There are very few straight lines on a flatner, as it turns out. All the same, the process of creating symmetrical curves seems to involve plotting a lot of lines – whether with string, pencil, ruler, clamping pressure or even cast shadows and light.

We have the use of an incredible space to build the boat. Like the flatner, our workshop is characterised by an absence of straight lines, so we’ve had to come up with some intriguing methods to make things fit.

The boat seems none the worse for it, though. Today we offered up the first sheet of ply to the sides of the boat, which was quite exciting. It’s satisfying to see how well everything comes together. Fingers crossed for tomorrow – it’s a big day!