News

As Ben Steadman and Mark Davis proudly watched Doing Time being lifted ready to be launched into the Marina for the first time, their pleasure turned to horror. As their boat was lifted off her wooden skid cradle, a large hole in the hull became apparent.  The damage had been caused by improper support of the hull from the badly positioned timber supports when the boat was packed and shipped from the UK.  

With support from Margret at Max Marine and many hours of hard work the damage was repaired by James (Woodvale Challenge boat builder) and we are happy and relieved to say that Doing Time has now been fully repaired and is at last enjoying her first taste of the Indian Ocean. 

Ben and Mark commented on their website blog:‘How does it feel when your mood and excitement goes from being as high as it has ever been to as low as it has ever been? Let me tell you. The boat was lifted off the trailer today to be dropped in the water. As it was lifted up, we discovered a massive hole in the underside where it has clearly been loaded very badly. Never have so many expletives been used in one sentence!! For those who know me, that is quite a few! The job is a two to three day repair job. That means that we should hopefully be ready for the start. Getting ready now will be a whole lot harder. Then there is the psychological stress of knowing we have had a hole in the boat. Will the repair hold out!! Im sure it will. The Woodvale boys are superb...Even Chalky! Spirits under the circumstances are still high. We are cracking on and have changed our outlook somewhat. We are having fun but most of that is to mask the reality of what is about to happen to us. The challenge we set ourselves is within reach now. Every morning we can smell the ocean. For all those at home who have any concerns about us or our preparation, worry not. Mark and I are closer than ever. We have talked the world to death over a few beers and this has been really productive. We share the same goals and will not give up. We have met some fantastic people that will always be close to us and miss all those special people at home. We will be back soon.’ 

Photos of the damage can be viewed in the launch day photo gallery.