Pictures from refurb (August ’98 – October ’02)

Floors in the fo’c’sle. All floors (except under the engine bearers) were removed, repaired, re-galvanised & & replaced with new galvanised bolts bedded on gutter sealant. Some ribs were replaced in steamed oak.

Digging holes for keel bolts. Amazingly, all were in perfect condition

The trusty ‘Iron Topsail’ was something we definitely weren’t replacing: Perkins 4236 temporarily removed to the port bunk for access to keel bolts & floors

Engine bearer with floor (top right) removed for galvanising

Floors under the bearers which were not removed were refastened

Starboard side of new deckhouse. The previous deckhouse had a fibreglass roof, which when we first bought Penlena was the only place free from drips. However, the rot had very much set in in many areas so replacement was the only option.

Inside deckhouse (aft starboard section) showing quarterberth ‘knees’. All other knees were forged iron (removed, galvanised & refastened).

New deckhouse viewed looking aft (built by Dave Lancaster).

I’m gunna deck you: Lengthened afterdeck to fit new extended transom. Note the overlapping transom face prior to being trimmed to fit the deck.

Afterdeck after lengthening with layers of 3” Iroko finished with vertical staves. New deck is composite of 2 layers 0.5” plywood (30 year guarantee!) epoxy fastened.

I see you baby: The extended transom was a much more fitting stern to complement her new Gaff rig. The alteration made Penlena 2’ longer over all.

1-Anode causing rot (interior)

2-Same anode causing rot and shrinking (exterior).

3-Rot from anode now removed and area prepared for replacement plank.

4-New planks ‘scarphed’ in where anodes once were.

Hot Stuff: The coal/wood-burning stove which cooks, bakes & heats. This addition meant that we could potentially live aboard all year round. An obvious concern was that it had to be securely anchored down to withstand a total inversion. Before sailing we fitted an additional galvanised holding bracket.

I’m the Firestarter: The forge at Waterfront Marine, Port Penrhyn where the aluminium bronze chainplates were forged to the outside shape of the hull. The original chainplates went through the deck and fitted onto a forward face of a frame and were a source of deck leaks and rot.

When not trying to nick a plane, Biggles could usually be found borrowing Scott Metcalf’s tools and facilities…

Scott’s boat ‘Vilma’ which he was rebuilding, seen here with new masts fitted.

Dusty loved having the run of the boatyard…

Are you pleased to see me, or is that just scaffolding?: Charlie admires the freshly laid teak deck.

Nice- Must Dash: With the new deckhouse and teak decking, Penlena was quickly starting to look the business.

(Insert caption here!): Four years living in a caravan in the dark corner of a boat yard had taken its toll on Dad’s mental health.

Mikey ‘The Nav Man (man)’ Simms enjoys a well-earned ‘cigarette’ on the afterdeck.

The crew (minus TomWilliams who had to return early for Paramedic duty) for the inaugural trip. L to R: Nigel, Ben, Charlie, Joe, Mum (aka Jane), Chris & Mikey

Joe at the helm & for once unable to avoid the camera. Having Joe aboard was a real boon, for as well as being a natural sailor he’d been heavily involved as shipwright during the refit…

…As had Nigel, who also volunteered to crew for us for the maiden voyage. In the early stages of the voyage Nigel was normally found in the heads giving updates to ‘Ralph’ via the big white telephone.

The new suite of sails is aired for the first time. The rope across the jib is the flying jib sheet.

Running backstay when tied forward still leaves one part loose (centre top). This chafed the mainsail & led to a seam blowing out in Latvia (2005).

Mast Debate: Dad admires Penlena’s new Rig being put to work. Previously ‘Gunna’ had had a Bermudan rig and while it certainly wasn’t as easy to handle, the gaff was undoubtedly far more beautiful.

I think I’ve pulled: The skipper gives a quick demo to Mum and Charlie on raising the mainsail.

Mikey deep in concentration. We didn’t like to ask what became of the unfortunate Mersey Bus driver…

The crew share a joke (from the laughter, evidently not one of mine) and some Cornish pasties

Notice what’s mizzen?: Eating, steering, reading other people’s text messages…all in a moment’s work for mum. The mizzen sail and boom is completely stowed after the mast slipped out of its step (rather worryingly for Ben who was helming at 12 knots in a Force 6 when it began moving about wildly).

Would you leave harbour with these three? Charlie has donned a boilersuit to replace the engine fanbelt with a pair of tights. Unbeknownst to him we did have a spare one, the crew were just sick of seeing him prancing around in them.

The skipper reflected on a great trip as we rounded Lands End. Meanwhile, in an ambulance somewhere in Wrexham, Tom was wondering where the hell his paramedic suit could be…

It IS the size of your bowsprit that matters….When we arrived in Penzance , the skipper apparently ‘forgot’ that we now had a bowsprit. Chief fender-offer Chris avoids full penetration of the neighbouring old barge. He really ought to be wearing his wellies…

The crew leaving Penzance where Tom was put ashore, apparently to administer TUBEs [Totally Unnecessary Breast Examinations] in an ambulance somewhere near you.

Leaving Penzance for Falmouth . Note that the shroud pinrail on the starboard side requires anchoring. “CHARLIE YOU ANCHOR it” I’m sure I heard someone shout on at least one occasion.

“Doesn’t really matter!”

Her name is Rio and she dances in the sand: Penlena creaming along under full sail.

The Manacles left well to port just before Penlena makes her long-awaited return to Falmouth …

The welcoming party - Wendy & Ian with Mum and Chris (who can be seen whilst demonstrating his party trick - making his torso disappear)

...as well as Tim & Grandpa.