Launched

Sally's 82-year refit concluded this morning at 7.30, when she was slipped back into the waters of Loch Broom. She's had a survey, a keel bolt dropped (pristine and singing like new after 20 years) topsides primed, filled and painted, coachroof glassed, antifouled, new shaft bearing, mast revarnished. And a lot more besides. Not a sign of a seam, thanks to Mr Elkins and his men in 1937, headed by the legendary Reg Yebbseley (who died just a few months after I bought her way back in the lat 1990s.)

The weather helped, with a smattering a good day, punctuated by the usual West Coast stuff. Enough good days to allow everything to be done, with a few days to spare. Oh, and the rudder was rebuilt, tiller repaired and stuffing box refurbished.


I also raked the mast forward a touch, not to improve balance, but simply for aesthetics. She's always had a boldly raked mast, which I have often thought was a bit too bold.

After a month out of the water she leaked not a drop, the little 1GM 10 started third push and full marks Messrs Johnson and Loftus for a totally trouble free experience. If the yard was on Trip Advisor I'd give them 11/10.