Today is Tuesday, 13th August, 2013. Two
interested parties have booked to see ‘Sandpiper’ prior to bidding at Ebay. I
set her up on the driveway to my house with the mast raised and the sails bent
as if she were ready for a sail.
What struck me was how well she had fared since being built
in 1972. Those were the days when heavy fibreglass lay-up was the norm.
Builders at the time were unaware of how durable and strong GRP was, and they
played safe by adding more laminates than were required.
The other noticeable feature was how clean she looked. Apart
from staining in the cockpit, gelcoat on the exterior of the cabin top and the
coamings was remarkably clean and in tact. Yes, there was some crazing where
you might expect to find it, but nothing serious that would allow ingress of
water into the laminates.
She’s a sturdy, practical, little trailer sailer that will provide
good service for years to come. The sails have seen the best of their days, but
they set rather well and draw the boat along nicely. I’ve had over 4 knots from
her when on the wind in the right conditions, such as when sailing from
Ramsgate to Dover in the early stage of my summer cruise to the West Country.
She represents excellent value for money. Anyone who gets
her will have a bargain.
There’s another day-and-a-half for viewing before the
auction closes. To see her, please arrange a time by phoning me at 07588288060.
Thank you.
The Ebay.co.uk auction number is 161082579480. Key the
number into the Search Box.
