A perfectly calm low water revealing some of the sculptural landscape of the riverbed
Below the lagoon looking across to Bunny Meadows, where the tide has scoured out a deep sink hole in the mid.
This side creek is so well developed running parallel to the main river, it wouldn't be a surprise if it eventually creates a low water island completely disconnected from the pathway.
A new addition at Luc-Sur-Mer yacht club is a fleet of sand yachts, which given the extensive sandy beaches makes and interesting alternative to the typical Lasers, Picos and catamarans.
During the Easter break things were fairly busy most days, the winds were mostly chilly from the east or north east, so roaring around the sand was perhaps more appealing than being cold and wet in the water, that said there were also boats out most days at Luc and nearby Langrune Sur Mer.
Despite the often brisk winds, sand sailing seemed to be quite slow, especially getting started where the "cars" often needed a push to get them going, presumably to overcome the friction.
Members from the Emsworth Slipper SC launching the Slipper Spirit Celtic longboat, taken the week before the Hamble River Raid guessing it may have been a training session especially given the matching green polo shirts.
Looks like a fine boat for rowing around the harbour.
Built in the late 19th century as a replacement from the previous Norman chapel that server the village previously. Clearly the then replacement with a significantly larger modern church wasn't considered as an act of vandalism.
That said the church demonstrates it's affinity with the nearby coastal villages and the importance of fishing.
The church is richly decorated which speaks in part of the wealth of the town presumably the masonry is in the local Caen stone.
The carving on these pillars is so delicate and exquisite as this close up shows. The definition on the faces of the figures is incredible.
Interesting tender, probably doesn't need those davits, hence parking on the swim platform.
Three of the guys at Weston SC had their 18 foot skiff out at the weekend, and what a beast, there's enough exotic composite in there to qualify for carbon capture. 😂
The conditions were a bit breezy, the day started off at a gentle 5 to 8 knots, but kept building steadily up to 24 knots.
I was busy preparing our boat when the skiff got away, and by the time I'd got my camera and down to the slipway they were almost out of sight.
Spotted his counter stern, traditional day boat, in the yard recently.
Clinker built with a very pronounced sheer and some lively lines strongly defined by the planking
With both a bowsprit and bumpkin, the sail area is very well spread for and aft, presumably with a relatively short mast. There's a long boom which doesn't quite extend beyond the stern, so perhaps there's a mizzen hiding somewhere?
80 years ago following long years Britain and the free world celebrated the end of the war in Europe.
For some reason the celebrations appear to have been somewhat more modest than during the 75 year celebrations during COVID when socially distanced street parties were encouraged., It hasn't prevented from some of the good people of Sarisbury putting on a fine display by the green with these fantastic knitted (probably crochet) figures of the three services.
The newly planted display dinghy decked out with bunting and thetelephone box book swap suitable decorated.
the Imperial War Museum carries a good summary,
8 May 1945 – VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) – was one that remained in the memory of all those who witnessed it. It meant an end to nearly six years of a war that had cost the lives of millions; had destroyed homes, families, and cities; and had brought huge suffering and privations to the populations of entire countries.
Millions of people rejoiced in the news that Germany had surrendered, relieved that the intense strain of total war was finally over. In towns and cities across the world, people marked the victory with street parties, dancing and singing.
My mother was then a 19 year old serving in the WAF, I remember her stories of celebrating in London, my dad who she hadn't even met at that time was serving at sea in the Adriatic, sadly there are all too few left today who remember those days first hand but we can carry on those memories, it's important that we should not forget.
Few colorful pics from recent Barcelona trip, sand dragon complete with real fire
Lobster walk or the langoustine canopy at Port Vell
Perhaps the plans had creases?
Passeig Marítim de la Barcelonet, heading towards tehe Hotel Arts and Port Olympic, great place to stroll and hang out, watch out for roller skaters though.
Pretty sure the sculptor didn't intend this as a sea gull resting place and there's probably a caption competition in the making.
Few nice dinghies spotted on a recent wander around the yard at Emsworth, below lovely clinker built probably a punt or similar in very nice colour scheme.
Lovely day boat that looks like it has just emerged from a winter of TLC, it's a local boat Undine from Emsworth Sailing Club and has the look of a Morgan Giles but probably not, either way just super for day sailing and racing around the harbour,
Nice dinghy looks about 12 feet maybe slightly less perfect for pottering and picnics, looks like an unstayed mast so simple to rig and sail.
Drascombe lugger always look nice
A few of these very large catamarans have turned up on the river in recent years, they seem to be around 50 to 60 feet in length.
The pursuit of luxury and technical innovation is understandable, but sometimes there's a feeling that problems and unforeseen consequences are perhaps being designed in.
Nice to see that coastal and traditional rowing is still active in Barcelona mixing it up with te super yachts in Port Vell.
Below down at Port Olympic same or similar 8 person double ended design, clearly see the traditional Mediterranean fishing boat influence, tucked up in the nautical club compound.
Maiden, the Whitbread 1989/90 Around the World racer (actually built in 1979) recently launched and looking fantastic, she's been ashore during the winter and presumably ready for some interesting work in the coming season.
Not your average motorboat and worthy of the classic title in fabulous condition, just the thing for popping down the coast or out to the Balearics, could even do duty as Largo's escape boat from the Disco Volante in Thunderball.
Terrible photo and couldn't get any closer, but something very traditional under that cover.
Not a classic at all, but looks like a fast and interesting yacht with lots of protection behind that hard canopy/doghouse.
What's a classic, this type of Med cruiser with bolt on sugar scoop has been around for well over 40 years, so in many ways it is a classic, I might also be somewhat biased by that almost flush deck, so lets agree modern classic.
Lack of good solid mooring cleats is one of the frequently heard criticisms of some modern and small craft, but it looks like this owner has made some inspired and low cost modifications to secure the stern.
Including liberal use of anti chafe gaffer tape to protect the hull and topsides!
This brought to mind an old Mike Peyton cartoon from Practical Boat Owner, a fin keel yacht is alongside a scrubbing pile and the outgoing tide reveals the base of the pile has been eaten away, presumably by the gribble while the owner looks frantically on.
Best have an reconnaissance check at low water before drying out anywhere.
We had a few days away in Barcelona, in part to get away from the inclement February weather and in part because it's really nice place to go. We spent a lot of time just wandering the city, enjoying the food and visiting the university, but before all that this writer had to make bee line for Port Vell and the marina.
Classic day trip boat above is an old working vessel still in commission and looking very handsome
Another stand out vessel, although for quite different reasons, very practical and lots of interior volume for a down town pad, which probably goes out just as often as some of the other vessels in the marina.
Seen here modelling the latest safety gear for yacht tenders
Good to see that the local rowing scene is active over the winter months, picture at top the Langstone Cutters stopped off for refreshments at Emsworth
Below Hamble River Rowers head away from the town quay after refreshments at the Beach cafe
And finally the author heading back up river after what may or may not have been a break for a bacon sandwich and a cup of te, winter rowing at it's best.
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