The Saga of the Package

While Karen was in the US, we bought a number of boat parts and supplies and hard to find provisions. Whenever someone is coming to visit the boat from home, its a great opportunity to have them bring us stuff and avoid the big hassle of customs and shipping. Since we are a “yacht in transit”, such goods are supposed to have no customs charges or hassles. But, in reality many countries manage to still charge “other” fees and there are sometimes delays of days or even weeks before you get your package delivered.

At the end of the hard beat upwind to see the eclipse, we did a close inspection of our gear. We noticed that our main sheet traveler (a special “block” that slides on a track and provides a flexible connection point to attach to the main boom) was showing signs of wear. Since this is a critical part, we immediately investigated getting a new part ordered.

We couldn’t find the right part on the Lewmar (the manufacturer) web site. So, I sent an E-mail to our boat’s builder (St. Francis). The owner quickly replied that after calling their supplier that they have upgraded that particular model, but his rigging supplier could get the new part and configure it for our boat. We explained we needed it quickly since Karen was in the US and would be returned in 2.5 weeks (at that point) and it would be best to have her bring it back with her.

A week later, I heard that they had the part ready and were going to deliver it. I asked that they send me a tracking number as soon as it was ready and to send the bill. It was still 10-12 days from Karen’s departure. But, I didn’t hear from them as the weekend approached. The following Tuesday, I again asked if they had a tracking number. The next day (since they were 13 hours ahead of us it would take a while to get a reply) St. Francis confirmed the package was sent, then later they said it had already been delivered and here was the tracking number. The tracking said they left it in the front yard. I immediately called Karen and she said they had not seen that package! Karen’s sister, after double-checking around the yard and not finding it, left messages with her neighbors. By Friday there was still no sign of the package. At this point, it was already four days since the package was supposedly delivered.

On Saturday, I sent messages to St. Francis asking what our next steps were going to be. This was not a happy occasion as everyone (the shipper, the builder, and the boat supplier) was hurt by the package disappearing. Apparently the package was stolen. But, a few hours later, one of Karen’s sister’s neighbors finally showed up with the package! What kind of neighbor picks up a package without leaving a note or calls, and then doesn’t show up with it for 5 days!?!

So, we got the package after all! I would like to thank St. Francis, and the rigging company (Central Boating of Cape Town) for responding quickly. My only complaint is that they didn’t tell us the tracking number when they sent the package so we could make sure Karen or her sister was home when it was delivered. Otherwise they did a great job of getting the part, assembling it, and shipping it to us right away (without even waiting for our payment).