Preparation 1 - Cyclone gets some long overdue attention

I prefer sailing to working, and "working" includes boat maintenance! Unfortunately the latter just can't be avoided and Cyclone's been out of the water this week for a quick wash and brush up.

It's over 2 years since she last had this treatment and her hull had very little fouling, so full marks to Seajet 033 antifoul! 2 new coats have now been applied, with 4 at the waterline. That should keep her clean as I've been told that there's less fouling in the Baltic.

Unsurprisingly her topsides were oxidised and needed work with rubbing compound and polish. And then there's all that teak which looks great when it's clean and freshly oiled, but less so when it's grey and, er, green....

Anyway, she's ready to go back into the water now and I think she looks great!

I, on the other hand, have broken and dirty fingernails; skin missing from my fingers; and aches in (almost) every muscle and joint. Ah the delights of getting older!

There's still the sprayhood and sail cover to clean, and the engine and gearbox to service, but we're getting there.