Hope for a Better Future

I don’t know about you, but I’m fed up with all the gloom and doom we are bombarded with by the media. Today, certain banks have had their credit ratings downgraded. Only two days ago, David Cameron, at the end of the Tory Conference tried to inject some hope for the future, but by the looks of the faces of party members listening to his speech, he did not take away their expressions of anxiety, even fear.



On a positive note, those into green issues can see the benefits of a society that is not doing well on the manufacturing front, for it’s the manufacture of machinery that is killing our environment. Machinery consumes energy that has to come from fossil fuels, nuclear sources or natural forces such as wind and the movement of water. The manufacture of cars and their use accounts for a major share of the world’s CO2 emissions. The ever increasing expansion of roads to meet demands for less congestion cannot keep up with the seemingly unstoppable production of more and more cars. For years I’ve wondered why successive governments home and abroad have never taken the bold step of putting a cap on car production, probably because the world’s economy is strongly linked to the manufacture and sale of cars. Some countries like Japan and the US are heavily dependent upon producing cars, by default making models that become outdated, almost before they have taken to the roads.


When I was a kid, there was very little machinery in the home. Only a handful of people, a tiny fraction of the populace owned cars, and as for a powered lawnmower, I can’t remember seeing even one. Our local Council owned a large motorised lawnmower that was utilized for mowing lawns at the Town’s communal parks. All other maintenance, such as trimming hedges, managing trees and digging flowerbeds was carried out with hand tools. My father grew vegetables in his garden, entirely managed by hand. My mother’s mangle was operated by hand, and I often had to turn the handle!


Nowadays, many households can boast of possessing motorised mowers and strimmers. Within the home there are washing machines, vacuum cleaners, electric kettles, toasters and numerous other electronic gismos, besides energy-consuming central heating and hot water systems, powered by electricity, gas or oil. These things add up to a lot of manufactured items, all requiring energy to power them.


It seems to me that we need to take a hard look at our lifestyles to see if there are better ways of living that require less dependency upon manufactured items that require energy derived from fossil fuels. The crux of the matter lies with our children and their expectations. How they think when they are young will be with them for life. The responsibility lies with us to set positive examples by steering them away from materialism, the virulent disease classified as the, ‘I want more syndrome’. This way, there will be hope for a better future.



Text for the Day

Deuteronomy 11.18,19 ‘Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in you soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.’



Links


Banks downgraded

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/07/us-banks-europe-idUSTRE7962U020111007


David Cameron’s Speech

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/oct/05/david-camneron-speech-gravity-times?newsfeed=true

Garbage, Rubbish, Trash

Pervading trash of mind and soul


Trash, rubbish, garbage, or whatever you like to call it, is stuff you want to ditch. Such clutter gets in the way. If dustmen are on strike, everybody knows about it. Refuse spreads over pavements and onto roads. Rats thrive in the filth; dogs and even foxes rummage among reeking piles of maggot-infested plastic bags. Flies swarm overhead; they alight and lay their eggs; wherever they go they spread deadly microbes. Gulls and jackdaws take their fill. There is a pervading smell of decay. If left for long this unwholesome mess threatens to bring disease and perhaps death. In extreme cases the armed forces are called in to clear streets and get things moving again.


Our world is increasingly being filled with trash, and our very souls, our very beings may also be accumulating more and more litter, garbage we don’t see - piles of rubbish in our minds of which we are unaware. We become so accustomed to wearing smeared specs we forget what it is like to see clearly. We live in muck without realizing what has happened. Physical, actual trash is bad enough, but garbage clogging up our soul and mind is really bad.


I’ve been taking stock of how I may reduce my carbon footprint and become more eco-friendly with the environment. All this, because of Roz Savage* who has rowed the three major oceans of the world to highlight the need for reducing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, and for living a greener lifestyle. Ideally, we should be putting as much into complementing and supporting the world’s ecosystems as we take out of them. The aim is to be carbon neutral by 2050. By reducing our consumption of material goods and by not travelling unnecessarily in vehicles that burn carbon fuels we can reduce our carbon footprints. Much of this makes good sense. By buying second-hand clothing we save money, and by walking or cycling in preference to using a car or bus, we also save money and reduce CO2 emissions at the same time. Many of us could eat less for our own good health. There would be financial savings, less rubbish and less chance of having bad health on account of obesity.


In light of these arguments I must throw away trash of the past that has clogged my mind; think afresh; actively guard against getting into bad habits, and persuade others that they can be better off in terms of their wellbeing and pocket, if they adopt eco-friendly lifestyles.



Verse of the Day


James 4:8‘Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.



Links



Roz Savage

http://rozsavage.com


Southampton City Council Refuse Collectors on Strike [23.05.11]


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-13499122


'It smells like a sewer': MONTH-long bin strike leaves rubbish bags piled ten deep and people fearing for their health’


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2007771/It-smells-like-sewer-Residents-forced-hold-noses-month-long-binmen-strike-leaves-rubbish-bags-piled-deep.html

Recycling, Carbon Footprints and Survival

As a result of the efforts of Roz Savage*, I’m taking stock of how I can reduce my carbon footprint. For some years my family has recycled items. Local bylaws make recycling obligatory. My local Council provides an excellent recycling service. Rubbish is collected on a weekly basis. Items that can be composted are collected every week, and recyclable items and non-recyclable items are alternatively collected every second week.


