re: 17 year old boat cruise.

I have the Bluenose sitting in my office, unlike the Bounty it is still unfinished.   Had the rigging half done and the cat paid it a visit with its paws.   That was several years ago.  Repaired some of that but the balance still to do,  someday.   Started like yours 17 years ago or thereabout, not sure.   
To make these model ships one must have a dedicated personality or be nuts.