Hello!
 
 I just published my January update. In January I finished work on the spinnaker chute and was able to apply 3 layers of clear epoxy on the deck, the carlins and the rubbing strakes.  I'm still waiting for warmer weather to varnish the wood. We've had an unusually "long" winter here in Austin. Not too cold but below the specs for varnishing.
 
This will be my last monthly update and plan to update the blog once the rigging is complete and when Pícara is launched. I can't believe it has been two years since I started. I've truly enjoyed documenting my build and I can't thank you enough for your support and collaboration throughout this process.
 
Here's the link to my blog. I hope you enjoy it. 
 
Cheers!
 
Julio

Picara is looking fantastic Julio, she will certainly be the centre of attraction where ever she goes.
 
Really nice. 

 Hi Julio,
 
Picara is looking beautiful. Congratulations on a magnificent piece of work. 

Thank you so much for the excellent blog you have written which describes the building progress so thoroughly.
 
Good luck with everything.
 
Best wishes
 
Ainslie

Miles, thank you. I believe she will indeed.
 
Ainslie, thank you for your kind words. I'll probably turn the blog into an e-book next year with the mast build and rigging chapters. Send some photos of your boat when you get a chance!
 
Cheers!
 
Julio 

Wow, that is such a beautiful-looking boat!  It's been a fascinating to watch her creation from raw wood into such a gorgeous creature - I'm really looking forward to some pictures, or preferably video, of her on the water!

Afternoon Julio, looking good as ever. Look forward to teh final installment later in the Spring

Palmer, thank you for your kind words. I still look back at my earlier postings and sometimes I feel as if those where someone else's.
 
Barnsie, thank you. I'm going to follow your recommendation (November, 2014 Update) on how to properly fit all the screws: "On another note, when you fit all the screws, fit with epoxy. For the high load screws/bolts, worth, post drill and checking, to cross mark with pencil lines. Then oversize with 8 mm drill and fill with epoxy fibres, then by rejioning the pencil lines redrill and fix the fitting in place. We do it on our boats." ... Miles James also sent me good advise on fitting the flotation bags' webbing bridges.
 
Cheers to all!
 
Julio