By visiting the Carbon Footprint website I was able to calculate my personal carbon footprint for the past year, of which I am not proud. My footprint was below the national average, but was far larger than it ought to be. The website is geared more towards measuring CO2 emissions generated by business and commerce than by individuals, presumably because manufacturing, distribution and the consumption of goods account for the bulk of emissions.


I don’t understand the complex issues regarding offsetting carbon emissions and strategies to bring about a neutral balance by 2050, which some experts believe to be necessary for global warming not to get out of control. I am not convinced that the experts have got it right, because vast changes of global temperatures have taken place before man could possibly have had opportunity to influence them.


On the other hand, I am persuaded that the way we are going, there will be a great and irreversible catastrophe, because we are rapidly devouring natural resources such as oil, coal, and gas which are finite. Once they are gone they are gone for ever. We are consuming vast areas of rainforests, polluting our oceans and the very air we breathe. Population growth in areas of the world such as India and China will bring impossible demands for food, water and viable space for cities and towns.


So why should I bother about my carbon footprint? I believe, as Roz* does, that we can make a difference by doing little things. We can help change attitudes by our actions. We can influence world leaders, and we can influence our neighbours. Educating our young people is paramount if we are to bring about a state of equilibrium between the needs of man and the needs of the world’s ecosystem. Neither man nor the world’s ecosystem can survive, unless we do something about it, that’s irrespective of CO2 emissions and carbon footprints!



Genesis 2:15

‘And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.’

[Biblical definition of ‘to keep’ in this context is to guard, protect, attend and preserve.]


Links



*Roz Savage

http://rozsavage.com


Carbon Footprint

http://www.carbonfootprint.com/


Minimizing Carbon Footprints – actions that can be taken

http://www.carbonfootprint.com/minimisecfp.html


Carbon Offsets

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_offset#Definitions


The Carbon Neutral Company

http://www.carbonneutral.com/knowledge-centre/offsetting-explained/


Kyoto Agreement

http://www.climate-concern.com/Kyoto%20Agreement.htm

Roz made it! ‘Stop drifting, start rowing.’

The voyaging of Roz has been an extraordinary feat of endurance, tenacity and courage. Thousands, if not millions, have followed her exploits as recorded at http://rozsavage.com . By rowing the three major oceans of the world she has focussed our attention upon what she believes to be true; her passionate message is that we can all do our part in conserving the world’s resources if we each do little things to help. Her motto is, ‘One stroke at a time’. Millions of strokes with her oars have brought her to where she is at the end of her marathon. She has acted out her beliefs and convictions by demonstrating that big things can be achieved through many tiny actions. The pyramids were not built in a day, but by thousands who each did small things.


The ball is in our court. If we believe as Roz does, it’s up to us to do our part. We do not have to row around the world, but simply by small actions we can reduce our consumption of the world’s resources. Where possible we can work with nature by conserving the oceans, the rain forests, and we can choose those things that do not pollute the air we breathe and water which is so necessary for life. We can choose not to destroy our natural environment, the fishbowl in which we live. The choice is ours. Do we care, like Roz?


Roz urges us to ‘Stop drifting, start rowing’! Remember, it’s ‘One stroke at a time’.

Roz Savage Rows Three Oceans

I could not let this day go by without mentioning Roz Savage who hopes to complete her epic row across the Indian Ocean before nightfall today. In so doing she will become the first woman to have rowed all three major oceans, the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Indian.


On 14th March, 2006 she completed her Atlantic saga, having been at sea for 103 days. She set out again from Crescent City, California on 12th August, 2007, to row the Pacific. After a three stage voyage, stopping at Hawaii and Tuvalu, she set foot at Madang, Papua New Guinea on 8th May, 2010.


Not satisfied with rowing thus far, she again put out to sea; this time from Freemantle, Australia, in April, 2011. Her objective was to row the Indian Ocean. After problems with gear and having to return to port; undaunted, she put to sea for a second time. The destination of her planned port of arrival was kept secret, on account of the possibility of piratical activity, but now we know it to be Grand Baie, Mauritius. To date, she has been at sea for 153 days! Very wisely, she chose not to put into port on 2nd October, because her arrival would have been in the dark. Hopefully, she will set foot on terra firma today.


Well done Roz. I know that by rowing the three great oceans for your passionate love of Planet Earth and the creatures thereon, including fellow humans, you have made a difference. As a result, thousands of people now take action by recycling when possible and by reducing carbon footprints through changed lifestyles. Thank you.



Links



Roz Savage

http://rozsavage.com/


Roz Savage

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


My previous Blogs for Roz

http://bills-log.blogspot.com/2010/05/roz-savage-rows-again.html

http://bills-log.blogspot.com/2009/09/roz-savage.html

‘Beagle Leigh’

'Beagle Leigh' photographed at Hullbridge

Close-up

‘Beagle Leigh’ has the lines of a Leigh bawley. Originally she may have worked for flatfish, smelts and whitebait - most certainly for cockles. Her crew could well have cooked and packed her catch while underway. In 1890, 86 bawleys sailed from Leigh. If ‘Beagle Leigh’ is over eighty years old, which is most likely, her original flax or cotton sails could have been sewn by F.A.Turnidge of Leigh who specialised in bawley sails. She may have been built by Frank Parsons who was an apprentice of Mr. Heywood at Southend. Most bawleys were built by Aldous of Brightlingsea, some at Greenwich and others at Harwich where there were 60 working bawleys.


