Thursday 31 December 2009

Once in a Blue Moon

It's the last day of 2009. Progress has been made on the boat this year: The underwater fixings have been replaced on the port side and she now has been painted. Several coats of surface and filler and paint and she almost looks ready to anti-foul and launch - until you look at the starboard side which is still bare wood and old screws and...

The cabin roof has been restored and the cabin sides are almost ready for their final coats of paint. the deck is repaired and glassed ready for it's new 'teak' layer.

Today is also special because the moon will be full for the second time in the same month - this is what's known as a Blue Moon (still not sure why). As I only post on the blog once in a Blue Moon, expect the next post in about two and a half years time :-) Except my New Year's resolution is to work harder and faster on the boat and photograph and blog more often and still keep up with everything else that needs doing.

The photo shows a major milestone: the port rudder assembly being re-united with the hull. this involved digging a hole in the drive and then fiddle the heavy rudder and tube assembly into the boat. The inner support woodwork has also been replaced and of course, require minor fettling in order for the tiller to operate without hitting various screws and plates. The only slight cock-up was putting the anode fixing bolts in the wrong way round. When it stops raining, I'll go outside and re-fit them.

The drive blocks are now back in position and almost level - I don't think she noticed.

Happy New Year, and have an enjoyable and safe year on the water.



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Now playing: Billie Holiday - Under A Blue Jungle Moon