Let the Refit commence!

Recently, we moved Helen Mary R to her winter berth on the Gridirons pontoon, a little further upriver in Fowey. On the last weekend of October, it was a lovely, windless, sunny day when a few of our volunteers joined us aboard to put HMR “to bed.” This involved removing the sail covers, hoisting the main and mizzen, and removing them from the masts. Followed by remembering how to flake them! Now hidden from most of the bad weather, our thoughts turn to the annual refit. Like all sailboats, Helen Mary R needs constant maintenance to keep her seaworthy, and as a Sail Training vessel she gets a fair bit of wear and tear!

The upcoming refit season is always a time of anticipation, as it promises improvement while presenting the challenges of both funding and taking on ambitious projects. This year, we are particularly excited about adding new Victron equipment, which includes solar panels and a combined charger/inverter system.

These upgrades will significantly modernise Helen Mary R's electrical setup, making her more efficient and sustainable. In fact, the solar installation alone is estimated to save an incredible 10 tonnes of CO2 annually, aligning perfectly with our commitment to making as small an impact as possible on our environment. Along with the Black water tanks we installed last winter, It’s a tangible step towards reducing our environmental impact.

On the other hand, some tasks bring a sense of trepidation. Re-caulking the command deck is no small endeavour. To facilitate the work, we’ve got to construct a makeshift "shed" over the cockpit—a project in itself! While it’s an added layer of complexity, it’s also a reminder of the ingenuity and teamwork that define the refit process. We know it won’t be easy, but our efforts keep Helen Mary R seaworthy each year.

Upgrading Electrical Systems with Victron Equipment

One of the most exciting projects this refit season is the installation of cutting-edge Victron equipment, which was made possible thanks to the generosity of Totus Engineering. On a rainy day in July, the team at Totus climbed the highest point in Cornwall (called Brown Willy) a staggering 170 times, conquering a combined elevation equal to the towering heights of Mount Everest, K2, and Kilimanjaro – and raised a fantastic £1880! Their incredible fundraising efforts have allowed us to invest in a system that will modernise Helen Mary R and significantly reduce our carbon footprint. It’s a game-changer, and we are immensely grateful for their support.

The new Victron system includes a pair of 215W 24V Blue Solar Panels, which will generate clean energy for onboard use, and a 3kW Multiplus inverter/charger, providing battery charging and an inverter in one device. Complementing these are a 150/35 MPPT solar charge controller for optimal solar performance, an Orion 24/24 17A DC-DC converter for linking the engine start and domestic batteries, and a Cerbo GX with a 5-inch touchscreen for real-time monitoring and system control. Together, these components create a reliable, sustainable energy solution.

To accommodate this upgrade, we also need to reorganise the electrical infrastructure. On a boat, everything is a compromise in some form or another, with space being one of the most critical, especially when you have 16 people living and sleeping in a small space!

The existing bus bars, battery switches, and 240V panel will be relocated to the navigation area. This move is essential to facilitate rebuilding part of the Afterguard cabin, addressing a long-standing issue: the lack of storage for volunteers' kit. With four people sharing the cabin, the current situation is less than ideal: bags on the floor! This reconfiguration will create much-needed space without compromising functionality.

Of course, such an extensive overhaul comes with its challenges. Carefully integrating the new components with our existing systems will require meticulous planning and precision. Matt has spent the last few weeks with this diagram, tweaking and making sure everything works together!

Moving heavy components and rewiring in confined spaces will test our resolve, but with a clear plan, we’re confident we can overcome these obstacles with time and effort! This project exemplifies the innovation that defines Morvargh Sailing Project, and we can’t wait to see Helen Mary R powered by her new, state-of-the-art system.

Re-caulking the Command Deck

Ensuring Helen Mary R remains watertight is a cornerstone of this refit season, and re-caulking the command deck is one of the most critical tasks on our list. The command deck is just before the main companionway (ladder) into the cabin and the roof over the Afterguard cabin. This area gets heavy traffic, with people up and down hundreds of times on each trip, and over time, wear and tear have taken their toll. One particularly stubborn leak from the hatch on the command deck has been causing puddles to form on the floor of the Afterguard cabin—a problem that demands urgent attention.

The process begins with stripping everything back. Both booms, the main sheet track, and the hatch, must be removed to access the deck fully. Once the surface is clear, we’ve got to remove the old sealant, a job that we are not looking forward to! Each teak plank has a 5ml caulking bead between it, which needs to be meticulously removed, the gap cleaned & sanded, and any dirt or residue that could compromise the new caulking removed. Properly sealing this area is essential to prevent leaks, protect the cabin below, and maintain the deck's structural integrity.