The Gaff Rig Handbook by John Leather has a lot of historical data about bawleys; things like where they were built, how they were rigged and of their participation in races. A handful of bawleys conveyed pilots between ship and shore and continued to do so until 1920.


I have found a photo of ‘Darana’, a Leigh Bawley that was for sale (see link below) and she is similar to ‘Beagle Leigh’. The former was built in 1939 by Drake Brothers of Tollesbury. The average time taken to build a bawley was six months. In more recent times, surviving bawleys have been converted into yachts by the addition of low profile cabin tops.


Maurice Griffiths, known for designing the Eventide, the Waterwitch and the Lone Gull, also designed a yacht based on the Thames bawley, his own ‘Kylix’ which was built for his use in retirement.



Links



Leigh Bawley ‘Dorana’ was for Sale – good photos

http://easternyachts.com/dorana/


Gaff Rig Handbook by John Leather

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=gaff+rig+handbook&tag=googhydr-21&index=stripbooks&hvadid=7581697449&ref=pd_sl_6j32dnnecm_e


Gaff Rig Handbook Online

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=vunvLutTE7QC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=leigh+bawleys&source=bl&ots=urT5X6uWa_&sig=gQoIe4hZqrMBJmqO8fNAu8WE0WY&hl=en&ei=f2eITu_tKuSx0QXq3azuDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&sqi=2&ved=0CF8Q6AEwCA#v=onepage&q=leigh%20bawleys&f=false


Maurice Griffiths ‘Kylix’ Class Yacht based on the lines of a 25’ Cockler

http://www.eventides.org.uk/Kylixclass.htm


Maurice Griffiths Bawley for Sale £7,500

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/yachts/maurice-griffiths-bawley-QBB033


Bawley Cutter Rigged Wildfowling Boat

http://www.rovcom.co.uk/scoter_1894_bawley_wildfowlingCutter.htm


Maurice Griffiths Waterwitch

http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/archives/waterwitch/waterwitch.htm


Lone Gull 2 for Sale – restoration project

http://www.aandrwayboatbuilding.co.uk/page/for_sale_lone_gull_ii

‘Illusion’

Paul's 'Illusion'

Matt's 'Elusion'


Today I met up with Paul and his Matt Layden inspired ‘Illusion’, which is very similar to Matt’s ‘Elusion’, but without the cabin top.


By examining photographs and videos of ‘Elusion’ I had the impression that she was a very small boat indeed, but when I saw Paul’s ‘Illusion’ I was taken aback, because she looked much bigger than I had imagined. In fact, Paul’s boat is only marginally longer than ‘Elusion’, but when I saw her in the flesh, i.e., in 3-D, the bulk-effect was heightened. Somehow, the depth of the hull appeared much more than ‘Elusion’s’, but it was a matter of illusion! In fact, later when I got back home I compared photographs of the two boats, and I had to concede that their hulls are almost identical.


It just goes to show that you may make false assumptions about objects in photographs, because they are two-dimensional images - they don’t allow you to see things in the round. The latest 3-D TV gives a better indication of spatial form which is enhanced by the movement of objects and by the movement of the camera.


Paul wants to sell his ‘Illusion’, so if you are interested, have a look at his blog. (See link below)


Thank you Paul for showing me your boat today and for sharing your experiences of sailing and rowing her.



Links


‘Elusion’, Matt Layden’s Micro-sailboat

http://bills-log.blogspot.com/2010/03/elusion-matt-laydens-micro-sailboat.html


Tales of ‘Illusion’ – Paul’s Blog

http://tales-of-illusion.blogspot.com/

Leisure 20

It is almost pointless me explaining the merits of a Leisure 20 when it has been done so well at the Leisure Owners’ Association website. (See link below)


However, I have this photo of a Leisure 20 that clearly illustrates some of the features mentioned in the article. The first item of merit was her long waterline length which is not much less than her overall length. The benefit, of course, is maximizing on the length to give speed through the water. The longer a boat, the faster she can go. The second item was her wide beam, which is not evident from the photo, but her wide beam gives her a good measure of stability and a spacious interior.


The writer claimed Leisure 20s could go anywhere, even offshore sailing, which I also believe is true. Her relatively shallow draught of little over a metre allows her to be sailed in estuaries, and her bilge keels protect her hull when she takes the ground. There is a centreboard version that has a galvanised metal plate. Both versions have provision for inboard/outboard engines that give good manoeuvrability, even when going astern.


Surprisingly, the name of the German designer of the hull is not known, but the superstructure was designed by Brian Meerloo.


I have sailed a Leisure 20 and I found that she felt like a much bigger boat. She handled faultlessly under sail and motor while experiencing a variety of conditions. I liked the cockpit which was large enough for two people to move around without getting in each other’s way. The advertising blurb reckons four can comfortably fit in the cockpit; that’s true, but that’s not the case when sailing, especially short-tacking. I’ve heard it said that the Leisure 20 does not perform well to windward, but with her high aspect mainsail and masthead Genoa, I would dispute that.


