The large Centreboard winch has been a problem. Made from aluminium, and badly corroded to boot, i managed to remove the retaining nut. Sadly the bolt was still attached!

The bolts pass through from the wheel side as do three screws, It seemed that the damaged winch was there to stay. Pure luck found me chatting to the engineers from IntraTools in an adjoining unit. Rescue was at hand.

After using the 'magic screwdrivers' and a lot of skill the winch was removed intact. After placing the winch in a £8000 vertical drilling machine and removing two more grub screws the corrosion refused to give up. IntraTools are going to creat a new winch using the side plates and wheel with a new stainless steel spindle.

I have been talked out of filling in the two bailing slots that have been cut in the Transom. After cleaning up the holes I am going to add some draining flaps made from Teak, shockcorded and hinged.

The mast, which was coated in various layers of white and grey paint has been carefully stripped and sanded by Lynch Senior. Some of the paint was buried deeply and almost impossible to remove, the mast also carries a few battle scars but after five coats of varnish is starting to look good.

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