Another version of Katie - kept the hull, but changed the deckhouse, to allow fuller access internally. The mast is fully removeable for car transport, using pelican hooks on the shrouds. All blocks are handmade from mahogany with fully working brass sheaves. Capping rails are single piece for strength, steam bent. The deadeyes are not fully setup yet, hence untidy ropework, all other ropework properly spliced. The white rope lines are testing the best sheet routing prior to home making the sails from cotton poplin. Sheeting will be winch line for foresails and direct drum for main. The large slot internally between the winch lines is for a large battery, resting on the keel to add ballast. Taken about 9 months so far, and might finish over the winter, but not rushing.

Now starting the sails, right out of my comfort zone, but getting guidance from she who owns the sewing machine. So far material, thread, etc has cost about £15, considerably below the cost of Nylet sails, which are unaffordable to me, but I can understand why sailmakers are so skilled. This is hard just doing the short hem for practice.

Taken a few days, but being slow and careful. First sail I have ever made, now fully sewn, just waiting for eyelet tools to arrive, then an iron and it will be ready for hoisting. Just another 2 or 3 to go, deopending on whether to do topsail or not

Finally got the first sail completed. Pretty pleased. Made accurately to sail plan as per the rest of the boat, but should have checked and re-checked length of the luff. Not sure I have sufficient space to tighten it properly, so may have to adjust clew and head fittings.

All sails now made, and hoisted. Pretty pleased with the end result. Sheeting all in place, although I have left some of the lines a bit long, until we have completed the first few sailings and made any adjustments. Like any model though you see bits that you wish you had spent longer on making better, but for my first yacht, I think this will do. Will post sailing action when weather is more conducive to standing on the bank, and certainly when there is more breeze.

Finally completed test floating, and she sets perfectly to her waterline. A bit surprised as with about 17lb of ballast, the final weight is 28lb, and I thought she would be a bit low. As part of test, also checked dismantling for transport, which worked well. Now just need the right weather, as standing on the waterside with ice all around is not appealing.

Finally got the Three Daughters onto the water. Cold, but despite the forecast of some breeze, it was noticeable by its absence. However, getting her to the water despite her weight was ok, and she sat to the water line perfectly. The leech of the mainsail needs tightening, as done sorting the mainsheet drum winch - sheet kept using the spindle rather than the drum, so need to resolve sheet tension/feed. Attended unusually today by my wife for the photo opportunities- photos were great, but the videos failed. Will now move Three daughters to my harbour and post further updates there.

Trying to use a video and radio controller just leads to shaky videos, but at last she is sailing, reasonably well. This is fourth attempt at a video and will try even harder next time to show her with some decent wind. Due to her weight she hates minimal wind.