Copper Bottomed
11 July 2016 | Rochefort hard-standing
Hot
Grey Dove is getting a rest this year. Having to manage my late father's estate has left very little time to sail North and bring the boat home as originally planned. Instead some major maintenance is being carried out in Rochefort. First up; Copper Coating the hulls. The temperature reached 37C on the first day and, as 4 coats have to be applied continuously, I was staggering around like a drunken man by the time I had finished one hull. So exhausted in fact that I could not lift a finger the next day, which was even hotter. Typically it bucketed down with rain on the following day. Wet Copper Coat is a very soluble water-based epoxy so this was a non-starter despite Jeanette rigging tarpaulins faster than a boy scout troop. My friend Tony Ayton from Mama Quilla took pity on me and helped get the second hull done in Jig time a day later when the sun had time to warm and dry the hull. Job done and plenty of time to harden off before she goes back in the water.