As we were driving down the A14 towards Ipswich I was watching many birds collecting various bits for their nests. The increasing green on the hedgerows was another indication of the first bloom of spring. This was further confirmed by the sounds around Ipswich Haven Marina, in fact from the sound of scrubbing, sails flapping, boats being put back into the water and trolleys being pulled along the pontoons definitely told me that spring has sprung.
Every one seems hard at work preparing their boats for the new season. We were among the many, but lots has happened to Rascal over the winter. With a deep sigh and hands in our pockets we had new rigging fitted. It was the original rigging and we felt it was better safe than sorry. We also after much thought had Rascal copper bottomed. This had involved a great deal of research on our part but lots of sailors beg to differ on this. In fact get two boat owners in a room and I'll swear you will get three different opinions. We will let you know our opinion after this season's sailing and haul out. But at the moment the hull is turning a fetching shade of green.
Other improvements have included the purchase of a made to measure mattress. This involved us making a template whilst the nice people at Shipshape mattresses did the rest. When it was delivered to the marina, it looked like we had ordered a harp. For obvious reasons the mattress comes in two halves. It fitted which was a relief, however I need to remember we now have about six inches less headroom in the cabin. You would think the number of times I've hit my head in would remember. After the fun of installing the mattress we took the old cushions to the tip. However in the county of Suffolk the tips are now shut on Wednesday. We had an additional trip on the Thursday.
 |
| Arrival of the harp. |
 |
| New mattress place. |
 |
| To the tip with the old mattress. |
In addition to spending lots of money we have done normal things like washing down the decks and refitting the sails. I also managed to teak oil the new cockpit table, which we at long last have got fitted. So fingers crossed for a brilliant summer so we can have alfresco dining.
All in all I think we are virtually ready, but we lost a day as the car was full of cushions and we couldn't collect the sails we didn't have time to go out but next time down will be our shakedown cruise.
