2024 Plans

Barring anything significant changing, this year is going to be a very light sailing year, much like last year. Family stuff is the order of things and my fitness needs to improve before the next adventure. Hopefully I can get Louisa in good shape for 2025 and so I'll take my time rather than rushing jobs like painting the deck and fitting the trysail track.   

Getting ready for launching

A productive day, hampered only by my fitness. Bottom painting finished, deck fittings complete, deck paint progressed but I ran out of steam to finish the cutting in for the grey non-slip areas. Forepeak jet washed and dried ready for stowage. 

The new boot stripe is quite wide but should hide the weed growth. I also checked the mooring and cleared some old lines and brought home the ones worth keeping so that I can clean and repair them. I'll need to make up two new ones. I brought home the tiller for a refurb, the varnish was lifting in places. One more session and I should be ready to go back in.

Progress Update

 Boot stripe is painted, two coats of underwater primer and two of black hard racing antifouling. Not as straight as I'd like but various club members were complimentary so all good. White gloss on deck is finished, cockpit needs doing. Grey anti-slip needs doing when the weather allows. Before launch I need to prep the prop and antifoul the hull so getting closer. Forepeak was tackled, white vinegar sloshed everywhere to control the mould. Horrible job but hopefully I am getting it under control. Deck leaks are sorted with re-bedded tracks and starboard window. Coach roof rails are done, a bit more oil and maybe a bit of filler to complete. Cabin table isn't a viable offshore option so I'll revert to my mini table for cup and phone. Cockpit bench slat ties are in on the port side, starboard to do which I'll tackle when I do the mould in the quarter berth. 

Next I need to start loading up for my summer plans and the big job is the mast trysail track which will have to wait until I am afloat.