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Website started 24th February 2000

Preparations to move 'Emerald' to a proper Boatyard. August 1994.

24/7/94

Quite an early rise. Dropped the lower blue tarpaulin hung aside the boat and noticed just how yellow the hull was, and the epoxy patches up forward really stood out. Then suggested how about because of the heat and flys and it needs doing anyway i.e. remove the shed sheeting. No sooner thought about it and action taken. The boat needed aerating anyway, especially the cradle. Dug out the sythe to cut back the grass, and the ladders to remove all the sheets and timbers, to put the shed back to exactly how we found it. Stacked all timbers neatly  – plus the sheets – what were left of them (they were plastic corrugated sheets which over the years had become brittle). The cradle looked depressing then. Many splits and the port forward inner cross piece was split totally at bottom bolt. WD40 and spanners managed to loosen and re-tighten the cradle nuts. Removed the lower bolt of split cross piece and decided to move the bolt slightly inward, and drill new hole. Also using the 1" old sheet marine ply – cut a length the width of the cradle and depth of timber, and with expanding glue – glued and nailed it across the front cross member of the cradle. Hopefully the glue will expand into the cracks. The cradle is to suffice the pulling out of the boat only. Then it will be dismantled. Needed to redrill through the ply for the starboard forward bottom xpiece bolt. Fortunately with using the router counter sink bit in the drill – managed to re-use the existing bolts. Several pieces of the staging were actually original x-members and a centre piece of the cradle. Again luck was on our side and found 3 of 5 of the original bolts in the workshop, plus one retreived from where the centre timber would have been fastened, and other nuts and bolts found were made to fit. Managed to secure a port/starboard side xmember in place, plus use the original centre piece as the missing port/starboard piece, cut off to length. We worked non-stop from 10:00am till 20:00pm. Teas and cold-drinks no-end. Disturbed our wee mouse friend. Had to dig down into the soil and retrieve all of centre bolts left in there but no longer needed. Shed now looks very delapidated and shaky – just as it was when we took the project over.

Shed now back to the state it was when we took over the project.		View showing how the land slopes to portside and not much space between hull and shed supports, bearing in mind she broadens amidships.

Week 25/7/94 through 29/7/94

Posted a letter to the Transport company reference the Lorry and Crane for our yacht 24^th August, just a month away. Rang several places reference non-setting mastic for Rudder Shoe. No luck. Rang several places re Copper rod for fixing the rudder shoe back on. For 3m x 5/16" length, once place quoted £80. Then we were put in touch with another place who could do 3m x 5/16" C101 for £35.25 min charge. Sent a letter and cheque and they would deliver for us Thu/Fri next week. Apparently copper has code numbers as well. Useful. By Friday/Saturday no sign of the Hatch glass. Also no word yet from Transport company. Could be early yet – but it seems like for ever when you are waiting.

30/7/94

Drafted up letter for Insurance Co, plus will write letter to a second Transport company for comparison of costs. Arrived at boat just after noon. Set to sawing off the ends of the 5 cradle cross pieces – to give more room for maneuvering on the pull-out. Set to sanding down the upper lats on the starboard side. John H and his wife popped up, literally. Both walked the field – then popped up the side of the van, chipped in a hello – muttered something like – "oh, you can see it fuller now",  walked off and took off in the car. We planed and belt-sanded the upper edge of portside vertical lats. Then routered both sides of companionway hatchway on the cabin/cockpit frontage – to make it level with the coachroof ply inserts. Then come to fix in place the uppermost three lats on port and starboard cabin sides – only to find the uppermost one was missing both port and starboard. Did we actually cut them ?. Anyway they could not be found. Dug out some off cuts of lats and made up the two (port and starboard) uppermost lats. By 20:00pm had epoxied into place the portside lats (3 of them). Not the time now to do the starboard side before dark. Besides Lance off colour a bit today. Epoxy jobs cannot be rushed.

