Saskia - 8 meter

An 8 meter class from 1930's which after a long history abroad returned to England in 2007.

From another era and great to see these boats active and sailing in the Solent.

Tranquillity

Whenever we pass by this spot on the old Chichester canal near Birdham I'm taken with the tranquillity and peacefulness.

It's like a small retreat, secluded and protected from everything around it, where time can pass slowly.

Tri's

La Trinite sur Mer is the home of big ocean racing trimarans and we weren't disappointed when we visited.

I can't help thinking of that the yellow one above as the nautical equivalent of a motor bike. Yeah, it might be street legal and it might have room for a passenger, but really it's just meant for going fast.

If I understand correctly this beast was designed by Nigel Irens and Benoît Cabaret. Campaigned by Team Actual, having completed two world tours including a place on the Route du Rhum, she holds  North Atlantic and Trans Mediterranean records, including "several solo or with a crew reduced deckchairs" which probably doesn't translate that well.

Now in the hands of Yves Le Blevec

Don't you just love those cockpits, more aeronautical that nautical, you wouldn't want to fall off one at speed.

Despite being a hull short, I couldn't help admiring this rocket ship, especially the paint job and those wild foils.

Lady Belle

A recent arrival on the river, or at least I hadn't spotted her until recently Lady Belle is a Gaff Yawl built by Harley Mead in Cowes during 1909.

Commissioned by an RCC member with a strong influence from the  Falmouth quay punt.  By the early noughties she was in poor condition but fortunately rescued and restored and now raced regularly in Solent OGA events.

OPEN 5.70

I may have mentioned that I like these Group Finot designed OPEN5.70's

 Nice to see one in the UK

CM25 - a modern Drascombe?

Very interesting French Canadian designed boat the CM25 - the site is in French so a bit of work with google translate might be needed.

At 25 feet it's a much bigger boat that the standard Drascome Lugger which is 18 feet or even the 21 foot coaster and the CM 25 appears to be designed for sail training.

Maybe it could be scaled down slightly, the plus points are the free standing masts, high profile foils and especially the kick up transom mounted rudder which will be welcome by anyone who has struggled with the Drascombe drop in rudder launching or landing in shallows. That asymmetric adds a whole new dimension, should be a lot of fun.

More details http://www.coeurdemarin.com/voile-aviron-cm-25.html

Dinghy days

There was serious open meeting down at Lymington revently

The wind was probably a little bit too strong but everyone appeared to be having a good time -lots of expensive boats and equipment.