Esmeralda uncovered

For the first time in 5 or 6 years Esmeralda had her deck cover removed today. Now that she is outside in the weather, her timbers soaking up a bit of water, her flat deck cover is acting as a rain catcher. We will put a ridge pole in to solve this problem, but since we had to empty the water today we took the opportunity to remove the cover and have a look inside.

Despite having been stored inside a covered barn some birds had decided to build a nest on the side decking under the cover. The birds had also left a bit of a mess on the inside of the boat. We have left the cover off for the time being to let the rain soften the bird mess which we will pressure wash off next week.

We also now have a main access door which can be latched closed and won't swing open in the wind.

Esmeralda - rain catcher

Esmeralda - removing rain water

Esmeralda - cleaning the inside

New latching door lock

Sheena + Tern

The engine in Sheena was run for a good while today using a hose pipe to supply cooling water. At the same time the interior of Tern was cleaned out. Since being added to the historic fleet Tern has been in 'tight' storage with little access so this is the first proper opportunity we have had to sort through the debris. 

Working in Tern

Ruby moved in & clearing out elsewhere

Ruby was moved into the Old Herring Factory and currently sits alongside the other small boats inside.

Ruby settled in at her new home

The time had finally arrived to move all the remaining OHBS assets out of one of the several storage locations OHBS has been using in Mainland Orkney. Two boats and a pile of wood had to be moved so a work group set about the task which was only slightly interrupted by drizzle for a short time.

Loading wood

Unloading wood

Loading Tern onto a trailer for moving

Meet Ruby

Today we picked up the Alex Stout built 12' dinghy Ruby from near Kirkwall. Ruby was built in North Grinaby, Westray in the 1960s for a Capt Burgher.