31/7/94

Commenced sanding down the portside lats expoxied in last night – then started cutting and marking up the uppermost lat for the starboard. Everything setup ready for expoxing into place the starboard lats, but John H was here cutting the lane after his holidays. Anytime now he will be leaving for lunch. We waited. You can guarantee these people have no consideration that you may not be able to stop working just to talk to them when they want. Sure enough good job we did not start epoxying. John H took off in his car, having locked up the shed and drove towards the van, misjudged his turning circle and needed a 3 point turn to pass the van and park right close to our lean to. Anyway up he clomps up the steps. "I hear you have been speaking to my dad about staying longer" he bawled, as if we had no right to speak to his dad. "I thought I had made myself clear" – he said pronouncly. "Ah well", we said that’s the way it goes isn’t it. John H was spellbound. John H then tried to suggest places to take the boat. "Gary H had said to him that the sailing club he goes to has areas for boats being worked on - or maybe there could be something at Bristol". We let him carry on and get his speach out – then we told him we are now booked into a marina anyway. That did it. John H’s attitude totally turned a coin. "If you need any help pulling her out" he said, " Gary H and I will help". "And I will cut the grass down, and cut back the trees here and down the lane. How high will she be?", John H asks. "About 4m" we said. We followed this by saying how appreciative we will be of anything that John H does, and also could we borrow the railway sleepers. "Yes – I will get them out for you", John H said. We told him the date we had planned and that we were waiting to hear word back from the Lorry driver and Crane etc. He seemed ever so pleased as he took off. We mentioned to him we have got another two years of work on it yet before it can go in the water. John H blushed, looking guilty and left. We then cracked on with the epoxying in place the starboard latts. Things more awkward now because there is no proper staging in place. We coped though. Then next we set to cutting up 8mm Thames ply to make the top deck ply on portside of main cabin coachroof. Quite a size. 72" , or was it 79" x 18 ½ approx. Screwing into place was awkward because of the compound curve. Had to plane some off the forward starboard edge to enable the ply to be screwed down tight. Cut the ply overhanging the cockpit area because that part is not yet finished. Once ply screwed down, set to planing the cabin front edge, but headache put pay to that. Once headache starts that is it for the day. We had done well this weekend, and now time for home.

Cabin side lats all fixed into place. Main Cabin Deck ply cut to size and fitted - not yet fixed. Note the cabin deck ply overhanging, aft, to accomodate the yet to be fitted beam piece.		Main Cabin Deck. Note the absence of Companionway Hatch. One of many jobs unable to accommodate before having to move the Yacht outside.

1/8/94 through 5/8/94

Weather against us for epoxying the rudder. We will need to hire a trailer to get the timber home, so investigated the van tow bar. We knew it needed attention, but to our horror it needed reconditioning. Had to spend few days stripping it down and replaceing parts. Luckily a Trailer place very local to us and they had the parts we needed. Wednesday the hatch glass arrived from Timage by Royal Mail. It was larger than the requirements, but once fitted it fitted better than the original had done. It was nice to see it back together again. We had forgotten how nice it looked. Friday the 3m length of copper rod arrived. It was all happening at once. Set to making up 7 bolts. Heating and peening over one end. Could have done with an anvil, but had to use stainless steel piece screwed to wood, the wood being re-drilled, countersinking one of the holes in the vice, then with the copper rod length through the vice, through the wood and butted up to the stainless steel, heated the upper end of the rod, and peened it over with a hammer. The sound echoed throughout the neighbourhood – only seven to do. Saturday letter from Insurance arrived. We need to study and digest it, then reply asap, and possibly apply for quote from a second place.

