Boats on the Move
As activity steps up in preparation for Shetland Boat Week starting on 7th August, members of the Shetland Weight Training Club have stepped in to take some of the strain from organisers.
On a wet and miserable Wednesday evening, members of the club came along to the Shetland Museum Boat Shed, where the Oceanic Lifeboat has been a main feature for the past few months, following her restoration. Moving the large boat to the other side of the Dock for display during the maritime festival was looking to be no easy task for Museum staff.
However the Strongmen were on hand to manoeuvre the vessel out onto the slip, where Jonathan from J&B Transport was waiting to load the 28 foot boat onto the truck for repositioning on the West Dock next to the Pier Store.
Emma Miller, event co-ordinator, commented “Shetland Boat Week is all about getting the community engaged with Shetland’s maritime heritage. Tonight’s effort by the boys is a perfect example of community spirit and them giving us a hand their effort in this terrible rain was nothing short of heroic! The lifeboat is a big boat, and she’s not been easy to shift. We couldn’t have done it without them, and Jonathan’s truck.
The relocation of the Lifeboat has left plenty of space in the Boat Shed for all the activities planned during Boat Week, which will include the building of a new boat by Jack Duncan and Robbie Tait. John Jamieson will demonstrate fancy knotwork skills, and Marian Armitage will be joined by Charlie Simpson for cookery demonstrations. Games and activities for all ages will also be available during the week. The full programme is available at www.shetlandboatweek.com/events.
The boat looks great in her new position next to the pier store - in better weather - where she will remain for a few weeks before being taken to longer term storage at the Museum's boat store.
