Corio Vertue finally arrived on 27/11/03. After the heart palpitations of seeing her lifted of the transport, and moved by travel hoist to her temporary land berth it was time to take stock.
1. Removed all moveable bits from interior.
2. Ripped out all electrical wiring.
3. Disconnected all thru hull fittings.
4. Mast removed for re-rigging, and deck fittings - pushpit, pulpit, staunchions (with much difficulty) removed)
5. All "bodged" timberwork hacked out.

The result of 4 days of toiling in a hot and dusty boat yard is that I can now see the true skills of the boatbuilder, and appreciate the form and function of a classic Laurent Giles design. Work that needs to be done includes removing some rot from the transom, replacing the stern gland, a new bridge deck bulkhead, and if funds are still available replace the steel floors. Probably the best discovery was a bilge drain which made it possible for me to have the interior completely pressure washed without having to pump out the bilge.

To cap of my initiation into wooden boat restoartion was the visit of a local boatbuilder who had sailed on Corio Vertue with the original owner. I don't know who was more surprised; him seeing the boat he had first sailed on over 40 years ago, or me being dumb struck by someone who actually knew, and sailed the boat in his youth.

God, this wooden boat stuff is addictive! However, much to my misfortune the boat delivery was 2 months later than anticipated, and my week-ends are now devoted to Christmas function. Hope to give you an update in progress, and pics, in the New Year.