Traditional boatbuilding is by its nature a slow process, much reliant on craft skills and hand tools, so checking in on Nancy Blackett’s restoration work after our last report reveals real progress.

The main task – replacing the cockpit coaming and cabin side with a single 20-foot length of Brazilian mahogany – has been completed and it’s now ready for varnishing.

The adjacent parts of the coachroof have all been replaced and are being prepared for painting. Other work has continued, including restoration of the beam carrying the details of Nancy’s ‘Official Number’.

The other big news when we visited the yard this week was the arrival of the new stainless-steel drinking-water tank. A replacement for a series of not-very-robust rubber bags, it has been custom-designed to fit the space in the bilges beneath Nancy’s cabin floor.

Relaunch date is still mid-April and plans are now being made for an active and innovative summer season, with some new ports of call. Keep an eye on this site – and if you’d like more frequent email updates, and the chance to sail yourself, why not become a Trust Member – see here for more details!