January has bought with it a flurry of activity around Dorade. The doors went on the shed after a cold snap that saw temperatures drop to 0 and snow fall stick to the ground. We are shrouded in a plastic tent and have the most epic heater warming us up enough so anyone working on deck can do so retaining feeling in their fingers.
We began this week with a series of meetings bringing together everyone who will be involved in the repair work from the ship collision damage as well as all those involved in the refit over the coming months. A very productive day indeed and over the course of the week, work has begun on the deck re caulking, a new bronze stem head fitting will shortly be in the making, the new antifoul system has been decided on and we have plans afoot for reducing weight and windage aloft. All that as well as a plan for re wiring and updating our electrical and electronics systems and Nick has been in a world of wood working heaven putting a dutchman in the forward bunk and starting work prepping cap rails and hatches for varnish. He can also be found hiding out at the back of the yard creating a new cutting board and wood stove top covers. judging by the look on his face he is having far more fun now he is working his magic with his favorite wood than he was helping me flake sails last month!
I have been largely confined to my laptop creating spreadsheets for work schedules and more spreadsheets for insurance claims but that is all complete now so finally I can get back out in the fresh air and go check on progress on board Dorade. Next week the old bottom paint should be stripped ready for a super slick and awesomely fast bottom to start going on.
So come rain, snow, deep freeze or high winds, Dorade is cozy and happy that although she doesn’t look very pretty right now, it won’t be long before she looks better than ever and is ready to sail faster than ever.
Hannah
