. www.lyna.no

With out any doubt Balmar makes the worlds most dependable marine alternators. They are also extremely helpful when it comes to designing a system or navigating your way through the maze of 12 / 24 Vdc power systems.

19009 61st Ave. NE #4
Arlington, WA 98223
360-435-6100 Tel
360-435-3210 fax
www.balmar.net

www.blakes-lavac-taylors.co.uk

Blakes Lavac Taylors traces its history back to 1798. A catalogue from a century later, shows a wide range of equipment including cookers, stoves and smaller general chandlery items. When we needed a new cooker we turned to the oldest most dependable company in the world. We do not use gas on our boat but if we did it would be a Taylors gas cooker. They are simply best built and safest one can buy. Their Blake classic heads are works of art that go on working for ever.

http://www.xantrex.com

Xantrex are the power people. They make the worlds best inverters, chargers, and monitoring equipment. Their Link 2000 system is an extremely robust and modern approach to the age old problem of managing your batteries and shore power systems. Take a long look at their products before you waste money on anything else.

Craig Johnson whose ham call sign is W7WXQ is an old school, "It has to work first time every time or it dosen't belong on the water", marine electronics engineer. Craig has helped us to get our faltering SSB system working. I think his best advise was, " get rid of that ancient piece of junk and get a real radio". Honest Craig, we are trying our best to do just that!

www.raritaneng.com

This is another old dependable company that specializes in sanitation equipment. Their lectraSan sewage purification units are extremely dependable and require no additional chemicals to do their job. If you want the most modern electric marine sanitation system any yacht can have you might want to take a long look at their site.

Set-Zeise makes dependable rugged marine generators at very reasonable prices. Their units are quiet and fuel efficient. One day, when we can afford it, we want an even bigger one. For now the one we have is fantastic and completely trouble free. If you want good solid German enginnering at your service everytime you push the button check their web site. www.set-zeise.de
Raymarine UK.
www.raymarine.com


When we purchased Vega she had a mixture of electronics. After 28,000 sea miles, a few force 10's and a cyclone at sea, the only ones still working were our Autohelm/Raymarine equipment. Maybe that explains why we turned to them first when we needed newer equipment. Not having extensive budgets we have to be very careful to get the best value for money possible. In my experience no one gives better value in marine electronics than Raymarine.
Classic Boat Magazine
www.classicboat.co.uk


I have always had a soft spot for classic boats. There are those who call me an unreconstructed traditionalist. It's true and I'm proud of the fact. Classic Boat is one of the best magazines in the world for those , like me, who simple love a beautiful old gaffer.
www.calpump.com


Since 1958 Cal Pump has manufactured the finest pumps available anywhere in the world. It is this legendary quality that goes into every product they make. It is our feeling that no one makes better pumps than CalPump. I love their solid stainless steel and bronze cooling pumps. No cheap plastic bits carefully designed to break on these pumps. Now if we could just convince them to go into the larger bilge pump market.........
Latitudes and Attitudes Magazine
www.latsandatts.net


I just love this magazine. It's written by cruising sailors for cruising sailors. The owner is himself an avid sailor with a sense of humor I can relate to. The articles are spot on useful, as are the news and editorials. Visit their web site for some of the most practical publications you can take afloat.
Mailspeed Marine Chandlery
www.mailspeedmarine.com


I just love this magazine. It's written by cruising sailors for cruising sailors. The owner The good people at MailSpeed are fast, efficient, and they have great prices. What I like is dealing with fellow sailors who understand what I need and make useful suggestions. Before you spend your miney some where else check their web site. You will be surprised how much money they can save for you.