Ready for the Water

With the brilliant spring weather continuing, the last days of preparation have been a pleasant experience. Yesterday saw Desmond and me at the boatyard early. One of the really good things about Swale Marina is the convenience of a sail loft and really good sailmakers, Wilkinson Sails. The mainsail cover had been getting rather past its use-by date, and a new version was ordered and completed within a week at a very reasonable price. We picked it up and rigged it as the first job. Next the propeller was rubbed down and given a coat of hard antifouling. Then to the engine. Refit impeller, retension the alternator belt, check the oil, and rig up a hose to provide cooling water, and very soon the sweet rumble of the Volvo MD2030 breaks the silence. (And with the commercial flying ban, it has been unusually silent in Kent recently.) Now a check round the rig: all pins in place and properly locked; stanchion retaining bolts secure; guardrail tension correct. All the while Desmond stands guard, seeing off occasional doggie visitors and snoozing under the open tailgate. After coffee comes a delicate task of filling minor scratches in the gelcoat, rubbing back and polishing. Then a careful stow in the lazarette, followed by a wash and clean and polish in the lower half of the cockpit. A bite to eat and then a fine walk with Des.

Conyer lies on the Saxon Shore Way, and there is a choice of really good walks. This time we chose to go along the west side of the creek. There were no sheep around, so Des went off the leash and had a really good, i.e. muddy time in the many ponds and shallow pools beside the sea wall. A good day, and Pepsand is ready for relaunch next week.

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