Sailing Umavideo

DUST LIFE: Surviving 12 Days of Torture | Step 361

September 8, 2023 · 22 min · 121K views · Sardinia

What this video covers

Renovating the hull of the 36-ft sailboat Uma requires grinding the entire interior surface down to bare fiberglass to prepare for new structural laminations.1:06 After confirming the structural integrity of the existing laminate via ultrasound, the crew spends two weeks removing old paint, contact adhesive, and tabbing from bow to stern.0:35 To manage the hazardous dust in a marina setting, they use grinders equipped with vacuum-shrouded dust guards, though the vacuum cleaners frequently overheat and clog.10:13 For the V-berth, the crew opts to work without vacuums while wearing protective bunny suits, relying on noise-canceling headphones and ear muffs to mitigate the extreme noise and heat inside the enclosed hull.11:48 They remove approximately 150 pounds of fiberglass dust during the process.19:54 To maintain morale and physical health, the crew alternates between intense grinding sessions and days off for computer work and rest.17:38 The completion of this phase allows the project to transition from demolition to structural design and interior reconstruction.18:25

Watch on YouTube

More from Sailing Uma

Making Our Small Cockpit Twice as Useful | Step 497Oct 2026We Ditched Our Steering Wheel (And Built Something Better) | Step 496Sep 2026We're Finally Setting Sail Again!Sep 20264 Hours to Rig Solar for an 8-Month Solo CircumnavigationSep 2026

From Sailing Uma — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue