First May Bank Holiday Rally

The first bank holiday in May is the starter for the season for many of the Solent Cruising Group.

 

With the usual Drascombers arriving at Ashlett on Tuesday/Wednesday last week to do last minute preparations to their boats.

 

On the Wednesday evening, Simon, Hannah and myself arrived at The Mill at Ashlett to join them for an evening meal, Curry and a pint for £7.00 not a bad deal.

 

Ian, Glenys, Tony, Dick, Brad and then Nick kept us entertained of stories and adventures. The highlight being when someone asked who remembered a torch to walk back to the boats, when Tony put his cap on, with a built in torch, how very civilised.

 

 

 

 

Tony demonstrating the hat

 



Leaving them to make their plans for the next day, we headed off home.

 

Saturday, I receive a message fro Dick to say that the group would be heading to Porchester in the evening as planned, and if we wanted to meet up with them then to head down to Porchester later on.

 

Simon and I decided to drive down early, and went to Wicormarine where we waited for them to moor up and headed to the little café for refreshments. As I was down here, I thought I would make the most of an opportunity of having a sail, the second one of the year for me.

 

Group selfie (with bits of me and Tony)

 

 



After getting my sailing jacket and life jacket, I say goodbye to Simon and headed off to meet the fleet.

 

 Jim Hopwood's Gig and Ian Cowie's Coaster

Dick Pizey's Shrimper 19 and Brad Bradshaw's LBC

 

 

 Tony Wood's D22 and Marcus Niner's Drifter

 

 

 

 

 

 

After getting on board of Daislebee for the first time on the water this year, I was looking forward to some sailing, we motored out far enough for Dick t then put the sails up. 

 

Once the sails were up, off we went with Dicks guidance through the boats, what he has too remember is my last real time on the water was in August last year, and since then I have been running a business, home and been asleep since then.

 

Tacking, jybing, looking which way the wind is coming from, watching for the boats and buoys coming towards me, was starting to get too much, grrrrr men!!!!

 

Looking back at the other boats following us, we saw a lovely black cloud following us, haha, this could now be fun, after being told to get my sailing jacket on, off comes the life jacket, fleece and jumper, on goes the jacket, well it would if the Velcro didn't all stick to the wrong bits, and if I could do the zip up it would be easier, having a slight problem up top, looking down to put the two zip bits together with cold hands was proving rather challenging, especially when being rushed!!

 

I gave up in the end, leaving Dick to get his wet weather gear on, I lie on the cockpit while Dick does the zip up for me, along with lots of giggling, luckily just in time, as the weather turned horrid, with the boat heeling, I was holding on for dear life, however I was reassured that the Shrimper 19 wouldn't capsize, great, I was more worried about falling overboard with moving from one side to another of the boat.

 

Looking a bit black over yonder ..........

 

Once the rain come in, I dived into the cabin, as I realised I left my waterproof trousers in the car , lesson one be prepared!! Leaving Dick to bring the boat into Porchester, I was dry below.

 

Once moored up, we were met by Richard and Wayne who were out for the first time in a Coaster from St Denys Sailing Club. Simon and Glenys had been watching from the shelter of Porchester Castle, although there were a few giggles when I text Simon to say I was sat in the cabin, as I forgot my trousers, luckily everything is taken with a laugh and joke.

 

Taking shelter in Porchester Sailing Club, we were made to feel very welcome and was able to warm up. Sadly they did not provide food, however they did recommend a local fish and chip shop, and I have to agree we all had clean plates

 

Soon the evening come to an end and it was time for Simon and me to head back home, leaving the other to take to their bunks.

 

A lovely enjoyable time had by us all, but sadly no Stewart with Bolitho this weekend, so I still have to wait to go out sailing with my father-in-law.

 

Here's to the next sailing lesson, and maybe this time someone will go back to basics for me.

 

Happy sailing xx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First sailing of 2016 at Queen Mary Sailability

A couple of weeks ago, David Jillings visited us at our office, during the course of the conversation he mentioned that the Sailability sailing would be starting us soon, this prompted Simon to invite myself along to one of their Thursday morning sessions.

So, Thursday 14th April saw me driving up to Queen May reservoir to see the first of the groups go sailing.

QMS is all run by volunteers, who give up one day a week to take out school children and adults with special needs and/or disabilities from the local area, and let them experience something different.

Watching the first children come back with smiles on their faces, is what building these boats are about for me, supplier and customer satisfaction.



"Alexandra"

 

The second group went out, and for this school it was the first time they had attended a session at QMS, when all of the children and helpers were on board, David took them out, this time there was a gentle breeze which gave the children a lovely sail, soon it was time for them to come back in, and the ones who may have been apprehensive at the beginning, certainly had a smile when they come back in.



As the sessions had finished for the morning, David asked some of the volunteers if they would like to have a go in the Drascombe Longboat.

So setting off, David had six of us on board. The difference with this Longboat is that they wanted a seat and a steering wheel, rather than use the usual tiller steering, the steering wheel system works well with the children.

The helmsman changed a couple of times, however I was quiet happy to be a passenger and enjoy the sail. With some tacking and jibing, I was really starting to enjoy myself, until that one moment when I was a bit to close to the water than I wanted to be, I am so pleased that the others found it entertaining.

 

 

I really do admire the work that the Sailability group provide, and was very grateful to see first-hand what they do.

 

This is the first of hopefully many sailing trips for me this year, and I am looking forward to the annual Chichester Rally in May.

 



 

In the meantime, Happy Sailing  xx



 

 

Helping with Daislebee and the AGM

FRIDAY 18TH MARCH 2016

The one advantage of being the boss, is sneaking off work for the day.

Knowing Dick was going down to ASC to start preparing Daislebee for the first sail, I offered to help him. Well, as I get the easy job of holding the tiller while sailing, I thought I would see what goes into preparing her for sailing.

Arriving on Friday morning, (Thursday was so much nicer and warmer) I found that Dick had already polished one side of the hull, as well as cleaning up the bottom of the boat.

Preparing to raise the mast

First task was to help with putting the mast up, with sorting the halyards out, and making sure we didn't get tangled in them we were soon ready, mmmm I am still working out who had the easier task here, Dick was pushing the mast up, while I was holding a rope pulling the mast, first attempt we found there was a block under the tabernacle, so we started again. Second time, no problem, straight in place. With bowsprit in place, and the mast safely secured in place, that was one job out the way.

After a quick bite to eat in the Mill (also warming up) we went back the boat to start on the next task, empty everything out, this is going to be fun.

The contents

Actually, when everything is all laid out on the ground, it doesn't really look much, but I am sure now it has all been sorted out and either packed neatly into less boxes, put in Dick's car to go home, or thrown away, then there will certainly be more room on board now, as well as less weight.

I just hope that Dick remembers to buy some more food provisions - just in case!

Next was to brush out and hoover the cabin - oh some people do get it easy, leaving me to do this task.

Looks so different when empty

Once everything was back in place, with a couple of empty boxes, it was time to pack Daislebee way for now, so putting the cover back over her, we tied her down, until the next trip down - where I have been informed I can help service the engine, it's a good job I am prepared to get my hands dirty.

I will say, that during my time helping Dick, I took numerous work phone calls, from either potential buyers, brokerage boats agreed for sale, and a visitor due in the yard next week, along with some orders for spares and accessories, so all in all a productive day.

Time to say goodbye for now to Daislebee and Dick, now I am starting to look forward to some more sailing.



SATURDAY 19TH MARCH 2016

Hard to believe that it is a year since the last AGM, so here we are gain back in Bristol for the 30th Drascombe Association AGM.

Simon drove me to Bristol (he went for a walk around) while I attended the AGM.

Sadly fewer people attended this event than the one the previous weekend in Holland which Simon attended on behalf of Churchouse Boats, over 70 in Holland, compared to about 30 in England.

The usual discussions went on, membership figures are at just over 1,000, when there are over 6,000 owners of these boats there. Finding new ways to bring new members to the association is always hard, so I put to the Association, that with immediate affect, Churchouse Boats will pay for the first years membership for every new boat and brokerage boat it sells. It will be interesting seeing the membership numbers next !

I spoke briefly about Drascamp, which is taking place at Cleavel Point in Dorset. so far we have had nearly 50 people register an interest, and 7 families have signed and paid up, so it is looking good.

Being at the AGM, I was lucky to be able to collect on behalf of Dick, his winning prize in the photo competition. A lovely photo taken at St Just In Roseland, when some of the SCG went for a three week sailing trip last year.

Me with Dick Pizey's winning photo 

At the end of the meeting I was able to present the Churchouse Boats Trophy, which is award for "The spirit of the Association", I can not think of any one else who this award should be given to, so I was pleased to present to Jack O'Keefe two tankards for Nathan and Fergus Ogden, for their achievement last year of circumnavigating Ireland, well done, and such an inspiration to us all.

