April Update
Challenge
Work on painting the hull is progressing and currently Challenge is taking on a zebra like pattern due to new sections of aluminium primer being applied with spaces left to avoid us contaminating fresh paint whilst prepping another area. Needle gunning and repainting of the inner bow has also started and is progressing nicely and the inside of the upper engine room is now fully painted in cream. The steering engine’s house has been fixed and repainted as well.
The port half of the saloon roof is now back up, with insulation installed. This work was carried out by Brian and Karl, who have made a fantastic job of it. The starboard side will be finished once we have sealed the deck above.
We have had a set back with the mast unfortunately. We had hoped to reuse part of the old mast for the top part, but when prepping, it was discovered that, despite previous thoughts, it was rotten. The wood we wish to order to complete this job is currently unavailable and so for the time being the mast may have to be raised at a shorter height. This will not be the first time the mast will be shorter as in her working life it was shortened after the top part caught fire.
Stan has finished making a new part to hold the steam winch’s journal. The previous piece had been broken a long time ago and welded but this gave out last year. This new piece should give decades of service and once again allow us to easily use our anchors and windlass drums.
The condenser was pressure tested half way through the month and only one leak was found. Len set about getting it repaired and it is now back together and good to go.
