As a steel boat, John Laing needs to be lifted out of the water each year and stored in a covered environment so that she can be completely painted, inside and out. In addition, there is a rolling programme of replacements of major and minor items. A great deal of machinery and equipment needs annual testing and servicing. And OYT South needs to buy refit materials such as paint and protective clothing. All this is required both to protect an asset which, if well-maintained, can keep offering adventutre under sail to hundreds of disadvantaged and deserving young people; and to allow John Laing to pass rigorous inspections every year under the MCA Small Commercial Vessels Code. It would be a criminal waste to allow this amazing asset to rust and decay. The refit is a major volunteer project: in 2006-7, 95 volunteers gave 381 days' labour to the refit. This allows for employee volunteering or other active involvement by donors.