Well done Nathan and Fergus

The AGM was followed by a meal in the evening at Loch Fyne, where Simon joined us, another successful event, with some work due in the yard from a Drascombe owner.

That is the end of my busy couple of days, two completely different ways of being involved with sailing and the Drascombe community.

Now back to my day job until the sun shines, and the sails are up xx

London Boat Show and Atlanta Boat Show USA

January started with a very busy time for us, with only just coming back to work after the Christmas break, Simon was packing the show boat up and delivering it to Excel for the London Boat Show.


Friday 8th January was the start of the show, and Simon had our youngest daughter Hannah helping him for the weekend, I am not sure if it was to actually sell a boat or for the socialising that Hannah went for, but she was happy to have sold a cover and a suit of sails.


The weekend was busy with good enquiries, and on the Sunday I was pleased to receive the call from Simon to say that he had taken an order for a new Longboat, that will keep us busy into the spring time.


Hannah went back home on the Sunday evening, and on the Monday morning I was catching a train to London for the start of my week in London.


Once I arrived at the show, I managed to spend a couple of hours with Simon, before he drove back home, as he had the adventure of packing and going to Atlanta Boat Show on the Wednesday.


It was good to see old familiar faces, Chris and Fiona along with Mark from Jeckells, Alex from AYB, Martin from Character Boats, Peter and David from Cornish Crabbers, Laurence, Jack and Martin from Barnett Marine, Nick and Fleur from Fine Design Marine, Roger and Jean from Portaboat, Ian from Nestaway along with Steve and Krusty from Hobie, I hope I have not forgotten anyone.


Tuesday my two volunteers arrived, Ian and Glenys Cowie offered to help once they heard that Simon was going to America, this was a great help to me, as Ian had previously owned a Lugger, and now has a Coaster, so once the technical questions popped up, help was at hand.


Today, I also had an enquiry for a new Lugger, keeping fingers crossed, we let the day continue and waited to hear. Tonight we were joined by Fleur and Alex for an evening meal, I love the social side of the shows.


Wednesday, we were joined by Dick Pizey, Dick has helped me at London and Southampton last year, so is learning the ropes and only too happy to help on the stand, although every year he says "never again" ......

 

 

                                                    

Ian and Glenys said their goodbyes after our evening meal on Wednesday, I really appreciated their help, and it is always fun to have help on the stand.

We heard just before they left, that we had the order for a Lugger, so our second boat of the show had been sold, always good when you can go back with orders. Time for some bubbly, thank you Dick!

Thurday I was thinking of Simon, he had arrived in Atlanta safely on the Wednesday, met Eric who is going to be our agent, and was preparing for a long day ahead at the boat show.

Thursday was our late night, so once the show was over we headed out for a meal with the Hobie boys, this is where I got told off by Dick, as when they joined us, Dick said, "they are not boys, they are men!" sorry, but to all of us at home, they are the Hobie Boys, lots of laughs tonight, which was a great way to end the long day.

Friday and Saturday was good for talking and enquiries, but getting to the last few days, the feet start to hurt, along with needing to drink plenty to keep the dry throat away.

Saturday afternoon Simons brother Richard and his partner Kay come along to the show for a visit, I love family visitors especially when we show them the boats built to a very high standard.

Tonight, Dick, Richard, Kay and I went to Tapas restaurant, all new to me, but very nice it was, again lots of laughs (mostly I think at me!!) but great company as always.

Sunday Morning and Dick left to go back home, and I was joined by Stewart who come up to help for the day, along with take me and the boat back home the next day. Today was quiet, which made the day drag for us, soon it was time to start the packing away, and say goodbye for another year.

This year at the show it was lovely to see so many familiar faces, along with meeting some new people, we had suppliers come and visit us for the first time, this is what makes the show special for us.

ATLANTA BOAT SHOW 2016

Simons visit to Atlanta went very well, apart from the long days, from a business sense it went very well. Eric is an absolute delight to spend time with, so full of character and who he doesn't know is amazing.

The local Senator come along with information, contacts were made, lots of questions asked, Drascombe owners even visited the stand, this makes it even more special.

For us, this was a way to get the Drascombe name back in America, we have every faith in Eric of making a go of this, and are here to help him everyway step of the way.

Once the boat show was over, Simon had a couple of days where he was able to have go and have a drive around with Eric. It was certainly interesting from every aspect, even down to telling me how cheap the fuel was over there.

