R.N.I.Y.C. PIER REFURBISHMENT

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Due to the deterioration of the pier it was decided to refurbish.  In November approximately one and a half tons of steel in the shape of channel and angle iron was delivered to the Club Site.

During the next six weeks or so Ian Hastings, Gary Lyons and I cut, welded and shaped this steel into the support for the last fifteen metres of the walkway.  Those who saw this taking shape in the yard were rather intrigued as we had to construct this upside down.  Once we were satisfied that this would fit onto the existing plinths holding up the old walkway, it was suitably marked and dispatched to be galvanized.  Due to the size and weight this was arranged by the Vice Commodore (thank you Mike).  Whilst we waited for this process (approx two weeks) we started to dismantle the old piece of the pier.  Gary armed with a still saw and chain saw made light work of this, so much so that when I asked him what had been keeping the old walkway up he replied “habit”.

When the steel returned from galvanizing we reassembled the pier to check that everything still fitted.   With a little head scratching eventually we managed to get it back together with very little modification.

We were now restricted to working when the tide and weather permitted.  The uprights were carried out by boat and span by span we were able to bridge the gap between the existing part and the steps which had been replaced the previous year (by the same team with a few extra helpers).  Each of the larger pieces were carried by boat and hoisted into place with block and tackle in true maritime fashion.

As you can see from the photographs the walkway on the entire pier had been replaced by sheets of fibreglass and a hand rail had been fitted to both sides.  This hopefully will allow those who were timid of the old pier to “go on the water” with confidence.

I am indebted to Ian, Gary, Robert Hume and Mike Vaughan  for their assistance in this major project.

We now have a pier which not only is safe but looks good.

Evan Moore (Captain responsible for Yard)