tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62638634168745389732024-03-18T03:00:13.185+00:00Arwen's meanderingsA blog about dinghy cruising a Welsford 'Navigator' around the coastal waters of SW England stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.comBlogger1589125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-55413578226134554332024-03-05T11:35:00.001+00:002024-03-11T21:34:01.481+00:00The small traditional sailing boat Facebook group <p> On the face book group Small Traditional Sailing Boats....march is navigator month. There are some excellent posts throughout the month about John's design</p><p>Search for #STSBnavigator on the group's page to find all the posts. </p><p>If you are into small traditional sailing boats, join the group. I promise you won't regret it. Brilliant group. </p><p>It is amazing how much you can learn from looking at other boats similar to yours. For example, I have noticed a variety of little modifications and deviations from the plans that other navigator builders have done ..... which just make plain common sense</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>two front bulkhead access hatches to under foredeck locker either side of the main mast, instead of just one big one directly behind it</li><li>access hatches in the front thwart top instead of its vertical bulkhead - so much easier </li><li>ditto round 8" access hatches in the side thwart tops instead of their vertical bulkheads</li><li>lower coamings</li><li>block and tackle tensioning bobstay arrangements to make it easier to adjust from deck or cockpit and for when putting bow up against trailer winch posts</li><li>doing away with the centre thwart lockers either side of the centreboat and just leaving open space under the centre thwarts</li><li>home made furlers</li><li>simple arrangements for reefing</li><li>ditto simple arrangements for boom tent erection </li><li>detachable lazy jack systems</li><li>a sculling position on the rear transom deck</li><li>a novel bowsprit arrangement so that an anchor bow roller can be installed</li><li>slim line centreboards </li></ul><div>Wish I had that creative inventive engineering mind that so many fellow navigator builders seem to have! 😩</div><p></p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-31819171373882394852024-01-30T15:52:00.001+00:002024-01-30T15:52:20.979+00:00How to sail a yawl<p> This video is delightful....not just for it's information but also it's tone, composition and setting</p><p>Enjoy</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qm-w-Oubt8c" width="320" youtube-src-id="qm-w-Oubt8c"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-25388600071942105852024-01-19T12:56:00.006+00:002024-01-19T12:56:48.809+00:00Navigation in small open sailing boats <p> I thought I'd pose the question on a facebook forum where I am one of the admins</p><p><i>"How do people go about their navigation in a small open sailing boat?"</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyt6E0KHOlRgeFWIbnH82HZT7sx5K5x7jimOQ2mDi4aXoUPI-W29zum_naLUWtTwma7vikKhV48Uio4x0lhlU_5LaJwPD0xmpfsmIJQJxf6bmzfvtP7CKqLs2DnvBlZqAip-fNuUt-Uzj3kvJDd6HQJH3ElTGYrqXMlUnyZjegBBDxJ6DweFyqeFflpA/s1920/chart%20work.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyt6E0KHOlRgeFWIbnH82HZT7sx5K5x7jimOQ2mDi4aXoUPI-W29zum_naLUWtTwma7vikKhV48Uio4x0lhlU_5LaJwPD0xmpfsmIJQJxf6bmzfvtP7CKqLs2DnvBlZqAip-fNuUt-Uzj3kvJDd6HQJH3ElTGYrqXMlUnyZjegBBDxJ6DweFyqeFflpA/w400-h225/chart%20work.png" width="400" /></a></div><i><br /></i><p></p><p>It provoked some interesting comments - not so much about the skills as what they use.</p><p>The majority of people seem to employ/carry the following:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Navionics app on smart phone (very popular)</li><li>Paper charts (less popular)</li><li>Chart plotter (fewer)</li><li>Some form of Garmin with either maps or charts</li><li>Tidal stream atlas and tide tables </li><li>Handheld VHF radio</li><li>Depth sounder (odd one or two)</li><li>Binoculars</li><li>Handheld compass of some type </li><li>AIS app on smartphone</li><li>OS maps app or paper map of area being cruised</li><li>Cruising guide</li><li>Breton Plotter and compass dividers (odd person or two)</li></ul><div>People were less forthcoming about HOW they did their navigation but I deduced a couple of things from the comments. Firstly, in small cruising dinghies, a lot of people seem very dependent on electronic apps - smartphone based in the main. Quite a few would plot a position on a chart every hour or so as a back up. Many employed google earth/streetview/community photos to do their pre-passage planning. </div><div><br /></div><div>Secondly, it seems sensible to call it <i>'pilotage' rather than 'navigation'</i>. I pondered this distinction for a while and I think it comes down to this - in a cruising dinghy you are rarely out of sight of land. Even when I cruise inshore I'm no more than three miles off shore at the most. Several times I was questioned about my carrying OS maps as well as charts and this surprised me. To be truthful, I often find the OS maps more useful than the charts for position finding. Mind you - OS maps don't show depths or pilotage buoys etc and that is of course invaluable. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQBkrUI6Qk-80XIi8VGYLJvQNqtN76RquL0hquH38WwBxoH8BsHEmhkIt8d7qlJFHTFAigf4GJQ8OgWHC2FydYrZIsxISO6Q41H6f6-CWcg46Q8tGmDqikuhNZ5DdhUHMHOxwqXEUU6pHTkv4Wt0fY8laZq6C0VlDCfxc-_uvvXM42heW8wGg43c7_ms/s1920/nav%20station%204.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQBkrUI6Qk-80XIi8VGYLJvQNqtN76RquL0hquH38WwBxoH8BsHEmhkIt8d7qlJFHTFAigf4GJQ8OgWHC2FydYrZIsxISO6Q41H6f6-CWcg46Q8tGmDqikuhNZ5DdhUHMHOxwqXEUU6pHTkv4Wt0fY8laZq6C0VlDCfxc-_uvvXM42heW8wGg43c7_ms/w400-h225/nav%20station%204.