30th April: Chichester Harbour

We spent last night going up and down with the tide. At 3am we were afloat and at 8am we were high and dry. That meant I could change the anodes, antifoul the propellors and sail drive as well as greasing the propellors. The hull was pressure washed and there was just enough time to get on board with the water lapping at the bottom rung of the ladder. Now fully afloat we motored round to Chichester and negotiated our 6m wide boat through the 7m wide lock. Luxury showers, shore power and supper aboard.

Monday 29th April: nearly afloat

Imagine has been afloat all winter. Today we moved her for the first time this year. The sails have been cleaned, the engines serviced and we've given her a spring clean. We sailed round to Chichester harbour and arrived at Wilson's Yard just after high tide. The water has now disappeared leaving us high and dry. Tomorrow we will pressure wash her bottom, change the anodes and service the propellers. We'll then be ready for anything.