Exciting developments are afoot. It seems I'm going to be moving into a temporary (~12 months?) full-time role at work later in the year, as one of my colleagues is going to have a baby. And since I'll be needing to sort out some kind of accommodation close to work for this period, I've decided that the best option will be to try and get Sentina restored and parked in the marina in Newcastle harbour. Ambitious goal perhaps, but undoubtedly an exciting challenge.
So with this gauntlet duly picked up, I've been getting the ball rolling.
Firstly I ceased work on my Hawaiian canoe build (see link to my other blog on this project) and moved her out to the back yard. She's near-as-damn-it to being completed, and I'll look forward to finally getting that job kicked into touch after Sentina is properly sorted out. The missus is just stoked at being able to park underneath the carport again.
Turning my attention back to Sentina, I was shocked at how much the big bush had grown over her. It was going nuts and had completely engulfed the forward half of her. I had wanted to chop the thing out completely when Sentina was being lifted into this spot, but my wife was adamant that it should stay so I just cut it back as much as possible. Should've 'slipped' with the bloody chainsaw.
It took a while, but its finally clear of the hull and decks. I might have a bit more of a hack at those overhanging branches later, but this should do for the time being.
What a mess. I'm looking forward to pressure cleaning her from top to bottom again. Would this be the first CO26 that's had its hedges trimmed?
I also had a shipwright mate of mine come over to have a look at the boat for me. Matt's a top bloke, an excellent shipwright and really knows how to get jobs like these done properly and cost-effectively. He also knows the best places to source parts, equipment and materials and has loads of contacts.
He was genuinely surprised at how good the hull is, and reckons the bones are all there. High praise indeed, and a testament to the original build quality.
He's given me a bunch of pointers and aimed me in the direction of my first task: stripping the rest of the gelcoat. Time to get dirty boys and girls.
