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Website started 24th February 2000

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

23/8/94

Tomorrow is the big day. Arose about 7:00am. By 9:00am set out to the trailer place. The trailer we needed was outside, but on getting to the office it was in for repair. What a blow. But they had a larger one. We took it. £54 plus £50 deposit. Took it home first to finish packing the gear into the van, saw to Peppy and left about mid-day. Stopped off to get a new Tarpaulin. Got a blue-one 11m x 7m (£40). It is not the most heavy duty one but will get us through for now. Arrived at the boat about 13:00pm. Set to trying the new sheet for size. It had rained last night, so forward and aft decks were wet, and water had collected on the Bow as we were slightly nose down. The green sheet we had was only 15’ long – just enough for the cabins and cockpit. Then for cup of tea. John H's wife appeared with another woman (as a witness) to pick brambles, even though the bush had never been thinned out and is crammed with nettles!. Anyway the boat is now covered with the blue tarpaulin which almost touched the floor. Nothing for John H's wife and her Friend to gaup at. They left about an hour later – no word. The rest of today was spent doing the following jobs in preparation for the boat moving :- secure in place the temporary steps/engine box, made two small pads through which holes were drilled and the eyebolts secured, the tiller was fitted and with the new rope and under felt , it was secured to the two eyebolts. Prevents the rudder from swinging during transit, tape (fibreglass tape) was put over the coachroof screw holes, last two battens for the cockpit well sides where screwed into place, and then the cockpit foot well sides were screwed into place. The footwell sides being Ύ" and about 40" square plywood, were a dead weight and needed care to carry them up the ladder on board. Then we pushed though the planer the 17’+ lengths of mahogany for the Toe Rails. Initial thoughts were taking a lot of timber home etc, but what to do with the long lengths was the problem. Decided to tape together similar lengths of planed timber and put inside the hull when we get to the marina. The 17’ lengths though had to go on board now. Even though one end right up forward – the aft protruded through the companionway hatch quite a bit. It was tied down with the rest of the rope holding the tiller. 

Longest timber lengths on board - tied up.		Tiller tied in place. This is it. Tomorrow is the day.

The neighbours sister was tidying up their side of the lane, so decided now was a good time to ask them up, as we had promised them a chance to see it. We quickly stood two sets of steps side by side and then tied a cord from top to bottom as a grab rail. Went down and asked it they would like a look, before John H turns up. They jumped at the chance. Unprintable what they think of John  H etc, but mentioned Les H is a good chap though. Like father – like son does not follow here. They were delighted to see boat – it was a lot bigger than they had seen it from the chicken run. They missed nothing in the bungalow there. They were very disappointed for us in this situation. We mentioned how much we admired Les H for his inspiration to do jobs and his  determination to succeed. The lady’s remembered how we used to cut the grass and rake it up as well as be working on the boat. They appreciated it.  It must have been an hour we were talking.  They went up the steps to get a full view. They thought it was even bigger from a height. They love mahogany and could see the finished varnished surfaces. The neighbours husband used to be a carpenter, building rescue boats in the war, he worked alongside Les H for many years. The field used to belong to them, and Les H had bought it off them. They also confided in us and confirmed what we had already worked out, that Gary H had been hoping to get the Hull and timber and have his grandad, Les H, build it for him. They wished us well. We told them the time the lorry and crane was coming and that the whole move was costing £700. They knew straight away that that could have been money spent on the boat now to prepare for outside. They invited us to a cup of tea when we were passing. We mentioned after showing them the photographs, that we were writing a diary as well of everything that has happened from day one and immediately they said they would love to read it i.e. the unedited version of course – to leave in all the incriminating comments of what happened. 2 copy’s sold. They left sad for us, but happy that we were better people than some and were able to keep on top of things. As we now have no lights outside had to knock off about 20:30pm because it was getting dark. Excitement and anxiety starting to build up now. Not enough time to have done all the jobs we would have liked. No sign of anyone else this evening. Sorted out all the scrap small pieces of mahogany – ended up with a boxful and took them to the neighbour for her coal fire. She had been very good to us allowing us to get water from her tap, not to mention the beautiful eggs she gave us on occasions. She was ever so grateful for the wood and added it was a shame to burn mahogany. She loves it esp mahogany furniture. She gave us  6 eggs in return. These are free range eggs and beautiful to. We dropped into bed exhausted after getting a chinese. 