Statistics

LOA 6.09 M
LWL 5.56 M
Beam 2.31 M
Draught 1.16 M (Centreboard version 0.56 – 1.22 M
Displacement 1,300 Kilos approx


Links


Leisure 20

http://www.leisureowners.org.uk/site/contents/leisure20_new.shtml


Leisure 20 for Sale £3,850

http://yachts.apolloduck.co.uk/feature.phtml?id=201792


Leisure 20 for Sail £5,100

http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/U01HTzAxLTM0NzJ+U01HTzAx=-LEISURE_20.html

‘Chyandour’ – Bruce Roberts 345

Here we have a photo of ‘Chyandour’, which I believe is a Bruce Roberts 345 - the original chine version that could be built from steel, fibreglass or wood epoxy. This one, almost certainly is a steel boat, and most likely she has a shoal draught keel. There is a fin keel version. Because of popularity and demand for the yacht, Bruce went on to develop the plans to include a radius-chine hull in steel or aluminium.




He is an extremely successful boat designer who has drawn many plans for amateur builders and professionals alike. He very cleverly provides loads of options for prospective builders, as is the case with the 345. Not only can this cruising yacht be constructed from different materials, but her owner can choose which internal layout he would prefer. Above deck he can opt for a pilot house or go for the more conventional low profile cabin trunk. The 345 can be rigged as a sloop, a cutter or a ketch.



Leslie Powles, who was the 1981 yachtsman of year, circumnavigated the world three times aboard ‘Solitaire’, his Bruce Roberts 345.

Links

Bruce Roberts 345

http://www.bruceroberts.com/public/HTML/descriptions/Roberts345_description.htm


There’s mention here of Leslie Powles’s three circumnavigations

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/around-the-world--or-just-around-the-bend-1327879.html


Solitaire Spirit [Paperback]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Solitaire-Spirit-Leslie-Powles/dp/1408154153


Hands Open: Twice Round the World Single Handed, East-to-west and West-to-east [Hardcover]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hands-East-west-West-east/dp/085937338X

Helicopter Visit to Brandy Hole Yacht Club

On Sunday afternoon, 25th September, 2011, I happened to be walking by the Brandy Hole Yacht Club when there were a number of people sat on the veranda overlooking the River Crouch. To my surprise a blue and white helicopter with the registration G-OYST alighted on a small lawn adjoining the yacht club. I was amazed that this could happen. To my uninitiated eye, there seemed little room for error. The double blade whirred within feet of the building and it was a matter of yards from almost disinterested spectators.


This event seemed to cause hardly a stir from those who watched; there were only glances in the direction of the passengers and pilot as they alighted from the aircraft. Maybe airborne visits by them are regular occurrences. Well, it was certainly a novel way of dropping in!


As I’ve mentioned before, the amount of information on the World Wide Web is staggering. By typing in the registration number of the aircraft, OYST, into the Google search box, details of this particular helicopter are available for all to see. The 1975 aircraft is owned by Adroit Services Corporation, at St. Peter Port, Guernsey and it has flown for over 5,700 hours. The helicopter’s certificate of airworthiness expires on 19th May of next year etc., etc.


Instead of wasting my time and yours, I’ll finish here with a few links leading to other links relating to the owners of the helicopter who are in the business of financial services.


Links


Helicopter Details

http://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=60&pagetype=65&appid=1&mode=detailnosummary&fullregmark=OYST


Adroit Services Corporation, Havilland Management Ltd.

http://uk.loadedweb.com/cities/channel-islands/guernsey/directory/319644.html

http://www.cylex-uk.co.uk/company/havilland-management-ltd-16177862.html

http://www.mybiglocal.co.uk/channel+islands/guernsey/financial-services/204041-havilland+management+ltd/


Directorate Change - Richard Ian Causton employed by Havilland Management Ltd.

http://www.advfn.com/news_Directorate-Change_7338652.html


Brandy Hole Yacht Club

http://www.brandyhole.com/

At Sunset ‘We will remember them.’

Here’s a photo taken by me last Saturday evening. By appearance, the sunset was nothing out of the ordinary; nevertheless it was beautiful. I felt an atmosphere of calm and peace as the sun gradually sank beyond the horizon. I was alone at my favourite place beside the River Crouch. All of this splendour was there solely for my enjoyment.


For me, sunsets are always special. When I was a nipper, I used to take a walk to the brow of hill on a fine summer’s evening. From there I could watch the changing hues; blues to purples, golden crimson and streaks of orange; finally an oval, white-hot shimmering blob would slip beyond the dark rim of the encroaching night.


One evening I did not understand what was happening. The sky was a fiery, scarlet glow of spattered blood. There was a droning, moaning from overhead. Hundreds of black Dakotas towing gliders, their wings outstretched like birds of prey, steadily moved in formation. When they had passed, there was an eerie silence. Brave men were on their way to give their lives for the cause of freedom and their kin; for helpless babes, children, men and women, for justice, truth and all mankind.


This I now know. I shall never forget their sacrifice. I shall never pay the debt I owe. For them it was their death and the gift of life; a life that I treasure, a life so full and free. No other man could have lived like me, for by God’s grace He has set me free.


