Saturday 18 October 2008

Mission Control - We have Launch!

Caxton emerges fro the Barn Owl workshop. An air cushion is pushed under the hull and filled with compressed air lifting the hull enough to get heavy duty roller-skates underneath. The transporter is then attached to skeg and tows Caxton out into daylight.
They are getting the giant straps under the hull in readiness for the crane to lift Caxton into the air.

Eighteen tons airborne!

Being lowered onto the lorry. (statement of the obvious - just in case you missed it!)



After the journey from Stourbridge via Worcester the lorry arrives at the launch site - Yes, it was very tight here.

After waiting a while to get sufficient cars moved out of this yard the lorry swings in ready to reverse Caxton towards the River Severn and the quay-side crane.

The securing straps are undone and the 'long load' signage and flashing amber lights are removed

The straps are fed through under the hull and attached to the cradle on the crane.

Up up and away. The lorry drives away and the crane starts to lift Caxton up some twelve feet.

There she goes.

Being swung out over the quayside into a gap between a dutch barge and another boat.


Only another ten feet to go..





Launched!
Caxton settles into the water evenly and all breath a big sigh of relief...














5 comments:

Dogsontour by Greygal said...

She looks sensational! Enuf said!

Del and Al said...

congratulations...the photo's look fab!!

Roger said...

Brilliant!!

Now you can relax and enjoy.

Roger
Windsong

Bill Rodgers said...

Congratulations! I've enjoyed reading about your build. I wish you good luck and enjoyment. Boat is beautiful inside and out.

Nev Wells said...

Stressful I would expect, all that lifting and swinging but a fantastic feeling when she was afloat in the water,
Good luck and take care

Nev

NB Waterlily