Nearly ready for launching

The spars and sails are loaded and the crucial ropes fixed. They always get tangled on the first mast raising, so I only fix the critical ones for holding the mast in place. The trickiest bit is not losing rope ends up the mast when it is raised. I nearly always have to lower the mast to get at something. One day it will go smoothly. The trailer bearings need to be greased and I need a new licence plate for my lighting board, as I’ve changed my car. But barring minor points, we are just about ready to go afloat for another summer.

outboard well infill panels fitted and cushions back in

The Coppertek coated infill panels are now back in place. They seem to fit well. Look a bit patchy, but soon they will be covered in some, so who will see?

Started leading bits an pieces back on board ready for relaunch next month.

Various bits of anti fouling completed now its warmer

Taped up and painted the white anti fouling boot top stripe. I can only get one coat out of a tin, but I think that is enough. It really smartens the boat up for the start of the season. Apart from a few chips, the paintwork is OK so no major repainting this year. I may touch up the wood stain later.

I have also been applying Copper Tek epoxy antifoul to the various infill bits around the motor well. This proved much easier that I expected, but the proof will be in how well it lasts. I am sure my preparation is not as good as it should be. It never is, I hate painting things. I applied it in three cotas with an hour or so between each coat, using paint pads, which worked well, but were hard to get into tight corners. When it has all cured I will screw in the hinged bit and that is the job finally done.