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I was hoping to integrate my toolbox into a storage unit amidships on the port side, but it wouldn’t fit. Back to the drawing board.

The redesigned area is a storage cupboard made up of lockers of different heights, filled to the brim with a selection of plastic boxes – corresponding to the heights of the shelves. It also features a thin shelf for sailing charts. The unit will have hinged fronts facing all the shelves, but they can’t be fitted until everything is screwed/glued.

The hanging locker has also been completed, and looks great!

I’m currently working on the ‘engine casing’ – the removable panels that sit in front and above the engine. I’m also fitting some thick ply panels to either side of the companionway which I hope to wedge myself into when it gets rolly!

I’m hoping that with a bit of a push, I’ll have the engine casing, the galley and the chart table carcasses finished, in time to bond the whole interior in by Christmas!

I had hoped to paint, oil and insulate by the new year, but I’d be surprised if I get that far.

The seat backs are finished at last! I was determined to make the most of the space for storage behind them, as well as having a comfortable seating angle, so I had to go with my own design. The structure comprised two different-angled panels: one to support the seat back cushions, and a vertical panel above, behind which would be storage. I then templated, cut out and fit twelve dividers to split the lockers up. It came out alright!

I also fitted the under-berth lockers with latches, to keep everything in them from pouring out if the boat went over!

I’ll be moving onto the midships sections today; the hanging locker, port storage area, then subsequently the galley and chart table.

On reflection, personal and prompted by those around me, it seems I have been making steady progress over the last couple of weeks – and over the last few months since starting full time, despite it not feeling that way.

I feel burdened with the load of work still to do, worn down by long hours in cramped spaces and am acutely aware of the temperature gently but steadily dropping.

Having said that, the Forepeak now only requires the fitting of finger latches, a few more support cleats and the rounding of a few edges.

I’ve also cut out and shaped the quarter berth tops, have made a good start on the seat backs and hope to finish them both this coming week.

We press on…