After two weeks of preparation the day finally came when our boat was scheduled to be launched back into the water. The chief mariner came to visit us and informed us they would be bringing the crane to collect our boat between 11 and 12 0'clock. When 4 O'clock arrived and still no sight of the crane Paul decided to enquire at the office to see what the delay was; a large motor cruiser had jumped the queue but Paul is assured we would be next. Hardly surprising that we were not that assured but hey half an hour later and the enormous crane trundled around the corner to us. This crane is capable of lifting up to 330 tons in weight in its large canvas slings. It is amazing to watch these cranes in action and marvel at the skill of the driver, such a huge responsibility also!
Great care is needed and taken to ensure the slings are located in the correct strong spots and then the slings are winched up to lift the boat off its blocks where it has "stood" for the last 6 months. The crane then moves slowly to the launching area, a good 500 metres away for the boat to be carefully lowered into the water once again. Quite a stressful time for us then follows as Paul switches the engines on to move us to our berth for the next few days. Last year we had problems with the steering at this point and emergency measures had to be put in place but all went well and we were soon moored up with a glass of wine in our hands. Cheers - to another 6 months before we have to do that again!