24/8/94

This is it - the moving day is here. We had got up about 7:00am, uncovered the boat and brushed it down. Taken some photos. Loaded the steps onto the trailer (both sets), and covered the trailer with the green tarpaulin, and tied it down. Will use the very long ladders for access here to the boat for tying down the straps. Got some scrap bits of carpet ready to protect the covering boards from the straps. Reversed the van and trailer back passed the workshop out of the way. We left our wash gear, plates etc and drinks in the workshop so it was evident to John H that we have not left yet. Time passed like nothing. 9:50am and the crane and lorry both turned up at the bottom of the lane. The crane proceeded to reverse up the lane, the lorry close behind. It seemed only like a minute and they were both in the field. The crane had only inches to spare either side of it, between the brick gate posts. The lorry turned around in the field. The crane moved over to one side in front of the boat. Surprising how much space is needed to turn a lorry of that size around, and also how much space the crane needs with the leg supports it has to put out. Out came all the straps. The crane put out its stabilizer legs and rigged itself up. In no time at all the crane hooks were over the boat, the straps were around the hull, then auxiliary straps were put around the cradle and hull itself. In effect the Hull was being lifted, and the Cradle being strapped to the hull, would be caught up with it as one entity. The crane started lifting and straight away the boat turned to starboard and swung a little. Up she went though. Fortunately she did not swing back to catch the shed. The Hull and cradle were guided, whilst the crane maneuvered the boat over the Lorry and down she was set. The crane straps were removed, and straps put over for securing to the lorry, and two support legs put up forward. The crane driver quickly withdrew the crane legs, folded the lifting arm away, and in the next minute he was gone – finished.

Took about half hour to load Emerald onto the Lorry.		Off we went, heading for the  Boatyard.

 In the mean time Ruth filming and taking snapshots. At one stage in fetching bits of carpet , the camera hung over her shoulder by the strap, the strap came away one end and the camcorder fell to the grass. The eye piece broke off – but it slotted back and the camera worked, but dicky. Needs sorting out now. It took no more than ½ hour from the lorry and crane arriving and we were ready for moving off. The lorry driver asked if any tree branches to watch out for – but we said no, just take it steady anyway. We locked up the workshop and set off in convoy behind the lorry. Ruth trying to film as best the camera would do, and we played an 'Enya' music tape as well. It was a very sad, happy and mixed emotional moment. So far all was going as planned with no major set backs. The neighbour and her sister waved and shed a tear for us as we passed. Just onto the motorway it poured down and we almost cried ourselves. But it turned out to be a quick shower. The universe was crying for us. A bit of water though won’t hurt providing the whole boat gets wet and it does not stain. Journey to the marina went well. We were concerned that the grease and oil on the bottom of the cradle would make a mess on the lorry – but there was no need to have worried. Arrived at the marina just after 11:00am. We had had no idea how long the loading up would take and allowing for plenty of time we had ended up booking in for 13:00pm approx. We should have said 11:00am and then we would have been lifted off straight away. We are learning fast. The straps and supports were removed on the lorry. It was blowing quite windy, and there were further showers – quick ones though. Ruth following around with the Camcorder and camera, squared up with lorry driver for the Lorry and Crane and made Tea for everyone including the lorry driver. He is a very nice chap, and had been planning on visiting us with his wife, on the Sunday just gone to see how we were getting on. Very nice of him to have contemplated that, but unfortunately he had ended up working again. The yard crane lads had two boats to get out of the water, then they would do ours. It was almost an hour. They then had to shift a couple of trailers and boats from the spot where we were to go. With a special bar on a tractor this was done in a jiffy, and they strapped up our boat and cradle and lifted it off the lorry with the Travel Lift. It did look worrying first off because the Travel Lift arms port and starboard were not level, and the boat was tilted slightly and the cradle with it. They soon corrected that, but then lowered it down to about 12" off the ground. Then slowly the travel lift maneuvered to our spot in the corner of quayside. The boat and cradle was lowered onto a metal flat. This is just a base of a cradle. The lads were indifferent initially as they measured our cradle of 108" long x 100" wide, and their flats were either 8’ or 10’ (96" or 120"). We told them we had already measured the flats previously and realized they were not exactly the right size. They sat us on a 10’ flat. The straps were then left on the hull, but removed from the cradle. The hull was lifted and the lads tried to move the cradle and line up everything better. Big Mistake. The lad managed to move the cradle himself. The oil and grease helped. We commented it was a good job we greased it, but then we thought back to the lorry. It could have slid about so easy on the lorry !. What a thought, but rather now than earlier on. At one point the hull was lowered, after the cradle moved and the lads commented "I don’t believe it – it is just the same". After all his hard work. After many minutes of lifting – the straps aft were so wide at times the hull tipped alarmingly sideways. Strong stuff the straps are made of – it must have been 15 minutes, when we finally said to the lads, that so long as the cradle is not too tight on the hull, it would do. There was a gap forward portside between cradle and hull, but we would block and chock up later. The cradle elsewhere was up to the hull. We tipped the crane lads before the move, for the extra trouble with our extra cradle, and being filmed. The crane straps were removed and that was that. 

