Bursledon Blog

Boats are the new cars

2012-01-27T07:55:00.000Z

More on amphibious boats, this is the Sea legs rib out on the water.

Bognor Regis

2012-01-24T05:10:00.001Z

Another West Sussex seaside town just along the coast which I haven't visited for over 30 years. Home to the famous "Butlin's Bognor Regis" holiday camp right in the centre of town, my recollection was of neat retirement bungalows, a prim and tidy seaside suburbia.

On a clear and sunny Saturday in January we walked along the almost deserted promenade and along the shingle beach. Neat and tidy it all was, but none the worse for that. We found a cafe for breakfast, enjoyed the views and the ambiance.

To the west of the promenade we found the Bognor Regis Yacht Club, delightfully situated with commanding views. During the 1950's the club was a popular location for the Merlin Rocket, today beach catamarans make up a substantial part of the fleet, ideal boats for launching and recovery off the steep shingle beach.

Ice Breaker

2012-01-21T08:01:00.000Z

Roll on the summer, can't wait to get out on the water.

Stuff

2012-01-19T06:37:00.005Z

Reading fellow blogger Steve's Log of Spartina post about storing his boating equipment in his daughter's bedroom while she is away at college got me thinking about the sheer amount of stuff we sailors , accumulate so I took the camera down to the garage to see just how bad things had got.

I "thinned out" our collection of outboard motors a couple of years ago in anticipation of a house move which never happened, but since then numbers are increasing, there's also another one tucked away for spares, not to mention various tools, grease, oil ect.

I like to keep wooden spars stored safely in the garage over winter, not least because I'm lazy, some of that varnish is 10 years old and still looking good.

The deck and ply wood are part of the SCOW restoration which has slowed down recently with the pressures of work and domestic demands.

Michael Doryman spotted the Bosun's Locker in my post about steam bending and commented " No doubt full of rigging and other (nefarious?) tools of the trade" sadly all too true.

I currently share my home office with two sets of sails,all the bunk cushions which are nice and dry and safe from the dreaded mould, plus the accumulated electrical devices, compasses, binoculars, charts and other nautical paraphernalia kept safe and dry over winter, roll on the new season.

Winter

2012-01-14T01:03:00.000Z

The nights are ever so gradually staring to draw out, spring will be on the way before you know it.

But occasionally you stop and notice that winter has a beauty all of its own.

Littlehampton

2012-01-12T18:38:00.000Z

This small seaside town is only about 30 miles away along the coast, but as we walked along the shingle beach I realised that it had been thirty five years since I’d last visited. In the long hot summer of 1976 we had finished our A level exams and a those of us with cars or motorbikes would drive down the sixty odd miles from west London and camp in the sand dunes which lie to the west of the river Arun.

Today a golf course extends right to the coast, leaving just a small strip of dunes, some of which is fenced off in the name of nature protection.

The the river Arun runs past the town, where opposite a couple of marinas occupy the west bank and then out into the sea setting up very strong currents.This yacht was making slow and bumpy progress against the ebbing tide, but eventually made it past the breakwater and out into the open sea.

The yacht in question looks like a Trident 24 these boats were built between 1960 and 1980 by Marcon Marine to a design by Alan Hill.

Still

2012-01-06T05:54:00.000Z

After the gales of the past week it's nice to reflect that things aren't always so rough as these few boats left afloat for the winter on a very quiet Lymington river just a couple of weeks ago show.

The fishing fleet too was in port, the boats left secured to their moorings, the crew ashore, the machinery silent.

And down in the marina things were much the same.

Classic Motorboat

2012-01-02T11:00:00.000Z

I don't know much about this boat or her history other than having admired her on the river. If we ever give up sailing this is the type of boat I'd like to have, seaworthy, with a comfortable wheelhouse she could be used all year round, especially so if she was fitted with a roaring stove below decks.

Continuing a theme from an earlier post it could also be an ideal weekend retreat, great views form the wheelhouse saloon. Since a wooden boat is better left in the water, it could be in use all year round with just a couple of weeks ashore for a paint and a scrub.

Some one has obviously taken great care and pride in this boat, with details like the varnished dinghy arranged on davits with contrasting white paint below the waterline to match the main hull colours.

The Last Post

2011-12-31T07:20:00.003Z

Have a great New Year.

Winter Sports

2011-12-28T04:12:00.001Z

The wind was up and these kite boarders were taking the opportunity to blow away a few winter cobwebs in the surf by Salterns Park at Hill head.

The wind was blowing from the south south west, piling up a few small waves on the shingle shore at high water.

Clearly a good day to be out, the conditions were good enough for some serious airborne fun.

Best wishes for Christmas

2011-12-24T05:55:00.002Z

"When all days are equal it is because a man has failed to notice the good things that come into your life every time the sun crosses the sky" - Paulo Coelho

Have a great holiday.

Wild Thing

2011-12-22T09:25:00.001Z

Growing wild, at the side of Bursledon bridge is a fabulous apple tree, the fruit is normally misshapen and often has some black spots, but it has an incredible taste. Normally the apples are all gone by mid to late September, but with the Indian summer there was an abundant crop right through to early December.

Sailing and rowing has taken a bit of a back seat since the weather turned, so on a cold Saturday morning while mum went shopping Joe and I turned our hand to making apple pie. Armed with the Hairy Bikers “best apple pie” recipe we set to work and the result I think you will agree doesn’t look half bad, it tasted even better.

Railway Children

2011-12-20T05:47:00.002Z

"Why are we all so excited by steam?
The boys young passion, the old man's dream"

I can just about remember travelling by steam train and watching the express trains roar past as a child, before the then British Railways switched to diesel and electric locomotives - there's a fascinating film clip of the last steam service running on 11th august 1968.

Despite their demise over 40 years ago, steam trains still hold a fascination for small boys, which is why on a cold December day we turned up in the rain to ride the Santa Special at the Moors Valley 7 1/4" gauge Steam Railway. Despite the rain the ride past the lake and through the country park was great, especially the station and engine sheds with old fashioned drop arm signals, signal boxes, sidings etc.

More recently and comfortably an indoor event, we visited the Fareham & District Model Railway Club, one of the layouts had "Scaletrix" type controllers so that children could drive the trains, we had quite a job getting Joe away from Thomas the Tank Engine and friends.

Needless to say our house is full of trains and track, and the works the Reverend Audrey. I suspect Santa might be coming down the chimney with a new engine and some carriages.

Needles Relief Race

2011-12-17T17:21:00.010Z

Saturday morning started with early clear skies and a slight ground frost promising a fresh winter's day. Then some early rain came through threatening to spoil things, but by the time we'd had breakfast the sun was out again just as the fleet was assembling in the Lymington River for the annual Needles Relief Race.Organised by the Royal Lymington YC the race takes place in the western Solent and was originally organised to provide Christmas relief to the lighthouse crew who manned the nearby Needles lighthouse. Since the light was automated the event has been run as a charity event to support the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution). Weather and tide permitting, the course for Class One yachts sail out to the Needles and back to a finish near Yarmouth.
It's not unusual at this time of year to see Solent race crews embracing the Christmas spirit with fancy dress. Over the years we've seen more than a few sailing Santa's, we've been passed by a a race boat with row of Santa's elves sitting on the windward rail, but possibly the best one was the Nativity crew, complete with shepherds, three wise men and a big star hanging in the rigging.

Winter Weekend

2011-12-16T05:17:00.001Z

Cold, low sky, not a lot of wind and not much moving on the river, calm before the storms forecast for the week ahead, which when they came hit 70 knots over night.

Over on Southampton water a few hardy members of Netley Sailing Club were getting ready to launch and make the most of the weather window.

Around the Bend

2011-12-14T09:24:00.004Z

Restoration work on the SCOW has made some good progress, stripped right back to the bare hull it was time to bend in some stringers. A home made steam box was constructed using a camping stove, a pressure cooker borrowed from the kitchen and a length of well insulated PVC pipe. The 1.5” x 2” stringers were given around an hour by which time they were easily coaxed with both bend and twist to fit snugly in place.

With apologies to any professional boat builders, things were held in place with “dry wall” screws while things dried out and then were glassed onto the hull with epoxy and glass tape. The objective is to get this 60 year old GRP SCOW sailing and this approach was fast, forgiving, will be maintenance free and who knows might keep her going for another 60 years.

Open Canoe Sailing

2011-12-08T08:43:00.000Z

Members of the Open Canoe Sailing Group visited Hamble in the summer. Canoe sailing became popular in the Victorian era both here and in the US as an effective and simple way to explore the coast, rivers and lakes.

In the past 20 years there has been a resurgence of interest in the craft and it's easy to see the appeal. Originally canoes would be transported by train, but just as easily can be car topped. Simply rigged and light to launch and recover; sailed when there's wind and paddled through the calms.

While some epic voyages have been made, there's a lot of pleasure to be had exploring the quiet creeks and estuaries, slipping silently along, watching the wildlife.