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>So, how do I do my small boat pilotage? I don't know this is the right way - but it is a way that works for me - although I'd love to hear anyone else's approach </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Pre trip</b> - depending on where I am heading obviously, or how familiar I am with the waters, a combination of </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>tides check</li><li>weather check - wind speed and direction, sea state, wave direction, air temp</li><li>tidal stream check and calculations - tidal streams/directions/drift for duration of voyage, gates and tidal range heights </li><li>potential route plan ideas - Google Earth searches, streetview and community photos</li><li>waypoints entered into navionics and Garmin InReach</li><li>note buoys and lights on passage route</li><li>note all potential hazards on passage - marked on chart</li><li>check entry/exit requirements any harbours/ports calling in at along with sailing advice</li><li>plan escape routes and potential escape anchorages</li><li>lights and annotated pilotage sketch maps if new area in little waterproof notebook</li><li>written passage plan summary - waypoints or markers, compass bearings marked on paper chart and/or in little notebook on the annotated sketch maps. </li><li>contact details for various harbour masters etc </li></ul><div><b>On the day</b> - </div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>weather information check against proposed passage plan - is it still feasible? </li><li>passage plan copy left with someone along with ETA's etc</li><li>final check navionics and InReach waypoints </li><li>InReach tracking page activated and test track messages sent to Wife and Daughter </li></ul><div><b>In the boat on the day</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Check route progress on Navionics and/or chart and/or OS map</li><li>Enter a brief course, speed, estimated position note in log book every 30 mins</li><li>Plot a fixed point with time at position once an hour on paper chart</li><li>Ping an "OK" message every hour which goes from Garmin INReach to daughter and/or wife - it notes exact position and time and so gives them a regular update of my progress</li><li>weather apps check every three hours or so</li></ul><div><b>What navigation skills do I use regularly and what do I rarely do? </b></div><div><b>Regular use in boat</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>rules of road</li><li>lighting and buoys knowledge</li><li>basic chart and OS map interpretation</li><li>Compass bearings</li><li>plotting my position using a breton plotter viahree point fixes</li><li>measuring distances </li><li>basic tidal stream interpretation </li><li>transits</li></ul><div><b>What I do very rarely </b></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>tidal height calculations - if I ground, I ground - I'll float off at some stage </li><li>estimated position plotting </li><li>course to steer plotting/calculations</li><li>GPS plotting webs on my charts </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGhrtNt530jWev0ozawRwbvDlzNFd-RbgtKWu4vzY83ZDfFjBg26p3Us8C7MYsQYdVYOidmgKZIleMXIOG5OpiXTM5CKlxCJbSGKJnn9koSrUSjNqOCox02KOzwR2s91PTods1Pt1SlK-jqvqR3PTbAIylWki7gUnmvBAVc6zsBSxo0Eq5NNQDbFX5nM/s1920/nav%20station%20in%20arwen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGhrtNt530jWev0ozawRwbvDlzNFd-RbgtKWu4vzY83ZDfFjBg26p3Us8C7MYsQYdVYOidmgKZIleMXIOG5OpiXTM5CKlxCJbSGKJnn9koSrUSjNqOCox02KOzwR2s91PTods1Pt1SlK-jqvqR3PTbAIylWki7gUnmvBAVc6zsBSxo0Eq5NNQDbFX5nM/w400-h225/nav%20station%20in%20arwen.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I did complete an RYA Day Skipper course about five years ago. It was really good and very informative. But, I've never mastered being able to do estimated positions on a chart in a 14 dinghy a mile off shore - without feeling sick; very sick! </div></div><div><br /></div><div>So, I haven't yet got majorly lost. I haven't hit anything! I have arrived later than expected on several occasions but through the Garmin INreach tracking mode and regular pinging of pre-messages - I can keep my wife and daughter update and they can see my progress on a tracking map. I have grounded a few times - but up some of the rivers with their shifting sandbanks that is probably inevitable. I've avoided most hazards thus far and have yet to seek shelter in an emergency anchorage. But that maybe because I rarely sail in weather conditions which might make that necessary - and that I guess is another discussion point for another time! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5JTDVR8cGostE4FJoY4Mn8OTVMttbhVLPxT3btSPOV5wDfMVg80ZYd6ewbEXyW8BZgN9bSQQAUzu2E0hh9pdXSx6jjRjp7BnO0kEy6LMHECrRzwnzS1sSJcPsPiaSgEDMjweqA09CMgLnPkqIDUeOjgCJqg8Dq0oNkvw5x8roHugkgXubTr2xc5Ctco/s4896/DSC04660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib5JTDVR8cGostE4FJoY4Mn8OTVMttbhVLPxT3btSPOV5wDfMVg80ZYd6ewbEXyW8BZgN9bSQQAUzu2E0hh9pdXSx6jjRjp7BnO0kEy6LMHECrRzwnzS1sSJcPsPiaSgEDMjweqA09CMgLnPkqIDUeOjgCJqg8Dq0oNkvw5x8roHugkgXubTr2xc5Ctco/w400-h300/DSC04660.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div></div><p></p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-88312165297094192922024-01-15T17:14:00.000+00:002024-01-15T17:14:25.655+00:00The Small Traditional Sailing boat Facebook forum<p> I am, very lucky to be one of the admins for this facebook group which has over 12,000 members. It is a lovely group with positive, cheery, people who contribute all sorts of things related to small sailing boats. Artwork, photography, video shorts, saturdayisdetailday, nautical book day, sharing details about their nautical adventures and voyages. There is a huge amount to dip into. The group members are a very talented, friendly and knowledgeable bunch and I have been learning loads since I joined. </p><p>Why not pop across when you have moment to look through the facebook group posts - search the photos and be inspired by art, extraordinary craftsmanship and the sheer variety of STSB's. The files section has some PDF's on boat photography, trailer maintenance tips, how to create a tool ditty bag and the group thoughts about what the word 'traditional' means in the context of small sailing boats. </p><p>Promise you - you wont regret it. Time well spent. </p><p>Facebook group <b>'Small Traditional Sailing Boats'.