Covering up for winter

Let’s face it, I didn’t time this well. Finishing a boat just as the clocks change is not ideal, so Boudicca was going to have to spend the winter at home. I needed a cover and quick!

I was recommended by Chris Lintern at Shoreham to go to Cover Care who are based in Thornham Marina, just down the road from Emsworth. All I needed to do was get the boat down there, and they would make a fitted cover there and then.

Dave Hockaday was very helpful and, true to his word, I collected the boat with cover later that day. Just as well, as it was pissing down with rain.

Everything was perfect, including a snug collar for the mast where it passes through the transom, and a coverall for the stem.

The maiden voyage would have to wait until next year…….

Any excuse for a party

As we approach the end of the year, we celebrate the attempted destruction of the houses of parliament by Guy Fawkes by having a firework party on or close to November 5th. It seemed a good idea to turn that into a naming party too, as my chums from Shoreham Sailing Club were wondering why I was always covered in epoxy and paint!

I tooled up with some humungous fireworks, and the scene was set. It seemed a waste to smash a full bottle of sparkly, so I found a miniature in the cupboard to do the job. The contents still ended up over Bill’s trousers, but I see that as a good sign!

Fortunately, the brass stem band stood the test and no damage was done – thanks to Lisa, Bill, Mandy, Chas, Mandy and Ivan for encouraging noises. I suspect Chas has possibly got the boatbuilding itch. How long can it be before we have a fleet of Morbics at Shoreham!?