Local supporters

 Local supporters are out in force for the World Cup over at Sarisbury Green.

 

Skiffs in action

The 18 foot skiffs were out recently at Weston SC while I was doing safety boat duty, fortunately the skiffs are largely self supported otherwise I might have had a problem keeping up, not to mention leaving the Lasers and regular b0ats behind.

I did rush over o this one but the crew were really relaxed so just stood by while they righted the boat and then sped off into teh distance down Southampton Water.

My summary would be - Fantastic boats, very fast requiring good athletic, sailing and swimming skills

 

New houseboat

There's been a variety of houseboats on this spot in the saltings over the years ranging from serious sea going craft ot a wide body canal boat. This latest looks to be a dutch type barge with a modified wheelhouse and stern enclosure, looks really nice. 

That looks like the perfect  spot for watching the evening sun going down on the river with a cold beer in hand, there's perhaps a clue to a possible downside in the top photo - yes that's a motorway speeding camera sign - who know barges went so fast.

 

Bursledon Windmill

Despite having lived here for almost 30 years I've never actually been in the local windmill so took the opportunity on a rare open day to take a look.

The mill apparently is one of the oldest of it's type with wooden engineering powering the mill wheels, the mill wright's expertise with wood was quickly replaced by metal from the start of the 18th century and few of older mills survive.

The mill was operational until around 2014 and it was a lovely sight in summer standing above the trees on the top of Providence Hill with the white sails rotating. 

The mill has had a few difficult years, apparently leased to the council who were to run it as a museum and then decided to get rid of all the museums, now back with the trustees the plan is to fit new sails and get the mill operational and making flour.

In addition the plan is to use the site for events which is a lovely and unique location for weddings and other activities.

Local legend has it that while the mill was in use King Charles insisted on Bursledon flour for some of the Duchy  biscuits or cakes.

 Above the governor mechanism to keep the mill wheels turning at the correct speed, apparently the mill has no tail piece so to bring the sails onto the wind the entire top piece is rotated manually, there is a scheme to automate that with electric motors and wind direction detectors.

Push the boat out

Push the Boat Out days are put on for new our nervous sailors at Hurst Caste SC to sail in company with safety boat support and held normally on Saturday's as us working folks can't make the mid week "potters".

Not being a nervous nor new sailor I was crewing the safety boat which afforded time to try and take some photos.

The majority of the fleet were SCOWs which are one of the popular classes at HCYC

There was a sailing challenge to leave beach with a 30 second duration between each boat and arrive at a buoy near Hurst spit in the same order and with the same time interval, in the event they got off quite smartly making a fine procession down the moorings, but the fleet soon split up with the more experience sailors racing off ahead.

 Along with the SCOWs was a one of the club Hartley 12's and a small fleet of kayaks who made good pace against what were at times gusty winds.

 

 

 

Past times

Killing time at the airport I was browsing the current boating magazines which seemed very thin and short on content other than glossy pictures

In contrast I ad a quick look through some a couple of old copies of PBO which ware littering up my office, subjects covered include converting an inflatable into a life raft, diesel engine maintenance, repairing a stern bearing and how to build spars for a gaff rig including reference to Skene's Elements of Yacht Design. For the more cerebral there was a piece on celestial angles and sight reduction tables. 

 In the intervening 40 odd years practical seems to have a new focus, more about choosing the best of the latest piece of equipment

Victory Class - preparing for the season

 Stopped off in the Old Portsmouth yard of the Victory Class where members were getting their boats ready for the season

 

 The class is unusual in that the 21 foot boat designed by Alfred Westmacott developed in 1934 from a modified Bembridge One design was updated in 2006 with a fiberglass hull design and both wooden and GRP boats race together.

 

 

The yard is a really nice facility just opposite Portsmouth Sailing Club which in itself has an interesting history, the club house is a Grade II listed historic building constructed around 1830 which served variously as a consulate building for 13 nations and a French onion store before becoming the club's home in 1926 (happy centenary).