"we've still got four weeks to finish up - no problem"
A 17m (65ft) yacht based on the Bristol Classic Pilot Cutters of the late 19th Century will be craned into Bristol Harbour on 22 May. Commissioned by the Island Trust, a charity that gives disadvantaged children the opportunity to go sailing, Pegasus will have her mast stepped a few days later.
Director of Bristol Classic Boat Company, Mark Rolt told PBO: ‘Kindly performing the launching ceremony for us will be Libby Purves – keen yachtswoman, radio 4 presenter, author etc. etc.’
‘Pegasus’ may not look anywhere near ready to you, but we know she will be if we keep up our present work rate (somewhere between ‘hard labour’ and ‘punishing’ on the convict scale).
‘On deck we need to secure those capping rails, stick some chainplates on and attach the rudder and we’re about there – oh and we’d better make some hatch covers for those holes in the aft deck.
‘Down below is all paint and varnish, with the finishing touches being made to the wiring and plumbing – but we will need a cabin sole (the floor) soon.
‘Then there are a few licks of paint and we’re away. And we’ve still got four weeks to finish up – no problem.
‘And for those with no interest in boating, perhaps the 200 ton crane might draw some attention…
Wish us luck.