Cochin, India

So, we have finally made it! Our boat is out of the water, and it came up safely. After 3 weeks of crazy work though… for we had to transform the trolley, originally only made for long keels or flat hulls.

This means that from now on, keelers can be lifted out in Fort Cochin at the Malabar Yacht Club, run by a very nice English fellow named John.

It doesn’t mean it’s easy… some serious time must be spent in the very dirty and muddy water to be sure the boat is properly positioned – there is ZERO visibility meaning all is done by touching only. A few Indian guys are here to work it through, and they are good and hard workers, but obviously, they can’t know one’s boat as well as his owner.

The system consists of a trolley gliding on rails. It’s supposed to carry up to 30 tons but there it may need some additional transformation for a very heavy boat. Up to 15-20 tons, it should be no problem at all.

The shipyard in itself is small, with enough space for 3, maybe 4 boats. There are 2 sets of rails, and 2 trolleys (only one has been transformed). There is very shallow water there, about 2m max. at high tide, and a very thick layer of mud. We were amazed to see our boat actually able to stand in the mud at the even very low tide, simply attached to big wooden beams on either side. There was always enough water at the stern to carry the heavier part of the boat (the slope is about 10-15 degrees, maybe less).

So yes, it is hard work, but definitely worth it if you don’t have the money to spend in the Maldives or even at the big Cochin shipyard (plenty of nice cranes there, but 2000 dollars can be spent on other things, no ?).

Karine

SY A Poils

alga69@yahoo.com