After four years of restoration, Ripple unfurls and raises her rags

Slack pickings for the mackerel boys at the moment.....
Mr Curtis Jnr and Twinkle heave a new footrope ashore - plenty of work ahead when the boat is next in, putting a new trawl together......
Ripplemeister John Lambourn, with enlisted help, makes ready to sail the Ripple for the first time in over 50 years......
the Ben Loyal is back in Newlyn and looking resplendent.......
with the offshore element of the Duchy hosting the 20th Isles of Scilly World Gig Championship this weekend there can't be a better way to participate than aboard your own boat, no accommodation problems, able to get close to the action during the gig races and, with a boat like this, the islands are but a couple of hours away......
and who can resist posing for a photo call up on the bow?.......
meanwhile, some of the locals still have to work at the weekend.......
leaving the quay, and careful not to nudge brother's catamaran astern of him, the Ripple is all set to make history and be the first local fishing lugger to sail through the gaps for some time......
but first the sail needs to be unfurled......
and hoisted by a largely novice crew......
who, in their enthusiasm to get to sea, almost forget to make fast the forefoot of the sail.......
seconds later she makes for the gaps and provides a perfect illustration as to why the luggers are such efficent sailing machines, (and copied in all guizes) there is still the mizzen sail of similar size yet to be raised......
through the gasp under sail for the first time......
and out towards the Mount......
heeling at a gentle angle and making good speed in the light onshore breeze......
as the Brixham beamer, 3 Sons steams in......
followed by the Go For It with the Ripple off in the distance making ready to hoist her mizzen.....

work begins to hoist the 3 Son's gear back aboard the boat.