February 2025 Update

During February we have been very busy. The trustees have been working on avenues of fundraising and making plans for going to Dunkirk for the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo.

On Challenge

At the start of the month, the condenser ends were removed, marking the beginning of essential repairs. This process involves extracting the ferrules that secure the tubes within the condenser, repacking them, and reinstalling them. A pressure test will soon be conducted to identify any leaks that could affect the condenser's vacuum performance.

A dedicated team of volunteers has completed a thorough cleaning of the boiler. They have swept out the tubes, fully drained the boiler, dried it out and are now in the process of cleaning the inside of it.

Progress continues on sealing the foredeck to prevent further leaks. The area has been stripped back and a specialised coating has been applied to a third of the area. The wooden panels in the forward saloon are also nearing completion, and insulation has been purchased, ready for installation once the deck coating has been fully applied.

Several other key tasks have been completed as well. Challenge now has a fully operational air compressor, which will power our tooling, enabling us to proceed with needle gunning and painting in preparation for Dunkirk. The fuel filters for the boiler system have been thoroughly cleaned, and work has begun on repainting the boiler and engine room deck plates.

Additionally, the wood for the rear mast has now been ordered. We are looking forward to welcoming Peter Green from the National Historic Ships, who has generously offered his expertise to assist with the mast’s woodworking. On the subject of woodwork, Brian has started to make new nav light boxes as the old ones are falling apart.

On Portwey

The restoration of Portwey’s hull has progressed swiftly, and all welding has now been completed. Most of the rubbing strakes have been reinstalled, and painting is well underway.

Last week our volunteers fired Portwey’s boiler. Unfortunately has the boiler reached 40psi a tube burst and they are now underway on replacing the tube before trying again.

We are incredibly grateful to all the volunteers and supporters who have contributed their time and skills to keep these historic vessels in working order. Your dedication ensures their preservation for future generations.