Last Thursday afternoon, after arriving in Lefkas, we finally met up with Takis of Yacht Shelter. I’ve been in email contact with him since early April, trying to arrange to meet on the boat to discuss getting fitted cockpit cushions made. Most private boats out here have them, and increasing numbers of charter boats do too. Boats are full of hard surfaces and after a while, my sciatica flares up when I’ve sat for any period of time on hard GRP with a finishing layer of teak.
The boat came with a set of 4 individual seat and back cushions, too nice to use except in harbour on a dry day. We bought 2 hardwearing working cushions as an interim measure, and they’re useful for kneeling on when working too! But comfortable fitted cushions have been in the budget from the word go. Everyone says Takis is good, therefore it’s no surprise that he’s run off his feet in April and May at the start of the season. He also does sail repairs and covers.
As soon as we’re settled in our berth on Lefkas quay, I phone him as agreed and he arrives after we’ve had a simple lunch onboard. They will need to make a template, as they don’t have one for our boat, so we arrange that this will happen on Monday 21st in Nidri. A quick email to Jaki at IBA confirms a booking on the pontoon there, and we’re all set. The cushion backs on the curved back of the cockpit will be tricky. We agree the price, Takis will bring fabric samples to Nidri on 21st.
“While you’re here,” I say, “we’d like some side screens in the mesh fabric that protects from the sun. And a back screen. And the sprayhood has a broken zip that’s currently sewn up, and it leaks ……” Takis casts an expert eye over our cockpit covers. We agree that it’s better to replace the sprayhood now, rather than limp on with repairs for a few years before admitting defeat. And the whole set up is loose – making side panels to fit will be clunky. We discuss the cost and advantages of redesigning all the cockpit covers, but using the existing stainless steel frames, and all agree this is a much better solution. This can be done in June.
Takis is clearly an expert in these matters, pointing out aspects that hadn’t occurred to us. We feel reassured and glad we waited for him to be available. My bones and I will have to practice the art of patience a little longer yet, but we’re excited about being more comfortable aboard our summer home and better protected from the elements as well.