Another massive day in Lorient for the RG650 Hewsonracing campaign. An early start took me straight down to the paint shop to check the hardness of my new antifouling and make an assessment if the boat could be launched. Thankfully it was a warm night last night, and the antifouling had dried and was smooth to a very high quality. Only one small bug decided to inpregnate himself in the paint, but I’m sure he will polish out in the next few weeks prior to the start or will be fossilised for life in the Antifouling.
I decided to use Nautix A4 T speed which is a teflon based two pack antifouling that dries incredibly hard and can be taken down to a perfect smoothness for the race. This is also compatible with the mandatory orange paint on the keel and rudders. Being white it also looks really cool with the white boat!
AOS yard closes at midday, so I had a lot on my plate to take off all the plastic, re-build the cradle under the boat, and lower the boat onto the cradle. Thankfully it all went off without a hitch, and I even had time to put my rudders back on before the yard manager arrived to tow my boat down to the crane. Shortly after midday the boat splashed into the water. This is the first time the boat has sat in Atlantic water since I have had it, and it was a great feeling to be floating again surrounded by all the big trimaran’s, Open 60’s, Class 40’s and about 40 other mini’s.
Next was to complete overhauling the mast, and change some rigging. After close inspection I found my check stay had frayed at the fitting, and thankfully the riggers from Tonnerre Greement were passing buy the rigging ship and were able to make me up two new check stays.
By 1600, Jeff was helping me carry the mast down to the boat, and by 5 the mast was in place. After changing a few fittings the deck, by 2000 the mast was ready to climb to make some final adjustments and position my NKE wind wand.
By 2100 the boat was fully rigged, and almost ready to go sailing! Dinner has been served, and now I’m off back down the boat to wire in my newly modified gyro compass, plug in the electrics and see if it all works. Im too excited to sleep, so may as well carry on working.
At the moment it is planned to leave for Dz sunday night or monday morning
Special thanks to the guys from AOS yard who were a great help today, and the guys from Tonnerre who went out of their way to make me my check stays.. probably so I can get out of their hair! Thanks also to Jeff Macfarlane and Di who were a great help today with the rig.
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Thankyou to: http://www.profurl.com, http://www.harken.com, http://www.yachtmoving.es, http://www.equipyacht.com, http://www.zhik.com, http://www.rg650europe.com, http://www.boatbooks-aust.com.au All donations and sponsorship greeatly appreciated.