Now for the boom

The Boom itself weighs in at around 300kgs so the crane's put to good use again.

The boom is a Leisure Furl which arrived a week or so ago from New Zealand.

This system furls the main sail into the boom providing great weather protection without the need for the usual covers you see.

Very sharp!

The clock is ticking....

As the mast is keel stepped it needs to be lifted well above the deck and then lowered through the deck to be secured.....
Usually this is done whilst the boat is in the water making it even more difficult but Steve and Marc (from River Quays) decided that due to the size of the Count stepping on "the hard" would be better.......owner's sigh of relief.

The Lift

There's not a lot to say, the crane's here, nothing else can move in the yard until the mast is stepped and a slip means.....the end of the blog!

Steve explains to me that once this goes up it's all a precision thing....

The gadgets

VHF
Internet
TV
Wind speed
Wind direction

Readying the mast

You'd think it's just plonk it in......that's it! but the preparation for the mast was undertaken over many days. You saw earlier the electrics, halyards and track work but as the day gets closer it becomes a timing issue. The mast itself, when the spreaders are attached takes as much room as the boat and in fact is about 7 metres longer than The Count at 22metres in height from the deck meaning it's actually about 24.5 metres long. Once the decision is made it's all go.....this is probably the only time I've seen Steve stressed....not something many would ever see!

Readying for the mast

Today's the day for the mast stepping.

The Count's keel is under wraps whilst it cures.

Some last minute hull polishing continues....

She's unwrapped....

Its quite amazing seeing the deck when there are no impediments to sight.


No clutter, no mast, no sheets....no keel, but only space......


The Count would make a nice displacement motor cruiser.

First look inside.....


The 2010 Beneteau 57's have a lighter finished interior which helps to update the design. Whilst not under full light she looks fine. Looking forward to seeing her in full light.

The shots are :

looking across the saloon to the Nav Sation,

looking aft to the galley,

well equipped galley,

forward to the 2 Guest staterooms and

the Owners cabin.

The work begins

OK, She’s here! Moving boats like this around is truly an art. I can say that there were times when I was worried watching the River Quays team move the boat around but they were in total control.....quite an amazing thing for something so large but yes, truly an art.

The keel awaits fitting....


Now....what's under the covers?

First thing is to get the hull prepared for anti-fouling. Not having the keel on helps with this work......along with getting on board!



Meet the team, from left Cam & AJ from Yacht Electrical Solutions and Steve Kemp (Marine Services). Steve has all the answers, he'll be with the Count for the next 6 weeks.


The Count's still largely wrapped up but we get a glimpse......


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