This year marks the 85th anniversary of ‘Operation Dynamo’ and we plan to take ‘Cachalot’ on the ADLS Commemorative Return 21 – 26 May. 

Nearly 75 Dunkirk Little Ships, comprising a wide range of historic vessels, are hoping to make the crossing from Ramsgate to Dunkirk escorted by a Royal Navy guard of honour with seven P2000 from the RN Coastal Forces Squadron and the RNLI. In preparation, Steve arranged for Larkmans to collect ‘Cachalot’ from the Tidemill at the beginning of March when we attended the first of two official briefings with other members of the ADLS. We also joined them at the Wharf, Teddington for the black tie Fitting Out Supper in order to meet more of the skippers and crews who will be joining the Return this year.

The first job on the list when Steve arrived at Larkmans on 11 March, 2025 was to check out the seam that has been leaking intermittently ever since her launch in 2017. To be sure it’s right this time, it’s been fully raked out and splined. After doing the antifoul Steve also put two coats of paint on the topsides. All bright and shining she was lowered back into the Deben and taken back to the Tidemill, still in her winter cover as the weather remains quite cold and wet. More jobs completed include: rubbing down and varnishing the coamings and other areas that suffer from too much exposure to the weather as well as painting the coachroof and cockpit. The mast, protected by her new winter ‘stocking’, is looking really good following all last year’s varnishing.

There’s plenty more to do in preparation for the passage to Ramsgate and crossing to Dunkirk, the first time in our ownership that ‘Cachalot’ has left UK shores. Insurance has been extended and all the paperwork printed and stored safely in a waterproof pack, just in case any officials are interested. The Taylors stove has been spluttering for a while and having sourced a collection of spares Steve dismantled it completely so that it now fires on both burners as good as new. He’s made a thorough check of all the engine and all electrics, sent the lifejackets for servicing and purchased new navigation lights, sea toilet, flares and a smart new iPad mount to see Navionics from the cockpit. There’s also been passage planning with crew, Mark using the new charts and Pilot Books for crossing the Thames.