New Adventure - West Wight Potter 'C' Type

'Sandpiper'


Nothing very much has been happening on my blog for a few weeks because there’s been little to write about. Since before the end of last year I have been looking for a new project, and I was uncertain as to what form it would take. I was reluctant to commit myself to building another boat, which led me to look for a second-hand one that I could improve. After seeing many boats I narrowed my quest to a sailing boat similar to ‘Faith’, my old Paradox – a vessel that could fit into my garage and be taken by road to new cruising waters. As there were no Paradoxes for sale in the UK, the next best thing was a West Wight Potter, preferably one of the later models.


Search as I did, I could not find a suitable Potter, until today, when I chanced upon an advert for a ‘C’ version. Only a few days ago I looked at a West Wight Potter ‘B’ type, but I felt she was rather too cramped within her cabin. The ‘C’ model has longer bunks that extend under the cockpit seats, both on the port and starboard side. Another advantage of the latter is her small sliding hatch that makes getting in and out of her cabin easier than the ‘B’ type. My Potter has a Bermudan rig with a furling jib, unlike the ‘B’ version that has a Gunter rig.


‘Sandpiper’, for that is her name, didn’t come with an engine; therefore I’ll have to find one, because it will be helpful when the wind drops. Here in the South East of England large tides generate fast currents. When the wind is contrary to the moving water, conditions can get a bit bumpy, and rowing a WWP when it is like that will not be fun. I shall need an engine without a doubt. Yes, I know Charles Stock managed his ‘Shoal Waters’ without an engine, but a West Wight Potter is so very different to his converted Fairey Falcon, and more to the point, I’m not Charles! Like the boats, we are so very different.


My immediate neighbour saw ‘Sandpiper’ parked on the driveway, and he enquired if I was about to embark on ‘another adventure’, to which I replied, “Maybe.”


Incidentally, I’ve broken my lifetime rule, never to own more than one boat at a time. ‘Talitha’ will have to go to make room for my latest acquisition. If you think you may be interested in owning her, come and see – and perhaps make an offer.


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‘Talitha’ is for Sale – Best sensible offer accepted. Get in touch: 07588288060. (Between 0900 and 2100 any day, except Sunday mornings please.)


Info can be found here: http://bills-log.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/talitha-is-for-sale-at-ebaycouk.html