One of the more daunting aspects of this project is the need to construct a temporary "shed" over the cockpit area, which spans nearly six metres. This structure will shield the deck from rain and create a dry environment—a necessity given our weather's unpredictability! Building the shed will require careful planning, but ensuring the job is done correctly is a challenge worth tackling. If we get it right, we can use the shed each year to give us a dry exterior space to work in.

Re-caulking is never glamorous, but it is essential. This deck area has withstood years of exposure and intense use, so thorough maintenance is overdue. By addressing the underlying issues now and reinforcing the deck with durable, high-quality materials, we can extend its lifespan significantly and improve the experience for everyone onboard. The result will be a drier and more reliable space supporting the vital work Helen Mary R delivers on every trip.

Rudder bearing replacement

Another significant task of this refit season will take place (hopefully) in February when we plan to lift Helen Mary R at C Toms & Sons in Polruan. This project involves removing the rudder, servicing the steering system, replacing bearings, and applying antifoul to her undersides to ensure she’s ready for the season ahead.

Dropping the rudder is no small feat; it is nearly 6 feet tall, and the rudder stock is at least another 5 feet on top of that! Once out, we can replace the bearings to ensure the rudder's reliability and performance. This work is essential to maintaining the vessel's safety and handling, particularly in the challenging conditions she often faces.

Hopefully, Adam from ADR will lead the charge on this project, whose expertise and commitment will be invaluable throughout the process. Removing the rudder and addressing its bearings is no small feat, requiring careful coordination and precision.

This is another technically demanding job but also one that will significantly impact the vessel’s overall performance. Additionally, this allows us to sort the undersides of Helen Mary R. She will receive fresh coats of antifoul. This process is vital for maintaining her efficiency in the water and protecting her hull from marine growth. It’s a perfect example of how even the unseen parts of a boat demand care and attention to keep her running smoothly.

With the support of skilled professionals like Adam and the facilities at C Toms & Sons, we are confident this major undertaking will succeed.

Routine Maintenance: The Foundation of Every Refit

While the larger projects often steal the spotlight and keep Matt occupied (and sometimes a little stressed 😉), routine maintenance is the backbone of every successful refit. These essential tasks ensure Helen Mary R remains a clean, safe, and comfortable home for her crew. They may not seem as exciting as installing new systems or re-caulking decks, but their impact is no less significant.

Cleaning every corner of the vessel is a key priority. Dirt and grime inevitably accumulate after a season of voyages, and a deep clean restores a sense of pride and freshness to the boat. Beyond aesthetics, maintaining hygiene is crucial for the well-being of everyone onboard, especially when so many people share the same space.

Painting and touch-ups are another critical part of the process. Not only do they preserve the vessel’s appearance, but they also act as a vital defence against rust and corrosion. From refreshing the topsides to tackling minor nicks and scratches in the paintwork and gel coat, these jobs prevent minor issues from becoming major problems down the line.

Routine inspections also play an integral role. Every bolt, fitting, and piece of hardware is checked to identify wear or damage that could compromise safety. Replacing or repairing these items ensures the boat remains seaworthy and secure, avoiding potential failures during voyages.

None of this work would be possible without our volunteers. Their energy, dedication, and willingness to tackle even the dirtiest jobs make the refit season run smoothly. From scrubbing decks to sanding surfaces to pushing and pulling cables, every contribution helps to keep Helen Mary R in top condition. It’s a genuine team effort, and we’re incredibly grateful for the time and enthusiasm they bring to this essential work.

Building Momentum: Getting Everyone Involved

As we embark on this refit season, we’d like to put out a general call for anyone who can join us in making these plans a reality. Whether you have experience in electrical engineering, deck refurbishment, or simply a willingness to lend a hand, there is a role for everyone.

There are numerous opportunities for involvement. From cleaning and painting to assisting with installing cutting-edge Victron equipment or helping to construct a temporary "shed" over the cockpit, every task is a step toward transforming the HMR for her year ahead.

Each contribution, no matter how small, drives our mission forward. Together, we can ensure Helen Mary R remains a safe, sustainable, and inspiring platform for young sailors to learn, grow, and explore. By joining us, you would join a dedicated team working toward a shared vision—making Helen Mary R her very best.

We’ll be sharing regular updates and photos throughout the refit, so stay tuned to see our progress and the incredible transformations your support makes possible. This is not just a project; it’s a community effort that embodies the spirit of sailing—collaboration, resilience, and hope for the future.

Now is the perfect time to get involved. Reach out, sign up, and be part of this exciting journey. Together, we can make a lasting difference for Helen Mary R and all those she inspires.

Let’s get to work!