Barcelona Street Views

Apologies but combination of fine weather, a new phone and being in Barcelona brought out the latent street photographer in me.

There's a lot of encouragement on the internet to budding artists, crafters and photographers to not worry too much about how good you are, rather just go out and do it, practice, practice practice. 

So apologies for inflicting my bad photography on you, but I did rather enjoy looking at some of my favorite parts the city through a new lens. 

The last thing the internet needs is another travelogue on places to go in Barcelona, but staying away from the major hot spots is probably good advice, although you should at least go past Las Rambla, Sagrada Familia and Parc Guellon while you're there.

If you go there the best advice is to just wander the city and enjoy.

 

Rowing trainer

Interesting rowing skiff which may or may note be the Ahoy Boats TS515 and has  a pair of small training floats mounted under the rowlock arms to help stability.

It seems a good way to introduce people to sliding seat rowing in a fast, slim and long boat with better stability compared to a conventional skiff of the same size.

 

Garage

 These deck garages are a really great feature on modern superyachts

Nice to know that even on a superyacht the garage can be just as cluttered and full of stuff as is the average domestic garage, bit of a  shame that the view was obscured by the electrical box, but the garage was pretty full of work benched, tools and materials, was going to need a serious clear out before there's any room for a dinghy tender and other "water toys". 

 

Sally

Featured alongside the Emsworth lobster pot Christmas tree, some close up details of Sally a lovery harbour launch.

Perfect for pottering, fishing and picnics around Chichester harbour especially when those strong tides are running

Nice to see her dressed overall.

 

Interesting

Wandering around the yard in winter you just know there's something interesting over there.

 

Winter Sailing

More hardy types, dinghy sailors, making their way out of the Hamble on a blisteringly cold day.

I am jealous of their enthusiasm and dedication, but having decided it was very much a spectator sport Mrs BB and I were heading for the cake shop and some warming hot chocolate. 

That said I did safety boat duty on a chilly, early February Sunday for the Weston SC optimistically described, Spring Series. 

 I will probably have more enthusiasm for sailing after Easter.

Solitaire

 Corinthian yachtsman and triple around the world sailor Les Powles passed away in 2022 but his yacht Solitaire is still on the hard in Lymington, sadly land perhaps unsurprisingly looking a little neglected and in need of TLC.

It would be interesting to know if the family intend to keep her or if she's for sale, it would be great is such a famous and accomplished boat could find a renewed life. If I recall correctly Solitaire is a Bruce Roberts design.