Aargghhh!

Last Friday, we had the idea that since the mast has been restepped, the rigging tensioned, rudder and tiller replaced, that we would soon be on our way to our mooring in Chichester Harbour: -yes, that one, the one we've been paying for since April 1st.

There was a certain lightness of spirit as we collected up the boat cushions, fenders, inflatable dinghy and galley stuff and set off to reinstall the boat as a sailing home. She was on a trailer in the boat yard waiting for the first tide on Monday afternoon to be launched. We had done some preliminary passage planning and were looking forward to leaving Newhaven the following weekend.

On the trailer, but which way is she going?

I opened the door to the heads, and found that the door stuck against the ceiling headlining. On closer examination, we realised that the mast foot had depressed the coach roof by about 5mm. This obviously weakens the structure and has to be rectified. So  that's the end of plans to sail away this week.

Boat Surveyor, Rupert Smith who we have found to be unfailingly friendly, helpful, and willing to offer advice (which is why I have included a link to his website) came along first thing on Monday morning to have a look.
His suggestions gave a little bit of hope, that we didn't need to be back in the yard and dismasted: the repair could be done by John while the mast is up, but with loosened rigging and in the water.

Peter Leonard Senior gave me hug seeing my disappointment, and tried to be encouraging but I think they are all pleased that we will undertake this last bit of work ourselves.

Disappointed, but trying to be grown up about it. The weather is poor for sailing anyway!