Web log entry
dated 30 March 2009
Underwater
preparations for the OSTAR
As the shed will
only be out of the water for one month a top
priority has been the preparation of the bottom
for the forth coming race. As far as I am
concerned this is the next most important
preparation next to the sails and rig.
First I have removed all the old antifouling by
wet sanding the bottom in long even strokes,
following the contours of the hull so as not to
rub flat spots. This has been done with first 80
and then 120 grit.
It is an enormous job totalling over 30 hrs of
work and involving standing under the boat in
all weathers, with hands over head, sanding.
I have been wearing and old spray top and
wetsuit gloves to keep the worst of the water
off. But after a while the blue residue from the
antifouling which is reigning down on my head
while I sand, works its way down my neck and
arms, permeating through my layers to skin
beneath.
At the end of the day, I am cold and wet with
sore hands and blue underwear, but the hardships
are worth it. I have taken the bottom back to a
smooth mottled finish of the epoxi, paint,
primer and old antifouling.
The next job was to apply two coats of
antifouling. Again it is worth taking the time
to do this. Using a roller and careful gentle
strokes, the smoothest application now will save
me hours of sanding later.
I am using Flag Finishes performance extra
antifouling. I researched distance antifouling
on the internet and came up with their product.
I rang them and described what I wanted and we
agreed that this antifouling was suitable as I
would be able to sand it to a smooth finish
after application. Flag finishes have also
agreed to support my campaign by supplying me
with antifouling for the race.
Today I start wet sanding again. \I will sand
off this application of antifouling to 400 grit
and then paint over it again.
A final sand before my launch next week and then
it will be time to go sailing and reap the
benefits of my efforts.
Pip Hildesley