After almost a month, Banjaard’s refit in Guernsey is nearing completion.
Bearing in mind the enormity of the challenge the OSTAR represents, the refit has gone way beyond the normal annual antifoul, polish, engine and seacock service. Indeed many items might be more normally scheduled for a twenty year refit, but it seems sensible to do things now as the boat is 18 years old.
Earlier in the year, the mast was completely stripped and all of the rigging was inspected and where necessary replaced. The essential inner forestay from which storm jibs can be flown was also installed as was a dedicated halyard for the storm trysail which can also be used as a spare main halyard (albeit with three reefs in). Most of the running rigging has also been replaced.
The engine has had a full service, and as part of the major refit it was decided to replace the stern gland as the deep sea seal is of unknown age and another local local Swan virtually sank on its mooring when it failed (fortunately it touched the bottom at low water). As the Atlantic is much deeper, it seemed wise to get it changed. At the same time it seemed sensible to replace the cutlass bearing and that led to a new prop shaft. Thanks to M&G for attending to all of this so promptly.
The keel bolts have been checked and the collar at the top of the rudder repaired. The hatches have also been serviced, and in particular the forehatch has had a new acrylic, seals and handles, thanks to Glen Stanfield. I am very fortunate in having an aircraft engineer as a crew member and friend who can help on technical jobs.
The glamorous sanding of the bottom of the boat and the antifouling I have done myself. The quality of the finish of the bottom appears to make a big difference, particularly around the cans, and it is something that I always pay particular attention to. Other than that, a polish, a few gel coat repairs by Andrew Dorey who always manages to fit me in at even the busiest time of year, and the refit side is complete.
The remaining tasks are mainly adding new electrical equipment, the wind generator and new autopilot course computers. Gus of Advantage Yacht Services is on top of the increasingly complex electrical systems on board.
I have been fortunate that the weather has been good to allow all of this to happen, but it always seems sad working on the boat ashore when the weather is lovely. Anyway, Banjaard should be back in the water this week. I can then test all of the new systems and equipment, as there is now just over a month to the start, and in one month’s time I need to be in Plymouth. Fortunately this is but a short sail away.
By the way the photograph is before all of my efforts!
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