February

Very wet and windy. Had to cancel one weekend but managed one in among the showers. Achieved quite a lot, replaced anodes, anti-fouled and adjusted the boot-top. Looked like a very crooked line but hopefully it will look better in the water. Henry cleaned the topsides and we got a couple of coats of polish on. Really needs a couple more but I doubt that there will be time (work does get in the way when you have too work some Saturdays). She now looks very smart from the ground, but the decks and superstructure need a lot of work, at least this can be done with her in the water. Henry painted out the forepeak, it looks very smart as does his newly white hair! Cooker gas pipe stripped off to be replaced. Pity the replacement hasn't arrived yet. Thank goodness for Tom's boat in the same marina, his coffee, food and central heating are very welcome as is his assistance. Disaster with the liferaft, it has become un-economic to service needing lots of new equipment as well as new batteries and will need new gas cylinders in November. Total cost will be about the cost of a new one with SOLAS B pack. So we have had to bite the bullet and order a new one. New sail cover has not arrived yet but I am assured that it is ready and we have paid for it. It is only made 100 yards away but I think the snail delivery is on go slow.