Wet bottom

The last few weeks have rather drawn out as we awaited today. There have been a few jobs to do preparing the trailer to take the spars and finishing off a few bits and pieces. But today, in between frequent heavy downpours, we launched. I think now is the time say a huge thank-you to a long list of people, D, for staying the distance and calmly working through the build. I knew when we committed to this build that it would be completed, I had no concerns that we would end up with a half finished shell at the bottom of the garden where some folks' dreams start and finish. Also to T and S (they know who they are) for their support and for sharing their learning from their built, I am sure Satellite is a better boat for that. And finally to all our OGA friends who showed interest in what we were doing, particularly M who rendered much practical assistance and hospitality at critical points along the way. Oh good grief this is sounding like the Oscars, but seriously it has meant a lot to us to have you all rooting for us. Thank you.

Whilst this blog was set up to share the process of building in real time for anyone else who has a plan to do this, it does not end here. We will have a debrief and share the things that work well and the things we would probably do differently. 

In the meantime here are the pictures. Below shows the wood and leather holders for the spars fixed to the trailer.

Here is M applying seizing wire to various shackles (nice job). If you ever need your shackles seizing, she's your woman. Behind the boat is the enormous fork lift truck which was used to launch the boat.

Here she is being lowered into the water by the huge fork lift which makes her look like a toy.

Here she is on the water with an engineer commissioning the engine which went like a dream.

Once she had the boom, gaff and jib added, we took her off down river to her mooring.

I have to say that I am feeling a bit overwhelmed so I think its time for a lie down after having been awake half the night like a kid waiting for Christmas.