Southampton Boat Show 2015

Friday 11th September and the start of Southampton Boat Show, so it was down to business for some of us. Simon was at Goodwood Revival for the long weekend and I was at the show, luckily I had Dick Pizey on hand to help me for two days, as he enjoyed helping me at London, he agreed to come along and see how the two shows differ.

We had a good first day, with a few orders for accessories taken.

Saturday 12th

The sun was shining, and many people were coming through the gates. Sam Llewellyn come over to say "hello" to us. It is always lovely to hear stories from past and present Drascombe owners.

The delightful Brad visited the show today, along with several thousands of other visitors.

In the evening, Dick and I met with Chris and Fiona Jeckells for an early celebratory 1st anniversary meal at TGI Fridays, even before leaving I had a swift G&T, followed by a lovely cocktail with my meal, and some wine later, now for those who know me, I am not a drinker, however after starting to learn to sail, things soon changed. The evening was fun filled and lots of laughing, even a few tears with laughing from yours truly, looks like there will be a repeat next year.



The naughty step

Dick on a Lugger

          

 Oh we did have some fun when we went to TGI Fridays with some friends

Sunday 13th

Dick headed home to earn some brownie points, while Stewart was at the show before me to put the sails up, and get the stand ready, yes, I had a slight headache, but still had a smile on my face.

Hannah and. Matt, along with Lauren and Kyle come along to the show, it is lovely to think that our girls come along to the show, even after all of these years, there is still lots for them to see. Now we have the next generation with Kyle, this is his second Southampton Boat Show. 

 Looks like Kyle was having some fun at the show

Some interesting enquiries, sun shining but a quiet afternoon of visitors through the gate.

Monday 14th

Simon was back from Goodwood, and was straight down to the show, this was a welcome break for me, as I had plenty of office work to do.

Tuesday 15th

It is great how Simon and I can share the workload of the show, after being at London for five days earlier this year, it certainly gave me the confidence to get out there and talk to the people who are 

interested in these lovely boats, I have even been told that I have really come out of myself since taking up sailing, nice compliments, but I am still me at the end of the day, happy and smiling and have time to listen to all the stories. Hannah along with Joe and Alisdair visited me today.

 

Todays visitors were Niall and Nigel Wardrop from Scotland and members of the DA

Niall, Me and Nigel

Tonight we went out with some other exhibitors, Alex, Birgitta, Ronan, Ian, Simon, Sandy along with Hannah, Lauren, Kyle and Simon, we had a lovely meal at an Indian restaurant, socialising is so much fun, with lots of laughs.

Wednesday 16th

Sadly, not the best of days to be at a boat show, the rain kept lots of people away from the show.

Thursday 17th 

Weather has improved, but attendance is still down. Martin joined Simon today on the stand.

At the yard, we have been busy with refurbishment work on a Lugger which we collected from and will be delivering back to Scotland when completed.

In the evening the girls joined us, along with Nick, Fleur, Ross and Lyndsey for a meal out, we have made some great friends during our time at the boat shows over the years, and it is always lovely to be able to spend an evening with them.

Friday 18th

Hard to believe that we are one week into the show. I joined Simon on the stand today and there were a fair few people coming through the gates.

We spent some time talking to one of our customers, James Landale, James is Deputy Political Editor for the BBC, and was telling us of the enjoyment his family have with their Lugger.

James Landale

 

Rum and Ginger Beer time !!

Saturday 19th

Ahh, today I am looking after Kyle while Mummy works, so it is down to the boat show.

For a 13 month old little boy, he is certainly easy to entertain, and always smiling.

Someone is being cheeky today



Kyle has packed his bag and is going around doing quality control on the boats, to find which one he likes the most.

3 men on the naughty step today

I took him down to the pontoon as I was interested in the new Shrimper 21 ( after Dick come back 

drooling over the brochure last week) we saw Peter and after asking him to hold Kyle, we got on the boat to have a good look around, and was pleasantly surprised. It certainly has been thought about, especially with supplying what the customer wants. Time to go back to the drawing board, maybe it is about time there was a new Drascombe.

The afternoon was busy, with some very good enquiries.

