So after many months with some debate, some hesitation (although not much on my part), we arrived at the point where we would lift Wyruna and lodge it safely in Ferdi’s shed. It sounded easy – the owner had cleared the path down the side of the house, Ferdi had the space. Add lifting power, and some transport and off it goes. We thought maybe five hours would see it done – from loading a cradle at Williamstown, lifting on, short drive, lift off and push into shed. Some complexity given the site had a narrow side access, and some low power lines across the front yard which impacted the size of the crane that could be brought in.

18 December 2019 was chosen, with a challenging weather forecast of 43C – one of the warmer days in Melbourne for a while. 20 tonne crane arrived at Williamstown by 7.30am, and after cradle loading, we were at Altona by 8.30am, pondering next steps.

The first lift was successful, but it was clear the 20t crane was too small for the reach required. The load was finely balanced on the front wheels of the crane, with the rear wheels also off the ground (well, only just). Gaining a few feet forward reduced the load on the front wheels, but it was clear that the 20t was not going to do it. Happily, the company had a 25t crane just around the corner, and it soon arrived.

Probably worth stating that the plan at this point was to lift to the side of the house, rest Wyruna, place the cradle in front, then lift onto the cradle. The cradle would then be lifted (or dragged) to the footpath, lifted to the road and placed on the low-loader. Easy!

At this point, it was about 12.00pm, which was a little late to schedule, but all good. Temperature was still climbing – there was a slightly cooling breeze off the bay out the front of the house, but it was getting quite warm. One of the things I had forgotten about lifting stuff (which to be fair was only a small amount of information, but it still managed to go) was that everything associated (chains, spreader bars etc) is heavy, but needs to be quite precise in some respects. It takes time and effort, that on a warm day quickly becomes tiring.

I imagine this seemed like quite an achievement at the time for the lifting team – the temperature felt like it was still climbing, and the breeze had died off, but they had done the hard part. It was a great sight for me, but while I wasn’t a casual spectator, the hard work was done by others. It was 2.30pm, which was about the time I thought I’d be back at work, so a little behind it.

With that, we finished the first day with a quick beer before I head home.

Many decisions to make over the next little while – but the first task (of many) will be taking apart the interior, retrieving the fittings, and mapping what we can. There are some details in Recent Images for the task here. I’ll need some strong guidance along the way!

For anyone reading – the key question, that we have some time to answer, is whether we go for the original gaff rig or with the more cruising friendly ketch rig that it currently has. Thoughts please!