Conclusion

Fairing’s an odd sort of job, with much of what you do making the boat look worse rather than better as it starts to resemble a patchwork quilt. However, running your hand over the result is certainly rewarding as you feel a smooth, blemish-free surface beneath.

The most satisfying job by far, though, was planing the stem. Suddenly this rather agricultural, square timber took on new life as a shapely bow ready to carve its way through the water. It’s improved the aesthetics of the bow immensely, and is a reminder of what this boat’s meant to do – sail.