WEEK SEVENTY NINE

 

Wendera

She’s launched …. she floats …. and she looks beautiful!

But let’s start at the beginning of the week … the countdown to the launch of Friday 26th September, had begun.

      

A list was created for the last of the jobs that needed to be completed in order for Wendera to float.  We then set about to systematically work through the list.

                

To finish installing the windows in the starboard side was a priority, as was finishing off the portside windows.

 

 

 

The masking from the portside windows was removed to reveal a first glimpse of the finished product.

 

Now all that was required was to backfill with Sika.

The final hatches needed to be installed to make Wendera watertight ….. 

  

                  

Those helping out, will know how much Missy appreciated when Sean installed this hatch ……

 

Final fittings were attached …..

 

 

 

Chris crafted the trim to  finish the steps.

  

Work was then done installing the portside windows. Again using the templates for drilling pilot holes required as fixing points, masking up, prepping with primer, attaching the window mounts, positioning the windows in place on the bead of Sika and finally mounting the cleats  to ensure the windows didn’t move while the Sika went off.

 

 

    

    

The tabernacle was positioned …..

The main cabin door was prepped and installed …..

   

                     

 

Then the sliding window behind the navigation station was installed ….

Both look great and will be really functional in keeping Wendera cool and ventilated ….. 

         

                 

 

The solar panel ventilation fans were installed …..

 

The “geriatric apprentice” John arrived back in town and was quickly set to work …… (no rest for the wicked!)

      

This is the wood required to make the mattress frames for the two main cabins.

The propellers were installed and greased ……

Ian, our expert electrician, connected up more power ……

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The oven was installed ….. 

and looks delectable!

 

        

Sean and John drilled the holes required to attach the rudder tiller barst ……

                  

The day before launch …..

It was now time to dismantle the shed, to allow the truck access and to get Wendera out!

            

            

            

The roller door needed to come down …..

            

           

The tender was inflated, and the registration stickers, name (Mooch) and logo were attached ……

                

 

  The engine was mounted and given

   a test run ……

 

 

The registration numbers were applied to Wendera …..

Now it was time for Wendera to come out of the shed …..

Robert Honey of Marine Transport is an absolute master at this.  He was an expert at manoeuvring the crane – it was almost as if it were part of him.

          

Large polystyrene blocks were placed under the bridgedeck …..

  

  

And out she came …..

   

   

All the while, Paul checking Wendera was OK, from a prime location ……

                 

Photographers all around to capture the moment …..

 

The further she

came out,

the larger she

seemed to be!

 

 

The crane arm was again needed to get her over the lip of the shed, to ensure everything was secure and stable.  Again, Robert, the genius, showed his talent.

She’s out …..

     

And the shed looks bare …… but ready to build another ……

          

The crane was used again to remove the polystyrene blocks and place Wendera on the mounts to secure her in place during transport …..

And she’s on the trailer …..

          

The daggerboards were then inserted …..

 

And Wendera is ready to go at first light on Friday morning …..

              

So now it’s time to relax (for now) ……

     

Friday dawns and there is a buzz as friends and family join us to witness the launch of Wendera …..

 

Final checks are made, and

she is ready ……

 

 

 

There’s not much room …..

but just enough ……

 

 

 

And off she goes, under escort ……

 

   

  

Robert avoided all the overhanging branches and obstacles with ease …..

And Wendera arrived at Little Beach for her launch.  Notice the sign, I think we definitely qualify! The weather was perfect ……

    

Mooch, the dinghy, is launched first …..

 

The boys couldn’t decide if they were going to be on Wendera as she went into the water, but in the end opted to watch from Mooch ……

                     

 

                 

 

AND Wendera IS LAUNCHED!

 

 

 

The boys, Chris and Lilly hop on board for her maiden voyage ……

         

Miss waved them off from the pier (busily snapping photos) …… as Wendera set off under motor to the Nelson Bay Marina for the fitting of her mast ……

 

At the marina, Wendera came along side to have her mast attached ……

       

 

    

Spectators were everywhere …….

          

With the mast going up, time for a little relaxing …..

 

 Wendera was officially christened …..

 

The story is almost complete ……

   

On Saturday we motored back to Little Beach to release some balloons in honour of the wonderful people who inspired Wendera – Wendy Cochrane and Deran Hood, while two dolphins came along side, it truly felt they were there to watch over and guide Wendera on all her journeys.

Now it’s time to enjoy Wendera ……

 

 

  Thank you to all our family and friends who

  joined us in seeing our dream become a

  reality with the launching of Wendera 

  and for their support during the build

  process.

 

 

There is still work to be completed to finish the interior, so in “6 weeks”  we’ll show you on-board.  Until then ….. fair weather and following seas.

Thank you to Robert Honey, Marine Transport a master at his craft.  If you need boat transportation call Robert on 1800 BY ROAD (1800 297623).

Thank you to Bob Dobell for giving Wendera her name and logo.  Bob can be contacted on 0428 614684 for your signwriting needs in the Newcastle area.