Launched

I know, it's Wednesday. On Sunday I promised you that on Monday you'd see photo's of Vagabond being launched so you are probably assuming that the launch did not take place.

Well, you'd be wrong. The Cap'n, the Pursar, Vagabond and I all met at the appointed time and within a couple of hours we had put Vagabond together. . We had to put the mast up twice as I had forgotten to attach a vital piece of string somewhere up the mast

We had an interesting see saw immitation when the Purser and I gathered at the aft end of the cockpit at the same time. The whole rig (including the trailer) pivoted about the trailer wheels and it was the prompt action of the Cap'n that prevented Vagabond's stern from hitting the ground with a crash.
Note 1 to self:  keep the trailer hitched to the tow car whilst rigging the boat!

There was then time to pause for the odd photograph as it started to rain.

The Dublin Lass, Cabin Boy and Cabin Girl arrived as the rain really got into gear and the wind went Easterly and rose in strength. We all had lunch sheltering behind a shed whilst we waited for the boat yard tractor to turn up.

As promised, the tractor growled its way towards us at 14:00, hitched onto the trailer and disappeared towards the ramp. We just had time to undo the trailer straps and for me to climb aboard when the driver was off pushing us down the shallow ramp. A large boat crane was following close behind with a 45 foot yacht on board.

I would like to say that the launch was smooth and polished and went without a hitch or a bump but I can't. It didn't The Outboard wouldn't start. When it did it jumped off the retaining latches and was shut down. Vagabond drifted across the throat of the slipway. We had lines ashore and eventually got her under control and dragged her unceremoniously alongside a temporary pontoon whilst the 45 eased professionally afloat and effortlessly past us.

The Cabin boy and Cabin girl came on board and wanted to know where they were going to sleep.
The boatman sensibly wanted to know where our life jackets were (in the locker, of course).

The Dublin Lass  announced she had filmed it all, was cold (justifiably) and wanted to go home. The Cabin boy and girl wanted to stay and sail.
I looked pensive wondering who had left the pair of pink shoes.
The Dublin Lass took the Cabin Boy and Girl away for their tea, leaving the Purser and me to adjust the outboard and the Cap'n to take up station on the allotted finger berth.
The outboard roared into life. The Purser cast us off and then the wind caught the spray hood. Vagabond took control and would NOT go where I thought I had pointed her. It was like driving a car on ice. Eventually, with a few scrapes we got her into the finger berth and it dawned on me that I hadn't put the centre board down.

The rain lashed down. The Cap'n, the Purser and I huddled in the cabin and the Cap'n produced three miniature whiskies and some glasses from his waterproofs. After a moment of reflection, we agreed that Vagabond had been brought to land under control, so we shared her first docking tot.

After a quick tidy up and a check of the bilges (dry) the moorings (secure) and the fenders (adequate) I locked her up and left her in the gathering  gloom (and it was only 6 pm!)

About two hours later I was home but still soaked, even with the car heater full on.....

The forecast looks rubbish for the next 3 days, so I think it is unlikely that we'll be off round Britain as planned.