Round Britain 2012Preparations » Round Britain 2012

Hull down with food stores

Joe Barrett — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 06:51:38 +0000

The most onerous task – victualling the boat – has been completed – food shopping for for the trip.

The food is onboard. The tins,dried food and long life stuff anyhow!

The whole day was spent in various supermarkets. There is now a sea of stores on the saloon floor. Just need to stow it all now.

Back on the water at last

Joe Barrett — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:58:11 +0000

Dawn Treader is back in the water. Lifted in April 2nd . Our departure date of May 5th is getting very close – and very real.

Back in the water again

So now it is loading stores and gear. Sails go on later this week and victualing – which is now the main priority – has begun.

Folding Bike Bags

I have bought a second hand folding bike to take with us. We will be able to buy supplies – and keep fit! The problem is where to keep it on board!

Solution: Strap it to the mast in a waterproof bag. Have been trying all sorts of bags but finally settled for a sturdy old sail bag which takes the bike really well.

Fitting Out Update: Anchor Chain Problems

Joe Barrett — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:02:41 +0000

The big push is on to get ready for launching in the first week of April. Then there will still be a month of on-the-water preparations before our departure date of May 5th.

See the plan page for more details of the route.

New anchor chain: good job I changed it!

After reading Scottish cruising guides I decided to increase the amount of chain to 60 metres. In doing so found a very scary problem which is now fixed.

The original 40m chain had a shackle at the onboard end of the chain which was was in turn attached to a piece of line for quick release. Unfortunately the shackle was so rusted that it had to be cut off (more than 30mins with a hacksaw!) The shackle would not have gone through the chain pipe and anchor winch!

Would have meant that the anchor and chain could not have been released – without the hacksawing! Not something I would want to do as we were dragging towards the rocks!

Glad I bought the new chain …. A lot of extra weight but I am sure I will sleep at lot easier at anchor in some lonely Loch.

Antifouling now complete

The good weather this week meant the anti-fouling could be completed.

Used the usual two and half big tins but at least it done. She looks ready for sea now even if there are weeks of other work yet!