Sunday 20th

The last day, and some are feeling a little uhh, too much drink Alex :-)

All of the excitement of the past 10 days must have caught up with me, as I fell asleep in the chair, hoping I wasn't seen, but too late, a few photos were taken, oh dear, this could be fun!

With a good amount of accessories sold, a brokerage boat sold, several boats booked in for winter work, or refurbishment, we can safely say we had a good show. Now to the office on Monday to type up quotes, and obtain a few shipping prices.

         

With the boat all packed up, and the stand dismantled, it is all over for another year.

Thanks to all the customers, new, old and potential for coming and talking to us, I walked into the show with a smile every day, and left each evening the same. A smile and a friendly "hello" do not cost anything.

Here's to London in January 2016

Sharon xx

 

 

This was left outside our stand on Sunday morning. Just because I was not at the show for 9am, it didn't mean that I was not working from 7am answering emails. I do love the Scottish humour.

 

 

 

A few days sailing - The Isle of Wight

A couple of weeks ago, my sailing teacher mentioned that he was planning on a day sailing over the August bank holiday, so I took it upon myself to invite myself along, this actually turned out to be Friday to Sunday break.

Checking first with Simon that he was happy for me to go, I spoke to Dick to find out where we would be sailing, "the Isle of Wight" was the reply. OK! So this could be fun. With plans made, I booked my two bed and breakfasts, first in Yarmouth and then in East Cowes.

Friday, with a mid morning tide, I arrived just in time to see Daislebee being launched, well, I have to say, I did close my eyes for a while, I am sure the Drascombe boats are easier to launch than a Shrimper!

Bags on board, we motor out of Ashlett Creak in the direction of the rain, nothing to bad, but time to dust of the sailing jacket.  Soon the sails were up, and we were sailing in the rain. As long as I am warm, the rain is no problem to me, what was the worrying was when we started to heel, my word, that was interesting, feet bracing on the cockpit seat, and my hands gripping the gunwhale, if there is one way to test my fear of water, then this has to be it.

OK, I know I said I wanted to learn to sail, but really did we have to go out in the rain, heel the boat and then manage 7.2 knots, all in the space of an hour?

We took a lunch break at Newtown Creak, a place I have heard off often as a stopping place on their cruises. Anchoring up, the sun was shining finally, and we sat and enjoyed our lunch along with enjoying the views.

Some loving sailing going on

After lunch we headed to Yarmouth, the first of our stops, while coming into the harbour, I was a tad worried about the big ferries, thinking they would get us, but actually they are further away than you think. We were met by the harbour boat, and shown to our mooring, not bad Mr P, we couldn't get any closer to the HM office if we tried.

Just love this sign, they even have "Harwoods" on the IOW

Off for an ice-cream and walk along the pier, we soon found ourselves in a pub enjoying a cold cider or two. Looking at the weather, it was hard to believe that we had sailed in the rain earlier in the day.
After a lovely evening meal in a local pub, I set of for my b&b, leaving Dick in the pub!

Daislebee in Yarmouth

The next morning, I walked down to the harbour to meet Dick, and after looking at the tides, we set off in the direction of Lymington. Sadly there was no wind, so a gentle motor along, looking at all of the other boats who were out, as well as missing the ferries which travel between Lymington and Yarmouth.

At one point, Dick put out the mackerel line and caught one, this was a first for me. Going into the harbour at Lymington there are certainly some lovely boats there. I was looking out for Drascombes, while Dick was spotting Shrimpers, no guessing for who one that one!

Catching mackerel

We motored back over to just outside Newtown Creek this time, and had baked camembert and crusty read for lunch, I could get used to all this eating Al Fresco. As we finished lunch, it started to drizzle, after having a lovely morning and lunch, we see the rain settling in for the day. This is where I took shelter in the cabin, well actually I fell asleep on the bunk listening to the thud of the motor.

Arriving at East Cowes, Dick radios ahead to check on availability for a mooring, having been asked what depth do you draw, we could hear the young lady laugh, when Dick said "14 inches" There are some benefits to sailing boats.

Heading to the HM office to pay our dues, we then head to The Lifeboat for a drink or two, we then headed back to Daislebee and had supper on board the boat.

