Not a bad way to spend a sunny afternoon.
Sunday, 29 July 2018
Ghosting
Varnished folk boat very gently ghosting up the river with the tide, the sea breeze has just about run out.
Not a bad way to spend a sunny afternoon.
Not a bad way to spend a sunny afternoon.
Monday, 23 July 2018
Classic lug
While out at Hill Head I spotted this delightful traditional dinghy, looks about 14 feet and with a nicely sloping transom. The rig looks to be dipping lug but it could equally be standing, I didn't pay enough attention at the time.
Either way she sailed really well and looked to be easily handled.
Either way she sailed really well and looked to be easily handled.
Friday, 20 July 2018
New Safety Boat
Cadets gather at Hamble river Sailing Club to name the new safety boat Humph.. The purchase of the boat was help by Liz Jowett a founder of the Flagstaff Trust charity which supports sailing on the Hamble.
Liz now 94, started sailing as a girl on the Hamble and through her love of the sport has encouraged youngsters in all types of sailing. Here she enjoys a rousing three cheers.
The Flagstaff Trust for Young Sailors was established in 1999 by members Liz and Humph Jowett, and aims to help youngsters undertake all types of sailing, by offering subsidies on any RYA course. The criteria for qualification are that candidates must be under 18 years old and live within 25 miles of the River Hamble. The administration of the trust is managed by HRSC, which has, so far, helped more than 800 young people to attend RYA training courses.
Liz now 94, started sailing as a girl on the Hamble and through her love of the sport has encouraged youngsters in all types of sailing. Here she enjoys a rousing three cheers.
The Flagstaff Trust for Young Sailors was established in 1999 by members Liz and Humph Jowett, and aims to help youngsters undertake all types of sailing, by offering subsidies on any RYA course. The criteria for qualification are that candidates must be under 18 years old and live within 25 miles of the River Hamble. The administration of the trust is managed by HRSC, which has, so far, helped more than 800 young people to attend RYA training courses.
Monday, 16 July 2018
Number 23
Spotted in Lymington, I've always like the classic T-bucket hot rods from the 60's and from the looks of it this is a model T based roadster but with a more classic English sports car look.
The shop owner was busy so didn't get the chance to find out more, the engine I think was a 6 cylinder or it might have been the original model T four, whichever it certainly looked like an in line rather than the more usual V8.
What a great car. That weekend was the Hot Rod and Custom drive in day at the nearby Beaulieu Motor Museum, must go and have a look next year.
The shop owner was busy so didn't get the chance to find out more, the engine I think was a 6 cylinder or it might have been the original model T four, whichever it certainly looked like an in line rather than the more usual V8.
What a great car. That weekend was the Hot Rod and Custom drive in day at the nearby Beaulieu Motor Museum, must go and have a look next year.
Friday, 13 July 2018
Scouts at Hill Head
Joseph joined the Sea Scouts at Hill Head Sailing Club for an evening sail, for many it was their first time on the water, for Joseph it was a good opportunity to sail somewhere new.
It's very generous of the club to invite the Scouts along, they have a really nice fleet of boats including these distinctive Picos with their pink sails.
The slipway is just inside the harbour, here Joseph takes directions from the club instructor Margret who was really good with the kids.
A quick turn to port and out into clear water, one of the nice things about Hill Head. I have to say thanks to Leanne who sailed with Joseph, he was a little nervous heading out, but very different coming back, full of confidence. In the background you can still see a few white crests, hence the reefed down sail.
The incoming boats are sent into the harbour in a waiting pattern while we pulled the others up the slipway.
During which there was some tight manoeuvring between the moorings, which he seemed to take in his stride.
There were about 14 boats out and well over 20 kids on the water, with only 2 capsizes in what were good, breezy conditions. Big thanks to Park Gate Scouts and Hill Head Sailing Club.
It's very generous of the club to invite the Scouts along, they have a really nice fleet of boats including these distinctive Picos with their pink sails.
The slipway is just inside the harbour, here Joseph takes directions from the club instructor Margret who was really good with the kids.
A quick turn to port and out into clear water, one of the nice things about Hill Head. I have to say thanks to Leanne who sailed with Joseph, he was a little nervous heading out, but very different coming back, full of confidence. In the background you can still see a few white crests, hence the reefed down sail.