Sadly, all good things come to an end, and on the Thursday Simon was back home again, then the jet lag hit him, so a few days rest before going back to work.

Thank you Eric and Carolyn for looking after Simon so well. Here's to the next visit to you.

Hopefully the next time I write on here, it means I will have been sailing. After helping Dick pack Daislebee away for the winter, I am looking forward to getting her ready for her first sail of the season, yes, I will be at the helm, under expert guidance. I have to learn how to put the sails up, reefing, jibing just to name a few.

xxxx





21st Birthday Present for Andy - A Drascombe Lugger

A couple of months ago, I was contacted by Garry from Australia, who required some information for a Drascombe Lugger, after hearing of this lovely story, I asked Garry for a write up after the birthday celebrations.

"S.V.II Bob's Worth"

 

 

On December the 14th 2015, we gave our son Andy, a Drascombe Lugger 19ft, for his coming of age and turning 21.

 

 

The Drascombe come from a good mate Peter Matheson, who purchased her new and imported her from the UK, where she was made at Honnor Marine, Totnes, Devon.

 

Peter enjoyed sailing her around Moreton Bay and Hervey Bay in South East Queensland.

 

Peter had known Andrew since he was born and was pleased to strike a deal which would allow the boat to stay within friends and family.

 

The plan to gift the vessel was put in motion.

 

 

 

Peter took Andrew out for a few sails to show him the ropes, tips and tricks. A quick sail from Wellington Point on a glorious reach too Peel Island sealed the deal.

 

Andy has been involved in sailing all his whole life with the family yacht a 40" sloop, "SV Antipodes II", competitive dinghy sailing with Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, and his secondary school sailing club.

 



We decided to gift the vessel to Andrew for his 21^st Birthday, and rename her in the traditional manner.

As is the custom to begin calling of Poseidon to amend his “Ledger of the Sea”, with generous toasts to the boat, previous owner, Poseidon, Greek god of the sea, Aeolus Greek god of wind, and the new owner Andrew.

The challenge was on for a name, Andrew eventually came up with the name for her II (2)Bobs Worth, Aussie slang for Having your say i.e.. Putting your 2 bobs worth in. Also Andrews dog  is called Bob, a real character, and he has a tag that Andrew and Rian used in the design of the name. A pirate dog...Arrrrrr.

 









 The Boats name

 Bob the Dog

We also required information on her so we could arrange insurance and information on how to maintain and sail her. I fortunately managed to make contact with Sharon Harwood of Churchouse Boats , the Drascombe agents and builder, in the UK
www.drascombe.co.uk

In 2011 we had a major flood in Brisbane and Peter’s house went under water and he lost all his belongings to the water, amongst this was all information relating to the Drascombe. Sharon upon hearing of my plans came to our rescue with information on the build and all the info I needed for insurance and registration.  Sharon also put together a wonderful birthday present to Andrew of a Drascombe polo shirt, a beautiful gold pin, a Drascombe manual,  Drascombe UK magazine, a very good read!

Plans were made for a function to be held on Sunday the 13^th December 2015 at RQYS, we were also allocated a berth directly in front of the boardwalk where we were holding the ceremony and function.

Work began on re-oiling here timbers, varnish, replacing lines, making her look smart and knew as it was her day as well. A gold coin, struck in the same year she was built was placed in front of her mast; this custom is for luck and to show her that her new owner will look after her.

The day came, the morning was bleak, wet isolated showers filled the morning. The forecast was to clear, so we arrived at RQYS, unsure how the day would play out, around midday the grey scud disappeared and replaced with blue skies, the Gods are smiling!

As our guests arrived they were greeted with food and drinks, we had kept the name a secret as custom requires.

With the ringing of the Bell we began, friends and family charged their glasses and made their way to the marina arm where she was moored with her name covered.

We started the ceremony by Ringing of the Bells and  calling Poseidon and Aeolus and to a toast to the previous owner and to the boat. Proceeding on we asked Poseidon to remove the old name from the  “Ledger of the Sea”, a ingot / metal tag bearing the old name was tossed into the sea off the bow.

Next we call Poseidon to add the new name ‘SV II Bobs Worth” to his ledger and with this a half a bottle of Champagne was poured from west to east , over the bow, the remaining half bottle was toasted to the ship by the new Master, Andrew, and his Mate.

