The highlight of the week was obviously the ballast keel removal which went incredibly well but other things were happening too. For instance, work on the interior continued. The owner’s cabin longitudinal bulkheads have been dry fitted, the galley has new lockers, and a floor, the fore peak also has flooring and some lockers. The saloon bunks are being placed and the floor will soon follow. The first layer of deck ply has been fitted, the mast timber has all been cut and is being prepared for scarfing. The jackyard is ready to glue together and work progresses nicely in all departments. The original bowsprit cone is undergoing extensive repairs and only using parts of steel from the original cross strapping.

Have a look at the photos for week 43 for the full heads up on progress.

We are away to France for a break from North Africa and to do more research for those final hard to find bits and pieces. Not much Christmas atmosphere here anyway, all the beards are the wrong colour! We will return to the job on the 2nd of January but I hope to keep you all in the loop while we are away.

Meanwhile, we wish all our readers a very Happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to your comments in 2013 and count on your continuing support as the project nears completion.

Cheers,

Jono