String theory

Just checking back I realise it was Christmas when I last wrote, my apologies but this also means that there is lots to report.

Let's start with all things rigging. Having considered for a while, we have bitten the bullet and gone for using some more modern materials in parts of the rigging but in way that should not jar too much with the traditional ethos of the boat. Consequently here is more on 5mm Dynastay which I am using for shrouds, spritstays and strops instead of stainless wire, due to its weight saving and ease of splicing. This is a twelve stranded grey material that is a bit weird to feel but if you think of it as a replacement for wire rather than as rope it doesn't seem that strange. I have been using splicing instructions from the Colligo marine website. I have spoken to a couple of riggers about using it and provided you give it a real good heave to settle the fibres after splicing and then be prepared for some more settling under tension in the first few trip, the product is more than capable of working well.

Where I think we will also benefit is that I have made up two continuous loops which I have then seized to take a Selden low friction eye at one end and left a loop at the other. This little device is then has the centre section covered with some nice chromed leather obtains from lovely James Lawrence Sailmaker. 'What are these for ?' I hear you say.... well if you slip these through the aft scupper in the toerail and pop the low friction eye through the loop then put the cruising chute sheet through the low friction eye you have a simple, lightweight 'block' arrangement that will not be bashing the varnish or paintwork to pieces in light airs... we've all been there as the lunchtime crowd of motor boaters head West down the Solent for lunch in Yarmouth at 15 knots within yards of small boats (need I say more). The added bonus of playing with rigging is that this has allowed me to indulge myself with some leatherwork..... heaven.

5mm Dynastay

Lightweight varnish friendly cruising chute 'blocks'

So, how about the boat ? Well, we are reflecting on the perversity of wood in that when you need it too be straight it will wander and when you need it to bend it will slowly straighten itself out in front of your very eyes. I recall a top rate cabinet maker telling me once that the problem with wood is that 'it wants to be a tree'.

Progress has been good, with the cold weather favouring progress on making up the rudder but in warmer times, the grab rails have been fitted as have the toe rails and rubbing strake. The Samson post is in and the stem fitting is in place along with the bowsprit band that the bowsprit goes through.

Bend on the toerail

Rudder in production

 View from astern (for non sailors)

Look at that curve...oooh lovely unless you are trying to bend wood round it

So there we have it for now, looking good but still have deck and deck fittings to do, electrics and engine to install, bowsprit, gaff and boom to build and then the painting and antifouling.......watch this space.