The Great Commissioning - 26th March 2011

With over 250 friends and volunteers in attendance, the 'Great Commissioning' of TS Resolute was the last and biggest of a series of opening events during the week. The sun shone, the boat was busy, and all went smoothly - we think!

Jon Bennetts

Operational Changes for the new season

As part of the recent commissioning events, the day to day operational duties of 'Resolute' were handed from Norman Doney (Executive Director) and David Edwards (Project Manager) over to Jon Bennetts (Centre Manager).

Official Opening of TS Resolute - 25th March 2011

On 25th March, TS Resolute was officially commissioned. The guest list comprised of local heads of industry, organisations, supporters and contractors - many of whom have helped us with the whole 'new ship project'. The boat was commissioned by Captain John Clink - OBE and former Captain of HMS Ark Royal.

Jon Bennetts

Official commissioning of our Jetty

On 23rd March, friends and family of the late Lord Gregson, met to officially open the new Jetty in his name. As head of the Veolia Trust, Lord Gregson was a keen sailor in his lifetime as well as being a prominent and passionate supporter of British Industry. We would like to extend our thanks to everyone involved in making this such a memorable and significant day.

Jon Bennetts

THE FINAL STRAIGHT

We are all working away at different areas of the ship and around site getting ready for the opening events later this week. If you are planning to come to the Great commissioning on Saturday 26th March, from 1-4pm, please let us know on admin@cye.org.uk.

Works include: Restoration of the assualt course, ship levelling- see plumbline, completion on the platform and steps, deck painting, site tidying, final electrics, snags and Turfing.

The first school group comes on 30th March and then all the fun and mission fulfillment begins!

Solar and ground source energy

Eventually, after much negotiation we have an efficient and discrete Solar Vacuum Tube array on the wheelhouse roof, providing Resolute with hot water at 50 degrees even now. The Ground source heat pump system is also fully installed, and runs to top up when there is insufficient heat from the sun. Solar tubes have been providing hot water for the underfloor heating and domestic use during the day recently. There is a very clever automatic energy management system.

We had a visit from the teams of St Georges House and Fellowship Afloat Christian centresrecently. This was a training conference and here is a picture of a group using the DAY ROOM for a canoeing exam.

We have a commissioning event on 26th March from 1-4pm including buffet lunch, tours and commissioning event at 2.30. Please join us if you can and advise us on admin@cye.org.uk

Norman Doney