45 Year Old Virgin (Nearly)

[BlackWind]

I have a brief story of a 54' Ferro Ketch (Robert Tucker design) built in 1970. Or at least the hull was started then and finished 2 years later. From there it was trucked to a boat builders yard who went to work fitting her out... for the next 24 years (no, I can't imagine the storage costs either). It then took a further 2 years to finally launch her, so this boat nearly made the millennium celebrations before even sniffing water!
She hit the water and managed 3,000 miles around the Irish Sea and Atlantic coast off Scotland, but sadly 10 years later she was alongside, where she stayed ever since. Sadder still the guy that built her and sailed her past away, thus nearly ending her story.
Until of course, I bought her. I have had Ferro before and I am happy with them, so we don't need another discussion on the pro's and cons', but I am wondering out of interest if anybody has any views on whether the long time out of the water could improve or worsen her strength/condition?

Thanks folk, James

(Pictures in my Album - Maggie Ellen)

[Tientos]

Hi James and welcome to the world of Ferro! Close friend from Melbourne had their ferro (built themselves) on the hard for 25 years before launching! Has been in the water for nearly 10 years without issue. Our own girl, ferro/epoxy, is over 40 years old and still going strong.

[BlackWind]

Hi Tientos,
Thank you for the welcome, and thank you for the support. I am thinking myself it can only have meant that she has suffered less wear and tear. She is going to take some serious loving to get her shipshape again but we do these things as a labour of love do we not?
I liked your blog by the way and will keep an eye on it in the future...
Best Wishes,
James

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, James.

[BlackWind]

Thank you GordMay, maybe I will see you out there...
Fair winds,
James