Frequently .Asked .Questions.
Q : I heard about galvanic corrosion beetween alloy and ballast on older VIA. What is the status of Graine d'étoile?
A : As we know, galvanic electrolysis beetween ballast and hull happened only in VIA42 serial number 1 to 7, the cause was contact beetween the ballast (steel) and the hull. Graine d'étoile is serial number 14.
As we were very concerned by this probleme, we asked for a technical survey when we bought the boat. The ballast superficial caoting was removed, and any electrical contact beetween the ballast and the hull was searched for. At this stage there was a perfect isolation beetween ballast and hull. The ballast was recoated with a product from Sigma designed for this purpose (sigmashield armour compound). All the process was reviewed by the surveyor, and his repport is here (sorry it's in french).
As we know, in all the visible parts of the boat there is no structural elctrolysis up to now.
Q: Are the swinging centerboards wangling?
A: There are some blocks inserted in the centerboard well that avoid any wanggling of the keels
Q : Is there a dodger above the companionway?
A : We dont have a dodger over the companionway. With the previous main sail, the boom was too low to allow a decent dodger. When we change the main sail, it was an important safety point to get the boom higher. So now there is the space for a dodger.
However, we sailed for 6 years without a dodger, and we where not in a hurry to add one.
Q : I am right saying that adding a compressor ( 1000$ ) will be sufficient for getting a fridge on board?
A: The fridge is still there (under the chart table), the freon circuit is still there, and the electrical circuit is still there. Normally you add a new compressor and fittings, freon, you plug and you have a new fridge. However, I never tested this equipment when I was on board and I can't anticipate if there are no other extra problems. Furthermore, the solar pannel and wind generator which fit correctly our needs without fridge will necessitate to be helped by more engine hours with a fridge. Maybe an extra 100 Ah battery will help also. That said, your evaluation of cost and work souds realistic for me.
Q : Why are you selling?
A : The mother of Anne has been diagnosed with a chronic degenerative deasease. She is in Europe, and we need to go back. As the red see is out-limits for us, we can either sell or sail by good hope cape. Thats a long way for a familly trip. If we found a buyer in Australia (or in new caledonia) it will be faster to go back home flying. But if nobody make a quick offer, we will try to be in Cape town next december.
Q : What is your price? What will be extra cost for delivery?
A: We want 90000 euros in our pockets when we will leave Graine d'étoile. It means that any required taxes have to be paid before (but if you are leaving for a big trip, you don't need to import the boat anywhere, and no taxes are needed).
We could deliver her in any place beetween Brisbanne and Bangkok (or even Mauricius) without additional cost (but it will need some time :), or we offer a 2 weeks technical session in New Caledonia or Vanuatu to get the boat in hand.
