Back to work

Having been sailing for seven weeks, the job list had grown. We already had some work from before we went away, but while away, we had the chance to consider the extra things that would make life safer and more comfortable, especially when far from land for long periods of time.

December and January brought with them cold and wet weather, making it too cold to work outside for long. This meant that inside jobs were in order.

Martin started on shelf making and I worked my way through my ever growing sewing list.

Those of you who have been following our blogs will know that, many months ago, I bought a second hand sewing machine and made curtains. After the initial success of this, we started a longer list of possible projects. These were more ambitious and required sewing canvas. Where to start??

Fortunately, I was able to take advice from Paul and Joe at Elite Yacht Covers. They were able to recommend and source canvas and special UV resistant thread. They were also able to give me a few pointers about using a domestic sewing machine with these things. Thanks Elite!!

It was a very different type of sewing and took a lot of trial and error. The canvas is much thicker and the UV thread is like sewing with fishing line. I also had to enlist Martin’s help with some of the design issues. But, with practice and perseverance (and several evenings of drinking wine!) some fairly successful projects were completed: Binocular bag, 6 hatch covers, 8 winch covers, a windlass cover, 3 tool rolls, two seat covers, a mast boot cover and (hardest of all) a wheel and pedestal cover!!

Stowage (storage) on a boat is crucial as we have very limited space. Every place we can find needs to be used to its maximum. When we bought Escapade, she had plenty of lockers (cupboards), but only a few had shelves. This meant that either things were crammed in on top of each other (making it difficult to find them) or there was lots of wasted space.

Martin set to and started shelf making. This was a long job…

None of the lockers have straight sides, so all of the shelves were strange shapes, needing regular measuring and trimming to fit. Then, they needed fiddles fitting to the front(these are small up stands to stop things sliding off the shelves when the boat heels over). The final step was varnishing  – several coats, over several days.

They were worth the effort though – plenty of storage space and beautiful to look at.

NB I’ve now added a couple of other things to the list to be made: several spice racks, a mug holder for the cockpit and a new cockpit table! Good job Martin still has his workmate and power tools!!