</b> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPp5ls2vKkEqXC9ZlCIcJmp7AdY-niJjJx61ZDlt9VRya8l78G4jU3V6XlCfqousg7WWyUrrgnlkra-Ledm6gK_yZlJHsuwqlEz6ckNYd_u-DhpLCHmtbZCGKuOXdqPB9Jh0jqubG3qWOsJ3VVHl_Jmw310O1E3GXAnw8oLwvuaiy-hOB_W-mJ4K3PKo/s4896/DSC04670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPp5ls2vKkEqXC9ZlCIcJmp7AdY-niJjJx61ZDlt9VRya8l78G4jU3V6XlCfqousg7WWyUrrgnlkra-Ledm6gK_yZlJHsuwqlEz6ckNYd_u-DhpLCHmtbZCGKuOXdqPB9Jh0jqubG3qWOsJ3VVHl_Jmw310O1E3GXAnw8oLwvuaiy-hOB_W-mJ4K3PKo/w400-h300/DSC04670.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Arwen, lying at anchor off Redshanks beach, up the river Lynher in Cornwall</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">P.S. The STSB group - is a broad church - so we have people owning all sorts of small sail boats from Welsford designed navigators like mine to Ilur's and Drascombes 😀</div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-14287997630436091192024-01-14T12:09:00.002+00:002024-01-14T12:09:15.339+00:00The Witch Head nebula<p> Proud of this one - difficult target - a reflection nebula. So no filters used to bring out the details.</p><p><b>Equipment:</b></p><p>Canon 800D, Samyang 135mm at F/2.8, Skywatcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro, carbon fibre tripod, William optics wedge, Celestron power tank, dew band heater</p><p><b>Photo</b> - 400 x 30" ISO 800 F/2.8; 25 darks, bias and flat calibration frames </p><p><b>Processing</b>: SIRIL, Starnet++ and Affinity Photo</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8Vl-8_eAcCoYZMajq3YavK76TvlvzvUFGfBXPVVRTreUHUKZJyyjScYQLfwX0TyrnDHgnQxKiGEJo0iXbAp3kpEbQ5N4A_SlhEUa-q89gEPR-KoQiKuIuIQCAcCFqi5TG8JVnAWSeuM0N9BLn-3VDYALwf_qyU7tkac0kbkpH_gKROoKYkrlLvXZoSQ/s5100/final%20image%202%20result.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5100" data-original-width="3497" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8Vl-8_eAcCoYZMajq3YavK76TvlvzvUFGfBXPVVRTreUHUKZJyyjScYQLfwX0TyrnDHgnQxKiGEJo0iXbAp3kpEbQ5N4A_SlhEUa-q89gEPR-KoQiKuIuIQCAcCFqi5TG8JVnAWSeuM0N9BLn-3VDYALwf_qyU7tkac0kbkpH_gKROoKYkrlLvXZoSQ/w274-h400/final%20image%202%20result.png" width="274" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-58960439166614448522024-01-13T16:39:00.002+00:002024-01-13T16:39:20.257+00:00Fixing a jamming keel roller <p> The last few times Arwen has jammed on her trailer at launch and I have had to resort to roping her down part of the slipway to get the trailer deep enough that she just floats off. </p><p>It took me time but finally I discovered the issue - two things - one a badly positioned keel roller (which jammed against the aft end of the centreboard casing) and secondly, the brass skeg band had come adrift and was digging into the roller on occasions. </p><p>And so I jacked up Arwen and put her on blocks along the trailer keel support - moved the roller along so it sat under the centreboard casing in a better position.</p><p>Hopefully this will work. A good job I did it though as I have discovered some rot in the skeg and some touch up painting on the hull bottom that needs doing. That winter maintenance list is growing again! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pRRGVmSnPZU" width="320" youtube-src-id="pRRGVmSnPZU"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-26320311080721482762023-12-31T16:17:00.001+00:002024-01-05T17:57:17.259+00:00Happy New Year to you all<p> Happy New Year to you all wherever you may be on our wonderful, special planet.🎄🎅🎇</p><p>I'm afraid to look back to the post I did this time last year. It was a list of 'new year resolutions' for 2023 with regard to sailing. I'm pretty sure it will be the same as the one below for forthcoming 2024, but here we go anyway....</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>fix the trailer so the boat doesn't keep jamming on it</li><li>sail down to Fowey and up to Lostwithiel</li><li>sail around to Salcombe and then on around Start Point and over to the Dart, up to Totnes</li><li>sail from Totnes back down the Dart and around to Torbay</li><li>learn to do better sail trimming</li><li>revise and relearn everything I've forgotten about inshore passage planning 😕</li><li>decide whether to replace some of the cleats in the cockpit</li><li>re-bolt the stern cleats</li><li>get one night time shot of Arwen dried out on a beach under the milky way!</li><li>do a better job as one of the admins of the <i><b>Small Traditional Sailing Boat</b></i> Facebook group. My other admin colleagues have been very kind and forgiving of my lack of contribution in recent months and I owe it to them to put this right in 2024. </li></ol><div>If you haven't yet found this Facebook forum group - look it up - a wonderful group 12,000 strong of kind, good humoured, talented people. I mean on what other facebook group forum would you get</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>#campingafloat (on monday)</li><li>#artontuesday</li><li>#saturdayisdetailday</li><li>#boatofthemonth</li><li>#telltales - intriguing stories and history behind your boat</li><li>#burgee - where's your boat been - post a picture</li><li>#bookonthehook - your best inspiring reads...nautically themed</li><li>#practicalprojects</li></ul><div>All to do with <i><b>small traditional sailing boats</b></i> - and that's a broad church so to speak! </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy new year to you all. Fair warm winds and calm seas to all my sailing friends and of course, clear skies to all my astrophotography and astronomy ones. </div><div><br /></div><div>Steve and Arwen </div><div><br /></div></div><div>and I leave you with the some of the photos I am most proud of from 2023. It took blood, sweat, tears and mountains of new learning to achieve these ...... 