Crossing

I checked the Col regs. didn't say anthing about channel restricted by geese, so I gave way until they had passed.

 

Respect

Some people have problems with towing.

Down at Hamble Sea Scouts they push and pull trailers at the same time.

Very cool.

Shackleton & Son

Walking back to Earls Court tube recently I spotted this fantastic hearse parked beside a pub. I went over to ask permission of the funeral director to take a photo. He was more than helpful telling me about the history of the vehicle.

It's a 1906 Ford model T, originally supplied as a truck bed with a crane apparatus for picking up heavy gravestones. It was shortly after converted to a hearse as seen now and has been in use ever since.

It's owned by J F Shackleton and Son's established 1703 and England's oldest firm of funeral directors who also have other Model T hearses in their fleet,

On the day it was used for delivering poppy badges to local pubs where they are sold to raise money for veterans and Remembrance Day  11th November  - a heartfelt thank you to Shackleton  & Sons.

Classic Dinghy - Int 14?

Spotted down at Lymington, someone may tell me otherwise, but it looks like it might be a Uffa Fox designed  International 14?

Uffa Fox's history with the class is well documented,the designs are described as deep chested planning hulls and where built very lightweight.

Lovely detail

Tri

I've been sailing some different boats this year, I like fast and I like comfortable, and I can imagine a day boat in my future.

My concerns over dinghy capsize and the challenges of self rescue have led me to think of performance keel boats like the Laser Statos keel. The other direction that increasingly appeals  is a trimaran.

Lightweight, fast and although ultimately unrecoverable in a capsize, if sailed sensibly and in the right conditions would make a good choice.

I've been perusing information online and I should know what this is (but can't remember). There does seem to be a growing range of small trimarans being designed and built.

More French rowing

Another interesting rowing boat spotted in Morgat inFrance. Interesting design two sliding seats and self draining, the hull appears closed so will float even if swamped.

The hard chine design looks like it might be plywood construction, it would be interesting to know if plans are available.

Fowey River Class

I've been sailing some relatively modern boats of late, the Laser Stratos and a Hartley 12 to name but two. While I appreciate the speed, the lightness etc, I'm finding the constant movement, adjusting position, hiking in and out didn't make for a relaxing sail.

Not a problem during a race, but  especially for cruising or just pottering around and a long sail, I realised that the type of boat I really enjoy sailing are more traditional, certainly slower, but more stable boats which give me confidence to go further afield with confidence that if I loose concentration for a few moments I won't be swimming.

One of my favorites is the Fowey River class, elegant, seaworthy and so attractive. I haven't managed to sail one yet but can't help admiring themevery time we're in Fowey.

Enjoy.