Off to my second B&B of the weekend, some things I am grateful for, as I am not sure I would have enjoyed sleeping on a boat while it was raining.

I woke to a lovely sunny morning, oh why couldn't it have been like this yesterday afternoon, oh well at least we should get some sailing today.

We head out East Cowes towards Ashlett SC, soon the sails are up, but it is a slow sail. At one point we get the compass out and the sailing chart out, to see where we are on the chart. This is another part of sailing which is all new to me, and something else I have to learn.

Coming into Ashlett, the power boats were out motoring across the solent, as the first one went past us, my knuckles were white from gripping the tiller, and I asked Dick to take it as I didn't like it, only to be told "no", you have to learn (he can be so mean at times). When the next powerboat come along, we went into the wash, I felt a bit more comfortable with that.

Back at Ashlett Sailing Club, the tide was quite high, so wet feet were in order.

High Tide at Ashlett Sailing Club

Once Daislebee was on her trailer, we washed her down, hosed out the brakes on the trailer, and packed her away for the time being.

So, what did I learn

Make sure you take suitable clothing and be prepared for a quick change in the weather

Luckily the harbours and my B&B were booked in advance

If going away over a busy period, book a restaurant - although the takeaway on the boat was different

New to me

Going over 7 knots

Using the compass, and looking at the chart to work out where we are

Catching mackerel - Although not keen when it jumped out of Dicks hand

Pulling the jib out

Next time

Being allowed to put the main sail up

Tacking, until I understand what I am doing

Thank you Dick for a lovely and adventurous few days, some "me" time was definitely in order.

Not sure when I will be sailing next, as we have Southampton Boat Show coming up, but hopefully I can pursued Dick before the end of the season to go back out for one last sail.

Come back soon xx

No sailing, but lots of family celebrations

You will realise that my blog is not just about my sailing, behind the scenes is Simon (my husband) along with Lauren and Hannah our daughters, and Kyle the adorable grandson (Lauren's son).

It probably is a good thing that I have not been sailing, as there have been many events going on where I have had to be at home.

After a busy end of July with our wedding anniversary (21 years) and my birthday, on July 31st we celebrated Hannah's 18th birthday, with a weekend of family and friends.

 

Hannah's 18th Birthday



 

Following on from Hannah's birthday, we celebrated our Grandsons 1st Birthday, we cannot believe that a year has passed since Kyle was born. He has brought so much joy and happiness to us all, but most of all he enjoys being on the water, next year we will have him out a few more times.

 

Kyle's 1st Birthday

 



Next, Hannah passed her driving test, so no stopping her now once her car is checked over.

 

That week ended with Kyle being baptised in our local Chapel, and having a family birthday party, no tears when the minister poured water over him, see, I said he enjoyed the water!

 



Proud Mum (Lauren) and Kyle

The last week of all of our celebrations started with Hannah getting her A Level results, we are so proud of Hannah as she has been offered a place at Winchester University, and the course she will be attending is a BA Hons in Business Management, well done Han we are all so proud of you, here's to the third generation to run Churchouse Boats Ltd.

 

Finally, the last of events was Laurens 20th birthday, sadly the weather was not great which stopped us from going out, but next year nothing will stop the celebrations for her 21st.

 

Laurens 20th birthday

 

 

Phew!, a few busy weeks for us all, all these celebrations and I still continue to go to work, reply to emails, update the website as and when, collect trailers, the list is endless. But all I really want to do is go sailing, I love my family to bits, but I need some "me" time, reading bits on Facebook of other peoples adventures and day trips, do make me envious.

 

We did make it down to the Ashlett Regatta to see all of the boats beautifully decorated, before they set sail on the Poole Rally.

 

 

 

So, if my sailing buddy reads this, hint hint!! can I take your boat out sailing please.

 

That is all for now, continue to enjoy the good weather, and I shall update my blog when I go sailing next xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Falmouth Holiday

You know when you get one of those mad moments and then realise what you have done, well this happened to me. Knowing that there was going to be a Drascombe jolly in the Falmouth area in July, I asked Simon and the girls about having a short break to coincide with this. Luckily they were all keen, so holiday cottage booked, arrangements were made with the others, all we needed was some good weather.

