Folder 12. . . . Final Test day
A week later, after Rob and Andrew had solved the injectors problem. . ( the metering parts were just sticky after so many years lying dormant) , we returned to the river Charente.
This time the White Ensign was flown. . .unashamedly I may say. - ( and there was no-one around to protest !! )
Even with the water-cooled silencing the engine sounds wonderful, and really ready to go.
The front of the craft rises quickly out of the water and she is very responsive. I am beginner still, in this process
We just pottered about a bit before deciding to take a run or two up and down the river.
IPam was our photographer on the day, and did well enough, though a professional might have taken all kinds of shots - - -from the bridge for example. Anyhow. . .off we set and she really does want to fly! I kept her to just half revs, but the wake was huge for this river with it's speed limits, so I did not open her up fully .
As you can see -she really wants to go ! It is no surprise that they were called - " Skimming Dishes "
Testing over, I went and apologised to the two German holidaymakers in their rented cruise boat, for shaking their gin and tonics about a bit. They were very enthused about 'Dragonfly', and didn't seem to mind the White Ensign !!
SO. . .all in all a very satisfying day. Here is the 'First Mate ', as we stop by the river restaurant for a well deserved dinner
Now at last I can say. . . .I restored a great and historic little piece of Royal Navy history.
What an honour .
Cheers !!. . . . Erik. . .and . . " Dragonfly"