6/8/94

Electric bill of £14.25 we paid even though it actually covered the standing charge for Aug/Sept/Oct. We had only moved one Yacht before, and it being only 21' went on a trailer. The chap who moved it is the same chap we have approached to move us. We know we are going to need a lorry, and we are anxious to say the least about the move. It is a big worry not knowing exactly how much it is all going to cost, and with our tight budget as well at the moment. We phoned up the transport company. The chap had received our letter and had anticipated visiting us at the boat last Sunday but ended up working. He would pop down tomorrow if that was ok. We were greatly relieved to hear that.  I think most of our headaches are worry related. Shot off now down to the boat. It is still 30degrees on the boat, and that is with the sheets down. We have had to pull up the tarpaulins each time we left the boat, for security and protection, although now we don’t bother as preparations for moving are underway. There is hardly any wind at all. Fitted in place the brass hatch. It looks splendorous. Last time we had it on (18 months ago) the forward cabin coachroof was only beams. Now the hatch really sets everything off. Set to sanding down completely the after hull area around the rudder shaft position. In preparation for epoxy barrier coating. Started belt-sanding the starboard cabin side lats. We know now that when epoxying battens – clean up with a pallet knife as much of the excess as possible. It is real difficult to take down. Both of us were at it using the orbital sander as well and with masks on of course. Dug out the aluminum bollard during the week – thinking about fitting it aft as a securing post. Placed it on deck astride the King Plank area, plus Port/Starboard beam, and it does not look out of place at all. Persevered with sanding down the starboard lats, and getting a level surface. It was tedious. Knocked of about 20:00pm. Beer and eats in the pub this evening.

7/8/94

Everything seems to be (well it is) in proportion, and looking very sleek indeed. Problem with the main companionway hatch because need to make a temporary hatch and because of the curvature – plywood will not do. Needs some quick innovation and inspiration. Awoke about 8:00am. Progressed further on the starboard cabin side lats, belt-sanding, orbital sanding and block sanding. Hard work but the mahogany is shining through. Problem as well is epoxy wears sanding belts and paper down very much faster than wood. Another reason to clear as much surplus epoxy before it cures. Midday now. Marked up and screwed the starboard cabin deck ply. Again tedious because of the compound curve, but having done the portside , we anticipated , and likewise needed to plane a touch off the inner edge to combat the compound curvature. Had just completed the ply, and the chap, from the Transport company, and his wife appeared. He remembered us on seeing us. Had a good long chat. He could not see why we were getting kicked out at the stage we were, and seemed aghast at our situation. He though we could lift the cradle with the yacht. Then place the cradle onto a flat at the Marina. Then we could knock up storage boxes in the cradle, and still be moved around the yard. He left after about an hour. He would contact the crane driver, and be in touch with us during the week.

Yesterday visited Les H to pay the rent. Les H sounding quite surprised said, "I hear you are moving !". It was also our last rent to Les H. Les H commented, "he could not see how John H was going to get his money back - with his caravan site idea". We also asked Les H and he said "yes we could have the steps to take away". He could see no further use for them. We thanked him very gratefully – as this is what we needed to have most. We were not quite sure what Les H was implying when he asked if we had all the other tools we needed !. We were going to miss the planer and bench saw, but would be better to buy new ones of our own. Will have to see. Decided to leave the rudder here this weekend. John H came up about midday and comment about the rudder was, "such a lot of work for something out of sight!". "Yet" as we said "without it one is stuck". He asked again what the date of the move was, and said he would cut down the lane again. He cannot have been listening very well last weekend. Too worked up within himself over us approaching his dad, Les H first about staying longer.

12/8/94

Just over a week to go before the move. Weather overcast, showery and quite cold in the evenings. The form for the Insurance was completed and sent off. Letter from Transport company arrived £325 + vat for lorry and crane. We contacted the company and confirmed all ok for the Wednesday 24th at 10:00am for the move. They would confirm it with the Crane driver.

