Preparing For Winter

Shamrock

With the days drawing in Shamrock's winter preparations have continued with the main and mizzen sails, booms, gaffs and some blocks removed. Removal of the mast blocks has been delayed until the wind dies down. The most physical job to date involved removing the anchor and all the 61 plus meters (200ft) of anchor chain.

Boat Shed

Most of the gear removed from Shamrock has been stowed in the boat shed, due to a rip in the sail cover the mizzen sail did need to be dried before being folded and stowed. The anchor chain has been flaked out on the floor and the anchor placed on top. A section of workbench has been set-aside as a block cleaning and varnishing area. Items that have not got a stowage space and are not in need of immediate maintenance have been moved to the wood store. The shed has also been tided and rearranged ready for Nancy Belle.

Anchor and chain.

Ready for Nancy Belle

Nancy Belle

As the first winter storms have arrived Nancy Belle has been moved from her river mooring onto Shamrock's slipway. When the tide is right and the crew available she will be hauled onto the boat shed slipway. Finally after she has been washed out she will be moved into the boat shed ready for a few repairs and another coat of paint. Shaune has also been muttering something about moving the waterline down as it has been to high since the new lighter engine was fitted.