In the mean time at CBL, we had built and sold a Drascombe Longboat to the Plymouth & Devon Sailing School Association, and I offered to have the boat delivered to them on our way to Falmouth, I could hear the groans from Hannah about delivering a boat while going on holiday, it is fun I said!

Leaving early on Monday 13th July, Simon and Hannah head off with the boat to deliver it, I follow behind later with Lauren and Kyle. Our journey takes us via Indian Queens for some giant steak pasties for the sailors who we meet with at Truro. 

After a quick stop at Truro to hand over the pasties, Lauren continues the drive to Falmouth.

Pasties for the Drascombers

Mooring up to get some provisions

We had arranged to meet with them on Tuesday evening at Pandora Inn, Mylor for a meal as it was Tony W's birthday, we spent a lovely evening in great company.

Tony W celebrating his birthday

Wednesday we headed down to Mylor to go sailing, Lauren and Kyle went with Dick P on Daislebee, Hannah went with Grampa on Bolitho (Drifter22), Simon went with Tony on his Coaster, while I had the pleasure of sailing with Brad and Bob on "Shioban" which is a wooden Longboat Cruiser built by Douglass Elliott.

After motoring out of Mylor, I was offered a shot of Morgans Spiced Rum (I have said before that I am not a drinker, I am sure that they are trying to convert me) the sails soon went up, and I was even having a go at fishing (a first for me), I love being on the water and each different Drascombe owner has taught me something new about sailing, this is why I am not keen on having my own Drascombe when there are so may owners out there who I can catch a sail with.

We headed to St Anthony beach, where I climbed down the front of the boat and dropped anchor (a first for me) I was then offered a drink, so I had my first and only G&T of the day, I have to say, the men do look after me well, with plenty of refreshments being offered.

We sat and chatted while watching the others sailing around, the weather was improving as the day went on, soon we were all the boats were nearly anchored together.

The decision was made that we would head to the beach, now I have to say that I was not too keen on the idea, we were in 1.3m of sea water, and I was going to have to get ashore in a dinghy, Dick took Kyle and Lauren over first, then Hannah was taken ashore, Dick then rowed back to get me, getting out of the Shrimper into the dinghy didn't go too well, as I ended up sitting on the floor (slight wet bottom), then as we got nearer the water I was given my instructions, "on the count of three, you stand up, and then when I say, you step out of the dinghy" how hard could it be ? Well I was soon to find out, as I stood up like I was told, then as I stepped out into the water, I am not sure what happened apart from the fact I fell in the sea, with lots of laughing going on around me, I composed myself and got up, then realised that I had made the biggest mistake of all, my iPhone was in my

 pocket, ouch!!!!!  a very expensive dip in the water.

Having fun before I took a dip in the water

Once on the beach, we were joined by Brad, Bob, Marcus, Stewart and Dick. Kyle was enjoying his first time on a beach, even happy to eat the sand!

Soon it was time for us to head back to Mylor, Simon was still in with Tony, so Dick was water taxi for us to get back, firstly all of us on Daislebee and then back to Mylor.

Photo curtesy of Stewart Brown - Yes, I needed a helping hand, I do love these guys

Lauren and Hannah took advantage of standing up on the cabin of the boat, singing to their hearts content, much to Dick and my amusement, Kyle was so overcome with everything that he was soon asleep in my arms, and we had an enjoyable motor back to Mylor.

When we talked about this holiday and then booked it, I am sure we were only expecting a few hours out on a boat or two, the pub meal followed by quite a few hours in the company of some lovely people made our break away from our everyday jobs, one which we will remember for a while.

Thank you Stewart, Brad, Bob, Ian, Marcus, John, Tony, Dick, Andy and Judy for letting us join in, and as for the iPhone, it is sat in a bag of rice, looking sorry for its self, so I went and purchased a new one.

This is not the end of our week, as on Friday 17th July, the Drascombe a Longboat will be officially named, come back to read about my special day and time with Kate and James Watkinson.

