Re-launch day at last!

Time moved on and days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. We (and Fox’s Boatyard) continued to work through our jobs list. Not that it got any shorter, as every week more things were added to it.

Due to Martin and I still working and us also working on our house to get it sold (to pay for all the jobs!!), we couldn’t get to the boat as much as we would have liked. This meant work seemed to progress very slowly.

On the positive side though, as time progressed, Escapade was moving ever closer to the water! From the Meadow, she moved up to opposite the Oyster Brokerage. The next jump was to the workshed, quickly followed by just outside the chandlery. This move was very exciting in many ways. We were much closer to the toilets and showers – the Meadow is a long way when you need to go!! We were right next door to the Chandlery – very convenient for those last minute/unanticipated purchases. But, best of all, we were almost on the water!! Almost, but not quite.

After much anticipation, the day finally arrived….28th January, the re-launch.

When we bought Escapade, she had been for sale for several years, so apart from the sea-trial in September 2016, she had not been on the water for over 5 years. This was a truly momentous occasion.

As you can see from the pictures, it was a skilled operation. Escapade was hoisted up in the sling. Then slowly moved into position, ready to be carefully lowered into the water.

Once floating again, she was left in the sling for a while so we could check for any leaks (Fox’s had replaced all of the old skin fittings and made a few few more holes for new ones). I am pleased to report that there were only two small ones which were easily fixed by tightening the fittings.

Escapade was then moved around to her berth and new home for the next few months. How exciting!