Boatyard Travel Lift lifted Emerald off the Lorry	then took her to her spot on Quayside	took a while to position her just right

	then that was it. The move completed and all straps removed.

The move completed. We were here. What a relief. Lifted the steps of the trailer. Set up the single steps and laid the platform steps down. Climbed on board and checked all ok. It is a lovely position, with a lovely view of the River. The crane lads had said that instead of putting us aft end in first – they had done it nose first so the wind would not fill the cockpit and when we got little fed up or need a break we could sit on deck and watch the boats in the river. They had had our interests at heart. On deck the view is thrilling. Right alongside the river, overlooking whatever on the other side of the river, and the bow is facing towards the Island, which can be seen on a clear day apparently. It is the mouth of the river here and it exits into a really busy shipping channel for Yachts and shipping including ferrys and liners, and we were certainly not going to get board. Decided not to cover the boat , we would be back later on with a first load of timber. All ready we had had two comments about the boat looking a very nice boat, having wooden topsides. It was long overdue comments about Lance's excellent handiwork from other people. We had a thought about calling it "Unique". That is exactly what it is. There is not another yacht like it. Both of us exhausted now, but had a short rest, then sped off back to ex-base to start loading up stuff. On the way back purchased some sterling boards from builders merchants, for boxing the cradle to make storage area underneath for Timber. The neighbour caught us when we returned and come to tell us – she thought we ought to know that after we had left, John and three other people came up and were having a good look around everywhere !. All afternoon there were intermittent showers. Just what we did not need as we had left the boat uncovered. Taped up lengths of timber together – all the timber we are to put into the boat. Planed up the odd bit which needed it. Loaded these onto the trailer. We dragged the sleepers back into the shed area – all but the heaviest. Took off the greasy boards and retrieved the galvanized nails. We dug out our pieces of old timber. Although it does not sound much it was getting on for 19:00pm now. Contemplated whether to go to the boat with this load, then sleep here or try for two trips. But the way time was going, decided to take this load and sleep down at the boat tonight. We had been so busy we had only had a couple of cups of tea or so all day. We had just about done for this load – when John H turned up. It was raining again and he pulled right up to the workshop. We were both at the workshop doorway outside when John H came up. "You have moved it – how did it go ?" asked John H. We mentioned to John H we had missed him this morning and that the neighbour mentioned he had been up after we left. John H had been shocked at how we managed to get the boat out first off,  then at how quick it had gone. We do not mess about. His idea now is that he wants to knock the shed down we have had the boat under, and build it around the back and clear the old caravan and shed out. The ideas change every time he speaks to us. This could have all been done with us there !. Also apparently Gary H wants to get another boat. We told John H how well things had gone for us and how quickly the lorry and crane driver had been and how well we were setup at the marina with electric, water , toilets etc. John H asked "had we got anywhere for the timber ?."  As we said, " no but we have got to put it into the boat and underneath." What did John H really want us to say ?. Then John H added  "Is that all your timber on the bench is it ?". "yes" we said. John H was really wanting us to show him in there, but we stood firm at the doorway. We also mentioned that we had given the neighbour a load of firewood. We kept the conversation as pleasant and jolly as possible and John H was just about to leave when Gary H turned up. They had obviously anticipated us gone completely today, but did not say that. They cannot wait to get in and see what we have left. John H said, "You’ll be finished tomorrow then will you ?.". We said in a couple of days we will be. We have to get the trailer back tomorrow evening. We shook John H’s hand and thanked him before he disappeared. Gary H had nothing to say for himself and followed his dad down to the bottom workshop. We continued clearing stuff and finished tying down the trailer tarpaulin. John H and Gary H down the bottom shed, with lights on. It is dark now, and having seen the trailer we had got with us, they dragged out the caravan chassis from the shed and were faffing about down there waiting for us to go. It was dark anyway outside. We had mentioned to John H that we had hoped to get to the boat this evening with this load. Ruth on taking something out to the van at one point – caught John H and Gary H stood not too far away gauping straight into the workshop. Upon Ruth's appearance they both simultaneously turned and walked towards the bottom shed. John H turned halfway and shouted goodnight. Ruth returned a goodnight. They – John H and Gary H – left just after 21:00pm – locking the gates behind them, assuming we were to be stopping the night.  We then locked up, and we had collected two more small boxes of scrap so on our way out we left them on top of the first box for the neighbour, then took off to the boat. Arrived Ό to 10. Had to ask the security chap to switch on our electric for us at the box. He had a key and met us round at the meter box. Once switched on we realised that our lead was not long enough. The office lad had said that if it was too short to see him. Anyway for now used our extension lead to get us through and covered the socket with a plastic bag. Having not eaten all day we took off to the marina bar. Security chap said it closed at 10:30pm. They had no food – stop serving meals just after 21:00pm, and they had no cold selection. Had to make do with many packets of crisps and a few beers. Crawled into bed, but chatted for about another hour. Must have been gone midnight before we slept and did we sleep well. The weather looked like it was going to be fine so we never covered the boat up. The fibreglass tape had not held during transit – it was flapping about so we took it off.

