Preparing ‘Sandpiper’ for Sailing

After I adjusted a trailer support to make the boat level, I set about preparing ‘Sandpiper’ for her first sail. When that will be I do not know, but it will depend on the weather. As soon as an opportunity arises I want to be ready.

My priority today was to find secure places for stowing gear. I fitted the cooker to an old plywood storage bin cover that I modified by adding five small shelf supports. They stop the cooker from moving, and at the same time they do not prevent air from circulating under and around it.

A miscellany of plastic containers for stowing food etc, occupy the forward end of the cabin. My pressure cooker, saucepan and frying pan are housed in the washing-up bowl. My sleeping bag and mattress are in the recess under the port cockpit seat, and my waterproof vinyl cushion is on the port bunk.

I have a waterproof pouch for my mobile phone which hangs on a cord by the entrance to the cabin so that I can get at it when I’m in the cockpit.

I shall have to work out where and how to stow drinking water, and where to place a chart for navigating the boat.