Shortly after the retreat from Mons and the battle of Marne during the Great War, Robert Laurence Binyon wrote his poignant poem, ‘For the Fallen’. One verse sums up my gratitude to those who fell.


'They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.'


These moving words are said on November 11th every year at ceremonies commemorating the brave and the selfless who fell during the First and Second World Wars, and in more recent times, at the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan.


Sadly, we never learn. We encourage evil and reject the only remedy. (John 15:12-17)



Links



Laurence Binyon

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


Remembrance Day

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


Remembrance Day

http://bills-log.blogspot.com/2009/11/remembrance-day.html


Dakotas towing Gliders – archive film

http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=52632


38 Group – List of Men Killed in Glider Assaults

http://www.pegasusarchive.org/arnhem/order_raf.htm


A Photo of Dakotas towing Gliders

http://ww2db.com/image.php?image_id=7030


Battle of Mons

http://www.firstworldwar.com/battles/mons.htm


First Battle of Marne

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWmarne.htm

Project Boats

This Skipper 17 is definitely NOT a project; she would appear to be well-cared for, and the pride of her owner.

Now and again you come across an advertisement telling of a boat ‘project’. Once you see the word ‘project’, you know there is work involved. At Ebay you can sometimes find such a boat. If you have the time and the will, you can with some effort end up with a good boat without spending too much money.


Certain fibreglass boats like the Skipper 17 seem to survive for ever. They are found and restored, maybe not to their former glory, but well enough for the restorer to enjoy her or sell at a profit.


Fibreglass is virtually indestructible, which means that when a boat is left to rot, her hull remains; only items like bunk cushions, curtains and linings disintegrate. Yes, water that may accumulate in the bilges could eventually penetrate the fibreglass and weaken laminates, but much of the structure will remain. My old Hunter 19 Europa ended her life in this way; she was left derelict by her last owner at a Benfleet boatyard.


Right now there’s a ‘project’ Listang* open to bidding at Ebay.Co. UK. She’s typical of a restoration project, but whoever would take on this particular project must really desire a ‘Listang’!


I previously mentioned the Skipper 17, because she’s typical of early GRP boats that may end up in a broker’s yard without anyone caring for them. The one in the photo is most definitely looked after, because she’s the same vessel I photographed last year, occupying the same mooring, and looking every bit as if her owner cares.


Incidentally, there’s a lot of information online about Skipper 17s, including my article** about them on September 29, 2010.


Five Skipper 17s are currently for sale [not projects] at Apollo Duck ranging between £759 and £1,850. (See link below)



Links



*Listang at Ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/25ft-listang-grp-sailing-boat-project-/260859118218?pt=UK_Sporting_Goods_Sailing_Boats_ET&hash=item3cbc6a428a


**My Summary of the Skipper 17 Trailer Sailer

http://bills-log.blogspot.com/2010/09/skipper-17-trailer-sailer.html


My old Hunter 19 Europa

http://bills-log.blogspot.com/2011/06/small-zeta-hunter-europa-19.html


Skipper 17s for Sale at Apollo Duck

http://yachts.apolloduck.co.uk/boats.phtml?id=788&mi=4328


Skipper 17 for Sale £1,050

http://www.preloved.co.uk/fuseaction-adverts.showadvert/index-1034245467/a5284bcf.html


Skipper 17

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/skipper17/


Skipper 17

http://ratisland.tripod.com/skip17.html


Skipper 17 Mk2

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/skipper17/Sweet%2017%20Skipper%20Mk%20II.pdf


Skipper 17 Trailer Sailer

http://www.go-sail.co.uk/skipper17.asp


Mariner 17 (Skipper 17) Sailing on Grafham Water

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5SvsN9tNVo

‘Nirvana of Arklow’

I much prefer to use my own photos when posting here, but sometimes there are photos that are too good not to make available to the general public.



This photo is of a rather special Albert Strange yawl, ‘Nirvana of Arklow’. I copied* it from Your Boat Pix. (See link below) Photos at that site have been placed there for owners of yachts who may perchance discover them. Have a look at Boat Pix, because you may come across a photo of your yacht there.


‘Nirvana’ is a real stunner. Everything about her harmoniously gels together. It’s a case of function and aesthetics blending to form a near perfect creation.


This splendid 31foot 9 ton yawl was built for Billy Mooney in 1925 by Jack Tyrrell of Arklow. She was originally named, ‘Nirvana’.


Other photos of ‘Nirvana’ can be found at the Albert Strange Association’s website where they are freely available for all to see – it just needs a little probing to winkle them out.


*As far as I can tell, there are no copyright restrictions at the Your Boat Pix website.



Links


Your Boat Pix

http://yourboatpix.co.uk/pixSearchService2.php?boatName=Sunspeed Solent


Albert Strange Association

http://www.albertstrange.org/


Sailing Canoe ‘Sara’ (I mentioned Albert Strange here)

http://bills-log.blogspot.com/2010/01/sailing-canoe-sara.html

Seadog 30 Ketch

Seadog 30


It is said that owners of their dogs look like their dogs! I wonder if a parallel simile can be applied to owners of Seadog Ketches. If so, they will be solid, strong, and dependable, just like a St Bernard dog.


