Saturday 4 April 2015

Easter Saturday - Launch Day!

I can’t believe that this day has finally arrived.  We made our way to Norfolk yesterday and booked into the Travelodge at Acle after making a very emotional visit to see Crocus …

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I must admit that I shed a tear – she looked so beautiful and Mike was not here to see her.

Saturday dawned dry but chilly and after breakfast Simon and I drove to Thurne Dyke while Jamie and Phill went to Crocus.  They took photos of her as she appeared from the shed …

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Then we all waited at the Dyke for her to appear.  The first thing we noticed was the Easter Bunny!

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The bilge pump was set to work as she began to take on water but it wasn’t nearly as bad as we’d feared …

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The fizz was popped and Jamie poured some on her …

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Now the fun began!  The mast was raised and shrouds attached. Homes had to be found for all the blocks and ropes - Mike had coded some of them but not all so it was trial and error. 

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The boys sat amongst the gear while everyone was working …

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We had a problem with the gaff and had to change the original setting as it was bowing when pulled up tight …

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Finally ready and it was time to move her to a temporary mooring where Nick could keep an eye on her for about ten days.  A certain person was very pleased how well she moved down the Dyke!

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Phill had taken the dogs for a run at St Benet’s Abbey so Jamie, Simon and myself were on board with Nick at the helm. 

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Once moored and with Phill back from his walk, Nick took a group photo and of course the Easter Bunny was included!

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