So the work on the boat at this stage has been a lot of learning curves, literally when it comes to frames and stringers. A lot of woodworking techniques that I needed to get my head around and also put into practice. I was hoping to have the boat planked by now but for many different reasons it’s not happened. Some were me really taking too much time and being overcautious. However, I feel I am better being that way inclined rather than being too impulsive. I have time on my side, well sort of, so may as well use it to get it right.

Life in general has also been a factor. I said at one point ‘life was getting in the way’ of the the build. I then realised life doesn’t get in the way of anything ‘life is the way’. Family and friends, motorbikes and fishing, golfing and holidays, sunshine and relaxation, and of course the odd calamity that comes along to keep reminding me life is rich and fullsome and occasionally tough. All this and boat building, such a great life!

I will get there one step at a time I am almost at the stage where all the stringers will be fitted and then on to the planking. I will now do this on my return from winter break. I have not attached any photos as I really don’t think its advance enough from last time, although I seem to have spent a lot of time working on it. I will have photos in the next blog, post winter break. Btw way off to see the 2026 Transat in Lagos in October so that will be fun and very useful in the process of building the 5.80.

So goodbye for now and until next year!

PS That’s me not away yet as I am making sure everything is put away and sorted. The joys of building in a tent and making sure all is well over the winter.