We were just considering taking her off the market until the property was relatively live-inable when we received notification from the broker that there was a Swiss couple interested in viewing. This meant a change of focus for a couple of days β general cleaning and tidying the boat, rather than mudpie making!
Midway through their viewing we were surprised by a flypast of the French equivalent of the Red Arrows complete with coloured smoke trails! During discussions it became clear that their requirements were for a very strong boat but their choice also depended on whether they liked the present owners or not. This matched our opinion that we would only sell to nice people so things were looking promising. Within a few days they were back in touch wanting to arrange a test sail.
The weather was lovely β a beautiful sunny day with light winds. This became obvious as, whilst giving some advice on what to watch on the engine dials, Steve realised that the temperature was going past the vertical and saw that no water was being ejected from the exhaust port! It shows just how bulletproof Perkins engines are!! Once again the gods were smiling and provided another good omen β dolphins!! By the end of the day they were committed, subject to an out of water survey.
They then went to investigate the local boatyard and arrangements were made as the boatyard assured them that they would be able to lift Shearmyste out. Everyone parted company to make arrangements on another day to take the boat around and arrange for the surveyor to complete the survey. It was on a relatively windy day but from a slightly better direction that the three Monaghans, ably assisted by the marina staff in the rib, took the short sail round to the old harbour.
We had to wait for a few minutes as they lifted a boat back in and then had to change the strops. Surprise, we were too long with the masts in the wrong place. We reversed out a bit quicker than we went in, mindful of the wind direction and the lovely concrete ramp alongside, and had a very lumpy trip back round to the marina. The decision was made to take the boat to St Brieuc as they would definitely be able to lift us as they have a tonne lift. The issue with St Brieuc, though, is that it is tidal.