😄</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpoKhxSTE80hbpvDylJqcEnIh-RZTAPNx9D65MNy59b6-m5Jit4JwDDWA5p0VWdXNvWEsnHdgEZBdJf26VXKA_rQL4mHWdr2C2FtZqA90Cgvw85RsSmn_xKrvG7SEswLzNBULYLRFkElWnG1R5URR2L6tJ8FqmXRmJtC5vzvOLn5aNHuHxgSHYBwbIgs/s6024/_MG_5883abc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6024" data-original-width="4020" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpoKhxSTE80hbpvDylJqcEnIh-RZTAPNx9D65MNy59b6-m5Jit4JwDDWA5p0VWdXNvWEsnHdgEZBdJf26VXKA_rQL4mHWdr2C2FtZqA90Cgvw85RsSmn_xKrvG7SEswLzNBULYLRFkElWnG1R5URR2L6tJ8FqmXRmJtC5vzvOLn5aNHuHxgSHYBwbIgs/w268-h400/_MG_5883abc.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6rNwMHDavLv5qluY3AMG1jRuNGvRkX2ALK0Pe3gqI5jhRnPUUjGESqGMHvDLfDecGVTWiJ90jTPHU3TLS7GZeK702rRXBCLJT9-sGD4AcKRtzSoyBSNmVjU6Mdv_ASrbiT0FTxgYLyiojA0Q1YQUQV_UuvE-my3n_cfpuocXgU_oCXDW1ICiBCfFpFM/s6024/combined%201ajp.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6024" data-original-width="4020" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic6rNwMHDavLv5qluY3AMG1jRuNGvRkX2ALK0Pe3gqI5jhRnPUUjGESqGMHvDLfDecGVTWiJ90jTPHU3TLS7GZeK702rRXBCLJT9-sGD4AcKRtzSoyBSNmVjU6Mdv_ASrbiT0FTxgYLyiojA0Q1YQUQV_UuvE-my3n_cfpuocXgU_oCXDW1ICiBCfFpFM/w268-h400/combined%201ajp.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3CnMMOfPybZ1ebxLIiDAqB9TQPyuXd4HDE0PNFVJgSPwWnw8CXme6JeA6w29UpAKhhDFNpPavQWv70dBX76Y4AsGq_f1EgCOi9GIYsF2d2N6nOjOizGxZzWxv2o0oPxhLYsHeAjHGWM8vsnRfWwAYDlbcso6pj9aMJaBqibbvSQTCI31TwCfo6r7njM/s4055/merged%20images%20effort%201a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2684" data-original-width="4055" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3CnMMOfPybZ1ebxLIiDAqB9TQPyuXd4HDE0PNFVJgSPwWnw8CXme6JeA6w29UpAKhhDFNpPavQWv70dBX76Y4AsGq_f1EgCOi9GIYsF2d2N6nOjOizGxZzWxv2o0oPxhLYsHeAjHGWM8vsnRfWwAYDlbcso6pj9aMJaBqibbvSQTCI31TwCfo6r7njM/w400-h265/merged%20images%20effort%201a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSt0LJsNvwEwoEAtyPYHBRFcBn6FSTPpRxBHI6MsPnbZ__Psj6XKYRXsIWRUAoFcO1v5OoHldggfdziMAR1EUiUdSJMUuQ9TaURvJOIt7kPJOpyr0J8oZ0mw47sTQQy8m0-iTvSyu64hGKCq0GSkUlbr9F6P7iAn5duB4awyVHn3AWC5lADIsVn0i2lO8/s1551/final%20image%201result.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1466" data-original-width="1551" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSt0LJsNvwEwoEAtyPYHBRFcBn6FSTPpRxBHI6MsPnbZ__Psj6XKYRXsIWRUAoFcO1v5OoHldggfdziMAR1EUiUdSJMUuQ9TaURvJOIt7kPJOpyr0J8oZ0mw47sTQQy8m0-iTvSyu64hGKCq0GSkUlbr9F6P7iAn5duB4awyVHn3AWC5lADIsVn0i2lO8/w400-h378/final%20image%201result.tiff" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qgtzF-lSS_5mWeAz4_rn7GgwC8E6lQ0OrrQIVWSDDdSw1KW52W4n8IfEMTAnuBX8VJ3yGqqi4jJ8K4-48_H86Tkel2SbDD5VbIIz72CMkE9QcWbyCvWE-u0sf-LOoWqV4wkXqeGpJ4w7pMyhyphenhyphen8ZPHfGMCArYRqm9kRziH0-eCx5QkFEFLSHXzapaSc4/s2246/final%20image%20result%202.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2246" data-original-width="2172" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qgtzF-lSS_5mWeAz4_rn7GgwC8E6lQ0OrrQIVWSDDdSw1KW52W4n8IfEMTAnuBX8VJ3yGqqi4jJ8K4-48_H86Tkel2SbDD5VbIIz72CMkE9QcWbyCvWE-u0sf-LOoWqV4wkXqeGpJ4w7pMyhyphenhyphen8ZPHfGMCArYRqm9kRziH0-eCx5QkFEFLSHXzapaSc4/w386-h400/final%20image%20result%202.tiff" width="386" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUYApjbEq6R4UUknAEX-qMzhNLUMWPa_caHYcrZG4YOV7Aeqhn1bNFwmdxjhGfc9D_rh4xD1DIDpa_BPFZflCSVNVWg7aIx3bR-ATrSTNU0PuY6N27k_Fc9gKIbUcOYRTloh_0Z2tZD9U07MAAkWvlyWWys_d1A60jVgm5HvzsFE5B48T0NnfzclxyWM/s2167/starless%20final%201a.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2167" data-original-width="1808" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUYApjbEq6R4UUknAEX-qMzhNLUMWPa_caHYcrZG4YOV7Aeqhn1bNFwmdxjhGfc9D_rh4xD1DIDpa_BPFZflCSVNVWg7aIx3bR-ATrSTNU0PuY6N27k_Fc9gKIbUcOYRTloh_0Z2tZD9U07MAAkWvlyWWys_d1A60jVgm5HvzsFE5B48T0NnfzclxyWM/w334-h400/starless%20final%201a.tiff" width="334" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-65756744875886003182023-12-24T20:35:00.002+00:002023-12-24T20:35:14.778+00:00A break in the clouds <p> The weather has been awful recently but I caught a lucky break tonight .... A gap in the clouds .. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdd8f6LG3ZvqjCmZoT3FXV8Hl5TMY_IL30YdRbAnCRq4CxieWplDPB_bhPzNit9NRZPud_dOUYkbpkcKTJuU0f4XpM_ZvNa9RYD0-hvGfrtEjzCcyy6FCwbYBVdy-W4kG5qXn5DmFGfnXph6fMk7FFQMz5KvPn09w31OsO57A_8Dh6Md-9Tb-PI3iiCt8/s800/FB_IMG_1703446574861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdd8f6LG3ZvqjCmZoT3FXV8Hl5TMY_IL30YdRbAnCRq4CxieWplDPB_bhPzNit9NRZPud_dOUYkbpkcKTJuU0f4XpM_ZvNa9RYD0-hvGfrtEjzCcyy6FCwbYBVdy-W4kG5qXn5DmFGfnXph6fMk7FFQMz5KvPn09w31OsO57A_8Dh6Md-9Tb-PI3iiCt8/w400-h320/FB_IMG_1703446574861.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>And so I can confirm. Santa is definitely on his way.</p><p>Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your families. May your festivities be wonderful. </p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-21223439381478687342023-12-21T17:33:00.000+00:002023-12-21T17:33:00.119+00:00A few astrophotography images from the last few weeks <p> I have been learning a new astrophotography program called S.I.R.I.L </p><p>It is wonderful - it does all the processing and then simplifies processing in affinity photo.</p><p>So here are those few images:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-g3mwyXyq6XiKYOjnhJKTM7asWFfSP5bpmcr_92EfuI40popq5KEfnmg32H4uuOeUzvJ4ibjLGSNT7IOmjH61i72jPqBr8a_A9yZa_gGiS0IxQSwutaoKbK-4PF51St3g8kwk9garbMkS4nDN_SsMBYztkRRNMJyKhIP7MjB7vc1YnoNVydZ9OFQ2XM/s3259/m42.