Poseidon and Aelous are called next for the for the blessing of the winds to assure you of fair winds and smooth seas. Each wind is called by name, Great Boreas, ruler of the North Wind, Great Zephyrus, ruler of the West Wind, Great Eurus, ruler of the East Wind, Great Notus, ruler of the South Wind, with the calling of the each wind a glass of champagne is tossed in the air in the direction of the wind.

After the ceremony is through I thanked everyone for coming and formally handed over the vessel to Andrew and unveiled the name. Drinks and food continued well into the evening.

A good time was had by all!

The next day Andrew and his mate Rian set Sail for a 4 day adventure in Moreton Bay a trip to Saint Helena island, where they sailed back to manly then we travelled to Cleveland where they sailed to Peel Island where they spent 3 days sailing, diving , fishing and having a good time.





 

 

Andy wearing his Drascombe Polo Shirt from us at CBL



Our thanks to everyone who made this a special day; you can watch the naming ceremony on utube at https://youtu.be/R7Y2PQUSGYg

Churchouse Boats are very proud to have been part of helping Andy celebrate his 21st Birthday, along with a printed Lugger manual, polo shirt, pin badge, we are also paying for a years membership to the DA for Andy.

We wish Andy all the very best in the future, and hope he has many happy years sailing in his Drascombe Lugger.



Scottish boat delivery and AGM

A couple of months ago, Simon took on the lovely task of towing a new Lugger trailer to Kincardine to meet its new owner, while there, he drove onto Elie to collect a Lugger for refurbishment. We then had the task of finding time to take the Lugger back once the work was completed.

Having met Bob Heasman at London Boat Show earlier in the year, I mentioned that if we had the chance to, we would love to make the AGM.

So here comes my brainwave, let's deliver the boat back to Elie, and stay on for a few days. Easy, I emailed Bob with the good news, to then have an email back from a Dabber owner, asking if we could price to take his boat back to our yard, along with pricing for some work to be done on her. Well I guess it does make the trip more worthwhile.

So Friday 13th and we leave home at 4.30am, arriving at the yard and hitching the trailer up, all ready to leave at 5.05am (I can see this is going to a very long trip).

It was very dark when we left

Once we were on the road, I wondered how Simon could drive that distance without falling asleep, as I know I was nodding off many times. We had a couple of stops, and then finally we finally crossed the boarder into Scotland.

 



Finally in Scotland



Once over the border, the views we saw were lovely, until it started to sleet, followed by snow, the temperature gauge went from 8 degrees to zero during our journey, looking over to the fast lane, it was clear of traffic, only the snow was laying on the ground, something I haven't seen for a few years.

 





We finally arrived at the farmers farm about 4.00pm, only to be caught in a horrendous rain storm, we moved the trailer and the boat into the barn, and went to over her up, it was then that I saw there was another Drascombe Lugger in the barn, knowing that I collect HIN numbers, I went to the stern to have a look, and I couldn't believe it, the one I saw was McN 065 and the one we had just brought back was McN 066, what are the chances for that?



The Lugger finally back home

We left the farm and headed to Broughty Ferry, which was where we were staying for the two nights. I have to say, I picked a nice place to stay.

 

Saturday was a day to have a look around Dundee, so we got a taxi into town and had a leisurely walk around, It is just like being back home, but we did find that it had far more independent little shops, which is really good to see. We especially liked JA Braithwaite Ltd, which has been selling tea and coffee since 1868, I think we have a long way to go to be trading that long.

 

The amazing large church, which looked bigger than Winchester Cathedral caught my eye, along with the five penguin figures on the wall outside it.

 

A snack lunch was taken in Tickety Boos, a lovely little pub, with very friendly staff, and the best hot chocolate I have had in a long time.

 

Soon it was back to the B&B, change and head off to the Royal Tay Yacht Club, this was where the Scottish AGM was being held. The AGM was a small gathering of about 20 local members, John Stanage the Chair of the DA was there from Ireland, and it would appear that we travelled the furthest. It was lovely to be made so welcome by the members and owners of these lovely boats, the first time you go somewhere new it is always with anticipation, however we had no need to worry.

Niall Wardrop chaired the meeting, and dates and locations were set for the following years rallies. It was mentioned about having the Scottish Drascombe Association present at the Scottish Boat Show in 2016, and this is where I spoke of the possibility of Churchouse Boats having a stand at the show, we have heard only good things of this boat show, so we shall be looking into this with the help of Niall, Graham and Bob.

 

I also took the opportunity of reminding the members that in 2017, it is the 50th anniversary of Drascombes, and again would they look at which one of their rallies they would like to have as a 50th anniversary event. This was agreed, and again we will work with them to get non members along to the events too.

 

After the AGM, we went into the dining room for supper, the food was splendid, and even the chef come out for us to say Thank You too.

 





Chatting after a lovely meal
 

We retired to the bar afterwards, for more drinks and lots of talking. Soon, it was time to leave as we were heading back in the morning. It certainly was a good idea to make the effort to travel 500 miles to attend the Scottish AGM, it was nice to put faces to names, and meet new people, along with building bridges.

 

Sunday morning we head to Bob and Margaret Heasman's to collect Nokomis from their place, as this is the one we are bringing back for some work. Again a horrible wet day, but is should be quicker as it is all down hill!!

 

Ready to go back home

 

We said our goodbyes, and head off with some home made flapjacks (and very nice they were too), this was another very long and slow journey, no snow this time, but idiots who drive with no lights on are quite annoying. Again, I think I nodded off on many occasions, but it was nice to start seeing the familiar road signs knowing we were getting closer to home.

 

Again, we arrived home about 12 hours after we left Scotland, If I say I am going to Scotland again towing a boat, will someone please remind me of the long drive it can be. Credit to Simon for all of the driving.

 

What did I enjoy, well I have never been to Scotland before, and it may have been such a short trip, but the people we met and talked too really made it for me.

 

But overall, the highlight was on our way home I had an email from Bob, and he had attached one of his drawings for me, that really meant a lot to me, and I shall be framing it for my office wall, Thank you Bob, you are a true gent.

Thank you Bob, this is brilliant.

 

 

Well, that is nearly it for this year, after the Chichester Super on the 27th November, I will do an update of my year, and what I have planned for next year.

 

Bye for now xxxx



 

 

 

 

 

Drascombe Dabber Refurbishment

A few weeks ago we were contacted by a Drascombe owner, who said that she had a Drascombe Dabber, and was wondering what the cost to refurbish her would be, as she was very keen to get her on the water and learn to sail in her.

 

After a few exchanges of emails and telephone calls, Simon and I, along with Lauren and Kyle went to visit the owner, and give our opinion on suggested work and costing's.

 

Upon our arrival, we loved the setting of where the little Dabber was situated, just on the Thames with lots of places to take the boat too up and down river.

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, a broken mainmast is just one of the items which will be replaced.

 

Simon and Martin have been and collected her, and she will be coming into the workshop this week for us to start.

 

We will take photos and update through the refurb, as it will be lovey to see her once she is finished.

 

Also, it will give us a chance to show off what Martin and Simon can do with an old boat, to make them look appealing again.

 

 The Dabber is nearly ready to be delivered back

After a few weeks with us, the dabber is now nearly ready to be taken back to its owner.

When Simon and Martin bought the boat back to the yard, the first job was to give her a good clean all over, as she had been sat in the water for a very long time.

After a wash

Once she was cleaned up, Simon noticed that she was suffering from Osmosis, this is caused by the boat sitting for a very long time in the water, and not being taken out and cleaned. Sadly this meant that the work was going to be not as easy as first thought.

Osmosis on the bottom of the Dabber

Once we spoke the owner, our advice was to sand back the gel coat on the underwater part, and treat her with some specialist paint. The owner agreed to the work, so Martin was back working on the Dabber again.


It was lovely every time I went into the workshop, as I could see a difference in the boats appearance, you get a sense of achievement with the work carried out by Martin and Simon.

After several layers of paint

With the Dabber it is easier to work on, as it can be turned over in the workshop, rather than having to lie on the ground working.

New Keel plank added

We replaced the keel plank as the previous one had just rotted away. With the new antifoul being applied, the bottom of the boat looks like new now.

What a transformation, all what is left to apply now is the name, sadly the end of the day arrived, so Martin will apply the names just before she goes to her owner this week.


Just so you have an idea of the work carried out, this is the complete list of works.

• Supply and fit new mast
• Remove old mast thwart, fit and supply new mast thwart
• Rub down and treat all hull joinery
• Deep clean the hull and joinery
• Supply and fit new tiller extension
• New set of ropes
• Small gel coat repair
• One belaying pin
• Service Bilge pump
• New names
• New mast band
• New rigging
• Sand back gel coat and treat with specialist paint
• Supply and fit new keel plank

In early spring, we shall go up and rig her for the owner as well as launch her. Photos will be taken and put on here as a finish to this project.