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Dear Gaffers, Re Gwenili 2009/10 Responding to the appeal for blog content and photos for the web site. I thought this might be a good opportunity to bring OGA friends up to date with Gwenili continuing restoration over this winter. Last season was the opportunity to set my new sails, with increased sail area and alterations to the fore triangle to improve her sailing power; her performance in all points of sail was notable improved. I managed to have a full and very pleasurable season participating in most of the OGA events and renewed my friendly competition with Charm, Bonify, Transcur, Witch, Random and Crow; I say friendly as I became aware that my sailing etiquette did not please every one and their grumbles gradually percolated to the surface. If I did cause offence then I offer my full apologies, I am still learning and I trust that the experience will stand me in good stead The season was not without other troubles with the vessel, when departing Brightlingsea for Southwold I overheated the engine due to a closed water inlet cock stop. This affected the oil pressure and 7 pinhole oil leaks appeared from rusting engine sump, this problem came to light at Southwold when the bilges were found full of oil. Afraid my season would be finished early if I had to lift the engine out to replace the sump, after advice from Barry, Howard and Les I resolved to try an external repair with a special epoxy made for the America car restoring market together with a West epoxy bandage, much to my surprise it keep the oil at bay for the rest of the season. The Next problem was that the sea water leaks were getting worse when sailing the pump was running 50% of the time. I tried to resolve this just before the passage race to Holland spent a weekend on the hard at Woolvestone applying tingles to likely spots around the rudder post and tube to know avail. Decided to continue sailing and to keep a watch full eye. Set sail to Holland with OGA where we had a fantastic time and wonderful sailing, However I discovered that the Stem was twisting with the strain of the new gammon iron which took the staysail stay out along the bow sprit opening up gap of 8mm along the stem on the weather side on each tack. A serious problem, which could not be resolved at sea, But eased by using smaller fore sails and by attaching new wire rope whiskers to take the strain which did the trick for the remainder of the season. On the return trip from Holland heading into force 4/5/6 westerlies we tried motor sailing but after several hours in uncomfortable seas the engine gave out, fuel starvation dirty tank and filters. We continued to sail, tack on tack against the wind after 28hours we were called up by Coast Guard (Raised by a concerned partner as we were late into Brightlingsea) asking if we needed assistance and before one realised they had launched the Life Boat I reluctantly accepted a tow into Harwich. No bad thing in the end to get safely into harbour to dry out and repair the engine my grateful thanks to the Life Guards. Lesson learnt here is to work out your ETA with the crew and add at least a 12 hours contingency for the conditions to save the anxiety of love ones ashore. The engine problems continued to dog me for the rest of the season until we striped down fuel linkage parts while participating in the Swale match and then after she worked a treat. All this has given me a considerable list of repair work for the winter season. I arranged for space at St Osyths Boat yard. Andy Harman gave her a look over to assess the work and declared that “She’s an old girl, she needs looking after, and you sail her to hard” But I protested “I’m not a boy racer “he replied “Oh yes you are!!! After a detailed inspection with Shipwright Alan Williams (He is not a finger in the Dyke man) to identify weaknesses, which could be contributing to the leaks, a systematic inspection and removal of tired wood, fixings and seams were carried out. Gwenili now has her starboard garboard and the full length strake above removed, the Stem out, the rudder blade and tube off, weak and wet seams all around the stern and counter have been racked away, keel bolts exposed but found to be sound I need a new propeller and Engine Sump. And fuel and water tanks. Considerable new fastnings and re-caulking will be needed. New floors are proposed either side of the rudder to stop further widening of the seams; lack of strength here has been the main cause of leaks, which have persisted over many years. And I am mindful of the major work that Steve and Bev have taken on with Cachalot and decided not to go any further with taking her apart. Its not all doom and gloom Alan says” She’s not in such bad condition the timbers, floors streaks and there fastenings are sound but the Port garboard will need attention next year along with other finger in the dyke repairs” Oh hell! All this makes me feel that the work I did two years ago was merely cosmetic! I have added some photos of her current condition and her sailing this last season
I wish to thank all those who have crewed and helped me in 2009 including Graham, Adrian, John, Alison, Morag, Luke, Barbara, Peter, Henry and friend, Ric, Steve, Glenn and the Mad Dog who jumped ship. And all the organisers of OGA events. I wish you all a happy new year and trust you may wish to join me again sailing Gwenili in 2010 She’s 100 this year and I still plan to take her back to her first home Port Bordeaux, France (where she was built) via Douarnenez in July and August 2010, repairs depending. Kind regards Martin |
