That's torn it

... literally

Jane has done a muscle in her lower back and is well and truly crocked at the moment

We had planned to head up to Brightlingsea for the East Coast Forum Laying Down Supper this weekend but that's off for definite

We're now reconsidering the decision to keep Brigantia afloat for the winter - it's unlikely Jane will be fit enough to travel for two or three months at least so if we're not going to be able to use the boat she'd be better off out of the water. Only thing putting me off, to be honest, is the cost of the lift out and lift in - about £340 which would cover quite a lot of maintenance jobs

On the other hand, on the bank, it will be a lot easier to tackle some of the jobs that need doing. There's the log impeller to fit, the new engine to purchase and install and I reckon we'll be able to afford to replace all the standing rigging over this winter which means dropping the mast.

Other jobs on the cards are sanding and varnishing all the woodwork, repairing the damaged starboard rubbing strake and applying a fresh coat of antifoul.

Whilst the mast is down to replace the standing rigging it would make sense to fit a new anchor light and we might as well go the whole hog and fit a combined anchor and tricolour light. Plus we can use the opportunity to re-route the VHF cable down the mast instead of down the backstay

I'd like to replace all the running rigging as well but the budget probably won't stand it. We'll certainly do the masthead blocks but the rest will probably have to wait until there's more pennies available

Looks like the sailing season is over for this year and the maintenance season is just starting!