The Launch

Wednesday was the launch. Had to finish splicing the life lines, hang the rudder and a few little things. The launch was scheduled for 1400 but then the marina yard staff asked if we could launch at 1530 as they had a big haul out to do right after us and at 1530 we could take our time being the last launch. Perfect. A few phone calls and some time to eat. The weather had turned to rain and wind and was not looking good. I won't wax lyrical about a wet launch here on the west coast because truth be told I really do not like rain. But like magic the weather broke and it dried up and even the sun came out a bit. It became a lovely evening and night. By Thursday it was back to rain so it really was very fortunate for the weather.

On the travel lift

A few words and a shared toast of port with friends who gratefully showed up. A splash of port on the stem and for the ocean and she was on her way

First touch of the ocean.

Floating and a bit high in the bow as she should be since there is no mast, bowsprit or ground tackle.

At the travel lift dock. Am very pleased with how she looks and her lines.

At the tiller with my mother. Was pleased with the rudder and response.

A great break in the weather and a beautiful evening.

Pusher boat with grateful help from friends.

Floating at her slip. A little nerve wracking docking her without being familiar yet with how she handles but luckily we had lots of room and help.

Set up a crutch and boom so we could have a tarp over the cockpit and need to get sewing the canvas work

Boat Move

Time for the boat to come out of the shed. The boat was scheduled to move Monday so was busy the last week working full nights doing bottom paint, tiller and a whole host of details on the boat. Sunday the front of the shop was torn away and everything in the way moved to the side. By Monday morning all was ready and in the hands of the moving company. However, it was a difficult driveway and the main trailer could not make it up to the shed. So by the end of Monday they had managed to move a smaller trailer into position to be ready for Tuesday. This fall October and November have seen a lot of rain. It poured all weekend and then Monday was sunny. Tuesday dawned cloudy and the rain held off. So far lucky.

The plan was to move the boat on the small trailer down the driveway to the road and then block her up and transfer her to a bigger trailer in order to take her the hour drive to the marina.

Ready to move. Nice to see her from a distance.

Loaded and ready to come out of the shed. It was nice to see her in natural day light and from further away. The self-critical eye of this builder was to first think of how she looked and if it was a success. Next was to worry about getting her safely down but she was in very experienced hands.

First good view. On the road and ready to be blocked up and transferred to the big trailer

On the big trailer and ready for the road. Not a scratch.

Heading down the Hi-way. Weather holding!

Blocked up in the marina and looking a lot smaller than in the workshop.

Interior Photos

We did a interior photo shoot with a good camera and lenses last week. Here is a (large) selection. All photo credits to my good friend Alex Mattews.