Well moving to the shed wasn't too soon. In fact we should have done this several months earlier. Almost every weekend since moving it has rained either all or part of the weekend. Being outside would have simply drawn a holt to progress over most of the last two to three months. But bravo we are inside secure and dry! This has simply meant we are able to progress with the exterior of the boat in a reasonably steady manner if somewhat mundaine (you know what, glassing, fairing etc). Oh what fun! But to put it in a nutshell we have now completely finished the forward decking, anchor well, wash down locker, peak timber, windlass and inner forestay mounts and fixings.

Moving back to the cockpit area we have removed what remained of the old hard dodger and completely remodelled the mount skirt for the new dodger which is more practical and in keeping with the style of boat.

At the current rate of progress we anticipate that we should have the preparation of the complete topsides ready for painting about the end of August. At the conclusion of the preparation we anticpate cutting in the portlights which should give us a appreciation of the finished appearance of the cabin line both inside and out.

Meantime, it is on with a lot of elbow grease long boarding the surfaces.

Off-site (evening work) the engineering for the windlass reduction drive motor intake manifold modifications (more about this later) and the boarding stanchion gates are all taking place at a moderate rate.