13/8/94

Only one more weekend here. Just that thought is making us happier. John H has made a start on the lane. Done a good job so far. Cut the branches very high up. It will be better for him and his caravans anyway. Apple peel on our steps ?. Did someone hope to give us the slip. Also lots of mice and rabbit tods on the boat. They must have had a party after we left last. Never seen such ever before. Contemplating on action for today. Top of the list is the forward bulk-heads to laminate in and deck ply on main cabin to fix in place ith epoxy. We were surprised at how much epoxy we had used recently, especially on the rudder. Could have done with epoxying in place the cockpit corner pieces of ply, also the cockpit well side battons need epoxying, expanding foam needed in the cockpit area, then cockpit well sides fitting, then ply cutting for cockpit seat ply. So much to do and if any is rushed – something will go wrong. Therefore we prioritized jobs and to do what we can before move.  The problem with the main cabin deck ply aft is the companionway outer beam joint in the cockpit area not yet done, but we need to epoxy down the ply and have not got the time, to faff about with awkward jobs like this beam. Much thought on this beam joint. Both port and starboard pieces of ply were completed allowing for overhang to accommodate the beam when in place and drilled and countersunk all holes for fixing in place. Frustrating a job like this beam because we know this brings things to a full-stop and are not sure yet how to do the job best – having to consider all areas around. The bulk-heads laminates will suffice as they are now inside therefore concentrating on the beam sections. Took down all the polythene from inside the shed, and over the top windows. If really looks even more shabby Just like we found it though.

14/8/94

After lots and lots of contemplation, decided to thin the beams in question to the thickness of the companionway Iroko frame. Shaped the end to sandwich the beam in behind the cabin side lats. Given time we would not have put the topmost cabin side lats on yet. As the camber was different to the coachroof, needed to fit this beam in place, then with bits of ply butted up, and a block plane, planed down the beam so the top edge took on the correct camber. Then needed to router the upper forward edge again, following correct camber, for seating down the deck ply. John H popped up for couple of hours to continue with lane. We thanked him several times for doing the lane, expressing our grateful appreciation. The beam now ready. Next the cockpit corner joint pieces of ply needed three/four more small pieces to finish it. It needed doing cos the epoxy from the beam will run down into it. Used some 12mm ply. Screw and nail holes drilled and everything prepared for epoxying these wedge pieces for the corner joint and the beam. Had some plugs left over for screw holes of the beam, Used 5x 1½" screws. Cleared up as much excess as possible. The beam once dried will look a treat. Sanded with 40grit the main cabin coachroof. Rigged up a support under the coachroof where the winch will go. Because of the gap between the beams just here, the ply is slightly off camber (i.e. flattened). A prop made and wedged underneath the ply to enable the next layer of ply to stick to it properly. This done and many cups of tea later, set the stall to epoxy on the portside of main cabin deck ply. How many squirts shall we do?. Started with 8, then 10, then 7. Altogether 25. Had to work at it. Epoxy going off fast. Had to adapt rapidly lately to no staging around the hull. Once occasion Lance almost stepped round a post anticipating staging. Aaaah. Once ply down and screwed down, decided to use the overflow epoxy to coat the ply. It will all help to protect from the elements it is going to be exposed to. Gives a feeling of varnish. Could do with some heavy duty masking tape, and tape up polythene around the covering boards and over the side deck. Any rainwater will not then collect behind the covering board itself. Once the portside ply done we realised we had not enough epoxy for any more decking ply. More expense when we could do without it. Another cup of tea and gave a lot of thought to fixing a grease nipple etc to the rudder shaft tube. If we were going to do this then we would need to predrill a pilot hole into the rudder shaft tube now before putting the rudder back in. This decided upon and drilled a hole in the upper half of shaft tube, within the aft locker. Then with a rag and string , cleared out the shaft tube in preparation to fit back the rudder. It is not finished yet, but time is short. We will have to fit the rudder and finish the epoxy afterwards. Then the rudder was dropped down into the 5’+ hole. Grease was smeared on part of the shaft, and then when almost in, whilst it was held it up, smeared the rest of the shaft. Finally it was in place, the shoe fitted, and the copper bolts put through. Not the proper bolts, but such that it will hold for now. Then we got the spade and rake, and filled the hole back in. Hopefully to never have to dig such a hole again. What a cloud of dust it made. Just finished before dark. Next packed up and tidied up and collected more of our stuff out of the workshop that we won’t need any more here. Not much left now. Basically timber and foam and acetone. Got home about 22:00pm tired etc. Brought back our big wooden green tool chest this weekend.

