The winter season is generally from October – March. During this time, Hardiesse is kept alongside a private quay in Penryn, she has a workshop and two boat sheds (ample room to store all of Hardiesse’ rigging and the small boats who serve so will during the summer).
At the beginning of the winter lay-up period, the majority of the rigging and the furnishing from below decks is removed from Hardiesse. This is put into storage to protect it during the cold / wet weather. Any working parts will then be checked and worked on as required throughout the winter.
This gives opportunity for people to learn new skills, not only in how Hardiesse works and what everything does, but practical skills that can be used in other walks of life including treating woodwork, servicing the engine and working on the hull in the river (when the tide is out)!
The winter period is also a sociable time with Hardiesse, people generally spend Sunday working together (tasks are much more appealing with a few people doing them and having some fun right?!).