What if...

IF David hadn't noticed the problem with the chainplates, we could have been dismasted at sea which would have been a catastrophe. But, of course, David did notice the problem and we decided to replace the chainplates which led to a whole other set of what if's.

IF we hadn't decided to replace the chainplates, then we wouldn't have replaced the rigging.

IF we hadn't decided to replace the rigging, we wouldn't have taken down the foresails in preparation for the new rigging.

IF we hadn't taken down  the foresails in preparation for the rigging, we wouldn't have noticed the tear in the headsail.

IF we hadn't noticed the tear in the luff of the headsail and wondered what caused it, we wouldn't have seen the break in the furler foil.

IF we hadn't taken down the headsail and noticed the break in the furler foil, we would have unfurled the headsail at sea and then we would have either been able to furl it or if not, it would have shredded. Either way, we would have been without our headsail. Oh, my!

So though it's costing a gazillion in repairs, what if we hadn't noticed any of these problems and began our passage across the Atlantic? Ouch!

They say things happen for a reason. Perhaps, that's true. A few more problems have been discovered that need addressing, but we are getting close to departure. When you hear us complaining about the delays and the cost and the work involved, take it with a grain of salt. Because we also wonder ... what if we weren't so lucky?