Tuesday, December 05, 2006
A Journey into the Unknown - Part IV
Arrived 0715hrs and after a welcomed cup of Caroline’s hot strong coffees all round the hull survey began in earnest. By 1500hrs with the ultrasound and hammering complete we waited for the verdict. The chalked readings on the hull looked most promising but then historical pitting readings need to be taken and adjusted against the ultrasound readings for a final surveyor’s decision. A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH. No over-plating required. We were close to tears with relief. We have a number of dear friends have not been so lucky resulting in thousands of pounds worth of plating being required to the min. of 3mm. Thank the Lord for anodes, regular surveys and a fine hull to start with. Such a relief. Saying our goodbyes to both John and Stephan John and I we got down to the dirty bit, applying two coats of tar around the wind waterline, over the round chine to underneath the ship. We would tackle underside the ship tomorrow. All in all great progress for the day thanks mainly to Stephan’s speed and invaluable help from John his yard lad of whom we would have been lost without. Again the light started to fade and as both of us were already feeling muscles that office workers have little calling for starting to ache, we closed up and left site for the day on real high.