Tying down for the winter
January 2019
The lashings are tripled up and the covers secured, for what we expect to be Raybel’s last ever winter at Heybridge Basin. This time next year we should be well under way with the restoration, at Milton Creek, where Raybel was built and launched in 1920.
Winter has been all about getting the work plan and costs tied down as well – ahead of the final stage of our application to the Heritage Lottery Fund, which will go in during February, for a June final decision. We had a fab start to 2019, with news we've won funding support from Swale Borough Council. Cash will go towards a homecoming party we're planning for the summer, timed for when Raybel arrives back in the Creek.
Rob and Matt, with help of shipwright Tim Goldsack, have not come across any last minute surprises. Raybel is in remarkably good condition, still largely original, and the main work we’ll need to do is to the hull – especially the bow which took some knocks during the cargo days – as well as to the outer wale, covering boards, rails and deck planking.
Lots of re-caulking to be done too, and we’ll need a new rudder and replacement winches. Should also be able to get the bowsprit back on and rigged, and some of Raybel’s fine heritage details restored, such as the after-cabin coach roof, tabernacle and binnacle.
Costs are looking much the same as at time of the first survey – though timber price has gone up. Made us wonder about a follow-on project, maybe with the Woodland Trust, to plant or extend woods in Kent (the Blean?) so they can supply the timber for wooden ships to keep working into the future.
Raybel at Heybridge Basin, just before Xmas 2018
