The goal for today was to remove the horn timber (central timber from transom to keel) which is in one place broken, and in various others, rotten. With the after sections well supported, we set to, removing the bolts that pass through each floor, and unscrewing the remaining planking in way of the horn timber. Once liberated, it was duly sectioned just aft of the deadwood and was then coaxed gently, with a 5 ton jack and then my van's scissor jack, towards its' exit "out the back door"! It did put up a fight but Allah was on our side and it succumbed without too much trouble. To follow, we will remove a small section of the deadwood to allow us to scarf in the new piece about a half metre further forward and the scarf will be nicely supported by the deadwood piece once refitted. Sounds like a plan to me!
While keeping a beady eye on the work in progress, I continued with my daily routine of transferring dirt, grime and all manner of dust, from the boats steering system to as much of my clothing as possible. Works quite well really, as my overalls look about a hundred years old and the gear looks brand new!
Throw in a bit of office work, a couple of "Insh'Allahs" and half a dozen cups of coffee and you have a full and satisfying day.

Jono