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1939" data-original-width="3259" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-g3mwyXyq6XiKYOjnhJKTM7asWFfSP5bpmcr_92EfuI40popq5KEfnmg32H4uuOeUzvJ4ibjLGSNT7IOmjH61i72jPqBr8a_A9yZa_gGiS0IxQSwutaoKbK-4PF51St3g8kwk9garbMkS4nDN_SsMBYztkRRNMJyKhIP7MjB7vc1YnoNVydZ9OFQ2XM/w400-h238/m42.tif" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>M42 Orion nebula</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomog2FLE-Ge5O2XScalY1RPAbc7AcOA0_cDCimEQ3XrMA5iXfwlRZBIaRGm0uSxKjXXaWm_OSoQC05TIkCTc8fTfietuOjXRWKrZ6tta3ORGZLpVs6Jir60yGlQeOXzWobFPmVEra5AuzSHNMb1i9Odn19kIV2mbuS32xAiAhis5TL2NqUHBVuM-Jssk/s3315/m42a.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2179" data-original-width="3315" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomog2FLE-Ge5O2XScalY1RPAbc7AcOA0_cDCimEQ3XrMA5iXfwlRZBIaRGm0uSxKjXXaWm_OSoQC05TIkCTc8fTfietuOjXRWKrZ6tta3ORGZLpVs6Jir60yGlQeOXzWobFPmVEra5AuzSHNMb1i9Odn19kIV2mbuS32xAiAhis5TL2NqUHBVuM-Jssk/w400-h263/m42a.tiff" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0kWC5SgXmUCujKOtYKlHADD4M1bm4L71om8VGSTE4POtN1B4qIWX6wkkbra7U5LSW6ScMd8lEPxAw6wUQHkeGiHT2p_k3XQSJgNGAfRH0uo4mM__F9sLrLBjwFOb-YdAKEQtD2WhZTwnR98wZBuLtrDpl8LhHasNkUckos4UhnanIRL3-Dqhvpnk_eM/s4834/starnet%203%20edit%20aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4834" data-original-width="3131" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0kWC5SgXmUCujKOtYKlHADD4M1bm4L71om8VGSTE4POtN1B4qIWX6wkkbra7U5LSW6ScMd8lEPxAw6wUQHkeGiHT2p_k3XQSJgNGAfRH0uo4mM__F9sLrLBjwFOb-YdAKEQtD2WhZTwnR98wZBuLtrDpl8LhHasNkUckos4UhnanIRL3-Dqhvpnk_eM/w259-h400/starnet%203%20edit%20aa.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The Rosette nebula</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYn200MwY5NlTTdSC6xPPqyXwM0lD079pgfOF2ttLUz4SSAF7RV1zkRP3jAMpn5uhMYR9w6MdaRBfj_V2kubqUhY4iqe1ydFTiJ07FTA7wv5cNd5IKvvBgRxA0aZRGyHKxPgz6nL6xTyF3G97vJgB3-h90f7KYS8PC8GbpO68pwMdkrF9NhnKTSAKELo/s4354/starless%20final%201.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2409" data-original-width="4354" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYn200MwY5NlTTdSC6xPPqyXwM0lD079pgfOF2ttLUz4SSAF7RV1zkRP3jAMpn5uhMYR9w6MdaRBfj_V2kubqUhY4iqe1ydFTiJ07FTA7wv5cNd5IKvvBgRxA0aZRGyHKxPgz6nL6xTyF3G97vJgB3-h90f7KYS8PC8GbpO68pwMdkrF9NhnKTSAKELo/w400-h221/starless%20final%201.tiff" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaPRkwg0BjvtGNJNkco1Gq9JBEZLEfA_6hfhIKJv7g1sc5aREc6YigjpJOGKZhvWS4E8_E4DAKzAadeXohwPwRYect8HUoZR4wg5snp0kOObJ5fRKHnh0SPpR9Gq-WzO6HbqDo5HntmhYd1ph7XzYSGu8mXfJQaxR6EHlJy_eeC6JERG3MxPLCOZZ3lM/s2246/final%20image%20result.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2246" data-original-width="2172" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaPRkwg0BjvtGNJNkco1Gq9JBEZLEfA_6hfhIKJv7g1sc5aREc6YigjpJOGKZhvWS4E8_E4DAKzAadeXohwPwRYect8HUoZR4wg5snp0kOObJ5fRKHnh0SPpR9Gq-WzO6HbqDo5HntmhYd1ph7XzYSGu8mXfJQaxR6EHlJy_eeC6JERG3MxPLCOZZ3lM/w386-h400/final%20image%20result.tiff" width="386" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The Veil nebula</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1BlB91NYnUkKGmmXCCXnAg4mkIM8zQZdpdJM4MH-x79wOAzBQcr9lr5hUaVNNv_GWM5dJ_DBwodmlKIW6F3r5EILts2WvczjiCF_NLYHgfGyzJpRgBcesYYYQKous0YNdPrNNFovoFGtkCT_asqE0UVzIoegBGgaj_nH8REDKA247sD_Wat0jYMj8IY/s2372/finall%20saved.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2372" data-original-width="2323" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE1BlB91NYnUkKGmmXCCXnAg4mkIM8zQZdpdJM4MH-x79wOAzBQcr9lr5hUaVNNv_GWM5dJ_DBwodmlKIW6F3r5EILts2WvczjiCF_NLYHgfGyzJpRgBcesYYYQKous0YNdPrNNFovoFGtkCT_asqE0UVzIoegBGgaj_nH8REDKA247sD_Wat0jYMj8IY/w391-h400/finall%20saved.tiff" width="391" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><br />stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-60167453615233320062023-12-07T19:20:00.002+00:002023-12-07T19:20:20.242+00:00And once upon a time, here cometh a solitary clear night <p> <a href="https://youtu.be/jc4whJ9QjaY" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/jc4whJ9QjaY</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jc4whJ9QjaY" width="320" youtube-src-id="jc4whJ9QjaY"></iframe></div><br /><p>And it was very cold! 😃</p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-60462073625077829272023-11-10T12:30:00.005+00:002023-11-15T17:49:42.238+00:00Boat trailer maintenance tips <p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt;">If like me, you
have had the wheel hubs collapse on your old boat trailer, you will appreciate
the importance of having a regular maintenance schedule. At that time, I didn’t
and it served me right. After fourteen years sterling service, the old trailer
was consigned to the great scrapyard in the sky. The axle stubs had been badly
scarred and bent. The damage had been done.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb90pVKLLjNeMuYO-6VHZFi83kThZfwU9KlxixoAEJ8w9NeXjaCkbqeDWzQuy-mDkQJJDNSpvn6Zh03e4WXllwPE1xYEkEBjGsEUPr5kwzyZz_ZQWx0-K1E53ObN0vESStoJXwlqLkNDEORLxkhZrGUjm1e9BZHNncapvoNYMEGz0qq-S28SLtGgPw9kY/s1600/IMG_20210708_085000020_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb90pVKLLjNeMuYO-6VHZFi83kThZfwU9KlxixoAEJ8w9NeXjaCkbqeDWzQuy-mDkQJJDNSpvn6Zh03e4WXllwPE1xYEkEBjGsEUPr5kwzyZz_ZQWx0-K1E53ObN0vESStoJXwlqLkNDEORLxkhZrGUjm1e9BZHNncapvoNYMEGz0qq-S28SLtGgPw9kY/w400-h300/IMG_20210708_085000020_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIW_xxfU6ZN_qgCSNlSbIXl5q990a1Rb3_n2Y0GLj5slhyphenhyphen1FSuuaY2e7OJaPB1XVDiNjgHYaeavl_MSFK_sby00zlepNdDUQkFPu6faVrCtoWXR93VsLdpPV_crVGag0NxRHELzvVB04dzJxUCCaiPuJB_73d27SClbVu18IDIeXiojMUJ_v5pAwUM4-0/s1600/IMG_20210708_085934501_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIW_xxfU6ZN_qgCSNlSbIXl5q990a1Rb3_n2Y0GLj5slhyphenhyphen1FSuuaY2e7OJaPB1XVDiNjgHYaeavl_MSFK_sby00zlepNdDUQkFPu6faVrCtoWXR93VsLdpPV_crVGag0NxRHELzvVB04dzJxUCCaiPuJB_73d27SClbVu18IDIeXiojMUJ_v5pAwUM4-0/w400-h300/IMG_20210708_085934501_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-OF_eq0vrCWoXLtsAMu6PGTwk57T-qgbexaL_4siLZHgG6nOc3nV1wGQBLbvVXoQ7xYsnghYDF2ameNbG7PGPTaPd3Tx5hEF_D1Fxo3oUWWS4A7Av5C8e91fi8Ycfs565FSJYgMpcZa1rGoB_0jBqqpOtRyl1ntsoOMpCfY6-gShJqdU1RiiUyPuzCk/s1600/IMG_20210711_171541986_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-OF_eq0vrCWoXLtsAMu6PGTwk57T-qgbexaL_4siLZHgG6nOc3nV1wGQBLbvVXoQ7xYsnghYDF2ameNbG7PGPTaPd3Tx5hEF_D1Fxo3oUWWS4A7Av5C8e91fi8Ycfs565FSJYgMpcZa1rGoB_0jBqqpOtRyl1ntsoOMpCfY6-gShJqdU1RiiUyPuzCk/w300-h400/IMG_20210711_171541986_HDR.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One mile from
