We report Boleh‘s activities on the water but rarely find time to cover the expert volunteers in the background ensuring she is fit to deliver her sailing programme. So, off Season, we’re highlighting those involved in gaining the Coding Disc which shows we’ve met the standards set by the Maritime and Coastal Agency (MCA) for our annual licence to operate. Keeping Boleh fully compliant with those operational and safety standards is full-time and complicated by the vessel’s age and unique design.
Part of this process requires the Trust to demonstrate to an outside authority that Boleh is fully compliant, seaworthy and sailed, maintained and repaired by those with appropriate qualifications and experience. Last year this involved a full check by Marine Consultants of hull and fittings with Boleh out of the water, followed by a comprehensive inspection of all items and instructions onboard. As the picture of the Coding Disc by the chart table shows – we passed!
MCA compliance is policed by Naval Architect, Graham Westbrook, mastermind of Boleh‘s 2012 restoration. Winter work and maintenance to MCA standards is overseen by Trustee Mark Minshull, assisted by fellow Chartered Engineer David Hadfield and Yachtmaster Nigel Craine. We are very grateful to this skilled team and to other volunteers who step in to help, last year completing tasks with a commercial value of over £10k – some of their fine work can be seen on social media here.
