It seems the Long Haul is Here

 It's 3 weeks since Spirit of South Carolina arrived at  Thunderbolt Marine, and was hauled out.   Since then, she's had her hull power washed and sanded, to rid the surface of all marine growth, and knock off most of the loose bottom paint that's no longer doing it's job.  

The Coast Guard's six inspectors inspected her hull, at he end of the month; all her bilges at every access point, and her thru-hull ball valves for operation.   Tony and Bryan completely emptied the lazerette compartment  and opened EVERY access plate to the bilges for their inspection. 

Meanwhile, earlier in the week,
 the replica pilot schooner, Virginia, out of Norfolk,
arrives for her her Haulout  and scheduled
maintennance.

The following Saturday, Richard Behling drove down with his pick up, which we quickly put to work with the cargo net, lowering down and transporting bags of linen, hardware and mattresses from the forecastle, for stowing while we cleaned out the interior. Before Richard and Bryan departed they walked over to talk with the delivery crew of the pilot schooner, Virginia just arrived from Norfolk.  It's in interesting comparison in the hulls and rigs between Virginia and Spirit of South Caroline; both replicas, of period pilot schooners, built about 30 years apart.

One morning, midweek, Hunter recognized the same Shipwright we employed 3 years ago in Thunderbolt;  standing under the Spirit of South Carolina, closely examining the hull.He was here to inspect the hull, review the USCG inspection, and write up a bill of materials for the shipwright work to be done.

This last Saturday,  Volunteer Coordinator, Bryan seemed to be last man standing. Over three days, Bryan repaired the cargo net, then descended into the Lazarette over two days. first brushing and wet-wiping out all surfaces in the lazarette. 

Grimy frame timbers in the lazarette,
just before Bryan went to work on them.

Then,  with 3 pints of White topside paint, a roller and tipping brush recoated all the lazarette timbers. It wasn't exactly a professional job, with masked areas taped off.  There would be some white drips and drabs all over, but the frame timbers all received a new coat of white polyurathane enamel.  

Piles of gear and spare hardware lie about the cockpit,
 waiting the next volunteers to return them in an orderly fashion
 back into the lazerette.

Now, the lazarette was ready to be re-populated in receipt of all of its contents still piled around the cockpit. The forecastle has most berths emptied out, now waiting to be wet-wiped clean; as is several berths in the salon.  And, of course, the repaired cargo net is standing by to send over other piles of gear bedding, and hardware, down to the dock for transporting to temporary storage.

 

Our second story living arrangement in Shipyard

 Hunter waiting at the bottom for his provisioning

 run to Krogers' downtown.

 This week, hopefully, we will learn of the plan resulting from the shipwright's inspection. That is most likely to be the high priority work being done due to it's  being directly addressed by USCG. Hunter has already provisioned in anticipation of volunteers coming down for a day this week or weekend(16-17 April).  Other systems; electronics and plumbing, are awaiting the same detailed inspection.

In addition to making the forecastle liveable again, Volunteers who come down over the next couple of weeks will get a chance to look over the schooner Virginia.  As work starts on her damaged planking, and other hull areas, there might be opportunities to swing a caulking mallet.  

Berths are available for those willing to stay overnight.  The crew lounge of course offers some surprisingly nice comforts.