In truth, the GRP Seadog 30 has been around since 1964 when the first one was designed and built by Reg Freeman, A.R.I.N.A.. She was originally conceived as a comfortable motor sailer, but in practice she has a good turn of speed under sail. Two versions were produced: the bilge keel Seadog 30 and the single keel Deep Seadog. The latter has a draught of 4’ 6”, while the bilge keel boat draws 3’ 6”. Both of them have secure centre-cockpits protected by fixed windshields, a feature by which Seadogs can be identified. Reefing in strong winds is simply a matter of downing the mainsail which leaves the yacht balanced and manageable. Her wide side decks and high, strongly-supported safety lines are effective, enabling the crew to securely move around the boat.


One Seadog has completed a solo circumnavigation, which says something for the viability of these yachts as ocean cruisers. The shallow draught version can transit through the French canals, and to make things easier in that respect, her masts are mounted in tabernacles, which simplifies the job of lowering and raising them. Her 36 HP Perkins Diesel, situated under the cockpit sole, provides more than ample power for making progress when the wind is from dead ahead. Fuel and water are stored within her bilge keels. She has two 26 gallon tanks for diesel, and two 23 gallon tanks for fresh water.


By modern standards, the accommodation is not as spacious as that of today’s beamier yachts, but for a couple living aboard, there is adequate room. I like the galley situated on the port hand side by her companionway where steam and heat can be dissipated through the open hatch. Likewise, her navigation table and instruments are located the other side of the companionway, giving direct access to the navigator. A luxurious feature is her separate aft cabin where there are two single berths, or a small double. Very sensibly, Reg Freeman designed the forepeak as an area where sails and gear can be stowed. The fore cabin also houses the heads, a basin unit and two hanging lockers where unwanted clutter can be hidden away.


The majority of Seadogs where manufactured by Reg Freeman Yachts; others were made by J. G. Meakes and Company. Some hulls were moulded in Holland for home completion, and one or two of them were fitted out as motor yachts. Altogether, 140 Seadogs were built between 1967 and 1974. The Seadog Owners’ Association states in their website that 126 owners are members of the Association, all with Seadogs in commission. That says a lot for the durability of the Seadog 30 and their popularity.



Statistics

LOA 30’ 00”
LWL 24’ 0””
Beam 09’ 0”
Draught 03’ 6”
Displacement 12,880 lbs
Ballast 3,920 lbs
Keel Long fin with bilge keels
Sail Area 510 sq ft
Cabins 2
Berths 4 – 6
Engine Perkins Diesel – HP 36



Links


Seadog Owners’ Association

http://www.seadog.org.uk/


YachtsNet Details of a Seadog Ketch – excellent photos

http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/archives/seadog-30/seadog-30.htm


1970 Seadog Ketch for Sale £23,950

http://yachts.apolloduck.com/advert.phtml?id=209827


Seadog Ketch for Sale £25,500

http://yachts.apolloduck.com/display.phtml?aid=199055


St Bernard Dog

http://www.petplanet.co.uk/dog_breed_profile.asp?dbid=46

‘Marie Louisa’, an MOD Firing Range Safety Vessel

'Marie Louisa'

I’m constantly amazed at the amount of information there is available from the World Wide Web. Yesterday I mentioned that I had visited Wallasea Island where I photographed old navigation buoys that had been retrieved from the River Crouch as part of a buoyage improvement scheme. I also photographed ‘Marie Louisa’, the Maplin Firing Range Safety vessel. She was docking at Essex Marina, presumably after a stint when her crew had maintained watch during a firing session.


This 26 metre 147 tonnes, ex Dutch trawler docked beside an outer pontoon without hassle. The photo shows her as she was being gently reversed to bring her stern towards the pontoon. A handler grabs a warp from the ship’s counter for making it fast to the pontoon. Her bow warp dangles within reach for the handler who will attach it to the pontoon.


From the website* of Barbary Charters, it would appear that they are the owners of ‘Marie Louisa’. Amazingly, she has 3 heads, 2 showers, 2 single cabins, and a crew’s cabin with 4 bunks. On the upper deck there is a dining area and a saloon, a galley and a scullery. The ship’s navigator has a gyro compass and Furuno radar which is linked to an electronic charting system. Apart from the gyro compass, that’s nothing more elaborate than navigation equipment found aboard many yachts today. Surprisingly, her 300 HP Gardner 8L3B Turbo diesel engine can only generate a speed of 8 knots, but she does have a fast rib that can be launched and retrieved by the use of mechanical davits. She has a maximum draught of 3.2 metres which means there are limitations as to where she can be deployed in the Thames Estuary. Mostly, I have seen her anchored a short distance to the east of the Crouch Buoy, from which position her crew can monitor vessels coming in and out of the River.



Links



*Barbary Charters – ‘Marie Louisa’

http://www.martinharvey.com/barbary/index.htm


Day Sail – when I previously photographed the ‘Marie Louisa’

http://bills-log.blogspot.com/2010/08/day-sail.html


S V Brigantia’s Log where there’s a photo of ‘Marie Louisa’

http://svbrigantia.blogspot.com/2011/07/july-long-weekend-sunday.html

New River Crouch Buoys

Iconic Art

Like thousands of sailors, I’ve sailed in and out of the River Crouch many times between Fairway No 1 Buoy and the Whitaker Buoy, which is well clear of Foulness Sand. Not so long ago I was sailing ‘Talitha’, my small keelboat, into the mouth of the River Roach, and I was surprised to find a new green and red buoy marking Branklet Spit. I was even more surprised to discover a brand new port hand buoy further to the South with the name Crow. It took me a little while to twig on that something was different. Back in the Crouch, a closer inspection of Horse Shoal Buoy and Fairway No 1 confirmed there had been a big makeover of the buoyage system.