25/8/94

Guess what – it rained last night. As a result of the rain the whole boat got its first wetting. – in the lockers, hatches, companionway and through the coachroof holes. It was not ready to be outside yet !. The latter has left stains on the coachroof ply inside and on a couple of forward bulk-heads. The water in the after hatch & cockpit area drained down to the bilges, but what went through the companionway hatch collected in the stringers near the main bulkhead. At this point we were not levelled up and if anything were nose down. On deck the water was brushed off and the inside mopped up. The portside cockpit hatch had sterling board in it as a temporary cover. This had expanded with the water and we later realised water had been getting inside. This cover was left off to let it dry out. Having dried the boat out, we proceeded to uncover the trailer. Some of the timber on the trailer had got wet as the tarpaulin had collected a pool of water which was soaking through slowly. There was intermittent showers today – heavy at times – but also some sunshine – a mixed day. What a lot of stuff we had.

	PROBLEM :- what to do with all the Timber - cannot get any more on board, and shed at home is full ?.

	SOLUTION :- Bought some sterling board sheets and boxed in the cradle to make timber storage area underneath. Not ideal but all we could do at present.

Put the sheet material (full sheets) in the cradle and the plywood pieces inside, with the bundles of ready planed up mahogany. Laid two timbers port-starboard inside across the stringers to form a shelf / ledge. Placed the plywood starboard and the mahogany port, with just enough room to get past and up forward. Shifting timber up the steps, against a breeze, watching ones footing is a test of agility and alertness. About 11:30am all the timber loaded. Decided to not cover her, as coming back later with a second load. Back to ex-base we went picking up some milk and sandwiches. We had not eaten since Tues evening properly and it was now Thursday morning. Arrived about 13:00pm. Set up the planer and cracked on planing the leftover long lengths of unplaned mahogany. There were about 6 lengths approx 16’, we cut them in half lengthways with the circular saw, then planed them down. Must have been about 8 times we ran them through to get a decent finish. We are going to miss the planer therefore need to have done as much planing with it before we leave. This done bundled the timber together with masking tape. Managed a cup of tea and quick rest. Time was marching on. We needed to get the Iroko planed before we left, and the trailer was due back at 17:00pm today. We rang the trailer place up to see if it would be ok to drop it off first thing Friday morning. They said yes, but it must be by 8:00am as it is booked out the next day. Ok that was a relief. Could now crack on with the planing, and complete planing, load up, unload at the boat, and push off for home late tonight. The Iroko planks (16 of them) were cut in half thereabouts and put through the planer on all 4 sides. Shorter lengths they were, but heavy. It was tiring and laborious, but neither of us really spoke, both knowing we had to get all these done before we left. The planer was really giving us our money’s worth. We had bought replacement blades for it several times. This is why we wanted to do the Iroko last, like Teak it tends to blunt tools very quickly. We had been maintaining the Kitty planer and its blades, now they would have to do it themselves, if they know what they are doing that is. Not many breaks for cups of tea. No time. We wanted to get done and load up before  anyone else appeared. We had had enough to this depressing site and were anxious to move on. About 18:00 pm we had finished planing up the iroko, and we were exhausted, standing up for nearly 5 hours non-stop planing timber. Not to mention the sawdust we had generated. We scooped up two bag fulls and there was just as much left. Anyway everything of ours that was left was piled onto the trailer. The 16’ lengths of mahogany had to go in the trailer forward/aft but diagonally. Only a foot overhung at the front, which just cleared the van for turning