Photos by Rali Rousseva.  ralirphotography.blogspot.com

Tradition has it, that during the build of a wooden boat, when the last plank of the hull is bent in, all involved in the project mark the occasion with a celebration. The hull is planked from the “garboard” up and consecutively from the “sheer” down and the final plank, the “shutter plank”, so called as it closes the hull, marks a turning point. For the boat-builders the laborious process of planking and copper riveting is over, and the work of deck, cabin and interior will begin. For the vessel’s buyer, finally her lines can be admired, and launch day envisaged. Well we’re restoring TERN not building her, and we’ve left every original part possible, but to be completing the work on the hull and fastening in her last plank, is no less of an occasion. The shutter plank is colloquially known as the “whisky plank”, for the most important part of the traditional celebration is that a dram of whisky be had by all. And who are we to break with tradition……