Yesterday I was at Wallasea Island, and my eagle eye did not fail to observe a pile of shabby buoys that had been dumped in the storage yard by the big ship jetty. Around them there were stacks of wood, metal rods and large coils of rusty wire. Beyond there was a series of dilapidated warehouses. Was this an Arts Council funded project? It could well have been, for if you look at this scene with the eye of an artist you will observe that in the apparent chaos there is order – a functional order brought about by the necessity for access by dumper trucks etc. Objects are grouped according to type, e.g., stacks of wood, lengths of steel rod, coils of wire, and slap in the middle are the iconic buoys. The past function of these faded relics can be ascertained by their top marks, their colours and the shapes of the buoys themselves. When I photographed them they were bathed in defining sunlight and their forms were enhanced by telltale shadows imparting a chiaroscuro effect.


‘Sunken Buxey’, ‘Ridge’, ‘Crouch’ and ‘Swallow Tail’; these familiar names brought back memories. At one time or another they have marked my progress in or out of the Crouch, perhaps when it was blowing old boots or when the visibility was poor, or when rain was pelting down or in pitch darkness, hoping to spot their characteristic flashing lights. Late evening the dazzling, setting sun could make finding these buoys so very difficult and testing, especially at the end of a long day when all I wanted was to get in, drop the hook and prepare for a good night’s sleep. There were times when my heart pounded and I was relieved to find that I wasn’t about to crash my yacht on Swallow Tail Bank.


Now, with better buoyage, including an additional 26 new buoys, getting in and out of the Crouch will be safer and easier. I had thought that with improved electronic navigation systems, GPS and the like, the Authorities would reduce the number of buoys; whereas it is the exact opposite, on account of spoil from the Crossrail project being shipped to Wallasea Island. New charts will be required yet again, and the chart of my GPS is out of date!



Links



New Buoys for the River Crouch

http://www.eastcoastrivers.com/2011/06/new-buoys-for-river-crouch/


Revised Buoyage Chart

http://crouchharbour.org.uk/documents/1307563193.pdf


Positions of New Crouch Buoys

http://crouchharbour.org.uk/navigation/new-buoys/positions/


Notices to Mariners – Raysand Channel

http://crouchharbour.org.uk/navigation/notices-to-mariners/


Crossrail

http://www.crossrail.co.uk/


Arts Council

http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/

‘Dualin’ for Sale – a Duellist 32

'Dualin'

The owner of an able yacht like ‘Dualin’ which has a lifting keel, has the best of both worlds – he can confidently sail her offshore, and yet be equally confident when sailing in shallow waters. If her lifting keel touches bottom, that’s not a problem, because it can be retracted, allowing the yacht to return the way she came. In any case, a Duellist can go to windward, even when her lifting keel is fully raised. She has standing headroom, and the quality of finish, both inside and out is first-class.

On the wind

This yacht is ready to sail right now, anywhere, perhaps around the world if you have the time and money. She has recently returned from a very successful cruise to the Netherlands when she was put through her paces. Her crew reported that they had experienced a variety of sea conditions and they thought the yacht had done them proud. You’ll observe from the photo that the sea wasn’t smooth during the return crossing from Ostend to Tollesbury.


If you do your own research on Duellist 32s for sale, you will realize that at £19,950 ‘Dualin’ is an absolute bargain!! If you are looking for a yacht of this calibre with her characteristics, now’s your chance for an end of season opportunity. The yacht is afloat at Tollesbury Marina, fully antifouled and ready to go!



Links


‘Dualin’ for Sale £19,950 – very good photos of interior and exterior

http://www.apolloduck.co.uk/feature.phtml?id=187189


Duellist 32 Sailboat Data

http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=6002


Alan Hill – designer of the Duellist 32

http://www.trident24.com/designer.html

Traditional Sailing Dinghy

Traditional Dinghy

No chainplates for shrouds

Close-up of stern

I wish I knew a bit more about the dinghy pictured here. I took the photo on 8th July, 2011. She was on the mud at Heybridge near the Blackwater Sailing Club. There was a similar boat for sale at the Boat Shed. (See 1st link below) Both boats are GRP simulated clinker versions of an original wooden dinghy. They have the typical form of old East Coast workboats, perhaps used by fishermen for attending to crab pots, line fishing, and setting nets or as tenders to smacks.


The dinghy that was for sale at the Boat Shed was built and fitted out by Peter Brookes. She has an identical short iron bowsprit to the one on the boat I photographed at Heybridge, which makes me think she was built by Peter.