15/8/94

Monday had clear out. Got rid of as much rubbish as possible. Sorted out the loft more and put up more of the stuff which had come out of the shed, and put into the front bedroom all the boat stuff which had accumulated downstairs. Visited the marina reference our arrival next Wednesday. Showed the manager some photos. They are putting us on the Quayside. Next to electric and water. Small boats next to us are launched Friday and back in Monday therefore not there at weekends. How we were to find that things change in time. There would not be a problem when it gets busy at weekends, we would still be able to get the van up to the boat. Rubbish bins were close to hand. The Bar provided meals. We were getting a good rent deal as we were long term tenants. Electric is £100 deposit on the metered lead, then 10p per unit. The box is locked up to stop anyone switching your cable for theirs. The security man on the gate, locks and unlocks the electric box on request. They seemed friendly enough and relaxed. Both crane and electric are extra therefore the rent just pays for 24 hr security, toilets , a concrete area, a sea view. It is just like having a holiday retreat on the coast. Either do some work or just relax and sight see. We could square up payments etc on the day. So far very good. Gives a tinge of excitement seeing the marina, boats, the river, smell salt and seaweed. The field where we were seemed like nothing except tranquility and peace – when there are no flys about. 

	This was going to be our view from deck. Wow !.

Having left the marina sped off to Wessex Resins. Lady pleased to see us and took an interest in our photo’s. Said they would like to see it when it is launched. Bought some foam rollers while we were at it. Arrived at the boat 17:00pm approx. Someone has been up and had a look at the rudder. We can tell because of the way we leave things. John H had been up can tell by the way the chain is wrapped so tight around the gate there is no link spare for clasping the padlock around. It is as tight as a spoilt kid would cling to his favorite toy – dead tight. Ruth is on holiday now until after August Bank Holiday. Evening epoxied into place the centre ply of main cabin coach roof. 

19/8/94

Early start at 9:00am. 5 days left before the move. Cold though but soon warmed up. Really we have not got much time left, and perhaps a good time now to start moving the boat. However the cradle base xpieces are the wrong way round i.e. they are port to starboard. For moving on greasy boards, they needed to be forward to aft. It will be real difficult to move as they are, also given the condition of the crosspieces underneath, which would create great sticking points. Pondered over buying timber lengths i.e. 9’ to make some forward/aft greasy board and affix to cradle. Would need some long bolts though. More expense – but it is going to have to be done to make moving the boat as easy as possible. Did not wish to start trying to dismantle the shed at all. No way. But where could we get 2^nd hand timber lengths. New  timber would cost far too much for what we are going to use them for. Got out the yellow pages. No one tells us anything around here. It is so secretive. Even John H is now taking the trailer home with him , like so we don’t ask to borrow that as well. It is all as if they don’t want us to manage to succeed with the boat move, and that we will have to leave it all for them. No chance. We always said that if it ever came to that we would sooner chop it up and burn it. Found two places in the yellow pages. Set out to one, but they sold no timber, and suggested another place not too far away. This turned out to be the one we were looking for anyway. Did he have timber. Stacks and stacks of it. Spotted  8 pieces of fairly new timber – must have been joists at some stage. Anyway squared up for these – they were just what we needed and right size too. They were 5" x 2". 40p per foot. £21.60 altogether. As they were 10’ long, they just would not go in the van. We had already taken out the cooker bench in the van – and we did not have a roofrack at this point in time. Had to saw off about 6" from each length to get them in. We were so tired headed back to base for cup of tea. Quickly ran these pieces through the planer, then used the electric planer to remove the sharp edge. Over tea pondered over where to get some 9" coach bolts. Using our ancient 1989 Yellow Pages set off to find places. Second place we found they dug out some 10" coach bolts galvanised M1, and also we got some 8 x 8" plated with a view to putting further diagonals to the supports. Also got square washers as well. It all left us £54 worse off !. Set off back to base. Now we thought we need two more lengths of timber for the diagonal supports. Could we find that timber place again. And we did. It really was our day today. Following signs for something or other, just around the corner and there it was. Dug out two more lengths. They were not so new as the last ones we had got and they were 14’ long. Anyway they would have to do. Had to saw off the ends to get them into the van. They cost us £8.40. Cannot grumble. Back to base we went for cups of tea. And planed up these two latest timbers. It was hard going but we did it. After Tea set to drilling holes and countersinking the lowest timbers, digging holes where necessary to get the bolts up through the timbers. Laid one piece of timber on top of the cradle base timbers, and another underneath to form the skid – each side of the keel. The cradle timbers were the original timbers that the hull had been shipped to England in. Problem as made worse because the cradle was jacked up and chocked up, it was about 24" off the ground at the front , and the cradle had settled twisted all at the wrong angles. It has been like that for 20 years. Had to push, shove and scream with pain to get the inner two bolts lined up. This was after having dug to Australia to get the bolts up from underneath. Hammers, spanners, wd40, crowbar, blocks of wood all helped the situation. By evening we had fitted in place these 4 pieces of timber. John H and his wife popped up about 20:00pm. John H came up and commented that they were large bolts. We mentioned we had driven all over getting timber and bolts. John H cut down the trees just a front of the boat. How straight will you be pulling her out ?. was his question. I will sythe these grasses down aswell. Did not take John long to chop the trees back and left. Dark now anyway. We had brought some carpet pieces down with us and used these to packout the cradle packing around the hull. Once we are down at the boatyard we can remove it and use wedges because the carpet will absorb moisture. This done we called it a very fruitful day.

