Thursday 3 November
I went around town putting up the Launch Day flyer in shops and cafes to add to the publicity we have already got in the local papers and on the radio. It will be interesting to see how many people come along to the launch.
In the shed I started by taping up the oar blades for St John (boat 1) to put lines on them in green. The number of lines denotes which rowing position in the boat they will belong. One is at the front of the boat (the bow) and 4 is at the back (the stern or in a rowing boat the stroke position). I then painted the lines in the St John green.
John I, Veronica and Dr John arrived to put the last of the resin coats on boat 2 and the footrests. Archie had to be tethered in the shed to stop him wandering off while Barny roamed freely.
We had a leisurely morning tea and finished the fruit cake. Then Veronica cleaned the inside of St John and John I fitted the rudder pintles back onto boat 2’s rudder.
I tried fitting one of the sleeves and collars but am not sure that I have got it right so I left it at that.
I cleaned up the shafts again and sanded the wooden handles, both of which I gave a thin wipe of decking oil to make them shine.
Apart from the oar sleeves, St John is ready to launch. We even have a complete set of seat cushions thanks to John I visiting Bunnings on his way home and making a swap for a larger cushion than the one Paul had accidentally picked up. Boat 2 is also finished for display purposes and looks great. We are going to count the number of people who tell us that we shouldn’t paint it. We are going to lift it onto its trailer at 10.30am tomorrow and have a celebratory cup of tea. Hope to see you then or at the launch on Saturday.
Cheers Dave