New Classic

I spotted this a couple of weeks ago from the shore in Hamble, but it may have been there much longer as we've been so busy at the end of 2025 we have hardly been to Hamble for weeks if not months.

Taking the opportunity for a couple of pics while rowing down and in fantastic sunlight. I didn't get a chance to read her name, the tide was running full spring flood so it was really hard to get close enough, control the boat and take photos.

 Subsequently had a chat with the owner interrupting him while working on deck, the boat was built for the Norfolk Broads so shallow draft, a centerboard and a large rig and sail area suitable for the inland conditions. Construction began in 1924 and launched in 1925 so just over a 100 years old, the construction is all teak which probably goes some way toward her condition.

The outboard is a temporary measure used only for maneuvering in light conditions, the owner is working on a replacement engine, originally built without one, a previously installed engine needs complete replacement.

There's a lot of TLC needed fortunately the base construction is sound and should be a stunning boat once the work is done. That large rig will probably be useful around the Solent in light summer breeze.  

Rude Giant

 If you're in the New Forest and looking for some rude refreshments, you could do worse than stopping off at the Trusty Servant in Minstead for a pint of Rude Giant.

 Actually brewed over in Wiltshire and a nice change from the hazy IPA's which seem to have become ubiquitous of late and an interesting example of memorable branding.

Surf's up at Netley

Brisk early season Sunday at Netley, afternoon winds well in the 20 MPH's maybe guts higher kicking up constant breaking waves on the Netley foreshore

 I'd decided earlier it was probably a better day for cycling than sailing or rowing - seemed like a good choice.

Sinking feeling

Could be accumulated rainwater over the winter or a leek gone unnoticed and unattended.

 Whichever way, it could become very problematic quite quickly

Good day for rowing

The high pressure had been hanging around for over a week with the resulting light winds and fine weather, I'd gone down to the sailing club to do safety boat duty but without the minimum number of boats turning up racing was cancelled.

With the prospect of a sea breeze in the afternoon cancelling out the light northerly rowing seemed a good way to make the best of the day. 

I wasn't alone in total I say 6 other boats out rowing including some I recognised from Hamble River Rowing club. These two I didn't recognise, the one at top to too far away to inquire why they were towing, presumably good reason.

Below really nice looking boat, seems about as small as practical for two rowers.

 It was a perfect rowing afternoon, so hopefully everyone had as much fun as I did, the tide was on the 2 hour stand so pretty much perfect conditions.
 

Vlad

 Vlad the Impala - what a great name

 Probably only popular or even known in UK, the Hunter Impala was designed by David Thomas and built between 1977 and 1984

LOA:	28.00 ft / 8.53 m
LWL:	23.17 ft / 7.06 m
S.A. (reported):	335.00 ft² / 31.12 m²
Beam:	9.25 ft / 2.82 m
Displacement:	4,300.00 lb / 1,950 kg
Max Draft:	5.50 ft / 1.68 m

 

Winter SCOWs

With spring very firmly in the air it's easy to forget that some hardy SCOW sailors were out in the depth of winter.

Here Lymington SCOW fleet were out on the river on a cold clear Saturday with just the right amount of wind.

It was quite a short course up to the breakwater and back just be, low the RLYC to where I suspect a few would be retiring after the races.

The yellow/green boat is a very similar colour to MRS BB's SCOW Lollipop, except it has red sales like the  boat in front, hopefully that's a sign that red sails are faster :O)