Back in the water at last

After a busy start to the season including a couple of deliveries the launching of Epenetus had to be somewhat delayed this year so as soon as first opportunity to get the bottom wet presented itself it had to be seized upon. There was nothing major to do repair wise so it was just a case of putting up the mast, servicing the engine and a few minor jobs such as building a new battery box and skipping out the accumulation of winter junk (tools and stuff in the main). Well the first opportunity was Sunday 20th May with high water around 1830, which as it happens was ideal as it allowed a full day to erect the mast and sort out all of the bit and pieces that I usually forget. 

    Mast up and almost ready for launching

With the assistance of Darren and Marcus the mast went up with no snags using a pole and the trailer winch at around 1000 so by around 1500 all that was left to do was wait for the tide.

Back to the water

1800 and it's launch time at last. I don't know why but I always find launching a little nerve racking, silly really as we've never had any problems especially when we have Darren around with his gimp suit on.

The gimp suit gets it bi-annual airing 

Despite an excellent demonstration in how not to recover a fishing boat which was being given by another user of the slip everything went like clockwork and we were off down the river to the pontoon in no time. The only disappointment was that we didn't have enough time on the tide to get out for a sail.

Safely on the pontoon and ready for the rest of the season

Well given the fact that that we had missed the tide there was only one thing left to do. Head for the bar to celebrate a successful launch? It would have been wrong not to wouldn't it. 

If the devil should cast his net