With the top well cured, it was time for the moment of truth. Things went according to plan and the little 1" finishing nails provided little resistance. I was expecting the hatch to spring a bit once it was free of the forms, but there was hardly any at all. The curve stayed perfectly true.

The next test was to make sure it would support my weight. With great apprehension I stepped on the centre of the hatch. The sides deflected slightly and the top sunk in slightly, but there was no creaks or cracks. I'm happily surprised by how strong and light it is turning out.