Getting ready to head to sea.

Snark is a big boat and big boats generate long maintenance lists.

We have finished checking and raising the rig after our canal transit and half the sails are bent on. The wind has shifted to astern and we have to wait for a head wind before we can get the rest aloft. We are waiting for another 200m of rope to be delivered to change out the next batch of lines in the planned replacement cycle. Some serious painting will begin next week when the topside paint arrives.

Our annual re-certification comes around in April. Everything has to be checked, serviced or replaced if necessary and the coding authority, Mecal, have to be sent a signed declaration. So far we have had to replaced a bilge pump and three float switches, have the life jackets and fire extinguishers professionally serviced, check for leaks and corrosion, repair the water boiler, sterilise the water maker and water tanks, treat the fuel tanks against the dreaded fuel bug (early signs were appearing), de-commission the sewage treatment plant, a lovely job! (it only operates when we are berthed in the Exeter canal) etc etc etc.

This year is a self-certification submission, next year an independent surveyor comes on board and checks it all while we are in the water and every five years she has to be lifted our for a hull check (not a cheap process but it does usually coincide with propeller maintenance and antifouling)

The crew will move from our winter cabin (the Owners Cabin for our summer sailings) to the aft crew cabin at the end of next week ready for our first sailing leaving Topsham mid day on the 4th bound for Falmouth seven days later. We still have spaces on a number of our sailings so if you are tempted do check out our web site for details.