We have removed the old deck, covering boards and bulwarks. Now it is the time to properly inspect the beams.
All the beams forward of the cabin top are in very good condition. However, the steel breasthooks and the forward end of the deck structure will require some attention.
Sometimes it is hard to identify what is original in the boat and what has been replaced during the years. Thanks to a note found written on one of the panels of the stove recess, we have a clear idea of the extent of the work carried out from 1995 to 1999.
The method is a bit unconventional but it works!
When we inspected Grace before the purchase, we saw that many of the deck beams aft of the cockpit would have to be renewed. In order to do that, the deck, cockpit coaming and all deck gear had to be removed. With the structure revealed, it becomes clear that all beams and carlings must be renewed
Grace's original tongue and groove deck would have been covered in painted canvas. However, at some stage in the past, the canvas was substituted by a textured decking material. After we removed the decking material, the pine deck seemed to be sound. Unfortunately the deck beams aft of the coachroof have to be replaced for new ones. That meant that the cockpit coaming and deck had to be removed. We will reuse the cockpit coaming but the deck will be substituted for a plywood deck sheathed on glass epoxy.
The damage on the starboard side is most apparent. There are other areas of the hull that will require some extensive work too.
Grace arriving on a lorry at its new home in Milford on Sea, just a few metres away from the current Laurent Giles design office.
