First Voyage - 27 May 2004

Per Angusta was craned into the water at Clifton-on-Dunsmore and spent a week at the Clifton Cruisers boatyard, waiting for her inspection by Paul Smith, our surveyor. Whilst she was there, Darren began work by putting in the windows and the houdini hatch.

Paul's inspection revealed a small hole in a weld to the inside of one of the well deck lockers and he recommended some modifications to the weed hatch and an isolation valve be fitted to the fuel tank drain. This work is being undertaken, but Per Angusta was ready to move to the shed which would be her home whilst Darren worked on her.

Although the engine was in place, it was not connected up so Per Angusta could not move under her own power. Victoria, who is project managing the build for Darren, lives aboard a boat so she used her boat to tow Per Angusta. Ian went along for the trip and took the tiller to help with the steering. I had to work so missed the fun.

I gather that in order to get round a tight turn, some pole work was required. Unfortunately the pole got stuck in the canal bed and left behind, although it was eventually retrieved with some careful manoeuvring.

After a short voyage of a couple of hours, Per Angusta reached her 'shed' which will be her home until she is finished.

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