More 1001 Boats

It's been nearly a month since I launched a new blog, 1001 Boats and the response has been fantastic.

The idea is really simple post loads of interesting boats and ask visitors if they enjoy what we do then make a donation to charity.

I've been joined by fellow bloggers Michael AKA Doryman, Brandon Ford and Thomas Armstrong of 70.8% as contributing authors, we're hoping to be joined by a couple more shortly, if you would like to be involved please drop me an email - we need your help if we're really going to get to 1001 Boats, plus the variety of view point will keep things interesting for our readers.

If you don't want to be a regular contributor please do send me details of boats you like I'll be happy to post them.

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Below is just a few of the great boats which have feature so far - but why not go over there or better still bookmark 1001 Boats and become a regular.

Captain Gray's Longboat

Wizard of Oz - Sharpie

The Bawley - Good Intent

Hugely popular the Vertue Sally

and the absoluetly drop dead gorgeous Rhodes 33 - Madness

Round the Island race - 80th Anniversary

I was fortunate to be invited to a lunch to celebrate the 80th Year of the Around the Island race.

The event takes places in June each year starting and finishing at Cowes, the course is a 50 mile circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight. Since the first race in 1931 the event has grown with some 1800 boats and 17,000 participants in last year’s race in making it one of the largest participant events in the UK.

Round the Island Race is run by the Island Sailing Club, what is remarkable is the event is open to just about everyone so there are small cruising boats mixing it up with the Formula 1 equivalents of the sailing world. With a handicap system in place the famous Gold Roman Bowl winner can and does come from any of the classes.



The lunch was held at one of JP Morgan London offices with some august company, previous Roman Bowl winners included (left to right) Robin Aisher, Admiral of the Island Sailing Club and winner in 1985 on Yeoman XXV. Peter Nicholson world famous boat builder and winner in 1964 on Rocquette. Julian Everitt who designed and built the yacht Green Onion for his late wife Julia Dane, the second female winner back in 1982. Simon Rogers who’s family Contessa 26 - Rosina of Beaulieu has won three times in 2002, 2003 and 2006. Ian Lallow, winner in 1972, 1973 with Sir Edward Heath (Prime Minister at the time) onboard Morning Cloud II & III. Ian also built the two yachts.

Ben Ainsley (right) who has yet to win the Roman Bowl spoke about his experience of the event.

Three photographers who have recorded the event for many years had generously donated examples of their work to raise money for charity, which made a wonderful back drop to the event. Keith Beken, Rick Tomlinson and Thierry Martinez were each asked to present they favorite photograph and tell the story behind it.

More Pink

It seems that since my last post on the Pink - the Hamble Ferry that the colour has caught on elsewhere on the river.

Up at the Cabin boatyard I did a bit of a double take on this Pink fire engine.

These old model fire engines were normally green and known as a Green Goddess, not surprisingly then this one is named Pink Goddess.

Signs of Spring

Spring may not be with us quite yet, but down at Hamble Quay things are definitely warming up. People were out walking and enjoying what was a fine day, the cafe was crowded and the local Foxer fleet were out in force for their Sunday morning race.

In fairness the Foxer fleet from Hamble River Sailing Club sail all year round and can be seen even in the depths of winter, but seeing them out in force from the busy town quay suggested that the new season is really getting going.

Rowing in France - The Water Joust

If you read my post about traditional rowing in France, here's the action. A few years ago we were lucky enough to be in Meze during August where the water jousting was taking place.

We had waterside seats at a local bar, cold beer and the most fantastic spectacle, it seemed that the whole town turned out to watch.

The big man on the right hand side (red boat) is something of a local jousting celebrity.

Each boat even has its own two piece band to help things along.

What a great tradition and thank goodness it's still kept alive, the health and safety police must have nightmares!!

River Contrasts

Hamble is home to some 3500 boats which occupy the marinas and river moorings and make it the most crowded of all the Solent rivers.

But venture above Bursledon Bridge for half a mile and things are very different indeed. Upstream from the last of the moorings and the country park, it's easy to imagine the river as it was 200 years ago with oak trees growing along the banks.



On a clear winters day, with the tide making, you can have the place completely to your self - brilliant!

Trailer Sailor

A Mini Transat yacht isn't the obvious choice for a trailer sailor, the basic dimensions 6.5meter LOA and 3 meter Beam mean that while they are not too long, they exceed the maximum towing width certainly fro the UK and presumably for the rest of Europe.

This canting trailer appears to get around the width problem and of course the 2 meter bulb keel needs to be removed, but where there's a will there's a way.