The week was a productive one, with progress made in many areas. Mattis and Richard began the week by trial-fitting the tenon joints on the top of the stanchions, where the capping rails will be attached. Graham continued drilling the hole for the rudder stock tube from the bottom of the boat, using a boring bar. The bar was based on a standard boring bar with brass screw clamps, using a design suggested by Jesper Olson in Sweden. It was built by local Japanese engineers last year for drilling the 2-meter long hole for the propeller shaft tube, and it’s come in quite handy. This is the third task it’s been used for. Aligning the hole for the rudder shaft tube, through to where it is retained at deck level by a flange inside a bronze pedestal that holds the steering mechanism, quadrant etc, is a very labour-intensive job.

Wada continued to add coats of varnish to the mast, under the watchful eye of Paul.

By mid-week, Mattis and Richard had started to install the capping rails onto the finished stanchions. The shape is very important; both sides of the rail are in an elegant C shape that is easy to grip. The finish work these two shipwrights are doing is really spectacular.

Takamiya met with Ms. Kitajima of SPICE to discuss the details on interior finishings. Feargus has made a number of suggestions regarding fabric, furniture, door handles, etc. and SPICE seems to carry a wide variety of samples. Paul had also prepared samples of how the walls and floors will look, which helped to create an image of how the interior of a classic yacht should look.

Today, the hole for the rudder tube is almost done. Graham moved quickly from the deck to below the boat and back again, checking to make sure the alignment is perfect. Graham’s rudder tube alignment work was equally as complex as Lewis’ work on drilling the hole for the propeller shaft tube. It’s clear that Paul assigns these difficult tasks to these seasoned shipwrights, who have a lot of experience between them.

And varnishing the masts continues. It’s a painstakingly repetitive process, but every day the sheen of the finish takes on a deeper gloss.

Mattis preparing the stanchion / capping rail joints.

Graham drilling the hole for the rudder tube.

Japanese members varnishing the masts.