LAUNCH DAY!

Seven Stars is currently being built by Reading Marine Ltd at Aldermaston Wharf, near Reading, Berkshire. This is a picture diary of the boat's construction and fit out. Bookmark the diary index page so that you can come back at regular intervals to check progress.

7 Aug, 2000

Craning a narrowboat into the water is a tricky business. The crane has to be positioned carefully and the weight of the load calculated so that the boat can be lifted safely. Two straps form a sling and need to be placed in exactly the right place - otherwise the weight of the boat will cause either the bow or the stern to drop as the boat is raised. The finely balanced load is lifted just high enough to clear any obstacles. Ropes on the bow and stern are used to correct any lateral swing as the boat is slowly swung out and round. Once lined up with the canal below the boat is lowered until it reaches the water and floats.

A (very) large mobile crane is moved into position alongside the canal and Seven Stars is lifted off its bearers.

The crane swings the boat through 90 degrees, ready to be lowered into the water.

Safely down! And it floats! Of course we had every confidence that it would.

Time to christen Seven Stars with a splash of bubbly.

The staff of Reading Marine join in the celebrations. A glass or two of champagne to say 'Thank you' to everyone who has had a hand in building Seven Stars.

Now teddy can be installed in his new home.....

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