Finally finished scrapping and sanding! Now we just need to apply the anti-foul and attach a folding propeller. We would really appreciate if someone could loan us a folding prop for the race as they are very expensive to buy....!

"Oystercatcher" is then being launched in Arklow this coming Saturday and then hopefully will be brought to Dun Laoghaire that afternoon or during Sunday! Will keep you informed.

Also Graeme has treated us by buying an asymmetrical spinnaker that is connected to a furler. This will help reduce the time it takes to put up and take down the spinnaker. It also has the added bonus of being able to sail high angles to the wind, giving us a slight edge in reaching conditions over symmetrical spinnakers.

Graeme's knowledge of working on yachts has proved vital to getting "Oystercatcher" in the water on schedule. Here he is lending a hand..

We decided that the rudder bearings were not tight enough. So a mission went under way to drop the rudder.. However, the pin holding the rudder in place was corroded. Here we are trying the heat the rudder stock to get the pin out. In the end we got the expertise of Peter Plunkett to get the rudder pin out. Thanks again.

The hole for the rudder shaft.

One of the rudder bearings.

The rudder is out.. Any chance in making a carbon rudder in time?... ha!

Finishing the sanding on the keel.

Fairing the rudder.

Heating a repair.