The great maintenance project

At the start of April Toucando relocated to the Elephant Boatyard on the Hamble. There was a list of jobs that needed doing, mostly cosmetic, a few comfort-related (leaky portholes and deck seams). What started as a small project has grown into a full scale refurbishment.

I had never seen so many barnacles when Toucando was hauled out. I put it down to a very warm winter on a nutrient rich river.

With help from friends, as well as the professional services of the Elephant we started cleaning her up and stripping of the old, worn "varnish" (actually polyurethane). Instead of patching her up I decided Toucando needed rather more work.
She has been reprinted, anti fouled, and is looking a lot smarter. Our attention is moving from her hull to the deck, cockpit and coachroof. With luck she should be relaunched the week after next, a and the rest of the work will be done afloat.



One of the consequences of this is that I have cancelled my previously mentioned plan of joining the Dutch Gaffers' inland cruise of the Netherlands. I am concentrating instead on completing the renovations. We'll be at the Elephant for a few weeks more, before returning to the Itchen. Anyone interested in sanding, varnishing or polishing would be welcome. You will be handsomely rewarded with ginger beer or some other appropriate beverage. I hope that a local sailing program will commence in August. I'll post details nearer the time. Crew are welcome, as always. It will be good to revisit some Solent ports, and maybe take part in local Gaffers' events.

I hope to see friends old and new before long!

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