Progress, for a long time so painfully slow... and now I can't keep up. Things are finally moving along at a steady pace. The rebuilding of the deck's done. Structural integrity has been improved and we've saved weight to boot.

Frank's started cutting the cork. And the was what it was all about in the first place. Cockpit's being repainted, winches are ready to be installed. For too long Guapa's just been a wharf - bits of kit and equipment everywhere; every time I saw her she looked even more broken than she did the last time. And now, once again, she's starting to show her beautiful lines. She almost looks like a yacht and I can imagine her being afloat again.



Dates have been set - launch date May 19th, we sail May 25th. Come hell or high water. There have been far too many things I have had no control over, but on this - no compromise. 'Moi je le veux, Dieu le veut' (I want it, therefore God wants it).
Light at the end of the tunnel; and it's not an oncoming train.

On the home front: the 'boat pile' is growing again. Wind genny, a new log and a replacement (bargain basement) autopilot hydraulic ram. I have postponed these purchases for quite some time, and even though they're stretching us financially at a time when there's not much leeway, I could not afford to put them off much longer. Exchange rates are starting to conspire against us.
Specs have been passed on for the stainless steel pole adaptations and 'The Pole' will be ready by the end of the month. Good - installation is scheduled for the first week of May.

Things are moving on the boat admin front as well. In view of our pending move, I have taken the first steps to re-register the boat and I've also been getting some insurance quotes. Our present insurer unwilling to register non UK registered vessels, and they've started to impose too many restrictions. In particular regarding night and singlehanded sailing. Two things I hope to do more of this year. Hope to have the admin taken care of by the middle of May.

Week off work next week. Work on the rust on the keel and polish the hull. I don't exactly enjoy this type of work but in a weird way I'm looking forward to it. Bought the polish, Brigitte bought rags, marigolds, face masks, ... we're ready to go. Six weeks - and counting - to go till launch.