Late Autumn Sunset

2011-12-05T08:57:00.002Z

Short days, low sun setting deep in the south west a few weeks before the winter Solstice, casting long shadows and a warm light only seen at this time of year.

The pictures were taken a week ago so I used the title "Autumn Sunset" on the basis that autumn runs from the September equinox through to the Winter Solstice on 21st December when winter officially begins.

Thinking about the sun at this time of year I looked up the position of sunrise and sun set, the azimuth as it's called is the compass point at which the sun will rise and set. At our latitude around 50 degrees , during the first week of December sunrise is at 07.31 and 124 degrees, setting at 16.0 on 235 degrees.

It was interesting to notice that sunrise and sunset occur north of due east and due west from early March until late October rising to maximum of 50/309 degrees in mid June.

Thin Water Sailing

2011-12-02T18:18:00.005Z

Continuing the theme of amphibious craft this modern working craft was spotted on the hard at Lymington. The front wheel and tracks appear to drop down from within the hull, a bit like something out of James Bond, but perhaps with slightly less panache, luxury and not a glamorous assistant in sight!!

Those of us who don't like holes in the bottom of our boats or mechanical complexity might not be too keen to own one, but a working craft that can be driven straight up on a beach or hard, it's an appealing idea.

Jolly Baker

2011-11-29T19:30:00.004Z

Down on Lymington market, the" Baker Boy's" proudly display their Hampshire Food Producer of the Year Award.

If you're in Lymington on a Saturday it's worth stopping by, our only problem is choosing which bread.

Hurst

2011-11-24T02:45:00.001Z

To the east lie the historic naval dockyard of Portsmouth, the seaside suburbia which is Lee on Solent, Cowes and the busy commercial docks and oil refinery in Southampton Water, but towards the western end of the Solent the northern shoreline is low lying, undisturbed and often protected saltings and mudflats.

Going west past the Beaulieu and Lymington rivers brings you to Keyhaven and the Hurst Spit, reaching out almost to the Isle of Wight, the western entrance and narrowest part of the Solent. An area of strong tides and broken water.

The view (below) across Keyhaven Lake showing Hurst Castle, the lighthouse and beyond the Isle of Wight less than three quarters of a mile away.

Hurst Castle, originally built in the 16th Century during the reign of Henry VIII to prevent enemy shipping from entering the Solent from the west, modernised during the Napoleonic wars and again in the 1870’s when the enormous armoured wings were constructed and huge 38-ton guns were installed, two of which remain.

North west the mainland shore along Christchurch Bay to Milford on Sea.

South west from the top of Hurst Spit the view over Shingles Bank to the edge of the Isle of Wight and the famous Needles lighthouse.

Cobble

2011-11-20T02:44:00.002Z

This unusual fishing boat was heading out of the Lymington river recently, there is a clue to her origins in the letters -BH which denote her home port of Blyth in Northumbria in the far north east of England.

She has the look of a cobble which are traditional craft that worked the stretch of North Sea coast between Newcastle Upon Tyne and Berwick Upon Tweed. Cobbles were often worked from the beach. The canvas foredeck should keep her dry and provide some shelter. I estimated the length at 30 feet or so.

Later in the day we saw her in the distance fishing off the Head Buoy out in Christchurch Bay.

Peter Pan

2011-11-17T01:39:00.000Z

This delightful lugger was spotted sailing in Fowey during an early September evening, single handed the helmsman looked positively relaxed and he tacked back and forth across the harbour.

A couple of days later drawn up on the slipway at Bodinnick Boatyard we rowed over for a closer look. The hull has quite a large volume and look at the length along the spars from bowsprit to bumpkin.

Fresh Air Therapy

2011-11-13T11:23:00.005Z

I've been away on business and for over a week I'd seem little more than the inside of hotel rooms, offices and airports, so arriving home late Saturday afternoon I was determined to get out in the fresh air for some exercise.

Even so it was a big effort to drag myself out of bed on Sunday and the morning was well under way as I ran down my usual route along the Hamble River.

My legs felt like sticks of rhubarb and running was exhausting, but as I struggled along the river the sun was already creeping above the trees on the eastern shore bathing the moored boats in a glorious saturated light.

I arrived home exhausted but happy and ready for a hearty breakfast

Fowey Tugs

2011-11-12T09:23:00.000Z

As a regular visitor to fellow blogger Tugster’s Waterblog I confess a fascination for tug boats. While not on the scale of the Hudson River, the working tugs in Fowey which were operating right outside our windows and are a always source of fascination.

The main commercial business of Fowey is china clay brought down from St Austells by train and loaded into coastal freighters in the small but deep water port. The working tugs often tow the ships stern first up river and into the docks, past the town and the crowded yacht moorings. Although on this occasion it was a small cruise ship that was being brought ready for departure.

During our last visit things were especially crowded as the tug Tregeagle stood by to assist HMS Enterprise (an Echo class multi role survey vessel) as she manoeuvred into position on a deep water mooring. Once she was settled it was time to bring in yet another china clay freighter. The whole exercise went off in a very calm and organised fashion.

Toadstool

2011-11-08T07:58:00.000Z

Perhaps it's due to the mild weather we've been enjoying, the damp and misty autumnal mornings, but there seems to be a proliferation of wild fungi this year. For the first time in years I saw a circle ring of toadstools, which we called a fairy ring when we were kids.

This monster toadstool (or maybe it's a mushroom) was growing at the side of the road, it's about ten inches in diameter. I've tried to identify it on the internet without success so I don't know if it's edible or not, I hope so as it looks as though some passing animal has taken a large bite.

Fast Rowing

2011-11-04T09:19:00.000Z

Laser sailor and fellow rower on the Hamble River, David sent me an email recently about his latest acquisition.

David writes "I've always wanted a rowing scull and earlier this year I bought a rather neglected 40 year old "restricted single " (24 ' 7'' long !! ) from the Broxbourne Rowing Club. After a lot of hard work and lots of ££££ spent on new bits, last tuesday was maiden voyage day. The selected venue was Heath Pond, Petersfield, its big enough to row on, easy to launch and shallow.

I rowed on tuesday and wednesday , it aint half wobbly ! but I knew that it would be. With some practice I should be able to row on the upper reaches of the Hamble."

On the settled water above Bursledon Bridge I think David's new scull will go like a train, I think I might need an outboard motor or he'll be on his second pint at the Horse and Jockey long before we arrive!

Rough day on the lakes

2011-11-01T14:04:00.002Z

There was a stiff north westerly wind blowing as this ketch left Sarnia, their route took them against the strong current which flows down the St Clair Waterway, so fortunately while there were no “wind over tide” conditions it was still pretty lumpy as they cleared the waterway into Lake Huron.

The ketch, which looks like a Cheoy Lee Clipper was soon making good progress, the wind was around force 5 or 6 so a good hard breeze but a challenging sail never the less as emerging from the St Clair river into a north westerly, the lake is effectively a lee shore for some 40 miles in both directions, not somewhere you’d want to be caught out in a gale.

Autumn Misty

2011-10-22T08:12:00.000+01:00

We keep telling ourselves that our Indian Summer can't last, the previous day had been clear with a glorious sunset and clear bright night sky.

Next morning brought the first frost, sparkling white, mist rising from the still surface of the river.

Golden leaves crunched under foot, disturbing the still morning.

A lonely ship wreck emerged, oyster catchers took flight.

And gradually the warming sun rose above the trees giving everything a pink glow.

Weather to Varnish

2011-10-20T14:32:00.000+01:00

We English like to talk about the weather, in fact a lot of the time we like to complain about the weather and rightly so as those prevailing south westerly winds bring rain, wind and overcast skies more often than not.

That all said, since September we’ve been enjoying an Indian Summer with many fine settled and even windless days.

All of which sounds ideal, but for owners of varnished wooden boats it’s something of a dilemma. Do you make the most of these fine days before the inevitable onset of winter to take the boat out or do you take the opportunity of the settled weather to get a couple of coats of varnish on before it’s too cold and wet?

Those who can afford to have the yard put the boat in the heated shed for a couple of weeks, can ignore this post, they will be out sailing if they have any sense, but alas they may just be too busy earning the money to pay the yard…..

My own take on this is, if it’s varnished then it needs to fit in the garage over winter, that way I get to go sailing during our precious summer months.

Maybe the title of this post should have been “Whether to Varnish”

As an interesting diversion I looked up the origin of Indian Summer which is a North American term, in England and indeed Europe, France especially the phenomenon was know as Saint Martin’s Summer.

Falmouth Working Boats & the Oyster Festival

2011-10-15T17:31:00.004+01:00

Down at Mylor near Falmouth a few weeks ago, the working boats were pulled up on the foreshore waiting for the start of the oyster season which starts in mid October.

Although there is active racing during the summer these craft are still active working boats which dredge for oysters under sail in this unique fishery which prohibits the use of engines.