The cradle was a good 24" off the ground forward. A strengthning piece of plywood  was glued and bolted onto forward suface of forward cradle cross member.		Photo showing how much the cradle was chocked up with blocks portside.

20/8/94

Four days to go. Another early start . Got up 9:00ish. Can’t have beers at the moment – cos Lance on another course of stomach tablets. Started on putting the other 4 timbers underneath of the cradle existing xmembers to make 6 skids in all. We did think to have 4 or 6. But on the lorry base – there is an inner section for drop down keels – needed 6 as the inner two would likely be sitting right over this section, leaving the 4 remaining skids to support the cradle on the lorry. Decided to visit the marina to measure up a Flatbed They were 10’ or 8’. Ours is 9’. The 8’ would be better for us, but it is a blow as our cradle is 99" wide and the cradle mover at the marina can only take maximum width of 95". We are going to need to alter our cradle at some stage in the future. But we won’t need moving around for some time – so using the 8’ cradle flat will be sufficient for now. Back to base at 10:30am. Cups of tea then set to fitting the other four timbers, they were bowing as cradle wrongly blocked up really. It took time to drill out the holes and dig out the soil, walking forward – aft forgetting when one stands up that the Hull is low. We will both have big lumps on our heads before long. Then striding over, in and out of the cradle. A very hard working day. Sawn off 5 of the six ends of timber aft. Had to jack the boat up and down hundreds of times, we were very grateful of Les H's 4 tonne jack. Our 1.5 tonne jack cut out after 1.5 tonne and would not take the load. Hard work lifting the jack from aft, then forward, and aft, and forward. Could have done with two. Made use of our scaffold poles aswell we had got here as levers etc. Plus jacking up the boat meant the Hull was leaning side to side and it was already close to the shed support posts. Decided to try and move the Hull forward in the cradle. The Hull had been moved aft originally by the previous owner. This was a task and half. By now we had bolted in the extra timbers under the cradle and also slotted in cut up short lengths of ex-cradle timber put between the recent timbers fitted either side of the keel to provide extra support for the keel. Needed to jack the aft of keel up and block the keel up, then needed to do likewise midships and also forward. Now the keel is resting only on the blocks. Tried pushing the cradle. Course it would not budge – it must weigh a ton itself. Got two scaffold poles and levered the cradle back about 6-8". Cannot go any further it would be in the way of the rudder shoe. Decided it would do now where it was. By now about 19:00pm and we need to pack up and push off for home. Need to get back for Peppy. Just before we left we were going to do a batch of planing. Tried a plank of Iroko but it was all mis-shaped and will take a long time to do. Decided not to bother. 

