Last week, on Monday, we had a rare event in Boathouse 4 – the launch of a fully-refurbished boat.

Chubby has had a near complete rebuild, over the last few years. Two weeks ago, the owner brought in an old pair of oars, she wished to use with the boat.

These oars are old, and rather rough – let’s say, full of character.

I gave them a gentle rub-down and a few coats of varnish, and on the day of the launch, I set to to finish them off. One of the leather covers for the looms, which I had prepared, had been fitted over the weekend by one of our instructors, so I had the other to fit, and the copper bands to replace.

The leather covers are cut to size – here more difficult because the loom diameter was so irregular – then soaked to soften them, and sewn in place. As they dry, they shrink tight.

This week, having completed our painting and varnishing module, we are moving on to oars and spars. Our first task is to make an oar. We are using hemlock, which is light and has a fine grain. It’s really nice to be using chisels, planes and spokeshaves again!