home, after a three-mile trip back from the local ramp; within minutes of each
other, both hubs exploding and collapsing! Axle stubs badly damaged and hubs
shot to pieces. Ho hum! It is, frankly, embarrassing! And yes of course it happened on a narrow
road, on a bend, opposite a busy entrance to a local golf course driving range,
during the home time rush hour, on one of those busy ‘community connecting
routes. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now I have a
new ‘gleaming’ ‘unbraked’ trailer from Admiral Trailers up at Honiton in Devon;
and very pleased with it I am too! Heavily adapted from one of their stock
trailers, I have promised myself and more importantly, signed a contract <i>with
my blood</i> for the ‘boss’ that says <i>“I will do maintenance checks every
trip out and monthly inspections too”. </i>Apparently, I will die before I have
another new trailer! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXoHiJY1De6E4tNMjyXF477LeMTT7kGzG7cDaP6kGUjuEJjpiWwnOGO-ZdMEzhGDhzJlLw8pHKbfJa97qRqlhE8MDId-QhEbs1BMRAhwUWPmvgcJC5JqYc6-7yFpEVqhJXGJFJ4-pBUTkMYKWu4f669-3CGWyCGvhMtFJ6pgA2ZGOJaaogl-4ZLJl_fCc/s2048/trailer%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXoHiJY1De6E4tNMjyXF477LeMTT7kGzG7cDaP6kGUjuEJjpiWwnOGO-ZdMEzhGDhzJlLw8pHKbfJa97qRqlhE8MDId-QhEbs1BMRAhwUWPmvgcJC5JqYc6-7yFpEVqhJXGJFJ4-pBUTkMYKWu4f669-3CGWyCGvhMtFJ6pgA2ZGOJaaogl-4ZLJl_fCc/w400-h300/trailer%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>This is the basic trailer I got but it as been adapted with extra 'raised' keel rollers, the rear part of the central spine cut off to give a hull overhang</i></div><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You can find out more about the new trailer by searching 'admirals trailers' in the search box opposite. Or use this link <a href="https://arwensmeanderings.blogspot.com/search?q=boat+trailer" target="_blank">https://arwensmeanderings.blogspot.com/search?q=boat+trailer</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So, without
further ado – here is my check list for trailer maintenance! All common sense
but easily forgotten in the excitement of getting out on the water or sailing
new destinations. I know, it sounds ‘nerdy’ but hey it’s a list that works for
me and I hope it is of use to others too! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Before each
trip out</span></u></b><u><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have a
routine – it takes a few minutes and it covers <b><i>brakes and bearings,
electrical components, hitch coupler, tyres and safety chains. <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Test tyre pressures and visual check for wear and tear concerns<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Put spare trailer tyre in the car boot<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Check wheel bearing protector caps secure; check tightness of lug nuts<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The safety breakaway chain coupling is intact<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lighting board/lights work correctly; lighting board connector pins - clean
and dry<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hitch coupling works correctly <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">All wobble and keel rollers are securely pinned, not crushed or
collapsed and are functioning correctly<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">No loose bolts holding trailer components together<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">No severe rust areas or stress fractures evident on frame<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Boat trailer toolkit put in car boot with wheel chocks and car jack<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">11.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Test winch strap bow eye hook functions correctly; bow eye is secure;
boat winch ratchet working correctly <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">12.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mudguard checked for splits, looseness and rusting/loose bolts and nuts<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">13.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jockey wheel check<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">14.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After hitching up to car and before leaving – a final walk around check
of boat security, correct storing of items etc. A ‘BIG’ visual check.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After each boat
retrieval</span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rinse the trailer at slip way - particular attention to wheels, rims,
hubs and any internal frame areas that are open/exposed and all rollers on the
trailer <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Back home, the following day after wheel hubs have cooled, top off
grease levels in hubs<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Although not
relating to my trailer as it is unbraked, I guess that those with bigger or
