Nikola is lifted out of the water in a small Canadian picture-postcard idyll. For the first time since it was launched over a year and a half ago.

The main reason for the act is the condition of the antifouling paint, which is supposed to prevent mussels, algae, and other organisms from attaching to the hull below the waterline. The original self-polishing antifouling paint was applied too thinly, so it wore off much faster than expected. We have been struggling for months to keep up with scraping off the growth, and we were sailing unbearably slowly. Even when the wind conditions were ideal for sailing, we had to use the motor to help us move forward. We are therefore looking forward to our appointment with the crane at Shining Waters Marina in St. Margaret’s Bay, even though we have a lot of work ahead of us. Our goals for our time on solid ground are:

• Remove the old antifouling,

• redo the waterline and prepare the aluminum hull for repainting,

• apply several coats of epoxy primer,

• apply the F2 adhesive coat,

• apply the F2 top coat,

• replace the propeller,

• Replace shaft bearing,

• repair the keel lifting keel.

Without much ado, Nikola hangs in the air, and we begin to gap. The hull is in dreadful condition. At a garden show, we would probably have received applause for this, but we ourselfes are more likely to cry. However, we quickly wipe away our tears, because the work begins immediately. Using spatulas and high-pressure cleaners, we work our way forward until the actual hull shape is recognizable again. Only when the crane sets the boat down on dry land at its berth do we breathe a sigh of relief.

The following days are spent working hard — sanding, sanding, sanding. The old antifouling must be completely removed because the new paint will not stick to it. We spend at least six hours a day for five days sanding the hull, rudder blades, and centerboard with various tools. By evening, we are usually so exhausted and our arms so heavy, that we would have preferred to order our after-work beer along with a straw. Eventually, though, Nikola’s belly was evenly white, and we were able to redraw the waterline in the dark.

Despite all the hard work, the morale of the crew remains high, thanks in large part to the marina’s fabulous location surrounded by beautiful nature. There is also an on-site shop that supplies us with ice cream, as well as a restaurant with a large balcony and local beer for after work. We spend our lunch breaks at the picnic table under the trees overlooking the water, which makes up for a lot. The days on land pass in a beloved routine with short excursions into the surrounding area. Since rental cars are expensive in Nova Scotia during the high season, we drive around in a large van, mostly to the hardware store or to get dinner. We alternate between pizza and burgers – both unexpectedly excellent.

After a week, another German boating-family with children arrives, and life becomes more entertaining. The kids declare the marina their adventure playground and eagerly fish for mackerel. The large shoals guarantee success, and we enjoy the variety it adds to our diet.

There is also a children’s birthday party in the calendar. For the kids, it is their fourth joint celebration since they first met. An indoor entertainment program has never been necessary because the most beautiful beaches are at the feet of the birthday boys and girls. Past beach parties have taken place in England, Barbados, and Puerto Rico. This time, it’s in Canada, where a secluded pirate island is the perfect size for a treasure hunt.

Despite all the fun, work on the boat continues. After applying a few layers of gray and white primer, we start painting the final coats. First, we apply a black adhesive coat, followed by a finishing layer of glitter top coat. Although we were generous with our measurements, we quickly begin to panic about whether we would have enough paint. We definitely don’t have time for the F2 paint from Europe to be delivered in three more weeks. So, we apply the paint more thinly and leave out the centerboard. In the end, we just barely manage with the amount of paint and end up painting the centerboard too.

Now the boat can dry until a few days later, when the supporting stilts are moved so that the whole procedure can be repeated underneath. The weather is very cooperative throughout, because apart from one day of rain, we have warm, sunny weather that allows the paint to dry quickly and creates the most amazing colors in the evening sky. Every now and then, the fog dramatically creeps in, but after a short time it retreats back to the sea or the other side of the bay. Fog in Nova Scotia is a very localized phenomenon. The rule is: When there’s fog outside your front door, go to your backyard and enjoy the sun there.

The crane date for the return to the water is finally approaching, and it’s turning out to be nerve-wracking. Large areas of paint have come off under the slings and stilts. Since the paint is soft enough to peel off with our fingers without applying pressure, we fear the top layer will continue to come off in the water. Considering the time and effort we’ve invested, we’re shocked by the result. With our nerves on edge and time running outwe hang on to the crane for a few more hours and try to repair what we can. Whether or not it will help or last is uncertain. Since we are not allowed to spend the night in the crane, we return to the water as planned. We had somehow imagined this moment to be more triumphant.

Nevertheless, after 17 days on dry land, it’s good to see Nikola back in her element. We’re also happy that our home is finally rocking gently again. Time will tell how our various repairs will hold up on the water. Just in time for our departure, the three baby swallows whose growth we have been observing since our arrival are ready to fly. This marks the end of our stay at the marina.