The 2009 Log of Lady Grey

Lady Grey

Lady Grey is a 50 year old cutter rigged wooden cruising yacht, built for comfort not for speed. Linda and I have been cruising the West of Scotland with Lady Grey for 16 years.

Last year I noticed a slight oil burning smell from the engine, the original 12 horse power Petters oil engine.

During March 2009 I decide to investigate and so off with the cylinder heads. The bores are a bit worn so the barrels are removed in order to examine the pistons.

New pistons and liners are obtained along with some new gaskets and four valve guides.

I fit the pistons and liners, OD Cars look after the heads, Gary Wishart in Ballymena sorts out the injector pumps, the injectors are ok, and soon the engine is going again complete with a new coat of paint.

I get a new pair of sailing wellies from Caters and during the first week of May all stores are brought aboard The grass is cut and we board Lady Grey on Saturday 9th May. After a couple of pints in the club we settle down for the night aiming for a 0330 start, planning to anchor off at Glenarm for three hours and take the next tide for Gigha.