These are probably the last hard working fishing craft working under sail in the UK. The Falmouth Oyster Festival takes place this weekend, celebrates Cornish seafood and especially the local oysters which are dredged under sail and hand drawn punt in Carrick Roads.

Number 102

2011-10-13T03:56:00.001+01:00

Built in 1936 by the British Power Boat Company across Southampton Water at Hythe, High Speed Launch HSL 102 is out on the hard for some maintenance. One one of only twenty two examples of the 100 Class High Speed Launch, 64 feet in length, 19 tons with a maximum speed of 42 knots.

No 102 saw service during World War II operating on the north east coast of England. During a 2 month period in 1941 she rescued 38 airmen from the cold waters of the North Sea including two German bomber crews. As a result of those successful missions in July of the same year she was inspected by King George VI and the Princess Elizabeth, now Queen Elizabeth II.

No 102 was bought by an enthusiastic owner in the early 1990's and underwent an extensive restoration, today she is operated by Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust and receives funding from the National Heritage Memorial Fund. She is available for charter.

Gratitude

2011-10-08T06:58:00.002+01:00

Rowing down river for breakfast we spotted an interesting wooden boat among the moorings, so on our way back we took a detour to take a closer look. Our timing was idea as the owners were aboard taking advantage of the fine weather and making ready for a sail.

Gratitude is a Sacffie, built in 1997 by Ardslgnish Boats to the lines of the original 1896 Portknockie Gratitude. Construction is larch on oak with silver fir hollow mast, solid yard, Douglas fir bowsprit, heavy-built. Copper nailed and roved, bronze fastenings at the stem, galvanised keel-bolts. Rig is a standing lug with Duradon sails (James Lawrence), total area 265 sq. ft.

Gratitude is new to the river having been launched just a couple of days before, her new owners Kevin and Maureen, have sailed larger boats for many years but have bought Gratitude to enjoy the simplicity and uncomplicated day sailing of the creeks and harbours of the Solent. They have certainly chosen a delightful boat she looks fast and purposeful with that sweeping sheer and long bowsprit. I'm looking forward to seeing her out sailing.

Kevin also has a a real connection with wooden boats, carving and creating art from recycled wood including some delightful wooden yachts - see his web site for details.

Quay Punt

2011-10-06T07:41:00.001+01:00

Spotted this working boat dried out alongside the harbour wall at the harbour at Porthleven, she looks like a quay punt one of the Falmouth working boats which evolved to service the sailing ships visiting the deep water harbour during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Below perhaps the most famous Quay Punt Curlew, Tim and Pauline Carr sailed this 28 foot boat around the world without an engine, visiting both the Arctic and the Antarctic. Curlew is now on exhibition at the National Maritime Museum in her home port Falmouth.

Low Water Breakfast

2011-10-02T16:24:00.000+01:00

The Indian summer we've been enjoying lasted until the weekend so we got up for an early morning row down to our favourite cafe in Hamble.

Although just past the recent extremes it was still a big spring tide and even an hour or so after low water a few boats were high and dry and waiting for the flood. The great thing about seeing the river at this state of tide is that it reveals the all contours, shallows, the shoals that can't normally be seen but are never the less an ever changing topography.

While we were having breakfast in the distance we could hear a ship signalling out on Southampton water, the sound signals drifting on the still morning air. The ship was revealed as a huge container ship passing the Hamble River entrance on it's approach to the tight turn at Calshott.

Cars

2011-09-29T07:08:00.001+01:00

I confess to being a bit of a petrol head and in particular for big American V8's so when we saw a classic car show advertised at a down town lake side park we went along.

Sarnia isn't that far from Detroit, the US car capital and Motown so there was no shortage of classic muscle cars plus more than a few stunning custom cars and hot rods.

The event was organised and run by the Sarnia Street Machine Club as a charity event in aid of the Pathways Health Centre for Children. What was especially delightful was that the event was free. Parking was free for both exhibitors and visitors (pause for gasp from my UK readers) there was even a band using the municipal open air stage facilities. Around 100 cars were on display their owners bringing them along to support the event and all the money was raised by donations.

Along with the Corvettes, the GTOs and Dodge Charger (OK so the purists will tell me the Vanishing Point car was a yellow Challenger), no gathering of muscle cars would be complete without a Mustang, you almost expected to see Steve McQueen driving, he was co star to the Mustang in the film Bullet.

This Model T based hot rod looked like it really had seen action on the Bonneville saltflats back when the custom car scene started. No mudguards, white wall tyres, open header exhausts and what look like drum brakes.

Joe (well actually his Dad who has always wanted one) took a shine to this VW based beach buggy, the owner very kindly invited him to try it out for size and he seemed to like it. Hmm maybe that's the excuse I've been looking for - next year's winter project?

What a great event and a great, really friendly bunch of people.

The Gribbin

2011-09-25T04:54:00.000+01:00

We have seen the distinctive red and white day mark on top of Gribbin Head many times from sea on our approach on Fowey and once walked there along the coastal path. While we were staying in Fowey the National Trust opened the tower for the day, so we took the opportunity to climb up the 84 feet high edifice.

Built in 1832 by Trinity House on land provided by William Rashleigh, the day mark identified Gribbin which sailors often confused for St Anthony, thus in danger of entering the shallow and treacherous waters of St Austell Bay rather than the safe deep water harbour in Carrick Roads. It also provides guidance into the narrow and rocky entrance to Fowey harbour.

Ascent is by torchlight, climbing the stone steps which spiral up inside the square gothic tower and is a surprisingly easy climb, even the short ladder which leads out onto the roof platform.

The wind was blowing a good force 5 from a clear sea but seemed stronger at that height.

The view is spectacular as this picture of the entrance to Fowey demonstrates.

Thanks to the members of the National Trust who opened the tower for the day, the Tower is open about six times a year.

Who wants to go sailing?

2011-09-22T17:23:00.005+01:00

In England certainly one of the problems we have is the weather, but regardless when the weather is of the sort which would send us down the pub, many yachtsmen feel compelled to go sailing.

We watched this crew who were fully kitted up against the weather, from the comfort of a warm café over a leisurely breakfast. Another yacht had just cleared the rocky entrance and were heading out into a very lumpy swell, we were very pleased that we only had a short walk back home.

Maybe we’re getting soft or perhaps the magic of having buckets of water tipped down your neck as you cling to a wildly heeled yacht looses its appeal after a while.

Storm Damage

2011-09-19T04:57:00.004+01:00

A waterspout tore up the Fowey River while we were there, it was dark, but from our balcony it was possible to make out the concentrated centre where the wind was shrieking, blowing over dustbins on the shore and shaking masts in the harbour as it passed.

The next morning revealed this yacht had broken free from it's mooring and been driven up onto the shore in Pont Creek.

Fortunately it was a sturdy full keel design and had missed the rocks along that piece of shore to settle at a place which is fairly steeply sloping shingle.

The Fowey Harbour Master crew were quickly on hand in the morning and the yacht was floated off on the afternoon tide and taken back to a mooring.

Marcus Lewis - Wooden Boat Builder

2011-09-16T03:49:00.002+01:00

We dropped in to visit Wooden Boat Builder Marcus Lewis at his workshop in Fowey. Marcus was just finishing off a Plymouth Mayflower Dinghy which he will be showing at the Southampton Boat Show.

The Mayflower is a traditional 14 ft dinghy, I especially like the gunter rig which is easy to set and allows the spars and sails to be stowed within the boat. The Mayflower was a relatively local boat believed to be based on a rowing boat. Originally built by Skentlebery’s in Plymouth (see Classic Boat magazine in January 93 for more details). The first boat had a full skeg keel, presumably from it’s rowing boat heritage, which gave rather too much directional stability so the heel was cut away to improve manoeuvrability, a feature which has been retained on this latest example by Marcus.

Marcus took the lines from an old local boat, seen here is his lofting and some of the moulds from which the new boat was built.

At 14ft the Mayflower seems like the perfect all round dinghy. You can imagine the lucky new owner having lots of fun days sailing a boat like this, more comfortable than a modern racing dinghy, picnics on the beach plus a spot of classic dinghy racing to fulfil those competitive urges.

Marcus had a couple of other interesting boats in his workshop, the first is a Fowey boat, built as a tender for the pilots, she has a lot of volume in the stern as these boats were typically sculled out to the pilot boats, and so needed the extra buoyancy astern to counter the weight aft.

On the other side of the shed was a Fal working boat, used for dredging oysters in the protected fishery where engines are not allowed. The anchor would be dropped and then boat would be hauled across the oyster beds pulling the dredge. Marcus admits to owning the boat for 30 odd years and it is awaiting its third rebuild.

Marcus pointed out other differences between the two craft, the Fowey boat is clinker and the Fal boat carvel. He suggested the latter was probably made from off cut plans left over from building larger Falmouth built luggers.

Looking at the random thickness of the planks it’s easy to see the logic. The Fowey boat by contrast being clinker built has to have neat and equal width planking as the plank shapes strongly define the lines as shown here on his Mayflower Dinghy.