Strengthened the Cradle with extra timbers, bolted forward to aft, which also acted as skids

21/8/94

Three days to go. At home sorted out some galvanised tacks, black screws, small angle brackets, cheap wide paintbrush for oil, old oil, chains, shackles, pieces of rope, and hardboard we had got in the shed. Managed to pick up some window sealant and grease on the way. Arrived at the boat. We got out the railway sleepers, after wading thru the nettles, behind the brick section of the bottom workshop. Started lifting and carrying the sleepers to the boat. The railway sleepers were 6" x 10" x 8' , and oh boy they weighed a ton each. We managed three, struggled on the fourth. Ruths arms were like jelly. She just caught her finger in laying down the third one and took the surface off her finger. Quick plaster job. Then we ended up using the wheelbarrow for the last two sleepers. We had an idea though sleepers have a rough top surface, nail on a piece of hardboard shiny surface up, and grease this. The hardboard we'd had in the shed was not long enough. We had cut the rudder pattern out of it, so decided to use the remaining sheet of oil-based hardboard in the workshop. Decided after much thought that as the cradle needed keeping up higher on port side, to use two sleepers forward/aft, and to nail four lengths of hardboard to remaining sleepers and using 3 under the cradle at any one time and lots of grease and oil, slide the boat out. The land sloped forward/aft and also port/starboard. Anything but level. More jacking up and having brought our spade, fork and rake evened out some bumps in the soil to position 3 sleepers port/starboard under the cradle. Could have been worse, but the position of the hull now is such that starboard aft was running against the shed post. What a creaking noise as we were jacking - just enough to get the sleepers underneath. Then just before they were in position, to smear the skids with grease and paint engine oil onto the hardboard. Clambering about within the cradle wearing shorts not ideal when needing to kneel down on the soil, flint and nettles and whatever else. The sleepers all in position – now we are going to pull her out. Got the lengths of anchor chain out and the shackles. Wrapped the chain around the base of one of the side trees and reversed the van to form a second anchor on the other end of the same chain. The middle of the chain had the hook of the block and tackle attached, which was kept reasonably short. A short length of chain wrapped around the cradle forward and a shackle to hold it. Then between this put the caravan winch. Not sure if this would hold the strain. Covered the cable(wire) with a carpet and a plank laid over in see-saw fashion. Now lets see if it will work. Winched away. Tried the scaffold pole aft to give break leverage and hey presto she moved What an exhilarating feeling. We had had only had one cup of tea since we arrived, having been hard at it. It was gone 15:00pm now. We wanted to see if we could get some momentum going. And sure we did. The grease and oil worked well. Our only drawback was the uneven land. The cradle was sliding starboard which left it rubbing against another shed post. Fortunately this post had an extra piece of wood attached which could be removed to make room. Tried wedging planks to prevent the cradle overruning – but it was persisting in sliding. The van was taking it well. Until the seal on the cradle was broken, the van was rocking at times even being pulled/slid backwards with the pull, until at last the seal was broken using the scaffold pole for leverage. The cradle traveled onto the 4^th sleeper, freeing up the sleeper aft. This was brought forward – heavy enough anyway, but now the top covered with oil and grease – and the cradle was winched and slid further. 

Railway sleepers to be the runway.		Using oil based hardboard on top of the sleepers which were then greased.

	Started with small caravan type winch and anchor chain etc.