braked trailers would also <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ensure trailer brakes are clean <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Have brake shoes/pads inspected annually<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One every month
or two</span></u></b><b><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">,</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> as per ‘<i>blood signed’</i> contractual
promise, I check<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tyres for wear and aging; check air pressures<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lubricate the trailer hitch coupling unit<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Check the lighting board that light units are tight and not leaking;
that wires are not pulled out or frayed<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">WD40 the lighting board connector
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Top up the hub bearings with grease via a grease gun <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Clean the rim and check the tyre seal against it; check wheel nut torque<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">7.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Grease all keel and wobble roller pins and spindles<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Top up waterproof grease on winch mechanism if needed <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">9.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Test the jockey wheel and if necessary WD40 spray or grease moving parts<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">10.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Structural integrity assessment of the frame and drawbar; a check on all
U bolts – tightness, rust etc. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">11.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Look at the winch strap to see if it is fraying anywhere; grease the
actual winch mechanism<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">12.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Check trailer ratchet straps for condition and that they are still
securing boat to trailer correctly <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">13.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Check the mudguard attachment bolts <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So, let’s go
into a little more detail on each of these checks. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Trailer tyres
and wheels<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tyre pressures
– low pressure can cause delamination, blow outs, worn tyres etc. I inflate to
max rating on the tyre wall. Arwen sits on a steeply sloping drive and the
wheels are chocked by concrete blocks, so periodically I will take the trailer
off the drive to move the wheel position. The spare lives in the garage but I
check it as part of the trailer tyre routine. As with our motorhome, I look at
wear and tear on the tyres every few months. I’m not so concerned about tread
depth as scratches and nicks on sidewalls or evidence of uneven wear across the
full tyre tread width; or bulging – some
of which might indicate a bearing issue, an out of alignment axle stub etc. Over
winter I’m conscious that in colder weather air pressure in tyres may lessen! And
now contentiously I’m sure – when do you replace tyres? On our motorhome –
every six years even if they still have tread and are in good condition. I will
be doing the same with this trailer. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Wheel bearings<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ugh! Still have
nightmares about ‘trailer disaster day’! Arwen’s trailer wheels have hub caps
with a tiny pinprick hole in the top. I pump in waterproof grease via the
nipple until a tiny stringy bit comes out of the hole. Them bearings are then
well greased – its packed in! Perhaps it is time to invest in the spring-loaded
proper wheel bearing protectors. Whichever arrangement you have – make sure you
grease them regularly. I grease the nipples every time just before I submerge
the trailer. I also run some grease around the back of the hubs as well. It
seems to be working! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have promised
to disassemble the hubs every other year, clean them and repack them with
grease. Its on the contract, signed with my blood! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">By the way, how
do you know your bearings might be on the way out? You see grease seeping out on
the wheel hub exterior; unexplained grinding/squeaking noises when you rotate
the wheels; the wheels don’t spin freely when you have jacked the trailer up. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Safety trailer
chain coupling <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">No rust, no
fractures, no worn links. Simple! A visual check that it is still securely
attached and not showing any drag or rust damage. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Trailer
lighting board <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Check your
lights every time you hook up! Its simple! Ensure your towing connection sits
correctly in its little cup when storing the trailer. Better still buy a little
green protective cap for it. Ensure the connectors on both socket and pins are
clean. None of the wires are pulling out of the little rubber grommets on the board;
nor are they showing signs of fraying/chafing. WD40 the lighting board
connector. I don’t have trailer wire tubes on my trailer – the long cable runs
along the boat side deck and then down over the bow to the car socket. So, if
your arrangement is like mine – check that the cable is tied securely and wont
drop down onto the road; and that it has sufficient slack in it so you can go
