Following the finalisation of the plans, being so far away really presented no problems at all. There was continuous dialogue via email and telephone with Peter and Susan to understand how the boat was progressing and to finalise some of the detail specifications of the boat. I did manage three visits to the boat yard during the build phase – probably more for my benefit to see how things were progressing and to discuss one or two finer details of the specification.
I also managed to visit Charles of Classic Maritime Diesels to see progress on the restoration of my early 1960’s Gardiner 2LW diesel engine. It’s fair to say that I have never seen such a perfectionist at work. I cannot begin to explain the quality of the end product which I think Charles spend almost six months restoring ; the brass work, chrome and painting of my engine is indescribable ; and once in the boat’s own traditional engine room looks absolutely stunning.