Azores or Bust

Had a good session on Mischief after the 'summer cruise to no where'. I started fitting deck hardware but found that the core between the outer and inner laminates was wet 😢. I need a plan to deal with this! I did manage to fit the restored halyard winch with a new backing plate and two of the four deck lead blocks. All nicely mastic'd down and hopefully in the right place. I also fitted the self steering bracket which is very secure. After inspecting and taking on board comments from friends about the rubbing strakes these all came off. Only took a couple of hours and no breakages. I couldn't fit them in the car but I have refurbished some of the smaller parts. The sprayhood was given its latest fitting, I doubt if it will be the final fitting. I need to finish the sprayhood before I can lower the mast so hopefully only one or two more fittings.

I don't like waste so when I start a new tube of mastic I like to try and use it all. Trouble is I also seem to like to get it everywhere. I stuck the following items on: cockpit caddy, drogue anchor tether plates and companionway plates. I also checked the final dry fit of the steering pendulum bracket now that it is glued up. Perfect  

A productive weekend, I acquired a used hank on genoa for a song and will trial it on Chantilly. Among other things this weekend I have dismantled the electrical system in preparation for the upgrade. Battery locker templates were made in preparation for bonding shelves to the hull when the weather gets warmer!

I have joined the Achilles Owners Group  www.achillesyachts.co.uk , and requested some support with planning the refit and offshore preparations. Received an excellent response. This is testament to an active and interested group who make use of their boats.   https://www.flickr.com/groups/achilles24/discuss/72157690184213752/ Some of the feedback is a bit of a worry; masts rotting and rudder weakness but as they say, better to know now before I put to sea.

I need a 2.6m spinnaker pole, they cost a lot! I am making a 2.6m spinnaker pole.

Had a good day this weekend, very little wind so took the opportunity to mock up the sprayhood. Also trial fit the self steering system which needs yet more tweaking, given where it is attached this could be twerking! Also did some minor works and fitted the refurbished washboards. Varnish, ahhh. Other projects included adding backing plates to the mainsheet horse, adding cleats for shelf netting and some wiring work were progressed.

Never managed to use one single-handed so I hope this isn't a waste of money but I have acquired a used spinnaker.