Closer Focus on preparing for ABS Survey, and Search for Professional crew begins

 Earlier this week, across two early mornings, Capt Heath, the Project Manager,  met with Volunteer Coordinator Bryan Oliver, and Laura Johnson (on her days off from "Double Fun"), where he laid out some guidance to focus our priority of work towards preparation for the ABS Survey visit.  The effort would focus on a deep cleaning (she needed that anyway), but specifically in the areas that ABS would be inspecting.  

With that guidance, Laura and Bryan  set to work cleaning out the grime and stains around the compartments housing the thru hull ball valves in the Salon and Forecastle.  At the same time Capt Heath shared that he was beginning a search for a new Captain for Spirit of South Carolina, who would, in turn, take responsibility for hiring a Mate and another four paid crew.   Those accomplishments will put us all on solid track for up-rigging the Main mast, executing a couple of shake down cruises, and recapturing our COI.

Frank apparently enjoying his project
 in the engine room.

As last Saturday arrived, volunteers continued down the route set by Capt Heath.  David Brennan and Calvin Milam grabbed fresh rags and cleaning bottles to tackle the aft cabin Head thru hull compartments and surrounding surfaces.  Frank Thigpen continued his work in the engine room, wire brushing down areas of rust, and coating them with 'Rustoleum' primer. 

Nate Mack with scrapers and heat gun started on the portside midships caprail where it was showing severe UV damage.  Craig Scott, with his souped-up multi-meter, set upon the saloon and aft cabin head macerators that were not operating. Danny Johnson dropped in and volunteered to coordinate a lunch "take-out" from Ted's Deli, on East Bay, giving Hunter a break from his typical lunch preparation for volunteers. 

Calvin surveys the paint deterioration
on port side while Bryan works
 to maintain station.

As the work reached stopping places towards noon, Danny disappeared up the docks to procure lunch. Nate, Frank, and David launched the Dory with two banks of oars, and rowed the marina and out around the schooner to inspect the hull paint wear.  After lunch, Calvin and Bryan took over the Dory for their own exercise, while Volunteers cleared away lunch,  their own work areas as secured all.

As the Day closed out, Calvin was presented his 50-Hour Jibsail Volunteer Pin, actually accomplished back in July, and, then immediately following, was presented his 100-hour Foremast Volunteer pin, having earned the last 4 hours required just that morning.