Restoring the boards

We took Shoestring's floor home with us just after Christmas so it could be stripped back and restored. The varnish had been re-painted several times and was looking a bit tired.

Luckily to help with this, we found an orbital sander in Tescos for £7.80, it did a great job! The floor looks like new, just the varnish to add before we re-fit it.

Next it is time to tackle the cockpit restoration and cabin sides!

National Small Boat Register

The Ntional Maritime Museum Cornwall has launched it's new database which it has been developing over the last few years. This is a register of all those boats (under 40ft LOA) which deserve to be preserved by individuals, organisations, trusts or museums.

Our very own Shoestring has been added to list as an example of a traditional family cruiser with local history. Her NSBR Registration Number is 1508.

The National Small Boat Register is a fascinating read, you can search for many small interesting vessels and learn a bit about them, it also offers a great way to ensure these smaller boats are saved for future generations.

You access the NMMC database here

Happy New Year!

In 2009, two Irish cobblers, saw Shoestring on the stand at the London Boat Show, and purchased her. She was in commission around Kilmore Quay in Ireland from 1970 onwards, once her tour as the showboat had finished.

So now 40 years later, she's still in use, and gathered a following of previous owners, adults and children who have learned to sail on her.

So happy new year from Shoestring, the best little ship in the sea.

Shoestring: Bits and bobs all over the place.

Well, Winter season well and truly upon us, I've still not sailed since September!

So far maintenance has included:

• Scrubbing all the interior surfaces of mould from poor ventilation
• Cleaning all the sails & putting them in our loft to dry out
• Removing all soft furnishings
• Top up oil in the Engine
• Check over hull and sides
• Repair two more leaks in the roof!
• Strip and re-assemble the Taylors cooker
• Move the chart-plotter above deck (on a removable mounting)
• Remove the spray-hood (I've decided for now it looks better without)

She still needs her underside scrubbed and anti-fouled, but I am going to wait until the spring for that, possibly summer, and also arrange an engine service. Two new jib sheets will be on the shopping list too.

Sadly I think our Genoa has had it, the lock-pins seem to have ceased up completely, I'll take it along to a sail-makers for advice when I get paid next.

I'm planning on a day-trip out over Christmas, i'll let you know how it goes.

Bit slow on updates!

Sorry not done much sailing or maintenance recently! I've been hectic with work! Have a look over the archives from this year, (menu on the right), or visit my personal site: www.tony-malone.com, while I get this blog ready for the 2009 season.