That is progress by me. Neil has been making loads of progress on the boat – see here.

Finally took the plunge and cut the foam to shape for the starboard side using the existing foam as a template. Have to say that trying to cut through 4″ (10cm) thick foam with a straight vertical cut using a kitchen knife was not easy. Neil then had to shape the side going up against the hull.

My first attempt for the cover was OK, but too. Neil re-shaped the foam a bit which released some of the tension but it still didn’t seem to fit although I could get it zipped up. There was one section though where my brain just did not compute that I couldn’t do a curve then a right angle without some shaping of the fabric. Also I didn’t appreciate that the 4″ I had allowed in the material quantity for the thickness of the foam was not enough for the angle cut to fit the hull side – this was now 5″.

If I have a set of instructions/pattern to follow I’m fine (as long as it is correct and no steps missing) what I can’t do is work it out for myself. I was told during a knitting workshop that I was un-teachable – bit rude I thought as I can produce finished garments – as long as I have correct instructions.

It now has some shaping, not pretty but also didn’t cost thousands of £’s and I can live with it, mainly because the real wobbly bits can’t be seen.

I’m not looking forward to doing the next one although Neil assures me it will be easier now I have done one. I thought that about the fender socks. Made 2 no problem then cut the third one too short twice! Done now though. So our fenders are now covered in a smart navy jersey.