You know, its beginning to look like a boat.
There has been a light hearted competition over the last week or two as the final painting is done. The doors have to be opened wide and the fans switched on and we are glad it’s still cool. As we assemble, we count the number of runs in the paintwork and write the scores up for the team who was on the previous day. Then we sand them down and get to painting the next layer, trying not to have too many runs in the paint before we closed for the day.
Mind you, the need to do the bright work remains and the gunwales have to be rubbed back, time and again to ensure that sufficient layers of varnish are built up to protect the timber. The seats and the rudder and yoke are getting the same treatment and hopefully all these things will come together over the next few days.
The oars are being reshaped as we learn from what we have done in the past. A little thinner and more rower friendly is what we are aiming for, but only time on the water will prove the work. And finally, the drain plugs will have to be put in, as forgetting these may be disastrous.
There are side benefits to the work with a solid supply of biscuits and cake from various people and it certainly makes it worth while rocking up to do some work with the knowledge of a decent morning tea break. It’s going to be interesting once we have finished the skiff and handed the pair of them over to the club. What will we be doing next?
Well done to everyone who has contributed to these builds. With Ken Baxter taking on full time work midway through, Bob Harrap has stepped up to the plate and even managed to get a couple of weeks away as the team that has been working on the build knew enough to keep on going without supervision.
The bosuns were: Erich Schwab, Alan Sharpe, Theo Berden, Bob Motteram, Rick Steuart, Ernie Little, Mark Harper, John Midolo, Brian Cross, Bruce Cadee, Campbell Stewart, Kevin Doig, Ken Baxter and of course the refuelling team of Dave Roberts, Bruce Cadee (again), Doug Cowie and Bruce Uren.
The club is looking for rowers for the two skiffs besides the teams from the fleets and if you contact Bob Harrap on 0407 992901 or John Midolo on 0419 964971, they will help you get going as a rower.
Rick Steuart for the Bosuns Club.
