When I was a young man I worked for a short while with a painter who knew what he was doing. He always said " Preparation is everything". I have come to believe that as well, not with just paint projects but on a much broader theme. So now I prepare to take possesion of the CSY44 walkthrough "Afterglow". She suffered a grounding which damaged the rudder and was towed to the boatyard. Now I come to her by way a lot of money and logistical challenges. The owners supplied me with valuable information and pictures. Since I have worked on boats pretty much my whole life, including a complete rebuild of a rudder and rig, it seemed logical for me to take that leap of faith and make her my next project. Even my wife was excited. She works for the school system and has the summers off. We are hoping to make repairs in time for a short cruise this summer. I have so much to do in preparation, bottom paint removed, epoxy barrier coat, new thru-hulls, replace rudder, replace standing rigging, etc., etc., etc. For those of you who know boats, one job leads to two more. So I will try to make it by this summer but I can't bypass solid preparation.