Getting on with jobs

Monday 12

Sun shining at last and time to start sorting things out.  The top part of the boat was polished by 6.30 p.m. and the new dinghy arrived during the course of the afternoon - so felt we had made a start.

Tuesday 13

Time to get the old cover off the variotop (a little like a softtop roof on a car) - and it took all day. It was by now, slightly alarmingly, torn all over. The lining had completely rotted and was like soot, which went everywhere. Fortunately we had had another cover over the roof all winter and although rain water had got inside the boat it caused little, if any, damage and my washing basket had been placed strategically under the worst part to catch the drips.

Ripped roof

Helping to undo all the screws around the edge

We had been watching the forecast and no rain until Thursday so not too concerned about rain overnight and only having the inside lining of the roof in place.

Yet another drinks party on Seductress  this time and dinner after, of course.

Wednesday 14

Optimistically thought we were going to get the new roof in place today but another day passed and not much I could do to help as all the holes on the leading edge of the new roof didn't quite match up with the existing holes and the Captain had to drill and tap another 38 all the way around.

Our first night in - I had to cook!

Thursday 15

Finally - but not until 4.30 ish - the new roof in place and out to Cruising Association dinner (41 members at dinner and others turned away as not enough room for more). By now very familiar with menu and going through the dishes we like for at least the second time.

Happily almost done

A few wrinkles to sort out and a change of colour for the Mediterranean

Friday 16

The new dinghy had been left languishing on the pontoon while the roof was sorted out so the Captain decided to get it on to the back of the boat only to find it had a tear (approx 50 ml long) in the side.  Managed to organise for chandler in town to collect and replace but not until tomorrow. In the meantime two more friends from the UK had returned to the marina and some confusion on which boat to have celebratory drinks.  We were due to host drinks on Saturday but decided to move it forward to tonight so slight panic to tidy everything up (tools everywhere, bimini and sides still to be put in place, booze to be purchased etc) but made it with time to spare for the Captain to have a little sleep - he was worn out from his roofing experience. If anyone ever needs help to replace a cover on a Linssen 500 Variotop they know who to contact.