Nancy Blackett ready at Robertsons.

Nancy Blackett was back in the water in ample time for the fitting-out and planned delivery back to Woolverstone, and we offer a very big “thank you” to all of our volunteers who helped in appalling weather on Saturday 9th April. By the end of that wet day, a great deal had been done, just leaving a few deck items and safety checks for us to complete in the Sunday sunshine.

Unfortunately, after the mast was stepped aboard, a very slight defect was found by Roberstsons during their subsequent rigging checks. Rather than risk starting the season like this, the mast was removed and taken into the workshop for further checks and an inspection by our surveyor.

A decision was made to “splint” the defect area with a high-tech near-invisible fibreglass sleeve. This involved a five-layer pack, each layer needing time to cure, and then varnishing. All these works have now been completed very successfully, and the mast stepped back aboard.

Nancy Blackett is looking great again, with the mainsail and jib rigged earlier today, and almost ready for her delivery home to Woolverstone, barring a few remaining small jobs. Now rescheduled for Saturday 23rd April, departure from Woodbridge is expected to be at, or after, midday, with an anticipated arrival at Woolverstone after 6PM.

We already have a volunteer skipper and mate, but crew positions for any other experienced members may still be available. If you can make it, please contact our Sailing Secretary, John Smith.

Additionally, anyone who has applied for early-season sailing will be contacted during the coming week, by which time we hope to be more certain of Nancy Blackett’s delayed starting date for the season. We are hoping for a full and enjoyable sailing season again on her, and in addition to all the normal sailing opportunities, we are including opportunities for some evening sailing from Nancy Blackett’s Woolverstone home base.

Lastly, please consider donating to the Nancy Blackett Trust’s 20th Anniversary Appeal, to help cover this year’s additional repair bills and build up a reserve for the future.

Words: John Smith. Photo: Claudia Myatt.