Early May 2006: Irene VIII takes off in the sky of La Ciotat and lands on a cradle at Classic Works Restoration; she will stay still for the next 16 months.

The work starts with dismantling the interior, to get access to the floors, frames and to the mast step. Rather bad surprises: most of metal parts (Irene has a composite structure, meaning that her frames are a either of metal or wood) are heavily corroded, especially in the less accessible areas. The mast step is almost completely damaged.

Outside, the copper covering the hull is taken away. A very good surprise this time: the pitch pine planking is in a extraordinary state, almost as brand new. 100% of the original wood are kept.

Most damaged frames and floors are replaced or doubled. Bolts (tightening together frames and planking) are inspected; most of them brake when removed; all will have to be replaced.

Unfortunately, the bolt corrosion damaged the wood around the threads: the planking needs to be reinforced before putting new bolts. 750 teak diamonds are shaped, one by one, put in place, drilled and traversed by new bolts.

Keel bolts, paramount in the axial structure, are also to be replaced. After much thinking, we decide not to lower the keel ? it is a complex operation, putting the hull at risk ? but to drill "windows" into the lead to access, extract and replace the bolts, before melting new lead.

Chainplates, also corroded, are replaced, with a bespoke profile.

The interior is progressively back; the engine (dating 1970) is completely serviced. One could almost live onboard again.

The hull is sanded and repainted. A "toe rail" is put in place to offer a minimum safety. Irene is ready to go back into the water.

Sortie du hangar : Le toit qui a abrité Irene depuis l'an passé s'ouvre pour laisser la belle s'envoler.

Les puissantes grues Krupp soulèvent le bateau et l'amènent, par delà le grand bassin de carénage jusqu'au bout de la jetée des chantiers navals, où après un impressionant mouvement de 180° viennent amener Irene au niveau du quai.

Une fois le yacht de retour dans son élément la grue reste en place quelques heures. Il faut laisser le temps aux bordés de bois de se dilater pour qu'ils retrouvent leur étanchéité habituelle.