The progress so far……
Work started in earnest on Tuesday and we began by unpacking all of the spares, gear, equipment and bits and bobs from the containers where it had been put after the boat was taken out of the water. There’s a fair bit of gear that quite understandably needs replacing and some attention so we’re in the process of doing that. It’s quite astonishing how much stuff was actually in the boat. The spares need cataloguing and used items replenishing, the electronic gear is all being updated and most other gear being replaced so planning & action on mounting antennae and cameras, new hatches and the Jet Ski mounting rail is all going on. The boatyard is busy at the same time in the immediate area and there’s a fair bit of dust and overspray around at times. They’re just finished the bottom of the hull and have put the first coat of filling spray on and the base coat is going on in preparation for the colour change from Silver to Black.
Hannah Ley arrived on Monday too and is correlating all the video and media material so that we have an organised and accessible collection to use for promo stuff. She’s also doing emails and organising the promotions and the opening party. Marcus arrived on Wednesday and is lending a hand with the work on the boat, cutting hatches and starting the big cleanup. There’s an awful lot to do and not a lot of time so we’re going to flat out to get it done before the launch next week (29ish September).
We’re staying at a cottage on Pete’s sister and brother-in-law’s farm not far from the boatyard. They’ve just got it ready in time for us to move in and have been very friendly and welcoming. Such lovely people…. The view from the cottage is amazing. There’s a beautiful valley of indigenous trees in front of the place that stretches right across the horizon and it’s really peaceful, not a car in earshot.
I picked the Jet Ski up from the dealer on Friday and that gets prepared and painted this week. The boat also gets its main colour coat and things should start looking really good in the workshop. We’re going to give the galley a coat of yellow to lighten things up in there. It’s all really good fun and the people are all upbeat and spirited.
Work started in earnest on Tuesday and we began by unpacking all of the spares, gear, equipment and bits and bobs from the containers where it had been put after the boat was taken out of the water. There’s a fair bit of gear that quite understandably needs replacing and some attention so we’re in the process of doing that. It’s quite astonishing how much stuff was actually in the boat. The spares need cataloguing and used items replenishing, the electronic gear is all being updated and most other gear being replaced so planning & action on mounting antennae and cameras, new hatches and the Jet Ski mounting rail is all going on. The boatyard is busy at the same time in the immediate area and there’s a fair bit of dust and overspray around at times. They’re just finished the bottom of the hull and have put the first coat of filling spray on and the base coat is going on in preparation for the colour change from Silver to Black.
Hannah Ley arrived on Monday too and is correlating all the video and media material so that we have an organised and accessible collection to use for promo stuff. She’s also doing emails and organising the promotions and the opening party. Marcus arrived on Wednesday and is lending a hand with the work on the boat, cutting hatches and starting the big cleanup. There’s an awful lot to do and not a lot of time so we’re going to flat out to get it done before the launch next week (29ish September).
We’re staying at a cottage on Pete’s sister and brother-in-law’s farm not far from the boatyard. They’ve just got it ready in time for us to move in and have been very friendly and welcoming. Such lovely people…. The view from the cottage is amazing. There’s a beautiful valley of indigenous trees in front of the place that stretches right across the horizon and it’s really peaceful, not a car in earshot.
I picked the Jet Ski up from the dealer on Friday and that gets prepared and painted this week. The boat also gets its main colour coat and things should start looking really good in the workshop. We’re going to give the galley a coat of yellow to lighten things up in there. It’s all really good fun and the people are all upbeat and spirited.
Yep, there’s plenty to be done and we’re making good progress. I’ll catch up soon.
testing….
Bennie and I saw Earthrace in Durban sometime last year. It was berthed at the Point Yacht Club, where we were having lunch. I though someone was making a sci-fi movie.
It looks as though you guys are doing an amazing job. We wish you well and will follow the blog with keen attention.
Chris Bennett and Bennie Wentzel
Is this he same boat that was reported to have been in an accident with a japanese whaling boat recently?
Yep, the same one. On the 6th of January the Shonan Maru rammed it and it later sunk