Jet Stream

Turbulent Sky

Almost three years ago I wrote an article for this Blog on the subject of the Jet Stream. (See link below.) In fact there are several jet streams. For an explanation as to their nature, read the Wikipedia description.

Yellow Roses

Close-up

Suffice to say, they are powerful, fast-moving, relatively narrow bands of wind that hurtle around the earth between 23,000 and 52,000 feet above the surface, varying in height, according to where they are. The jet stream that most influences weather in the UK is the Polar Jet, and this year, as in 2009, it has settled into a more southerly rotation than is normal; this allows and encourages a series of depressions to pass over the UK. In so doing they shed loads of rainwater, causing havoc with flooding. Strong winds and rain devastate crops, even uprooting trees.

Willow

These conditions are not conducive to encouraging cruising sailors to be out on the water, especially those who have tiny boats like my 14’ ‘C’ Type West Wight Potter. I have been making plans for trialling her over a period of two to three days, but the latest forecast gives little prospect of settled weather. I am not a masochist, and therefore I would not choose to venture forth, even on the semi-protected water of the River Crouch.

Variegated Rose

As I wait for the weather to improve, I take solace in the fact that there is no pressing need to get out on the water. I am retired and I can bide my time. I can be patient while enjoying what my garden has to offer - not that I am a gardener, but my wife tends it. She has transformed the space over a period of many years from being a sterile, functional play area for our children who are now grownup and have their own offspring, into a mini Paradise where the most wonderful flowers, shrubs and trees thrive. Although the garden is no longer geared to football, cricket or tennis, our grandchildren are not denied access, nor are they restricted from playing ball games. If they inadvertently damage plants, shrubs or trees during play, so what? - Far better to hear cheerful voices. There will be no chastisement for innocent play, only joy and fun.

 

Quiet Corner

Links

Jet Stream

http://bills-log.blogspot.co.uk/2009/07/jet-stream.html

Jet Stream

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jet_stream

Jet Stream Forecast

http://www.netweather.tv/index.cgi?action=jetstream;sess= 

Final Touches to ‘Sandpiper’

The sun shone this morning in more ways than one. Paul, a follower of my blog, paid me a visit. We had a jolly good chinwag, mostly about small boats, but also reminiscing on the subject of our youth. He lived in Essex before moving to New Zealand; therefore I was rather touched that he should take time to meet me during a busy holiday schedule. He gave ‘Sandpiper’ a thorough look-over, and said that she was smaller than he had imagined, especially her narrow beam. I explained she was similar in some respects to Matt Layden's Paradox – both single chine vessels roughly the same size.

After Paul left to revisit places he had known years ago, I set up ‘Sandpiper’s’ rig to check if the anchor on the foredeck would snag the foot of the jib, which it did. To overcome the ‘technical hitch’ I moved the wire strop from the head of the jib to its tack. An unforeseen advantage of this was to improve visibility forwards, because the sail was raised above the deck by over a foot.

There is very little left to be done before the boat can be launched; therefore I am hoping for a few days of sunshine next week when I can try her out on the water.

A Ship's Battery for 'Sandpiper'

After considering various options, I chose a Halfords standard HB063 12 volt car battery. This battery requires no maintenance, apart from charging.  I have placed it amidships within the cabin, where it makes good ballast. The GPS units can now be powered by it, as I have linked them via a three-way cigarette adaptor. The Autohelm plugs into an extension socket that is wired to the battery.

At the moment I am reliant upon charging the battery through a mains connection, but I may buy a solar panel charger for topping it up when I am cruising for more than a couple of days without an opportunity for plugging into a mains power source.

Very shortly ‘Sandpiper’ will be ready for her first sail with me, and I am hoping for a fine spell of weather next week when I can try her out. Two or three days messing about on the River Crouch should give me an idea as to how she handles and of her potential for cruising further afield.

‘Sandpiper’s’ Autohelm

When I sold my last small cruising yacht I offered her new owner my Autohelm at a bargain price, but she did not want it. When she sold the yacht I offered the Autohelm to the person who bought her for the same bargain price, but he did not want it!

Now that I have ‘Sandpiper’, I’m glad I was unable to sell the electronic gear, because I feel sure I shall be able to make good use of it. Today I fitted the gizmo to ‘Sandpiper’, and tomorrow I would like to install a suitable battery for it, along with the associated wiring.