Note to myself, do not drink rum and G&T while sailing ......... xxxxxxx

Tall Ships Youth Trust : Fastnet Challenge 2015 Part 2

While some of us are either busy in the yard, or catching up with office work at the weekend, Vernon has taken part in his second weekend preparing for the Fastnet Challenge.

Friday 19th June 2015

Our third race started at 1930 on 19^th June with a spectacular run under spinnaker down the eastern Solent and out past Bembridge ledge en-route for Guernsey. All was well until a  crew member went to the windward heads, in socks (two mistakes  later admitted), and took a flyer from the windward heads across the companionway and through the leeward heads door, making a very firm connection  of  face on sink unit...........and lay VERY stunned, and bleeding. Some attention made a temporary repair to a facial wound, but the casualty had also impacted eye and teeth : the wise move with a head injury such as this was to put  ashore for an A&E assessment, which we did, with a trip back to Portsmouth, costing us 12 hours. (A later report suggested the casualty was OK, fortunately, though pride will have suffered.) We continued racing, but did not have time to reach Guernsey, though we had some excellent sailing, and a variety of changes, notably from spinnaker to Yankee2 + staysail at night, slightly later than ideal, and very strenuous in ‘bouncy’ conditions, but better not to attempt that when crossing the main shipping lane ! We all arrived back very tired, but had some welcome rest at anchor in Sandown Bay before making our way back to Portsmouth.

Some of us have lost weight : I certainly have, despite plenty of ‘fuel’ on board.

We have now completed our training for Fastnet (which this year is reported to have over 500 entries), so the start on 16^th August certainly should be spectacular down the western Solent and through Hurst Narrows

I will report back on Vernons experience when he has completed the Fastnet Challenge, in the mean time we have our own exciting times ahead, delivering a new along boat to Falmouth next month, along with joining in with the Drascombe jolly going on and all the family going sailing, ending up with being invited to the launch of the new Longboat, which we are very excited about, as Mrs Kate Watkinson and her son James will also be in attendance, what a great photo that will be.

In the meantime, it doesn't look like I will be out sailing before Falmouth, so Dick P owes me some sailing time for cancelling.

Happy sailing everyone xx

New Longboat delivery to Greece and Beale Park Boat Show

This past week has been busy for us here in the yard, sadly no sailing for me, however we had the second boat show of the year at Beale Park, and personal delivery service of a new Longboat to Greece.

Wednesday 3rd June

Tony and Steve arrive to collect the new Longboat which they are going to deliver direct to its new owner in Koroni in Greece, the plan is for them to drive down through Europe and catch a ferry from Brindisi to Patras, and then onto Koroni.

All loaded up and ready to go

Sunday I get the phone call to say that all three have arrived safely at the final destination, and that

the owner is very happy with his boat.

One happy customer
What a great service we provide to our customers

Friday 5th June

The first of three days at Beale Park, this is the smallest of the boat shows which we attend, and as we gave it a miss last year, we were pleased to be back this year.

Our show boat all set up

The weather was good for us this year, as I can remember the time when Stewart went with a gazebo, and didn't bring it back, it was so windy the gazebo ended up in the river.

Saturday, both Simon and I were there talking to old owners, and prospective new ones, everyone complimented us on the quality of workmanship, this is something which we pride ourselves on.

Sunday, and Simon and Hannah arrive at the show early, with Hannah going to help Steve at Hobie Cat for the day, after working from home first thing, I arrive with Lauren and Kyle, this will be Kyle's second boat show, as he attended Southampton at only five weeks old.

Kyle has a steady hand on the tiller extension

Three generations

My two beautiful daughters

Soon, the three days come to an end, it was great to see old friends, as well as making new ones, as I was leaving the show,a I had the news from Tony that he had arrived in Koroni, and the new owner was extremely pleased with both the boat and the personal delivery service.

Back in the office on Monday morning, and sell a brokerage boat, what a great way to end a good few days.

Now time to count down the days until I go sailing again, this time it will be from Ashlett Creek, near Southampton as Daislebee has a new home.

Come back soon to read about my lesson on "luffing" xx

Tall Ships Youth Trust - Fastnet Challenge 2015 Race here I come ........

