The wind, which has been steadily F7 for the last 4 days, finally eased overnight,  producing a better night’s sleep all round. The whistling, flapping and general clanking (from other boats) eventually becomes quite wearing.

Dawn broke with sunshine and hope that we’ll actually get our keels wet today.

Around 10.30 we finally get the brilliant sight of the crane moving into position.

We follow along almost reverentially  at something of a funereal pace, as Heydays is gradually manoevered  into position. We top up with diesel, and the engineer comes aboard to make final checks as we’re lowered into the water.

It’s almost possible to hear the old girl sigh as she floats in her natural environment once more…

With thumbs up from the engineer and the sea staying outside the boat, Heydays is back under her own power…

…and we’re soon back alongside, ready to get her ready for our much delayed journey north. With the tide gate missed for today, Wednesday will be the start…

We pop into town for a quick lunch…

…and a last look round. Malahide has been a great place to be holed up,  but its time to leave. We have to mention again Therese and the team in the yard, who have gone out of their way to help despite the technical problems. We hope that some flowers and a few cans will go some way to showing our appreciation. 

We hope that the next post will be from somewhere else…