Daylight for Em

New wooden hatches replace the heavy steel ones above Em's bed. Now she has daylight too; after years of cave dwelling we convinced her that a bit of light was a good idea. 

It wasn't easy, change isn't exactly top of Em's list.

Racing next week on the Schildmeer

Em has 12 competitors in the Optimist B fleet at the Schildweek, starting on Saturday, and we are sailing in a fleet of 28 16m2, our biggest fleet to date. It's going to be fun.

First we have to find somewhere to 'park' the barge.

Sunday without sailing

With Em off to a birthday party instead of sailing this weekend we got around to painting bits of the barge that needed attention. There is always something that needs painting. Later this week we will fetch the Optimist and set off for the Schildmeer. I'll have to cycle back and collect the 16m2 on it's trailer so that we can sail too.

Aerial view of the cupboard

Birgit's cupboard is now finished. The body is aboard for painting and the maple doors will be hung on Monday. 

Big smiles

This afternoon Peter and I handed the Arma's rear cabin back to it's rightful owners, Birgit and Geert.

Monday we have a short list of small bits and pieces to do to round the project off and then we hand over to Jeroen, who is going to do some extra steel work.

Though there is still a lot of sanding and painting to do it looks here as if Birgit and Geert are happy with what we have done for them and are looking forward to moving into their new stern cabin. 

We have enjoyed working for them too and are proud of our work aboard the Arma.

Going nowhere

A week ago we were fully loaded up and off to Grou, hauling the club inflatable too for Jesper, the Splash trainer.

Tomorrow we are going nowhere. A Saturday off. Gentle start, cycle to the market, cup of coffee somewhere, maybe a swim in the afternoon. Sounds fine to me.

Arma flooring

Spent yesterday and today on my knees in Arma's cabin putting down oak flooring. The plank running athwartships lifts out to release the five planks covering the steel hatch through which the reversing gear could be dismantled if the need ever arises. 

Judging by the weight and size of the reversing gear I reckon it will outlive us all.

Birgit's cupboard - one step further

The maple planks have been jointed and planed to thickness. I wish the hinges would turn up so that I can work out how much to take off the sides.

Leader of the Pack

Em leads Erwin Bouma en Charlotte Smit through the narrow channel connecting Pikmeer and Wijde Ee, during this weekend's Combi event in Grou. Dennis went on to finish first overall and Charlotte fourth. Em's sixth place puts her in second overall, behind Dennis, with one Combi to go on the Schildmeer at the end of August.

I should know better:

Of course that is Erwin Bouma behind Em and it is Erwin who is leading the overall standings going into the last Combi in August. Sorry Erwin. Sorry Dennis [who is only three points behind Em] too.

Yoghurt the cat

We have been adopted by a cat. Yoghurt [Em chose the name] has been using the cat flap in the workshop door and sleeping in the shop. A bit scruffy but very friendly [much like the rest of us?].Will she still be there on Monday?

Maple

Four maple planks for Birgit's cupboard doors. Fire up the thickness planer.

Polish

Instead of spending Wednesday evening polishing my buoy rounding skills I spent three hours polishing Em's Optimist. Hmmm.

The beer I drank after all my hard work was Ok'd by Spanish scientists!