What's in a name?

This old family photo was taken, we think, around 1916. I am just printing off a copy to stick in my boat. The older girl on the left is my Auntie Nell. The younger girl on the right is my mother, Daisy Grace.
So now you know.

Nearly there

Paintwork finally touched up on the outside. I had to buy a 750ml can of Donegal Green and I only needed about a brush full. I am tempted, if time allows, to give her a complete new coat of green. It doesn't take that long if the  weather warms a bit. I always use rollers. The finish isn't perfect, but far better than I can acheive with a brush. The topsides are all masked up so I can paint a non-slip coat to the cabin top, foredeck and side decks, which do get slippery when wet. I will give another stain coat to all the bright woodwork and then possibly a final coat of ivory to the remaining white woodwork. I only have about two weekends left before we go on holiday and then it will be launch day.

Fore peak

The forepeak berths are comfortable but they look a bit stark to me. All that white wall space looks a bit sterile. I am highly tempted to fit a couple of circular mirrors, one to port, one to starboard. I have seen some cheap ones and I think they might look like extra portholes. On the other hand, they might just look silly. We shall see.

Cabin filling up

Most jobs completed now apart from exterior painting. These views show the general fit out around the rear of the cabin. Bunk mattresses and Indian cushions in place, so it looks more comfortable. The new storage shelf above the quarter berth projects a bit into the sitting space on that side, but I decided that as that would be the crew seat there was no problem... The two grey drinks can holders hooked on the shelf cost me 88p each from a car accessory shop. The equivalent from a yacht chandlers are £24.95!
The boxing behind the sink hides all of the ballast tank and fresh water plumbing as well as giving storage for all the essentials such as coffee and tea. Under the companion way you can just see the chemical loo tucked under the bridge deck. Again, all of the pipe work for the ballast tank is now largely hidden.

Ship's chronometre

I have wanted a decent clock for ages. One that is easy to read and can be seen from the cockpit. I was staggered by the price of quartz "Cabin Clocks" even little ones. I also could not decide where to fit it. Then I came up with this. Certainly easy to see from the cockpit. Very accurate time with a quartz movement, and only £2.99 from Argos, including battery. It does have a very loud tick though... 

The cushion covers are Indian. We have had them for several years, and I think this makes a good home for them.