Yes, you have read the headline correctly, but sadly it is not me entering into this the worlds largest, most diverse fleet of offshore racing yachts which will set sail from the Solent on 16th August. Maybe one day, but at the moment I am happy to let the more experienced have some fun!

Vernon who works for us is entering this year, read below for his story on what he has been up to so far.

Tall Ships Youth Trust : Fastnet Challenge 2015

I was attracted, around my 60^th birthday last year, by the idea of still being eligible for anything with ‘youth’ in the title, and having had some very specific adventures on the turns of the decades, decided to sign up!

TSYT (in addition to TS Stavros Niarchos, a catamaran and other vessels) has 4 steel, 75’, Challenge yachts, originally designed for round the world racing. These boats are heavy (57 tons), but inspire considerable confidence : the crew will break before they do ! The programme consists of a week-end shore training including safety and sea survival, a training week-end afloat, and three offshore races before the Royal Ocean Yacht Club Fastnet Race starting on Sunday 16^th August from Cowes around the Fastnet Rock (and light), off the south of Ireland, and back to Plymouth : approximately 600 miles. Each Challenger has skipper, mate, 2  watch leaders and crew, with a full complement of 16. The cutter rig carries main, genoa, Yankees 1,2,and 3, staysail, spinnaker and storm sails. The main and boom together weigh over a ton; the spinnaker poles are a heavy 2 man lift, and it normally takes 5 crew to change a headsail quickly. All sails are hanked on, so there are no short cuts !

Sea survival training included detailed life-jacket training : what it will, and what it WON’T do for you, and finished with  a team effort to swim, linked, from one end of the pool to an upturned life raft, right it and get in, including the unconscious colleague, all while clapperboards were going full blast , and well aimed buckets of water were being discharged from the poolside into faces ! Fresh, warm water in daylight was quite enough for this exercise : the alternatives are less attractive.

Challenger1 has Steve Durkin as skipper and Mike Perham as mate. Steve is a very experienced offshore sailor with several Fastnets and a Round Britain win on his CV : Mike was the youngest solo circumnavigator at 18 years old and probably pumps bottles of competitive adrenaline in the gym! Both inspire confidence in their slightly different ways and Steve’s quiet observation and assessment of the variety of crew skills makes best use of very varied talents and experience.

The first week-end afloat saw a mixed bag of tasks and tricks with everyone getting a chance to do most roles and tasks, from the inevitable heads cleaning (!), cooking, sail sets and changes to helming. Our first race (Cervantes) from Cowes to Le Havre was in more bouncy and blusterous weather than expected, and after a spinnaker run down the western Solent several yachts broached in open water in Christchurch Bay. We felt rather smug, not being under spinnaker, but learnt watching the others in their discomfort. Having left Cowes at 1030 am, we got to the finish at 8 am (second in class) before turning back for Portsmouth arriving back late in the evening. We had spent a large chunk of the week-end healed at 30 degrees, and bouncing well : any movement around the boat means effectively climbing, and basic living becomes a challenge. Sleep came easily in narrow well lee-clothed bunks, taking advantage of downtime around the 3 hour night and 4 hour day watches.

Our second race started well, leading class to Hurst Narrows, but then we lost all steerage having picked up a pot and lines which were well wrapped around our rudder : not an ideal venue for this event with a strong tide running and the area very busy. (150 yachts had started.) It took a few moments to get a ‘diagnosis’, but Steve dealt with the issue in the calm manner that has become his trademark. We took a tow from Challenger2, who kindly withdrew from the race to assist us, back to Cowes where an early morning diver removed the offending items, and had time to get back for communion. Although the disappointment was considerable, things worked in our favour : the light airs meant many boats withdrew from the race in order to get crews back home in time for work after the Bank Holiday, while we drilled, drilled, drilled and drilled, completing 30 sail sets and changes including 2 spinnaker hoists and not including standard tacks or gibes. In short we have become quite an effective crew, and enjoyed a ‘round the island’ cruise in the process.

Some of us have lost weight : I certainly have, despite plenty of ‘fuel’ on board. Our next race is to Guernsey before reconvening for the Race proper in August.

Vernon Needham   03/06/15