Flexible Solar Panels – You Light Up My Life – Part II
Update October 2014: We did find some rubbing on the Sunbrella canvas top at the bows of the enclosure. That wasn't going to work for us. The enclosure is relatively new so we didn't want to add any unnecessary wear. The Captain came up with a new installation still using the canvas backings. Aluminum poles with line and snap shackles at each end are inserted into the canvas side casings. The panels are taken up to the bow of the boat and attached to the lifelines. Now the panels have even better sun and we get the benefit of some shade for the v berth!
While we have a solid 8.5 kw Westerbeke generator aboard Magnolia, after our first year of cruising we decided that it would be an improvement not to have to run Read more [...]
Three more jerry cans arrived on deck when we were in George Town, Exuma which meant sewing more covers to add to our can cover collection. We like the canvas covers to help reduce the UV deterioration of the jugs which store extra water and fuel on deck.
I decided to try an improved cover design over the initial ones I made which I posted about here. I’m sorry Julie Gifford that I ever doubted you. For the first covers I thought I could bypass one of the steps outlined in Julie's book, Canvas for Cruisers. This time I took her advice and had a much better outcome. One should listen to the professionals. Lesson learned.
The Captain says this is a fairly standard water jug with handles on the top and side 
Our good friends on Second Sally gave us a Bahamian courtesy flag when we bought our boat. Considering we were relatively newbies (and still are!), it seemed like they issued us a challenge - would we make it to the Bahamas so we could put the flag to use? It was an aspirational gift. We are on our way!
Bahamian FlagBahamian Courtesy FlagThere are a variety of flags to have aboard:
- Country flag or ensign
- Courtesy flags
- “Q” flag needed when initially entering a new country
- Decorative code flags
- Burgees for organizations and yacht clubs, and house flags
In this post I gave instructions for making a house flag. Making flags can save a bit of money as flags can be pricey. Flags can be made by hand or machine. 
You’ve arrived at your anchorage in the late afternoon. A great sail behind you. A great dinner to come. The barbecue is fired up. The appetizers and wine come out. Wait...Blinded by the light...sorry Bruce. Granted I’m glad that its sunny. But let’s not bake during happy hour. Answer – get out the sun shades.
Here’s an easy Seamless Sailor sun shade solution.
Materials:
- Phitertex
- Sunbrella
- Grommets, snaps or fasteners of choice
Measure area where you want to block sun, like across the back and side of an enclosure. Determine how you will attach shades. Do you have handles to tie to or snaps on the enclosure you can use? A shroud or stanchion to attach to? We made a sun shade for the 
So, you've got your sewing machine aboard. Do you have what you need to get your project started and completed? Wonder what to take on board or if you've forgotten something? Here's a list of the items I use most.
Tools
Hot knife or soldering tool - Essential for finishing the ends of Sunbrella to prohibit raveling. Don't forget a safe surface to use it on. See secret trick.
Heavy-duty scissors, fabric shears and small thread cutter - Like knives to a chef, scissors are to the Seamless Sailor.
Measuring tools, "L" and "T" shaped measuring tools - These measures are great for making patterns. Also need a short measure for at the sewing machine and metal yard stick.
Marking pens - light and dark. The washable ones work well