After so far we repositioned the van and the chain on the cradle to try and slide the cradle forward and port more. Again had planks wedged in various positions to prevent sliding off. It was really hard work, but we stuck at it and by 20:00pm, having grabbed a can of orange each in the mean time, we had moved the boat about 12'. So far excellent. Decided that was enough for today. Try to do some more jobs on deck, whilst most of her still under cover. It is starting to sink in that we own a real yacht. It is a transformation to be able to see her from aft in full prospective aswell. Could not reach the lights though – had to fetch ladders from the bottom shed. Lots of scrap blocks of wood knocking about now. Both of us got feet ache, leg ache, back ache, head ache, whole body aching would be easier to say. But we both feel more than fulfilled at what we have achieved today. Good job the van is full of tools etc, to enable it to provide sufficient anchorage. John H seemed disappointed yesterday when he heard we were taking the cradle with us. It was ours anyway. Saw the neighbour yesterday and mentioned to her our moving the boat on Wednesday 24th and she is welcome to have a look at it say Mon/Tue. She said "she would love to" and that she is sorry to hear we have been kicked out. Her sister thinks it is awful. They cannot see why we are in the way. Caravans won’t want to stay there anyway. Even when we mentioned to John H about just how bad the field does slope – John H just did not want to know. It turns out the neighbour was annoyed when John H was cutting the trees down the lane, as  dust was blowing into her kitchen etc. John H had not asked her about the Oak tree, afterall it is a communial Lane. John H brought his measure stick to convince us that the oak tree would be ok for clearance. Did we see a monster bug tonight. Must have been 2" long, like a dung beetle. Both of us looking at it. We thought it could fly. Not convinced though took a closer look and it opened its huge wings and in full splendour, waggled its feelers and flew off, and so did both of us right to the other side of the field!.

22/8/94

Two days to go. Early start this am. Cracking on with moving the boat. Positioned the van and hooked up. Camcorder setup as well. Just managing to film something of the move. However tragedy struck. The caravan winch we had been using gave up. The barrel around which the wire winds had come adrift. Oh No. Now we are stuck. Quickly locked up and took off in the van to the local Hire Shop. They had a winch but it needed repairing, they suggested another hire shop. Had no trouble finding it and also discovered where B&Q, Halfords, and DO-All were. No-one tells us anything around here. However they did winches but the one they had was a screw anchor. There was no way we would screw it into flint and rock soil. Not to be done yet though, the chap rang another branch of theirs not too far away, and they had a Tirfor winch in, which would do us. Took off again and sped down the motorway and putting £70 deposit put down, we hired a Tirfor winch for the day. It lifts 3 ton and pulls 5 ton. Wow!. Dashed back had a cup of tea and set up the winch. Golly what a difference. Moving the handle with ease. We know what to get next time. In 2 ½ hours today we moved the boat 20’, right clear of the shed. It was still tough going. The sun was strong, hardly any wind, the railway sleepers were still as heavy. Needed leverage to lift the cradle front onto the sleepers. Uneven as the ground was the cradle was balanced on three sleepers, leaving one free to move around. We did well not to have to dig out any grass sods. Used small blocks of wood and checked the sleepers were level each time. Hardly stopped for liquid refreshment, but once we had finished knocked back a couple of pints of milk. Using this hire winch meant we finished moving the boat by 14:30pm. Had to get the winch back tonight.  Needed a good rest as well. However tidied up the area. Coiled up the winch steel cable, which was a job and ½. It took the two of us. Took the winch back about 15:30pm then visited the chandlery to get two eyebolts and some rope to anchor the tiller from moving during transit, which would in turn turn the rudder. £20 it cost us for two m10 eyebolts, and 502 coloured rope. Got back about 16:45pm. More cups of tea to decide next plan of action. Once of the neighbours gardeners came up to have a look. Both of us out of site at the time, and the chap was shouting "Hello", up to the boat, thinking we were up there, not realizing there was no steps up to it anyway. Had a pleasant chat. We showed him some photographs and put him in the picture of our plight. He knew Les H and thought highly of him, but had never met John H. He could not understand the harm were doing. He was not, however,  the gardener who was working that day when the Red car pulled up earlier in the year!. We are still no nearer resolving what that was all about. Set up the steps after this chap left and clambered on board. Very scarey it was too. No staging, and no shed to lean on and hang onto. No roof rafters to duck under etc. Just fresh air. The boat actually feels narrower now, and higher up. Brushed down the boat completely inside and out and hoovered the dust and shavings up. Had enough for today. Left about 20:00pm for home. Prepared the van for Tuesday. Did washing and ensured Peppy got his much awaited for cuddle. etc.

This is how far we got before the caravan winch gave up.	Not much room for any slippage port or starboard.	Completed the move with Tirfor winch, plus the good old scaffold pole.

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