Back to Planta, fairing the hull.

Back at Planta Genesta, the task of fairing the hull is more or less complete. Two weeks of intensely physical work, first with a power plane, then a lot of time with a wooden jack plane, followed by a hefty few days of belt sanding the entire hull. This has faired in all the previously flat planks, and now we can stand back and admire the really lovely shape of this vessel, with her beam, tumblehome and counter. It has been extremely satisfying seeing the shape come to life as I work, in fact some days it was all that kept me going as the work is brutal on the arms, shoulders and neck. The secret after power planing is to always always work diagonally both ways, work each section methodically and use sense of touch as well as a flexible batten to check she’s on the right track as you go. Even so, a first coat of paint is bound to show something up.