If you get the opportunity to meet him, Marcus is a very nice chap, generous with his time and hugely knowledgeable about traditional boats, he was also very relaxed as Joe waved a screwdriver around far too close to his immaculately varnished show boat. Here Joe is showing an early interest in wooden boat construction, the small saw horses are actually coffin stands. Mum looks pretty relaxed too although I'm not sure I could persuade her that we need another dinghy, even one as lovely as this.

Full Moon

2011-09-13T06:25:00.004+01:00

No werewolves, but it's certainly going to be a big tide with a 4.7 meter range down here in the west country this afternoon.

Pics were taken with the camera propped up on a railing using a Panasonic DMC-TZ8 Lumix (that's what it says on the back) on auto it automatically calculated exposure and even counted down the eight or nine seconds required, sometimes you just have to love technology.

No apologies for the fuzziness in the bottom picture there was enough breeze to keep them in constant motion.

Low flying - boat

2011-09-11T07:45:00.002+01:00

This International Moth was undergoing pre flight checks down on the slipway, judging by those foils and the fuselage hull.

Despite the delicate appendages and the sheer size of the hull and outriggers launching seemed to be a fuss free procedure.

It wasn’t an especially windy day perhaps 8-12 knots near perfect conditions so after a couple of short tacks the Moth was up of its foils and hurting down river. The picture doesn’t show it very clearly, the hull was some 9 inches to a foot out of the water supported on those tiny hydrofoils and the uplift generated as they travel through the water.

Bursledon Regatta the Venetian Carnival

2011-09-08T00:56:00.001+01:00

It was a grey start to the day as the dinghy fleet gathered off Lands End Point on Saturday morning for Bursledon Regatta, the dinghy course takes the fleet down river to Hamble or Warsash depending on conditions and then back up the finish line off the Jolly Sailor pontoon in Bursldeon Pool.

The Hamble has some 3500 boat moorings added to which the river is busy with Saturday morning boaters coming and going so it’s a challenging course.

The theme for this year’s regatta was Venetian Carnival and the Elephant Boatyard had been transformed into a scene from the Grand Canal.

Complete with Bridge of Sighs on the main pontoon.

As usual the afternoon water festival was complete with a dinghy parade; this former mirror dingy had been transformed into a stylish Riva Sports boat.

Clearly the only way for Venetian Carnival party guests to make a spectacular entrance would be to arrive by gondola, although perhaps one of the masked lady guests went slightly too far with the false beard!

Inevitably with the competitive nature of such events, some spontaneous water fights broke out during the dinghy parade and ended with the sinking of the well over laden boat, “The Venetian Blind”.

A favourite of the afternoon rowing and fun races is the dinghy egg and spoon race here one of the competitors concentrates on balancing her egg and spoon while standing in an inflatable which is rowed around the course, surely the most challenging race of the day.

Our thanks as always go to the Regatta Committee, the Elephant Boatyard and all those individuals and companies who support the regatta.

Niagara Fools

2011-09-05T01:50:00.001+01:00

It’s disconcerting to arrive at one of the natural wonders of the world only to find it hidden behind high rise hotels, casinos, nigh clubs, burger joints and amusement arcades.

Disconcerting and disappointing, but eventually after driving up and down the commercial strip, we did eventually find the falls, we even took the boat trip on the Maid of the Mist.

Clearly the majesty of the most famous waterfalls in North America aren’t enough for some people, no problem then if your trip could not possibly be complete without a game of crazy golf among these replica dinosaurs.

Only a couple of days before our visit a tourist had climbed up on the safety railings at the top of the falls apparently to get a better photograph. Somehow she slipped and had been swept to her death in seconds. Despite the wide news coverage the incident didn’t seem to have had much of a deterrent effect.

Sarnia

2011-09-01T01:34:00.002+01:00

Sarnia, Ontario isn’t a typical holiday destination, but we had the opportunity to visit this small city (population 70,00) which sits on the southern tip of Lake Huron. With the proximity to the lake, August temperatures between 25-27 degrees and only the occasional thunderstorm we had a great time.

The Great Lakes waterway system flows from Huron, down the St Clare River into Lake Erie on its way to the sea. The scale is immense with huge freighters plying their trade between the America and Canadian ports. A seemingly popular pastime in Sarnia is sitting in the park at the entrance of the St Clare River watching the freighters pass under the Blue Water Bridge which links the US with Canada. A couple of food vans were serving real chips, not fries these were the real thing which made the park especially popular at lunch time and early evenings.

For the more active there was fun to be had floating under the bridge, the current runs at some two to three knots so it’s easy to swim out with a float and drift down on the current. Great in summer, in winter we were told members of the local scuba diving club do the same circuit holding onto ice flows.

Mostly it’s just a great place to look across to the US and while away some time watching the freighters going by. Back in the 1970's Gordon Lightfoot sang about a 27,000 ton payload aboard the ill fated Edmund Fitzgerald a freighter which foundered with the loss of all hand on Lake Superior. Some like the Algolake (above) are familiar modern bulk freighters, but others like the Manisteee (below) are very distinctive. It looks like a forward bridge ferry has been joined to a counter stern tramp steamer with a couple of foot ball pitches worth of ship added in the middle.

Right along the lake shore broad leaved woodland still comes right down to the water’s edge with miles of sand, much of it private but equally huge stretches of almost deserted public beach.

The obvious thing was to just head out of town along Lakeshore Road, past the delightfully named Bright’s Grove, Kettle Point, Ippawash Beach, enjoy the lake and the big sky.

On Holiday

2011-08-29T09:37:00.000+01:00

When we announced our holiday plans a couple of friends commented that it was a strange choice. When we got there we had a similar reaction, a local even commented "why would you come here for a holiday?"

Didn't seem a bad choice to us.

and the mystery location, well there's a slight clue in the bottom picture - any guesses?

Missed Opportunity

2011-08-26T06:17:00.000+01:00

I had cause to nip over the Ryde on the Isle of Wight recently and without thinking I booked passage aboard the Wight Link Fast Catamaran which takes about 20 minutes to cross the eastern Solent from Portsmouth.

It was only when I got to Ryde that I realised I'd missed the opportunity to take the hovercraft which runs a service between Southsea and Ryde.

Ryde is surrounded by shallow sand banks which stretch right out into the Solent and dry during low water spring tides, but that's of no consequence for an air cushion vehicle, the hovercraft rides smoothly over the sand and up onto a purpose built ramp just off the esplanade.

Hovercraft have a long association with the Solent, invented by Sir Christopher Cockerell in 1956 much of the development for the later commercial models was carried out in the area. Today only the Southsea - Ryde service remains, but many examples of these fascinating craft are on display at the Hovercraft Museum at Lee on Solent

Good day for boat watching

2011-08-22T09:38:00.001+01:00

With a day off work, we took the opportunity to sit and watch the Friday lunchtime scene on the river, there were more than a few interesting boats about.

First up is our local turbo gaffer, I've written about her before, an interesting mix of classic looks and carbon fibre.

A classic 1970's racer, I think I know what she is and if so, has a very interesting history, however there are a couple of locals with encyclopaedic memories who are all too keen to point out my errors at the yacht club bar, so I'll keep quiet on this one, just enjoy what might have been a 1979 Fastnet yacht.

The Royal Southern YC looked to be hosting an Optimist event for the weekend, so there were more than a few out on the river many complete with "mummy boats", although in this case Mummy & Daddy seem more preoccupied with a mooring buoy rather than their little boy.

A classic gaff cutter, I think it's Polly Agatha which is a brand new, traditionally built replica of a Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter. Last time I saw her she was painted cream, so I'm guessing that she's had a new paint job for 2011.

The original Fastnet Race was won by Jolie Brise a Le Harve Pilot Cutter, these days most of the race entries are modern, high tech racers, quite a few of which were returning to Hamble after this year's race which saw the 100 foot supermaxi yacht Rambler capsize after loosing her keel.

There are quite a few Metre class yachts on the river, this one looks like a modern 6 Meter being towed out of the river.

As do these two with a very nice tug boat. A Google search shows that the Royal Solent YC are holding their Taittinger Regatta at the weekend, with 6 Metre entries so presumably they are heading for the western Solent which is where the racing will take place.

In complete contrast to the Metre boats is this delightful day boat which seems to be rigged with a lug sail and has the look of one of John Welsford's designs, possibly his popular 14' 9" Navigator.

Warrior

2011-08-20T03:40:00.000+01:00

Although I go to Portsmouth quite often, many of you will recognise the daughter/taxi driver relationship, I don't normally get the opportunity to wander around and have a look about. So when I had to catch the ferry over to the Isle of Wight recently I grabbed my camera and arrived at the old Harbour Station with a bit of time to spare.