corners. The boxes of off cuts where awkward, but we managed to lift them in the trailer and lay them down. We took our rubbish bags as well and just left some sawdust. They could have a big bonfire if John H will spare the grass. We left the tank wheels on display, lined up in the lounge. We had cleaned these up and painted them a while back in anticipation of using them to wheel out the boat. Took down the blackout boards from the windows and stacked them up. Removed Capt John's curtains. Having cleared our stuff ( and the remaining bits of Capt Johns stuff) there was nothing really left. Only the planer and circular saw. We have left the Capt John's vice and Capt John’s workbench. They cannot complain now as we have both sets of steps. Les H said we could have them anyway. Also we left the tressles. It was about 19:45pm when we were tying down the tarpaulin on the trailer. We were both dog tired and hungry, thirsty as well as we had not managed time for cups of tea. Put all the bulbs back in all the sockets. No skin off our nose but it will add to their electric bill before they realise it. Locked the workshop and the gate. Decided to read the meter only to find John H had changed the lock for the bottom brick shed!. Took off to Les H to drop off the keys and to give him £5 to cover the last electric we had used since end of July. Les H did not seem his perky self – but then we noticed John H was round with him. Les H just asked if they owed us anything ?. Told him nothing owed, and could not stop as we had got to get back home, but would try call on him later when we get the photos developed. He said he would try and pop down and see us at the marina. We then sped off to the boat to offload. 20:45pm now and just getting dark. Rigged up the lead light and decided to offload the timber underneath the cradle for now and we would sort things out better when we get back on Friday (tomorrow). Fortunately weather been sunny and windy today, no rain showers. We covered the boat up anyway with the blue tarpaulin just to be safe, then took off for Home approx 22:00pm, emptying the rubbish into the bins on the way-out. We had been worried about having left our electric meter and cable and our extension cord plugged in, but we need not have worried. Here we are beginning to sense an air of respect and acknowledgement with everyone else. We have all got expensive toys here, which leaves us all in the same boat !. Obviously don’t leave things lying around, do what you want and don’t upset anyone and keep your area tidy, as the Yard manager said. Taking longer to drive home with a loaded trailer. It was about 23:30pm when we arrived Home ,just in time to pick up a kebab. Whilst eating the Kebab watched the film movie of Moving our Boat. Camera played up considerably, but should be sufficient to get a decent stretch of film By now it is midnight. Set to usual emptying of the van of bedding, clothes etc and in doing so had the trailer and van reversed up the drive for security. We were using the van back doors for access, with a lead light extending out of the kitchen into the Van. Must have looked a sight. We were also tidying up the van bringing in things from the move of the boat we no longer needed. It was about 2:00am in the morning, and a police car pulled up in front of the van. There is still building site work going on not too far away, and they were doing routine checks. They had seen movement in the van and light. We explained we did live here and all was ok. That satisfied them. Strange how coincidences occur, especially with the trailer hitched as well. Got to bed about 3:00am. Had done a load of washing and got the Central Heating on high to dry the clothes, which added to our dehydration next morning. Set the alarm for 7:00am.

26/08/94.

Ruth got up at 7:00am, left Lance sleeping and recovering whilst she dropped off the trailer at 8:00am. Then back home we packed the bags again for going to the boat. It was a different feeling though now. No worry will John H be there, or what has been done etc. It was going to be much more pleasurable, like having a working holiday each weekend.

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