I’ve not yet made up my mind whether to add a solar panel for charging the battery, but if I’m only doing short cruises, I can charge the battery at home. A compromise would be to fit a cheap trickle charger similar to a Spectra 5W model.

‘Sandpiper’s’ Stove

I prefer stoves to be gimballed on yachts, but the practicalities of fitting gimbals to the stove I've inherited prevent me from doing so - at least for the present time. This means that I have had to modify the stove to discourage saucepans from sliding off it.

I can expect the boat will experience lumpy conditions at sea, and if I want to safely prepare a hot meal while underway, saucepans, frying pans etc must stay firmly in place. The fact that 'Sandpiper' may not be on an even keel will make little difference when I’m preparing a meal with the pressure cooker, because the contents will be secure.

Preparing ‘Sandpiper’ for Sailing – Part 2

The weather was very blustery today - definitely not the sort to be out on the water in a 14 foot boat. However, that is hypothetical, because I am still preparing ‘Sandpiper’ for her first outing with me. Only if there is a bit of wind will I discover what works and what does not.

By the end of the morning I came up with a temporary solution for where to put the drinking water so that I can conveniently help myself, perhaps for making a cup of tea or for cooking a meal. I already own a plastic keg with a pushbutton dispenser; therefore rather than buy a new container, I put my creative thinking hat on. The resulting system for dispensing water does not look pretty, but it works.

The other thing requiring attention was where to place a chart for a spot of traditional navigation. The answer was staring me in the face in the form of my bunk top without the mattress. In fact, when the chart is there I can see it from the cockpit.

Preparing ‘Sandpiper’ for Sailing

After I adjusted a trailer support to make the boat level, I set about preparing ‘Sandpiper’ for her first sail. When that will be I do not know, but it will depend on the weather. As soon as an opportunity arises I want to be ready.

My priority today was to find secure places for stowing gear. I fitted the cooker to an old plywood storage bin cover that I modified by adding five small shelf supports. They stop the cooker from moving, and at the same time they do not prevent air from circulating under and around it.

A miscellany of plastic containers for stowing food etc, occupy the forward end of the cabin. My pressure cooker, saucepan and frying pan are housed in the washing-up bowl. My sleeping bag and mattress are in the recess under the port cockpit seat, and my waterproof vinyl cushion is on the port bunk.

I have a waterproof pouch for my mobile phone which hangs on a cord by the entrance to the cabin so that I can get at it when I’m in the cockpit.

I shall have to work out where and how to stow drinking water, and where to place a chart for navigating the boat.

Varnishing ‘Sandpiper’

When a boat is over forty years old you don’t expect the varnish to sparkle, as is the case with ‘Sandpiper’, but there is something about the tarnished wood that makes me feel at ease. She’s not that pristine that I’m afraid to work her because I might spoil surfaces by scratching them. I can feel comfortable and be at home, knowing that a blemish here and there will make little difference.

Over the years and at various times she has had to manage a bit of neglect when left in the open; she has been attacked by the elements: rain, sun, frost and snow. Therefore, I’m surprised how well she has come out of it, with only some crazing of the gelcoat, staining of the woodwork, and a few rusty fittings.

Today, I gave her woodwork a fresh coat of varnish to cheer her up and to make her feel loved. With all the cosmetic attention I’ve been lavishing upon her lately she really does have a broad smile and her teeth truly sparkle. She has invited me to share a jaunt on the water, and if only the weather would cooperate, I would be delighted to have our first date.

Painting ‘Sandpiper’s’ Cockpit etc

At long last the sun has made an appearance. Various neighbours took the opportunity to cut their lawns, but I put ‘Sandpiper’ on my driveway and set about painting her cockpit, her stern locker and cabin floor. These cosmetic touches make her more attractive.

Apart from finding a secure place for the cooker and sorting out how to stow my cruising gear, the boat is ready to go, but I must reposition the trailer supports for the bottom of the boat, because the port one is lower than the starboard one.

Well, if a decent spell of weather comes along, I shall have my first sail aboard the little boat.

Laura Cook, Photographer

Here is a photo of my computer screen displaying a photo of Laura and her husband, as presented on a page of her website. (See address below.)

Now and again you meet exceptional people who would never claim they are different, better or more talented or more gifted than others; invariably they are humble and self-effacing.  Today I had the privilege of meeting such a person, Laura Cook, who is a gifted photographer. This morning she gave a presentation of her work at Providence Baptist Church, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6LH.  http://www.providencebaptistchurch.org.uk/  

Through the power of the visual image she refreshingly brought the good news that the world is a place ‘worth loving’, not just the natural habitat that cries out for ecological balance, but love for all people.