I've seen HMS Warrior many times and have even been on board for a wine tasting, but she never fails to move me. Back in 1861 and for a very few years she was the largest warship in the world and the ultimate deterrent. As with most technological advances although revolutionary in design by 1864 there were faster, larger and more powerful ships with better armour and more guns.
Despite a short career, she was saved from the breakers yard by a slump in the value of scrap metal and thankfully survived as a refuelling barge for many years before being restored.

When you stand on the open bridge above the citadel looking forwards, astern and then aloft you still get the sense of the dominant power she once held.

Back in the Day

2011-08-16T02:41:00.001+01:00

Clearing out the loft I found some old 1976 vintage copies of Practical Boat Owner, it was claimed to be Britain's best selling boating magazine.

In complete contrast to modern journals most of the magazine was printed in black and white with some very grainy monochrome photography. There were exceptions, some very nice line drawings and occasionally as the example below a few delightful watercolour illustrations, this one of a Norfolk One design dinghy as part of a series on dinghy sailing.

Back in the switched on 70's there were sideboards, flared trousers and some really dodgy barnets (translate that Google), not quite sure where Helly Hanson were going with this one, why is she draped uncomfortably across the foredeck and why are they wearing oilskins on a flat calm day?

Rockall Sails had their finger on the pulse, or at least an advert designed to raise the pulse rate of some of the magazine's readership.

There was a much broader focus to the magazine with coverage of canal and river boats, dinghies and cruising yachts.

As you might expect from the title there was a a great deal of "do it yourself" coverage and advice, everything from building in the briefly popular ferro cement, to wet suits, sails and especially building from kits or a hull moulding which were available from a wide variety of manufacturers.

The British Seagull outboard was if not in its hey day still selling strongly, but then again so was the Austin Allegro the only car ever to have been built with a square steering wheel - I kid you not. Quite why Seagull chose to advertise in full colour is a mystery since their engines are entirely monochrome.

As an aside the boat top left below looks like a plywood Silhouette designed by Robert Tucker which has featured in these pages a few time.

There were some exciting newcomers, like this Streaker dinghy (probably not the first choice of name today) designed by Jack Holt, presumably in response to the Laser and for some reason promoted via a commercial tie up with Tate & Lyle.

And finally there was this advert featuring Robin Knox-Johnson modelling state of the art wet weather gear, it seems that the intervening years have been relatively kind to Mr RKJ.

In the long hot summer of 1976, thirty five years ago that was the state of our boating scene, the same year that Star Wars came to our screens, the Sex Pistols changed popular music forever and the UK economy was crumbling - hmmm.

Lymington River SCOW

2011-08-12T02:30:00.000+01:00

Spotted at the Bucklers Hard Festival weekend a Lymington River SCOW (LR).

It was slowing making its way through the moorings so maybe the creased mainsail can be excused.

Outboard Cover

2011-08-10T21:11:00.003+01:00

Spotted at the dinghy dock recently, I'm advised that it's an Asda"Shopping Bag for Life" just the job for keeping the UV away from a new outboard.

Red White and Blue

2011-08-04T02:34:00.001+01:00

This interesting and colourful day boat was out on the Beaulieu River, it appeared to have a blue mainsail from an Enterprise, a red jib, maybe a Mirror dinghy and a white mizzen.

No idea what the design is although the hard chine hull was built over frames and stringers and has the character of many American boats.

Steam Boat Society 40th

2011-07-30T04:13:00.000+01:00

The Steam Boat Association were celebrating their 40th anniversary at Bucklers Hard on the Beaulieu River, much to the delight of steam boat fans and small children alike.

Boats out on the river ranged from the quirky (above) to elegant (below).

But for many it's as much about looking at boats and chatting about boats as it is getting out onto the water.

With fine weather and light breeze it was a perfect day for steaming along this delightful wooded river.

Ashore the Master Builder's hotel were holding a food festival and food market, while members of the Solent Old Gaffers Association were also attending the weekend's events.

The events diary on the Steam Boat Association site shows a packed summer itinerary at events all over the country, so it was a real privilege to see so many steaming in our home waters.

St Ekaterina

2011-07-26T08:42:00.001+01:00

In Canary Wharf, London's financial centre for an early meeting I spotted this motor yacht moored alongside. Originally one of the old commercial ship docks it has been transformed as the area was developed to become the heart of our financial district. In the background the Millennium Dome.

I didn't see a national flag, nor port of registry so a quick look on Google found details of a charter yacht of the same name which is described as a 60 meter Benetti luxury motor yacht on charter for $325,000 per week. She looks right at home among the Canary Wharf towers.

McGruer Classic

2011-07-23T01:04:00.001+01:00

Back in August last year we spotted a honeymoon yacht which was tied alongside Lymington town quay sporting a "Just Married" sign. It was nice to get an email from Louise who explains that she and her husband did indeed spend their honeymoon cruising the Solent aboard their yacht Sarlia.

Erica and I spent our honeymoon cursing the south coast over 10 years ago, so maybe it's a good way to start to married life.

Louise also reports that Sarila is up for sale as they have acquired another classic yacht Marelle built by McGruer in teak.

Marelle is based locally, in fact I'd noticed an interesting yacht as I walked past recently, but hadn't got around to rowing around for a better look. You can follow the adventures of Marelle on Louise's blog

Derelict Dory

2011-07-19T02:48:00.000+01:00

Well, not quite, but while fellow blogger Doryman is away on his summer cruise I thought I might be able to slip in this picture of a neglected dory without upsetting him too much.

Dory's are all too uncommon in England, but the classic shape and tombstone transom were instantly recognisable; moored alongside a pontoon in the Lymington river.

What I don't understand is why someone would let their boat fall into such a state of neglect? Sadly it does seem all to common in England, as is illustrated by the row of dinghies in the background, not one of which shows any sign of being cared for, let along display any pride of ownership.

Perhaps we should start a campaign to help Stop Neglected Dinghy Syndrome.

Cake Appeal

2011-07-15T03:22:00.004+01:00

Actually it's a boat appeal - we need more boats to feature on our 1001 Boats blog.

The most popular post on Bursledon Blog is still Valentine Cookies, I still can't quite understand why cakes would bring in more page reads than the fabulous boats we feature, but in order to attract the maximum publicity for our appeal I decided to post some more cake, this time Erica's frosted summer berry cake.

Having got your attention; reaction to 1001 Boats has been fantastic, between myself and my co authors Michael, Brandon and Tom we've posted nearly 70 boats, all classic, all beautiful, all boats that you really should see. Many have been sent in by readers and followers of our blogs and a special thank you goes out to everyone who has written in.

But with 930 odd still to go we need more boats, so please join in the fun, drop us an email with some photos and a few words about your favourite boat, we'd love to feature it.

We're also pleased to announce Patrick who has joined us as an author from Northern France, apparently he's already spotted a couple of interesting local boats, which we look forward to seeing. If you would like to be a co author please let me know.

Ready for race day

2011-07-13T03:18:00.000+01:00

It was still misty early on Sunday morning this X One Design (XOC) was moored on the club pontoon ready for the day’s racing and looking lovely.

For more information on the XOD class the recent post on 1001 Boats

Regrets

2011-07-07T01:38:00.000+01:00

A large area of saltings run to the west of Lymington down to the entrance of the Solent at Keyhaven and Hurst. The area is a nature reserve and although the sea defences have drained some of the land many of the creeks, streams and salt water lakes remain.

It’s been seven years since we took this picture of an old boat abandoned and rotting in one of the small creeks, it’s lines spoke of an efficient working boat combined with an elegance and grace in shape and form. At the time it occurred to me that it would be worthwhile to take the lines off and record them, but with a busy schedule and other distractions she was soon forgotten.

The intervening years have taken their toll, the transom has fallen away and the hull has lost the shape that caught my eye on the previous visit. When I took the original photo I hadn't realised that the hull had been sheathed in fiber glass, but if you look more closely you can see it by the rounded corner of the planks as they meet the transom. Sadly pretty much all that now remains is the sheathing.

What is sad is the loss of yet another example of our maritime history

Mud Berth

2011-07-03T01:45:00.001+01:00

When we spotted this ketch on a mud berth at the head of Oxley Lake our first expectation was that it would be an old, possibly neglected cruiser passing out its final days or possibly a live aboard complete with old bicycles and plant pots on deck.

As we got closer we could see that nothing could be further from the truth, the topsides are freshly painted, the clinker planking well defined, the cabin finished bright to a standard which would be the envy of many.

The hull shape is very pretty and sleek, I thought perhaps a conversion of an earlier working boat many of which were carried out in the post war years and very few of which now remain, but revisiting the pictures especially the profile view she has an integrity about the rig and hull which suggests that maybe she was designed and built as a yacht.

The low aspect ketch rig, spreading the sail area along the length of the boat should make her a handy and easy boat to sail, that long hull, low coach roof and sweeping sheer line which continues along the bowsprit make her very easy on the eye.

