Beautiful Boat

Isn't she beautiful?  I have to say that while these photos are remarkable, in my opinion, they don't compare to the impact of standing next to the boat.  Ablission is now a shiny, clean white boat with classic green cove and boot stripes.  The name looks great - not too large or too small (we decided on 6" letters), and I like the slight slant, which seems to line up with other lines on the boat.  Peter and I could not be more pleased with the result.  Of course we are very anxious to see her in the water; and to buff the deck so she looks as good on the top half.

We expect that if all goes as planned, she will be put back in the water tomorrow.  However, the new fore stay for the mast has not yet arrived, so we will have to wait to get the mast in place.  Its been very windy here the last 24 hours, so we are a bit concerned about her getting banged around at the Schooner Creek dock.  We will likely motor her back over to our marina, which is more protected, and then bring her back to the boat yard when the mast is ready.

We will have a bit of work to do to re-attach the mast wiring - here is a shot of the panel before I disconnected everything.  I made a careful diagram and complete notes so I should be able to put things back correctly.  Peter also carefully labeled all the lines so that putting things back in place top sides should go smoothly.

After that, the next big project will be making new sail covers, dodger, winch covers and other assorted canvas.  More on plans for that project later.

And just for grins, here are the before and after shots, side by side: