The underneath

Winter Solstice has been out of the water for the longest period since we brought her to Ireland. She was lifted at the end of October and has been in Eamonn Egan's shed in Portumna ever since. We're seeing the bare hull for the first time.

The hull is in excellent condition apart from a couple of spots that need repairing on the water line - the reason she's out of the water. That will be a relief when lying awake in my berth on a sleepless summer evening imagining things.

Underneath with layers and layers of paint on the keel:

 And in full:

Oh! And look at this:

Snap!

Joe had a significant birthday this week and after months of subterfuge (on my part) we took a trip to Reggie Goodbody's workshop in Dromineer, Co Tipp, where the half model of Winter Solstice was unveiled.

A happy reaction:

Actually I haven't posted the really happy reaction because he looks a bit mad in it. In a good way.

The half model is up on the wall in a place we can admire all its handmade detail.