Dreaming of Troy’s

2011-07-01T05:03:00.000+01:00

You may recall from earlier posts that I’ve always liked the Troy class 18 foot open day boats from Fowey. These heavily ballasted, half decked boats carry a cloud of sail and race in the often rough waters of the Fowey estuary.

Owning a classic wooden day sailer, along with the problem of not actually living in Fowey or anywhere very close by got me thinking that a GRP boat based closely on the Troy lines but with a retractable lead keel (with a big lead bulb like an SB3) would make a really nice and practical day sailer which could be easily hauled home for winter storage.

Enter DELFTship a cut down but fully functional version ship design package. I used an old photo copy of the Troy hull lines to give the basic hull dimension and then started working on a modern and shallow draft hull shape which would still retain some of the comfort and sea keeping qualities of the original boat.

The great thing about applications like DELFTship is that you can make changes pretty instantly rather than spending hours having to fair lines plans manually.

It’s far from finished, there is still probably too much dead rise in the sections and I’m struggling a little to get DELFTship to put the keel where I want it to go, but it's good fun.

Mystery Flotilla

2011-06-28T08:25:00.000+01:00

All these cruise boats which normally run tourists up and down the Thames have been laid up on this mid stream mooring in the centre of London for a few weeks now.

Perhaps its down to the UK economy or maybe some other reason.

Are the cruise operators assembling a fleet in readiness for next year's Olympics?

Is this the part of the Government's plans for a floating prison?

Could it be the latest buy to let or affordable housing?

Is there a marine Scrappage scheme?

If you think you know what they're doing there, then answers on a postcard to .....

Sea Legs

2011-06-25T01:39:00.000+01:00

We were sitting by the slipway watching as a fleet of Optimists and their support boats were recovered from the river when a large rib drive straight towards the slip way, no sight of a trailer or trolley in sight. It didn't stop, instead rose out of the water on three large squashy tyres and proceeded to drive off through the dinghy park, the helmsman in full control.

Closer inspection shows that the rib is fitted with Sea Legs hydraulically operated struts and powered wheels which fold down to provide amphibious capability.

Progress on the SCOW

2011-06-24T01:59:00.000+01:00

Work on the SCOW has been painfully slow all year, but I've finally got around to repairing the deck. The old patterned non slip deck was so crazed that I just sanded it all back flat with an angle grinder.

I also sealed up the 60 year old exposed ply which form the deck beams with epoxy. At least it's a start, now all I have to do is keep motivated

Another new gaffer

2011-06-21T01:37:00.000+01:00

Spotted this open gaffer heading up river in breezy conditions, I don’t know if she’s a local boat or a visitor, she looks like she might be a Tosher.

A version of the tradional west country boat has been made in GRP for many years by Martin Heard's yard down in Mylor Creek, but we were too far away to tell if this one was GRP or wood.

Boatbuilding the wrong way around

2011-06-18T01:33:00.000+01:00

I've started building a model yacht for Joe and rather than do the sensible thing and buy plans I decided to scale down and modify the hull shape I used for Gato Nego my rowing skiff. With a beam to length ration of 4:1 the hull should be easily driven, I also flattened out the stern section to hopefully give better form stability and the possibility of planning. All of which sounds about right and I’m no expert, but at least with a model you can experiment without breaking the bank.

The next challenge is to position the rig, keel and rudder, I decided that I needed to draw up plans, so having already built the hull pretty much by eye I needed to get an accurate drawing of the underwater profile. Using the home made gantry (I knew it would come in useful for something), a spilling board and a stick I was able to capture the hull profile with reasonable accuracy.

Next step is to draw it up with the sail plan, keel and rudder, then calculate the Centre of Effort of the sails and the Centre of Lateral Resistance for the underwater section. Most of the design guidance suggests a “lead” CoE over CLR of some 10% -12% of water line length. Whether that works at model scale I’m not sure (some more research needed), getting it right is important if the boat is to sail well.

To complicate matters the keel and rudder when I decided where to put them and how big, will also change the underwater shape and CLR, which will change the lead and so on.

Interesting stuff this yacht design.

Steamboat

2011-06-16T01:30:00.000+01:00

This steam boat was out on the river at the weekend, it was delightful, slipping along almost silently with that faint, fresh smell of steam and coal as it passed by.

The not so great fire of London

2011-06-15T08:08:00.002+01:00

Walking along the South Bank yesterday just after lunch it was obvious that there was a serious fire over near the Strand.

I had a meeting over near Gresham Street and on the way back heard from the taxi driver that the Strand was closed and around a dozen fire engines and vehicles.

From the news reports the building is Marconi House on the junction of the Strand and Aldwych which is being converted into a luxury hotel. Around 75 fire fighters were called in to fight the blaze which seemed to have wrecked most of the roof area but was under control when I left work - lots more pictures here

Going, Going .....

2011-06-13T11:20:00.002+01:00

We dropped by our friends Jax and Robbie to deliver one of Erica’s cakes as they are just about to depart for an extended cruise, destination unknown, most likely the Caribbean, perhaps the Pacific and even the very edge of the known world.

With just days to go I’m sure they won’t mind when I say there was a certain tension on board. The boat was just full of stuff, stuff which hadn’t found a permanent home, stuff which was being moved from one place to another and stuff which was needed for those all too numerous last minute jobs. It was all very familiar and brought back fond memories from when Erica and I set out for the Caribbean. It all finds a place, it all sorts out and finally land, home, friends, are all left far away, below the horizon and you can relax and enjoy the voyage.

With the appalling weather since Sunday it doesn’t look as though they will get away much before the middle of the week, but that’s one of the delights of cruising, no deadlines and if the weather isn’t right then don’t go.

You can follow their blog - search for Spring Dawn, which incidentally is a Rival 41 a tough and renowned seagoing boat.

Bon Voyage.

Scrappage Scheming

2011-06-11T05:57:00.002+01:00

First of all there were a few seemingly random thefts of outboard motors on the river, then a couple of weeks ago several were stolen in one night from boats moored on the outside pontoon in a local marina.

The police and insurance companies have made great strides preventing outboard theft through database registration systems which make selling on stolen engines very difficult, so it was puzzling how such a large number of stolen outboards would be sold on.

The clue came last week when a number of aluminium masts were stolen from the dinghy park on the Hamble foreshore.

With the seemingly inexorable rise in commodity prices the value of scrap aluminium is very high so presumably these stolen marine items are being melted down and are untraceable.

While this might be an organised racket these are hardly master criminals at work, what these dopey "tea leaves" didn't realise as they carried off the outboard from one particular boat was that there was 600lbs of lead ingot ballast just under the floor boards.

Lets hope the police catch them soon.

Snakes and Adders

2011-06-07T03:30:00.000+01:00

Opps I very nearly trod on this guy or more likely gal at the Lepe Country park. It was making it's way across a dirt pathway and was pretty well invisible.

From the markings on the back it looks like an Adder or Viper (vipera berus) which is apparently the only venomous snake in the UK. Actually from reading they seem pretty harmless and people normally only get bitten while trying to catch or handle one (or possibly treading on one) and a bite is very rarely fatal.

They grow to around 60 or 75 cm, although this one if you stretched it out fully was not much more than a foot long (30cm), the brown colouring suggest it's a female. After our brief and close encounter she moved off into a peaceful spot at the top of a low cliff in the bright sunshine.

Bank Holiday Snaps

2011-06-04T03:12:00.000+01:00

With only three weeks until the summer solstice, last week's bank holiday Monday was not atypically characterised by the low grey clouds, high winds and just a bit of rain.

Down on the foreshore the beach huts were closed and securely locked up, with a lone dinghy pulled up on the shingle well above the high tide.

But it's a holiday weekend so we just had to make the effort to go and play on the beach, even if it meant wearing our coats and very definitely not staying too long.

For avid sightseers the USS George W Bush was still anchored out in the grey on grey Solent seascape.

Lets hope for better weather this weekend.

Swanwick Pool

2011-06-02T09:10:00.002+01:00

Two of our local pubs have some fantastic, old, black and white photographs showing river scenes from years ago. Walking along by Swanwick pool it's easy to imagine things haven't changed much in the last 70 years or so.

Egret's are still common on the river, this was wading in the peaceful shallows, close by the shore.

You could imagine this handsome motor yacht Bounty, gliding along the river, faint 30's jazz music drifting across the still water in the rippled wake as she steams away.

Sadly the reality is, that you don't have to look very far to see the effects of development and crowding which have characterised the last seven decades.

But it's still a great place to live!

Visitor

2011-05-28T14:45:00.003+01:00

So far the bank holiday weekend has been cold, overcast, threatening rain and blowing 25 to 30 knots. Ever the optimist I decided to check out a few of the local weather stations to see if there was any prospect of it improving for a late afternoon sail.

Down at Hurst Castle maximum gusts were up at 34 knots, closer to home Netley Sailing Club were showing gusts of 27-29.5 knots.

