The hull is now almost totally primed and we're just waiting on Dave from Brent Marine to work his magic on fairing the hull...something that takes him just a minute compared to anybody ese's frantic efforts! Apart from one slightly leaky weld which showed up after the sandblasting, everything is looking good for work to progress to the next stage which is yet more preparation before topcoats are applied-I'm told it's going to be worth the wait!
We're lucky enough this year to have obtained sponsorship from Teamac who manufacture some of the finest paints that I have ever had the pleasure of using. Last year we used a market leading brand (which shall remain nameless) and apart from it falling off in clumps we were dragging a green beard behind us bushier than Alistair Darling's eyebrows. So this year we decided not to use any old muck on the hull and we hope that the new paint system will stand the punishment that Monarch will no doubt inflict upon it!
The leaky weld that I mentioned before has been ground out and re welded by Andros Engineering. I was relieved to see that the area in question was only the redundant/never used hull pocket condenser on the port side and was a seam which might have affected the actual hull plating. We shall monitor issues such as this on a regular basis, but all surveys and professional advice so far tells us that the overall condition of the hull is excellent....phew!
Fingers crossed now that we come across a sufficient quantity of Mahogany to plank the foredeck so as to mach the aft deck in time for the 2009 season; we really do want to see that aspect of the project completed as it will add so much to the presentation of the vessel.
Nothing much to report on the remodelling of the engine room as yet, but we do hope to begin the rebuilding within the next couple of weeks.

One request please to those who have been trying to visit the Monarch whilst she is laid up for the winter. The boatyard is a working environment and there is heavy machinery moving around all of the time. I know that for supporters of the boat it is very interesting to visit and see the work that is underway-but please don't! Try and wait until next year when she is returned to the water as this is safer for everyone. If you want to see her in the meantime, the only way would be to volunteer some of your time and help us get the work done on time.

Until the next time old chaps and chapesses,

TTFN

The Skip