Spirit of South Carolina's Haul Out at Thunderbolt Marina to extend at least two more weeks.

 Spirit of South Carolina will be in dry-dock here for at least another two weeks, possibly longer, depending on how a few issues are resolved.  There’s a lot of work to be done, and if you’re interested, you’re welcome to come down for a day or two, or a week, live aboard ship at the shipyard, join the crew in working thru the projects, .

Thursday, 1st full day at the shipyard,
our practice was scraping the flaking bottom paint
 down to wood. White circles were Capt Clevelands
calling special attention to certain areas.

After arriving at Thunderbolt Shipyard, and being hauled out last Wednesday morning, the Shipyard took over, giving her bottom a power washing. While the crew was sent away to the crew lounge,, a luxury here not to be missed by the way, the Coast Guard and American Bureau of Shipping Inspectors spent the day with Captain Cleveland and the Mate.  Later in the evening,, yes it was a long day, Dan and Charlie came over to the crew lounge and made out the worklist. It was then we learned how much the goal posts had been moved.

Today, Friday's project was "reefing" the damaged caulking
out of the planking.  2d Mate, Claire using a
reefing tool and mallet to pry out old oakum.

Prior to departure from Charleston, the inspector teams had alluded to our Ships Officers that  they expect the work needed to be done on the vessel would take no more than a week,, hence everyone’s understanding that we would be ready to return to Charleston this coming week. 

That is no longer the case. During the inspection, a small number of planks were identified as suspect, and might likely have to be replaced.  This will require the contracting of a Shipwright and team to do the diagnosis and work.  It will create a domino effect to other projects, such as the crew’s “reefing” out old leaky seams and re-caulking with oakum.  Prepping and repainting the bottom.. a 4-day project done by the shipyard. The ABS Inspector required that ALL 16 of the ships thru-hull valves be disassembled for inspection.  Those and some other issues raised, would essentially push everything back another week.  However, the Shipyard announced that at the end of that week, they were shutting down their Sync Lift, for scheduled maintenance,  the apparatus that raised the  schooner and put her on rails for dry-dock. That will further delay our planned return

So, If no further surprises result from inspection of hull fasteners, Spirit of South Carolina may return as early as end of the month.

Meanwhile, there's another project to replace all the
 weathersealing under all the butterfly hatches,
 mandated by the ABS Inspection.

Here’s where you can help, if you can.  Respond to this email or send a text if you can. I’ll put you in touch with the crew.

Hunter's laid out the table for a barbecue dinner at the Crew Lounge

The crew will lose half it’s strength in the next week.  But there are plenty of essential projects, unique to Traditional Sailing ships, that need  finishing.  They run the gamut but include work around her hull, rigging, deck fittings, mechanical troubleshooting.  The work is done on an 8-9 hour work day, starting at 8 AM after breakfast.  You’ll be working alongside a great crew,  appreciative of your willing to help, and eager to share skills.

After the work day, the crew has been regularly retiring to the Crew lounge, where Hunter has been taking advantage of a nice grill  and large patio to prepare alfresco dinner, while crew enjoys the large Jacuzzi,  refrigeration for our beverages, a pool table, free wifi, and, oh-yes. AIR CONDITIONING. I’m sitting here as I write this.

Somewhere in the near future, her inspection issues will be resolved and the Shipyard’s Sync-Lift will be back in service. Spirit of South Carolina will need crew to bring her back to Charleston.