As a last effort I went over to Solent Web Cam over at AIS Live where Tony tracks shipping movements on a google earth type image and has a web cam pointing from Ryde of the Isle of Wight across the Solent towards Stokes Bay.

Instead of seeing a few yachts and white caps, the view is obscured by an aircraft carrier, the George W Bush, not doubt there as part of the President's visit.

Now I remember reading something about Mr Obama being asked to pay the London Congestion charge for his motorcade which got me wondering of one of our local harbour masters had been out to collect overnight fees for anchoring?

Royal Lymington Classic & Gaffers

2011-05-27T01:55:00.000+01:00

The Royal Lymington YC held their Classics & Gaffers Regatta last weekend. We had planned to take "Tosh" our cat boat over to sail out and watch the racing, but after a long week at work Saturday morning was a slow start, and then we stopped off for breakfast and then Joe went to play on the swings.... Fortunately we were there in time to see some of the fleet making their way out of the river.

Some of the local XOD fleet were joining in, here No 16 sails off her mooring in near perfect conditions.

A local boat which I recognise but can't for the life of me remember what she's called or what her history is.

Above another Lymington boat who's looks disguise her age, she's actually a modern design, built as a one off with a lifting bulb keel and fast, modern hull shape. Just look at that top mast.

This delightful day racer was getting a tow away from the moorings adjacent the RLYC club house.
All the best action took place out in the Solent where a sea breeze had got up, sadly the racing was a bit far away to see even from the balcony at Lymington Town Sailing Club.

I don't know if this boat was racing, but she's certainly pretty and either immaculately restored or a new build.

And while we were watching all the other classics Sailfish went past under full canvass.

There are some great pictures of the racing on the RLYC site.

Clear Sky

2011-05-25T11:50:00.002+01:00

It was a perfect still morning today, the river was flat calm with a surface like glass, as I went out for my run.
It was only when I looked up that I realised that the sky was clear as well, not an aeroplane, not a vapour trail to be seen.

Southbank

2011-05-23T14:05:00.004+01:00

South Bank is celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Festival of Britain. Normally I'm too preoccupied with work to pay much attention to what's going on outside, but last week it was lunch time so I decided to walk back from a meeting in the City and strolled along the South Bank where a whole host of events and installations are marking the event.

First thing to catch my attention is the beach that's been installed along the Thames, a few children had brought along buckets and spades.

There was even an interesting boat drawn up on the makeshift beach.

Up on the Festival Hall there was a giant fox which appeared to be made of straw.

All in all a nice distraction during my lunchtime stroll, and then back to work.

Sailfish

2011-05-20T07:46:00.000+01:00

Walking through the park in Lymington last week I noticed a boat short tacking through the crowded moorings and snapped a couple of pictures even though it was difficult to get a clear view.

It was only when I got home and looked through the pictures that I realised it was the same classic day boat which I'd posted about last year. I wonder if I'm possibly becoming a boat stalker?

Following my previous post I received an email from David and Marc, members of the family who own her, "Sailfish is a classic. Designed and built locally by the Smith Brothers at Yarmouth Quay, sole survivor in its original state and one of 5 built specifically for the area.

She has a lifting plate from 6 ft to 18", roller jib on goose-wing boom that allows the jib to be held out for following winds. When built she had one of the first unique roll boom reefing systems fitted for the main sheet. Sails were canvas and the seagull outboards were classics too (with manual!!).

She has been moored in the same upper reaches of Lymington river for over 60 years and over 5 generations of family have sailed off the mooring at the town Quay, regularly summer and winter and Christmas day most years!"

Marc also suggested that I might be invited out for a sail - which would be very welcome.

Around the Island Race Gaffers Entries

2011-05-16T06:07:00.000+01:00

Ocean Pearl the Chichester based lugger appeared on 1001 Boats a few days ago, by co incidence someone sent me a picture of her in the 2009 Around the Island Race, hopefully we will see her competing in this year's 80th anniversary race as well.

Another entry in the Gaffer class for othe 80th Anniversary Race and which was featured on the Bursledon Blog is MAYBIRD. The Fred Shepherd Classic 43ft Gaff Rigged Ketch was built in 1937 and is in stunning condition having recently undergone a three-year restoration.

Previously owned by Rear Commodore of Royal Yacht Squadron John Russell before departing to New Zealand for 35 years she is back on the Hamble.

There are 30 gaffers currently entered for this year's race among them 6 Cornish Shrimpers, an original Itchen Ferry Nellie, built by Dan Hatcher in 1862, but perhaps my favourite is the Drascombe Drifter delightfully named "Creeky Crawley".

Beaulieu River Stroll

2011-05-14T01:05:00.002+01:00

The walk from Beaulieu in the New Forest National Park down to Buckler's Hard follows the unspoiled, wooded river which is also home to some very interesting boats. This delightful sloop looks to have been built between the wars as a performance cruiser.

A great place to stop and rest is Buckler's Hard, the Georgian Hamlet is largely preserved as it was in the day when ships for Nelson's Navy were built there, although the web cam (see Bucker's Hard link) is relatively new.

It's also a yachting center and while walking around the trailer sailor park we spotted this interesting boat, clearly new with a bright shiny brass stem band. Just visible under the cover are wooden spars which suggest a traditional rig, but the hull although tradition in many ways clearly has many modern touches including that high aspect rudder. Sadly there were no identification marks so it remains a mystery boat about which I'd like to know more.

Western Solent

2011-05-11T01:47:00.000+01:00

Walking westwards from Lymington, through the saltings past Oxey Lake there are fantastic views of the western Solent. There are extensive shoals to both the east and west of the river entrance, but for incoming boats the entrance channel is well marked to starboard by the starting platform seen here and a "Jack in the Basket" to port.

In the distance the Isle of Wight slopes westward towards Yarmouth, where a regular ferry service runs across the Solent to Lymington.

For some reason the outgoing and incoming ferries time their passage so that they always cross at the same point, a bend in the Lymington river.

There is actually plenty of space, even though from the deck of a small yacht in the river it may not seem so, from a distance it looks very tight!

Hesper

2011-05-08T07:27:00.002+01:00

I've seen Hesper afloat on her mooring in Pill Creek, Fowey from the shore many times, but it was nice to have the opportunity to row past and get a close up view recently.

The 44 foot pilot cutter was built in the west country by Working Sail and launched in 2004, one of a series of traditionally built pilot cutters.

Despite her size Hesper has been set up so that she can be sailed two handed, which is how the pilot cutters of old were often worked.

According to Working Sail also shares the excellent sea keeping qualities which made pilot cutters legendary craft they are.
I guess we should give her a place on 1001 Boats, she is lovely.

Is there a sailing boat in there?

2011-05-06T01:52:00.001+01:00

This motor boat on a mooring in the Camel estuary got me wondering how much was original and what her history was?

The sheer line and the raised cabin don't match very well, so the latter may have been added sometime after the boat was built. Then assuming the hull below the sheer is original, she was probably built as an open boat, which begs the question was she built as a motor boat?

Possibly she was based on an older local boat with which builders were familiar. Many would have been built by eye and experience. It could equally be that this originally was a sailing boat, converted to engine power and latterly with the addition of the cabin and wheel house.

Perhaps she originally was a Tosher or am I just kidding myself?

Star Wars Day

2011-05-04T00:27:00.003+01:00

May the 4th be with you!

Apologies I missed an April Fools posting this year.

To celebrate May 4th here's a picture courtesy of www.elvistrooper.com who seems to make a living dressing up as Elvis in a Star Trooper's outfit and having his photo taken with attractive girls - funny old world this internet

Fowey Shipping

2011-05-02T02:53:00.000+01:00

One of the nice things about where we stay in Fowey is looking out at the boats in the harbour, which is still very much a working port. So you can imagine the excitement when one of the freighters which transport the local china clay came steaming past.

You can see the all moorings outside our decking, which doesn't leave an awful lot of river to navigate in. Not something which concerned Joe too much as he shrieked "Daddy, big boat, Daddy big boat!"

Workboat

2011-04-28T07:53:00.000+01:00

The glorious teak coach house on this work boat seen in Fowey tells of a different past, perhaps a harbour master or police launch or even a naval launch.

Although now fitted with some ugly industrial machinery, her graceful lines and quality of construction are still apparent.

Bikers

2011-04-25T01:54:00.002+01:00

It seems not only sailors are drawn down to the hard at Swanwick, this group of motorcyclists from Southampton had gathered there for the start of a fine day out riding their classic motorcycles.

Many years ago I started riding motorbikes on an early 1960's Royal Enfield Crusader which was a 250cc single cylinder, it was old, neglected, unreliable and had been painted a horrid emerald green by one of the many previous owners. It was certainly nothing like this 350cc Bullet which is immaculate and complete with sidecar, which has a charming "Wallace & Grommet" quality - Have tools will travel.

Low Water

2011-04-22T07:55:00.000+01:00

Sometimes you get the timing right, on Sunday I rowed back from Hamble on the last of the stand.

