Re-Launch

Re-launch day, 30 March, came and we watched proceedings with interest. BV was behind a line of 4 yachts in our bit of the yard also booked to be re-launched on 30^th so we knew that it would potentially be a long day. The prediction was that we would be lifted in around 5pm, however, in the end they got to us at around 2pm. The Russian yacht just behind us found a problem with their saildrive system so they were moved out of the way, their re-launch was delayed a day, and we jumped the queue for the travel hoist. But, before we could get to that point, the smaller tractor and trailer system had to lift BV on her cradle and carefully manoeuvre her between the lines of adjacent yachts to an area large enough for the travel hoist to take over.

It all seemed to be rather too tight for comfort but the team were very professional which inspired confidence. The lift crew chief chuckled and said, “Just one centimetre is enough clearance!".

It really was impressive manoeuvring and seemingly only made possible with the special tractor which could steer all of its wheels allowing it to almost move sideways when needed.

They worked BV between the other yachts and with just the last 2 boats to squeeze between we thought we were in the clear. However, it was then that the lift crew chief’s words that, “just one centimetre clearance is enough”, was definitely put to the test. BV was moved slowly backwards and forwards, she was jacked up and down but it was clear that there wasn’t the required one centimetre.

A plan was hatched and I was invited back on board to remove 2 of the stanchions. Typially one of the bolts was stiff but after 15 minutes the stanchions were removed and the guard rail dropped on one side. BV was inched forward and with just one centimetre clearance on each side....

.... she made it through the gap.

In comparison, the rest of the lift-in was child’s play. The crew lifted BV with the travel hoist and put her back in the water. She was held in the slings for as long as we needed to check that there were no leaks and then the hoist moved away to lift another yacht. We double checked all was well, ‘burped’ the sterngland to removed the airbubble, and then fired up the engine. Five minutes later the marina team guided us around to our allocated mooring. We nosed into the mooring, secured all of the lines and, after 6 very busy days, started to relax a little enjoying a beer in the sunshine. It was great to be afloat again.

Marmaris, Turkey