Such is the love of God who sent His Son to prove it and to give it - if we can humble ourselves to accept His love.  (1 John 4:8,9)

More about Laura and her work can be found by visiting her website. http://www.lauracookphotography.net/index.html

Other Links:

YouTube Video by Laura

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9d3NsQkKLIA#!   

Her Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/LauraCookPhotography  

Laura subscribes to the Ethical Code for Visual Communications

http://www.lauracookphotography.net/portfolio.html?folio=Portfolio

‘Sandpiper’s’ Anchor

I believe I’ve come up with a viable solution for stowing ‘Sandpiper’s’ anchor so that it will least interfere with the working of the boat, and yet be handy for deployment.

Very conveniently the flukes fit either side of the foredeck cleat. At the same time the shank rests on top of the cleat. In that position the chain can be wrapped around the anchor with the warp attached to it. The warp will run along the starboard side deck into the cockpit where it will be neatly retained by a cord hooked over a cleat.

When not in use, the anchor will be secured by a double bungee attached to plastic supports.

To deploy the anchor I shall unhook the cord; then I shall walk along the side deck before unclipping the bungee and supports.  From there I shall set the anchor. When I’m back in the cockpit I shall adjust the amount of warp required and make it fast to a large cleat.

The double bungee when not in use will be clipped to the foredeck cleat.

To retrieve the anchor, I shall reverse the procedure. Very little mud or weed should find its way into the cockpit.

Old Gaffers Race

Making Sail.

The forecast was SW 6, which was almost ideal for the smack ‘Electron’. She was moored in the protected waters of Pyefleet Channel, and there a crew of six boarded her at approximately 1000 today to make her ready for the Old Gaffers Race. There was some uncertainty about the time of the start and the course, but the Race Officer finally opted for a course that took us into the mouth of the River Blackwater.

Tramping Along.

The start was at 1240 on a line from Bateman’s Tower. We had a very fast, fine reach towards number 8 red can buoy. From there, we brought her round hard on the wind, and we had to put in several tacks towards the windward mark. With tide against wind a lot of spray came over the decks and the occasional wave rolled along the leeward gunwale.  The liveliest part of the race was north of Bradwell Power Station where the making tide surged into the narrows whilst opposing a strong wind that funnelled out.

Aloft.

We didn’t see many competitors, because from the start we were with the leaders. As the race progressed to the south of Mersea Island, only two yachts where ahead of us. One was a large ketch, the name of which I fail to remember, and the other was a smart double ender that beat us to the windward mark. From there we rapidly overhauled her on the downwind leg. We piled on sail, and ‘Electron’ ran like a scolded cat, throwing aside the breaking waves.

Thames Barge 'Reminder'.

It seemed that in no time at all we were racing by the Nass Beacon where we overtook the second yacht. She immediately laid a course inshore, presumably to avoid the adverse current, but we headed directly into it towards the next racing mark. By the time we arrived there, we were far ahead, except for the large ketch with the tan sails which was only a smudge on the horizon, pointing the way towards the finish.

A pretty entrant from Holland.

The wind veered a trifle, causing us to be close-hauled towards Mersea Stone, and for a quarter of a mile beyond to the finish. There we smartly lowered all sail as we motored directly into the wind heading for our permanent mooring. The race was over, and we had had a thumping good time.

Links

‘Reminder’ – Thames Barge

http://www.thamesbarge.org.uk/barges/barges/reminder.html

‘Electron’

http://www.smackdock.co.uk/c3.htm

'Electron' Articles

http://bills-log.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/fitting-out-electron.html

http://bills-log.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/friday-8th-july.html

http://bills-log.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/colne-smack-and-barge-race-3rd.html

http://bills-log.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/mersea-dredging-match-sunday-4th.html

http://bills-log.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/mersea-dredging-match-sunday-4th_05.html

Some progress with ‘Sandpiper’

Bolt and stopper bar.

As expected, I didn’t make a great deal of progress today with preparing ‘Sandpiper’ for the water, but I was able to replace the bolt at the forward end of the centreplate box and fit a new stopper bar for the centreplate.

Mick Dawson and Chris Martin Row the Pacific

Cropped photo of my computer screen.

