It is 7 years since the Norfolk Gypsy’s bottom was caressed by sea water. For 10 years before that she lay rotting at a mooring. Today was a new start for her.

After over a year of restoration, we launched her on a glorious but very windy Okinawan day.

The guys from the Marina arrive and expertly manoeuvre her towards the boat lift.

I am anxious as there is no sign of Kiyuna san. He had said he would give me a hand and I worry about the engine not starting, and things generally going wrong. I phone him 3 times but no reply. Has he gone AWOL as he sometimes does? Oh dear.

The boat is hoisted up and decorously lowered into the harbor.

What’s that noise? Yay ! The boom of the Harley.

Getting to the sea berth is a lot of fun. The engine starts but there is a very strong wind blowing onshore and backing out of the launch berth using the engine and tiller for the first time demonstrates my lack of seamanship to the assembled crowd. They are very polite. I slowly get the hang of things and we motor to the other end of the Marina to find the berth. The GM10 chunters away very happily and despite strong wind, drives the boat along with no problem. I forgot to bring the boat hook and coming alongside is a mess. No worries, we finally get her moored safely at her new home.

So that’s it. After a year of work, the boat that was a dismal wreck is now back in the water and ready to go. Good weather is on its way and I hear Ulysses.

A little video.