On Friday I am going to have, like my skipper, something in common with Lord Nelson or rather his fleet.
Last Saturday so my crew come on board, measuring a few things then took down my jib & folded it neatly up on the pontoon to be bagged up & took it away. Why, well on Friday they will be moving me to the Yacht Haven marina where I'm to be lifted out and stored on the hard for two weeks. Apparently I'm to have all the muck I've accumulated on my hull down here, plus the remaining anti-fouling pressure washed off by a specialist team from the Anti-foul Removal Company. I shall be left to dry off for a few days before the team from ARC return to give my hull below the water line a good rubbing down with sand paper or similar. Once wiped down to remove all dust particles I, like Lord Nelson's fleet will have four coats of specialist copper infused resin applied, which should keep me free of nasty's for, according to the manufacturer 10 years, although reports from others that have had it applied are saying 15 years before any significant cleaning has been required. I suppose it depends on where you're kept, sea temperatures etc.
Lord Nelson's fleet of course didn't have this modern technology but used copper sheets brought up from Cornwall to be pinned to their hulls. Nelson knew of the magical properties and more importantly that most living organisms dislike to copper so moved swiftly on, presumably to the fishing fleet or the French who were less manoeuvrable and slower than the English. As for my skipper's link we'll he suffers from 'Mal de Mere', sea sickness to you or I as did his Lordship. It's when the brain receives conflicting signals from the ears mainly, fooling it into thinking that neurotoxins have been deposited in the stomach, thus making the sailor retch to discharge its contents ! Still at least my cavernous space in the saloon coupled with good ventilation, has not given my skipper any cause to suffer from this, sometimes disabilitating condition. Long may he be free of it whilst looking after me and his crew.
Also apparently my mast is to be un-stepped and that spreader that gave concern before my summer holiday replaced. My skipper also wants to check the VHF aerial and Windex at the top making sure all is clean & well. He's also going to replace the standard tricolour with a new LED same for the steaming light and a loud hailer under the radar so that the VHF set can make the appropriate sounds in foggy conditions. All good stuff lets hope he has the time to fit everything in.
As for my jib, well assume it'll get a good inspection, maybe some repairs if necessary and possibly a good wash. I will be back in the water once the resin has gone hard ready to have my engine serviced which is next on my skippers list.
