Gary wrote:

I've started cutting out and epoxy coating the new cabin panels. The big problem is the weather, it just won't stop drizzling rain. Which means with the humidity everything has a thin layer of condensation. In 3 months we've had more than last years annual rainfall!

Hard to push ahead in those conditions when epoxy needs a dry substrate. I guess it is a matter of grabbing any dry spells to get the timber sealed, and then it is easier to glue later. At least that is the benefit of a smaller boat, it just makes the process more manageable. I guess that once you get into the winter months things will dry out. I think Queensland must be getting the rain we should be having because it is still unusually dry in my part of New Zealand.

Okay despite floods, pandemic and then a flood of almost biblical proportions in February this project is still happening. I've been concentrating on internal painting of hull and various ply panels.

I have been debating on whether to replace the cabin, it's had numerous patches over the years and there is at least one soft spot. The internal argument has been along the lines of, do I repair the boat enough to get on the water...or do knuckle down and do a proper job straight off? It looks like the later, given I am redoing the cockpit seats and lockers plus the cabin aft bulkhead. I may as well do the lot, it's not like it's huge job anyway.

Also the centreboard case was removed, rebuild and refitted. The old sails have been patched and I've organised with Paul Thompson to build me a new JR sail.

Redwing ll is now mine and sitting in the driveway. I should be able to get started on the transformation sometime in July.

I'll do that Arne.

I should have the boat late this month. I have to sell Redwing's rig to fund it, and I do have a buyer, though as part of the sale I have to add 1.2m to the mast. The TS16 does have the original BM rig but the sails are in an unkown condition. Even without pulling the cabin off it will need some work. I got the boat at a fairly low price so I'm not really getting in top condition. I am however modifying a Bolger Cartopper to JR as a means of getting my sailing fix in the meantime.