Mid October and it was still warm and sunny, so with the sailing season fast running out I went for a last sail before lift out. There was very little wind, just enough to make headway and I had only reached the entrance to the Swale as the tide turned. By now the wind had died to bugger all and it was time to switch on the engine and take a slow motor back. Once on the buoy I had a few hours to kill waiting for the tide to cover the mud in front of the club gates. The sunset was reflected in the calm water.
Then came lift out. Blue Venture was due out last on the second day, all the lifts went smoothly the first day then at the end of the second day came my turn. I had assembled the cradle and freed up all the moving parts earlier in the week. I had an extra red strop on the stern and a couple of lengths of rope tying the lifting strops together. She came out easy and with only a little adjustment was positioned in the cradle.
So that was that for this year. There is a list of jobs to do before the spring including a nice shiny coat of paint and some new lettering.
So that was that for this year. There is a list of jobs to do before the spring including a nice shiny coat of paint and some new lettering.