Day 79 & 80: 30th and 31st August 2017 Happy 10th Wedding Anniversery - Masts up!

The crane boss wanted to lift our masts on Thursday, along with the Danes so we got up early on Wednesday and started work prepping the masts. We had got the wrapping off the night before, but still needed to refit the running rigging and also have a look at our masthead lights as the connector had been crushed somewhat. Patrick and I worked hard while the kids zoomed round on their scooters or played on iPads.

As we had got up early we had got the bulk of the work done by lunchtime so we did a little school with the kids while it was hot before finishing up in the early evening. Although the kids weren't too enthusiastic about school, they were interested in splitting open a walnut and examining it under the microscope which was quite fun.

The next day was our 10th Wedding anniversary. I had hoped to renew our vows on a white sandy beach but instead we were stressing about the masts going up. As in Rouen you just pay for the crane and then have to do the rigging yourselves and we were far more concerned about putting them up than when we took them down. We had a lovely breakfast before doing the final preparations with the masts.

We managed to borrow a 12V battery off DMS Engineering so we could check the nav light was working, cleaned the spreaders and took the windex off as per the crane drivers request, then at lunchtime we motored over the crane with the Danes. First job was to move the masts onto mobile stands which was a bit nerve wracking working with the French and a substantial language barrier. Then up with the masts.

Once the masts were in place, Patrick got to go up on the cherry picker to fit the triatic line between the main and mizzen mast as well as replace the windex.

So, we are back to being a sailing boat again!

I started cooking the family favourite curry and AJ asked if we could invite the Danes so we had a pleasant evening, kids down below and adults up top enjoying the last bottle of champagne from our wedding 10 years ago!