Monday 27 March
Skipper spent most of this morning with his mobile phone plugged to his ear, discussing possibilities of having me lifted out of the water, and finding someone qualified who has the time to do the work. This is the busiest time of the year for boatyards with cranes, as most owners lift their boats out of the water for the winter, and want them back in around now for the new season’s sailing. Similarly, experienced welders familiar with working in aluminium are few and far between in this country, unlike in France and the Netherlands, where metal boats are much more common. Those in the know have full order books. Skipper was somewhat frustrated to be told that a lift-out could be booked for after 7 May, and the nearest metal worker could fit us in in five or six weeks.
Thank goodness the weather was calmer today, and the evenings are now definitely longer, ensuring a happier atmosphere on board.