In the river the tide drops a little after high water and then, well stands for a couple of house before picking up the ebb. This is more noticeable at springs and Sunday was no exception.

A couple of hours after I'd put the boat away in the garage it seemed like the river has disappeared.

Season Starts

2011-04-20T01:45:00.000+01:00

The sun was out, the morning was still, flat calm, with just a hint of early morning mist. The yacht clubs and boat yards were alive with polishing, sanding, anti-foul painting, all those other last minute jobs and of course boats being lifted back into the water.

On the scrubbing piles, boats were waiting for the tide to drop for the afternoon low and a good clean up.

The season has definitely started

Canoing

2011-04-17T07:56:00.000+01:00

Some canoes were drawn up on the foreshore at Hamble at the weekend, this type of open top kayak are very popular. Some are used by canoeists, for pottering or exploring and as a stable platform by fishermen.

I've been thinking one of these would be ideal for pottering around the river, being able to put it on the roof of the car would be useful as would facing forward to see where I'm going instead of seeing everything in rear view when I'm rowing

Then I spotted this, fitted with a small outboard it must be one of the smallest motorised canoes around, that's what I want, mind you the motor kill cord would have to be a hair trigger!

West Country Boats

2011-04-14T06:28:00.000+01:00

One of the things I like about visiting the west country is the opportunity to look at some interesting boats, like this double ended Colin Archer type out on the moorings off of the town quay in Falmouth.

Several designers have drawn up examples of this style of boat based on Colin Archer’s famous rescue boats and the boats have been constructed in a range of materials ranging from wood to ferro-cement. This one was too far away to see any details but she is a handsome boat and just look at that topmast, flying a brightly coloured topsail would be great for light airs.

This cute cutter looks like it has a sporty edge, with short bowsprit and bumpkin, the top section of the Bermudian mast supported with jumper stays, she echo's back to pre war days.

Further down the harbour pilot cutter Morwenna was maneuvering in the marina beside the National Maritime Museum, the last time I saw her was in Cowes for the start of the Fastnet race and I see from her web site that she will be competing again this year.

These two luggers on the Maritime Museum pontoon were built by students of the Falmouth Marine School based on a local boat Veracity which was built by J. Blewett of Newlyn for a Mr. Paul Humphreys of Mousehole in 1902. Veracity was 33ft LOA but the new boats were scaled down to 22ft, last time I looked they were for sale.

Further up Carrick Roads at Mylor some of the still working boats were to be seen, to preserve the fishery oyster dredging is only allowed under sail so there area has a number of working boats like this one. The mast looks like it's been reclaimed from a modern yacht and put to good use.

FH18 looks fast just lying to her mooring, racing has always been a facet of the local fleet, with working boats carrying a cloud of sail in the summer races.

Other boats seem less well cared for, or perhaps it's just the result of a busy working season and a winter which has dragged on for too long, in the meantime she waits patiently for a lick of paint and a scrub to start the new season.

Fowey

2011-04-10T06:03:00.000+01:00

Even in the height of summer a holiday in the west of England doesn’t guarantee good weather, so we were remarkably lucky when we took a few days break at the end of March. While colleagues at work were still heading off to the Alps to catch the last of the snow we headed west to Fowey and were rewarded with sunshine and summer time temperatures.

Fowey was just getting going after the winter so most of the boats were still ashore but the outlook was no less delightful.

The settled high pressure brought with it clear sunny days, but in the mornings the steeply wooded river would be misty until the sun broke through, The local gig teams didn't seen to mind, here they are out early on Sunday morning rowing past the moorings under our balcony.

Laser Sailer Saga

2011-04-08T01:40:00.003+01:00

Back in March I wrote a tongue in cheek post about a senior Laser sailer only to get an equally tongue in cheek email a couple of days later from the man himself .

It turns out that David not only sails but has been a keen rower for many years, seen here in the Cosine Wherry which he built some 16 years ago from plans published in a book called Rip,Strip & Row.

Apparently Laser sailing and other things got in the way of rowing for a few years, but last year David started rowing in earnest often from Hamble up to the Horse and Jockey pub at Botley. Actually I'm surprised we haven't seen each other on the river, but maybe that's because rowers face backwards!

Over winter David took his Wherry along to local boat builders Casse Tete Marine who did some remedial work and installed these immaculate thwarts.

David signs his email the "Old Bearded Laser Man" - I thought about calling the post the "Saga Sailer Saga!"

Look forward to seeing you on the water David if I every get round to doing some rowing this spring!!

Autumn Sail

2011-04-05T01:15:00.000+01:00

Melon Seed Skiff "Nancy Lee" was featured recently on 1001 Boats, pictures and details were kindly sent by Roger Rodibaugh who sails Nancy Lee (named after his wife Nancy) in Lafayette, Indiana.

It was a great surprise when a card dropped through the post box a few days ago, Roger and Nancy have created a card using images of Nancy lee with the accompanying words which absolutely sum up a cold but exciting winter sail .

Autumn Sail

Brisk wind
Stiff sail
Icy chop
Dripping rail
Bracing spray
Tugging sheet
Red nose
Cold feet
Roaring bow wave
Frozen fingers
Big grin
Joy that lingers

Spring Equinox

2011-04-03T01:01:00.001+01:00

I'm getting a bit behind with postings as we're now in April. With the combination of the March Spring Equinox and the moon being at it’s nearest point to earth in over 20 years ,we had some big tides not to mention stunning views of the moon thanks to the high pressure keeping the night time skies clear.

The combination of high pressure and light northerly winds means we haven’t suffered the very big high tides that we’ve seen in past years, but the low water levels have revealed parts of the river seldom seen.

Sadly I had forgotten to take my camera along for my early morning run and by time I returned the tide was flooding, but there was still a goodly extent of Hamble mud to be seen.

This Cornish Shimper is a new arrival on the river or at least new to this mooring. Although a modern boat in all respects, designed by Roger Dongray in the late 1970’s or early 80’s she has strong links back to work boat heritage and looks right at home on her mooring at low water springs.

Statistics

2011-04-01T01:41:00.001+01:00

I don’t normally pay much attention to statistics around the Burseldon Blog, taking the view that I write about things I like and if people read them all well and good. But on the Blogger dashboard recently my curiosity got the better of me.

The information available is incredible, it’s possible to see which pages have been viewed, how often, which countries are viewing, even the source of viewer (presumably the previous site they visited). All very interesting stuff; and no doubt there are people who understand how to use all this information to increase the numbers of people visiting a site. But the thing that caught my eye was the page view summary for February below.

It shows how many times each of the pages of Bursledon Blog was viewed during February and what a surprise; Valentine Cookies was far and away the most viewed page – and not by a small margin, but with nearly 10 times as many views as the next most popular page.

There’s an old saying “lies, dam lies and statistics” well maybe we should add “and the truth about Burseldon Blog readership”. Not wanting to waste an opportunity to increase the readership watch out for upcoming posts on “Bursledon Bikini”, “Solent Stockings” and not forgetting “Hamble High Heels”.

Stack Boat

2011-03-29T01:01:00.004+01:00

Dry sailing as it is known, has become popular around the Solent. The idea is that your boat is stored ashore, when you want to use it call the yard, who will launch it and have it ready to use. The advantages are that your boat is stored out of the water, so less chance of osmosis or other damage, no need for anti fouling, plus the system is cheaper than keeping the boat afloat for the whole season.

Some yards have put in high rise storage to maximise use of space, with specialist equipment to enable an easy and fast launch and recovery.

Call me over cautious, but that large sports cruiser (above) looks just a little top heavy, perched right the way up there. Come the winter gales, with all that windage, I just hope it's going to be strapped down securely.

I know these boats weight a couple of tons, but to my mind those base rails seem a little narrow. I think I'm happier with my boat floating safely in the water.

Warming Pan

2011-03-25T09:16:00.000Z

Last weekend it looked like spring had finally arrived and our little part of the world was warming up.

Down in Lymington the Opi fleet had gathered for an early season event, it was great to see all the parents and kids getting ready for what was probably the first outing this year, even if the wind was a little light, which disappointed of one or two of the up and coming hot shots.

Over in Hamble things were slightly different on Sunday, where the "warming pan" weekend was taking place. In what I believe is the 49th year, dinghy racing gets underway with fleets of Merlin Rocket, National 12, Firefly and Foxer dinghies.

Hamble River Sailing Club runs the event which has a course in entrance to the river, the prevailing wind normally allows a spinnaker run up river past the town quay and this year was no exception.

Saltings

2011-03-22T09:47:00.001Z

These saltings run parallel to the river down past an area known as Bunny Meadows

Although they are a protected area for wild life, the path which follows the river is always pretty busy with people walking, bird watching and enjoying the area at weekends.

At first light on a chilly winter's day however everything is completely still apart from a few wading birds, with spring rushing up headlong, things are changing fast and I'll have to be up very, very early to see it in so peaceful and tranquil mood in the coming months.