The weather in the UK today is lousy. There’s a dark sky and the rain is lashing down. Tomorrow will be the same, according to the forecast, but much windier. With that prospect, I’m not likely to make any progress on ‘Sandpiper’; instead, I shall be doing those things I should have done at home and I shall find time to look at a few Internet sites, including YouTube, where I’ve found a brilliant video featuring Christ Martin and Mick Dawson, who together became the first duo to row across the North Pacific. They did it non-stop from Choshi, Japan to San Francisco.

Here’s the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1QypbJFdFk

You will not fail to be amazed at their achievement of rowing about 7,000 miles against the odds. They experienced full gales, saw whales, sharks and other sea creatures.

So join them without the pain and toil as you sit in your armchair sipping a cool drink.

Enjoy. 

P.S. Chris Martin is organizing a Pacific rowing race. Details can be found at his website:

http://www.goldengateendeavour.com/  

‘Sandpiper’s’ Centreplate Case and her Anchor

Yesterday, in order to install ‘Sandpiper’s’ centreplate, I had to remove a small section of the cover that seals the top of her centreplate case. Today I replaced it with a piece of transparent Polycarbonate so that I now have an observation window at the forward end of the case. In future I shall be able to remove the window when and if I have to extract the centreplate.

Not long ago I saw a bargain on Ebay for a 5 kilogram Danforth anchor, complete with 2 metres of 6 millimetre galvanised chain and 30 metres of 12 millimetre warp. The whole lot came to a total of £44.99, including free delivery. Needless to say, I took advantage of the offer, but when the package arrived by courier and I examined the anchor I thought it was a trifle large for my 14 foot boat.

Nevertheless, I can be assured that it will hold when a smaller, lighter one may not.

Finding a place to stow it has been problematical, but I think I have found a solution. The foredeck is the obvious location where it will be handy for instant use. There it will be well away from the ship’s compass, and the weight will help with the longitudinal balance of the boat. I shall want plenty of weight at the bow to counteract my weight when I’m in the cockpit and that of the outboard.

Inserting 'Sandpiper's' Centreplate

Getting her on her side.

Close-up.

When I removed ‘Sandpiper’s’ centreplate I had previously extracted the retaining bolt. This allowed me to pull the plate out to the box without having to wriggle it past the obstruction. Today, I had to reinstall the centreplate, but with the bolt in place! That meant that I did not have enough open slot at the top of the box for the curved part of the centreplate to pass between. The only option was to cut away a small amount of the covering board at the forward end of the box. Having done that, the plate went in without a hitch.

Centreplate inserted.

Hauling her onto her trailer by winding the winch.

The newly galvanised centreplate is now housed within the box, but I shall have to make a small section of covering board to replace the piece I chiselled away. This should not be a big deal. I shall also have to exchange an old bolt and nut at the front of the box at the very top, because it is not sufficiently strong to take the loading. This particular nut and bolt keep the upper part of the box together, and it can be used as a support for the curved part of the centreplate, should the need arise.

Making ‘Sandpiper’ ready for the water is taking longer than I anticipated, but there’s no hurry. I’d rather do a good job to eliminate possible anxiety on my part when I first launch her. If I can be sure all things are as they should be, I shall not be worried about launching the boat. Firstly, she must not leak, and secondly, all moving parts must function perfectly.

Well, we shall see in due time. 

Support for ‘Sandpiper’s’ Centreplate

Sleeve within the centreplate box.

Pipe from which the sleeve was made.

Bolt fitted.

Today I made a sleeve for the bolt that supports the centreplate. The main advantage of a sleeve around the bolt is that it prevents the centreplate box from being crushed or bowed inwards when the nut is tightened. Another good reason for inserting a sleeve within the box is that it makes a watertight seal for the bolt – that’s if it is done properly.  Even if the seal doesn’t work, the external washers and flexible sealant should prevent water entering the boat. The plate will rotate on the sleeve rather than the bolt which should eliminate movement of the bolt which would break the external seals.

I just hope there will be no leaks.

Two of the three holes.

Today I also trimmed ragged edges of the centreplate caused by the galvanising, and I re-drilled holes that had been filled by molten zinc. I had to open up three holes in all: one for the lifting and lowering tackle, one for a lifting handle and another for a retaining pin. I took care not to open up the zinc to reveal the iron plate.

When there’s a fine weather slot I’ll put the boat on her side and insert the centreplate.