March 2020

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The optimism reflected in our February Newsletter has been somewhat dashed, but more of that later.

The month started well enough with further progress on the Wheelhouse which is really starting to look the part, with the addition of the lifebuoy brackets and navigation light boxes being replaced, as well as the application of rainwater strips along the port and starboard edges of the roof. To further the job of reinstating the 12 and 24 volt electrical systems in the Wheelhouse, a new 8-switch panel incorporating 3 and 6 amp breakers was ordered and delivered. The original and subsequently updated system still relied on a small number of hard-fused protected circuits, but given the modern and more delicate instrumentation we now are obliged to carry, the system has to provide circuit protection to suit, so whilst it would have been visibly preferable to have had old-style switches, fusing, bus-bars etc., up-to-date equipment has to be the way forward.  Also on the Wheelhouse re-fit, several weeks ago we installed drains below the sliding window, the penetrating rainwater then being piped out thorough the panels onto deck. Given the height of the sharp and protrusive pipe ends, these could be a safety hazard to those on deck, particularly if the ship is rolling in rough weather. The solution was to fit over the pipe ends coaxial protection covers (of the sort seen on houses where cables run through brickwork) which provides smooth surface protection to those on deck.

Down below, boiler cleaning continued, and finally, the first of the threaded boiler tubes were collected from Leek and delivered on board. The first of these was successfully trial fitted, but then Covid 19 struck the UK.  

There is little I can add to what has already been said about this terrible pandemic which will have a devastating effect on our country and citizens. The welfare of everyone, including our crew and volunteers is of paramount importance, so in line with the Government’s Social Distancing instructions, work aboard has now been suspended. We are however determined that once restrictions are lifted, we will be back with the firm resolve to get Kerne back in steam and operational.

In the meantime, keep safe and keep well.

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