The incoming boats are sent into the harbour in a waiting pattern while we pulled the others up the slipway.
During which there was some tight manoeuvring between the moorings, which he seemed to take in his stride.
There were about 14 boats out and well over 20 kids on the water, with only 2 capsizes in what were good, breezy conditions. Big thanks to Park Gate Scouts and Hill Head Sailing Club.
Monday, 9 July 2018
Gilkicker
We've sailed around it but until the weekend we've never visited Gilkicker Point on land, which is slightly ridiculous as it's only 20 minutes away.
At the eastern end of the Solent and despite the shingle it's one of the most un-spoilt beach areas, with good access, sadly the greedy Gosport council levy hefty parking charges which is probably one of the reasons to stay away.
A Thames barge motors steadily past with Ryde in the background on the Isle of Wight.
Fort Gilkicker, the Palmerston era fort build to defend the important Spithead anchorage between 1863 and 1871 arranged in a semi circle with 22 gun emplacements (casemates). I wanted to see the fort before it's developed into a luxury waterside development.
Sadly the whole place is fenced off and overgrown so I couldn't get much more than a walk around the perimeter.
Once built those living there will enjoy fabulous views across the Solent, seen here the ferries cross paths one bound for Wooten and the other Portsmouth.
At the eastern end of the Solent and despite the shingle it's one of the most un-spoilt beach areas, with good access, sadly the greedy Gosport council levy hefty parking charges which is probably one of the reasons to stay away.
A Thames barge motors steadily past with Ryde in the background on the Isle of Wight.
Fort Gilkicker, the Palmerston era fort build to defend the important Spithead anchorage between 1863 and 1871 arranged in a semi circle with 22 gun emplacements (casemates). I wanted to see the fort before it's developed into a luxury waterside development.
Sadly the whole place is fenced off and overgrown so I couldn't get much more than a walk around the perimeter.
Once built those living there will enjoy fabulous views across the Solent, seen here the ferries cross paths one bound for Wooten and the other Portsmouth.
Saturday, 7 July 2018
Nimrod
I've written about the Westerly Nimrod before and it was nice to see this one close up parked in Lymington recently.
The roll top seats look very comfortable especially for hiking out, but the cockpit does seem a little exposed, I guess you can't have it both ways.
Overall I left thinking there wasn't much I'd want to change except the in the looks department, perhaps some modern graphics and new windows would give it a new look plus some modern sail handing fittings?
The roll top seats look very comfortable especially for hiking out, but the cockpit does seem a little exposed, I guess you can't have it both ways.
Overall I left thinking there wasn't much I'd want to change except the in the looks department, perhaps some modern graphics and new windows would give it a new look plus some modern sail handing fittings?
Monday, 2 July 2018
Sunny Sunday at Itchenor
We cycled along the Salterns way from Dell Quay along Chichester harbour to Itchenor where the ice cream van which sells a mean Banana ice lolly.
The reach was buzzing with activity, so much so I was almost glad to be ashore on our bikes. Below this XOV owner has been very busy with the varnish, looking great with those reflections in the deep shine.
This is my kind of cruising boat, simple elegant judging by the hull shape a comfortable motion at sea and a stern that doesn't drive you mad slapping while at anchor. If and when we get a new boat for local cruising it will be something like this.
A nice little gaffer or possibly a lugger, great for day sailing and picnics around the harbour.
The reach is almost as crowded as Hamble, well almost but Itchenor is mush smaller and there are many more smaller boats which have been squeezed out of the Hamble in recent years.
The reach was buzzing with activity, so much so I was almost glad to be ashore on our bikes. Below this XOV owner has been very busy with the varnish, looking great with those reflections in the deep shine.
This is my kind of cruising boat, simple elegant judging by the hull shape a comfortable motion at sea and a stern that doesn't drive you mad slapping while at anchor. If and when we get a new boat for local cruising it will be something like this.
A nice little gaffer or possibly a lugger, great for day sailing and picnics around the harbour.
The reach is almost as crowded as Hamble, well almost but Itchenor is mush smaller and there are many more smaller boats which have been squeezed out of the Hamble in recent years.