Cropped photo from Your Boat Pix. (See link for full size picture*)


There are similar dinghies, like the one I found at Your Boat Pix.*



Links


Traditional Classic Style Dinghy

http://essex.boatshed.com/traditional_classic_style_dinghy-boat-16524.html


Peter Brookes

http://www.classicboating.co.uk/about.html


Brookes Boatbuilders

http://www.classicboating.co.uk/index.html


This is another of my Photos – Perhaps she was built by Peter Brookes

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHtE5ufF8QyVzcCT1vtSwyyJ1SqdxkoB0Uk9y0Yh6iw7zqLRq7pAqedTn2beS-gTSXdNxeaJ-hhseRiy9izbSOYbCZlf4JmlDuEWikRL8hTy4FpI2Yw815-nhylb73E29VGYx/s1600/ck22x.jpg


*From YourBoatPix.co.uk

http://yourboatpix.co.uk/countAndShow.php?pixID=84199961


Blackwater Sailing Club

http://blackwatersailingclub.org.uk/

Westerly Nomad Part 2

Dennis Rayner designed the GRP bilge keel Westerly 22. She was similar in concept to his hard-chined 20’ plywood Westcoaster, except the 22 had a round bilge. The bigger boat could be fitted with either a Gunter or Bermudan rig, according to the choice of her prospective owner prior to the boat being built. The Westerly Nomad was a development of the 22 with an almost identical hull, but her internal volume was larger; this was on account of her higher and longer cabin moulding. I believe I’m right in saying that new owners of Nomads could choose to have their yachts fitted with a diesel engine or an inboard outboard engine.


Specification of a Westerly Nomad 22


L.O.A 22’ 3”
L.W.L 18’ 4”
Beam 7’ 5”
Draught 2’ 3”
Weight 3,150 lbs
Ballast 1,050 lbs
Berths 4
Main 120 sq ft
Genoa 166 sq ft
Jib 105 sq ft



Links



Bill Churchouse’s Westerly 22 ‘Belgean’

http://bills-log.blogspot.com/2009/12/bill-churchouse-at-finish-2008-bill.html


Belgean’ Westerly 22

http://www.oceanracetrack.com/media.aspx?id=1557

http://www.oceanracetrack.com/media.aspx?id=1551


Westerly Owners’ Association

http://www.westerly-owners.co.uk/


Dennis Rayner - Designer of the Westerly 22

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


Westerly Nomad Owners’ Site

http://www.anesi.com/nomad/


Details of a Westcoaster 20

http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=5975


Westerly Nomad for Sail £5,000

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/php/new_view.php?place=viewadvert&ref=F225105


Westerly Nomad – Sold, but good photos

http://wales.boatshed.com/westerly_nomad-boat-4060.html


Westerly Nomad

http://bills-log.blogspot.com/2010/10/westerly-nomad.html


Westerly 22 Details

http://www.western-horizon.co.uk/archive_boat.php?boat_id=163


Westerly 22 for Sale £3,250

http://westerly.apolloduck.co.uk/display.phtml?aid=215313


Westerly 22 on Ebay (Bids ended on 6th Sept 2011)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/westerly-22-sailing-boat-yacht-/270809514603


Westerly 22 on Trailer for Sale £3,500

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/yachts/westerly-22-on-trailer-WSS012


Pre-loved Reviews of a Westerly 22

http://reviews.preloved.co.uk/fuseaction-reviews.showreview/productId-391/46190377.html


Westerly Nomad – Sale agreed £4,000

http://www.coburgbrokers.com/em.html


Westerly Nomad – Ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Westerly-Nomad-Yacht-Sailing-Boat-outboard-engine-/270766388292

Rival 32

'Spindrift' a Rival 32

If you are looking for a sound and well-tested yacht for ocean cruising you may well consider a Rival 32. The designer, Peter Brett, has written an article for the Rival Owners Association on the history of the 32. (See link below). He mentions that at least 4 Rivals have crossed the Atlantic both ways.


The first version of the yacht was known as the Rival 31. The prototype was found to have considerable weather helm when reaching, owing to her raked rudder. Peter rectified this in the second boat and later production boats by repositioning the rudder so that it was attached to a vertical stock within the hull. The first Rival 31 was launched in 1968 and 22 of them were built.


Peter redesigned the stern by adding a short counter; this version became known as the Rival 32, of which over 200 were built. Later, he designed a longer and fuller version of the 32, the Rival 34, of which 174 were built. Owners had the option of having a deep keel at 5’ 10” or a shallower one at 4’ 8”.



Specification


L.O.A. 32' 0"
L.W.L. 24' 6"
Beam 9' 8"
Draft 4' 8"
Displacement 11,650 lbs



Links


History of the Rival 32 Yacht by Peter Brett the designer

http://www.rivalowners.org.uk/historical/31-32-24_history_data.htm


Rival Owners Association

http://www.rivalowners.org.uk/general/front.htm


Rival 32 Archive Details

http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/archives/rival-32/rival-32.htm


Rival 32 ‘Yaris’ for Sale £14,950

http://yachts.apolloduck.co.uk/feature.phtml?id=217800


Rival 32 for Sale £18,500 complete with Aries Windvane and Tiller Pilot

http://yachts.apolloduck.com/advert.phtml?id=212780


Rival 32 for Sale £20,000 Approx

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/yachts/rival-32-MMU217


Rival 32 for Sale £20,400

http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/NTgxODgxfjA2MDhF=-RIVAL_RIVAL_32.html


Rival 32 for Sale £20,500

http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/MjYyNDl+QU5DQTM4=-Rival_32.html