around sharp corners without socket and pin separating! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hitch coupling <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It’s still in
good condition? It fits properly? All the parts move correctly and cleanly? I
grease the moving/locking parts but I don’t grease the friction plate/collar
that surrounds the tow ball. Now I know that some people do. I’m jury out on
this one because I just don’t know enough about this. If it wont lock correctly or it appears dented
by the way – play safe - replace it! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Keel and wobble
rollers </span></u></b><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">(Or bunks if
you have these) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I visually
inspect these before I go on a trip. None are loose; none collapsed. Every few
months I <b><u>regrease spindles and pins. No loose bolts/nuts, no badly rusted
holding brackets. I don’t have</u></b> bunks but I guess it would be checking
the quality of the carpeting etc. For support rollers, I also check they are in
correct position and haven’t been jolted looser. Arwen shouldn’t rock even a
tiny fraction if the wobble rollers are at their correct heights.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Trailer frame
components<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My trailer is
galvanised but the two main pieces are open at the end because the lighting
board extension arms fit inside them and are locked in place with screw
threaded handles. After every retrieval the trailer is washed down at the slip,
including sticking the hose up the interior of these tubes. The locking screw
handle threads are greased after every trip. The lighting board bungie cords
get checked every couple of months although the lighting board is stored in the
garage between trips. Before each trip I do a quick visual – bolts, rust areas
etc. No obvious cracks in frame. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Boat trailer
toolkit<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here is what I
carry in a small box – a grease gun, spare can of grease, cloths, tyre
inflator, car jack, one axle stand, plastic wheel chocks, ¾” plywood board on
which jack base can stand, four way lug wrench, torch, small foam sleeping roll
mat, a plastic tupperware box to put nuts etc in, pliers, hammer, flat-blade
screwdriver. What’s in yours? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Boat trailer
winch and boat bow eye<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ratchet
mechanism has waterproof grease on moving parts and the strap has wound back on
correctly. The winch hook is greased and rust free. Bow eye is still tight and
secure on boat stem. The winch strap stitching is good and there is no frayed/worn
areas. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mudguards<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I check them
for splits/fractures, correct alignment and that their securing brackets are
sturdy and not loose. I periodically check the holding nuts and bolts and
grease those as well every couple of months. I’ll give the interior of mudguards
a good clean at the end of the sailing season and then at the end of the winter
storage season as well. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jockey Wheel<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On shallow
slips I have to almost completely immerse the trailer right up to the top of
the mudguards so that Arwen floats off. I often resort to a rope launch to stop
the car wheels going into the briny. The jockey wheel therefore gets
periodically immersed. Every trip it gets rinsed down on the slip but the
following day I will quickly unwind the leg as fully as possible and spray it
with WD40; I’ll also waterproof grease the wheel spindle area as well. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Trailer brakes<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Being the owner
of an unbraked trailer I feel totally ill equipped to proffer any advice on
this matter at all. My take on brakes is that they should be rinsed immediately
after every immersion – part of the routine when you do the wheels and lug
nuts. My Dad, a retired engineer and once upon a time car enthusiast suggests
that brake drums/pads be checked every year – cracks, unusual wear patterns,
contamination. At the same time inspect brake lines. Researching this post, I read that if the reservoir
level is suddenly low it suggests a leak in the pipes somewhere. I know that braked trailers, like our old caravan, will
have a breakaway system as well. Make sure that you check that works effectively as
well. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Other bits and
pieces<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My son when he
was a teenager did a full restoration on a 1968 barn find battered Motovespa
super 125 small frame vespa. ‘Stacey’ had her own ‘second hand’ trailer. It had
leaf springs and we had to replace one set because they were badly corroded,
cracked, rusted and useless! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Remember I’m an
overcautious, overthinking, overcomplicating nerdy type! But I hope this is a useful checklist reminder for you, just in case like me, you’ve reached an
age where <i>‘things begin to slip your memory’</i>! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #383838; letter-spacing: 0.2pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">References: <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.discoverboating.com/ownership/towing-and-trailering/boat-trailer-maintenance#:~:text=Check%20the%20brake%20fluid%20reservoir,not%20towing%20to%20prevent%20corrosion">https://www.discoverboating.com/ownership/towing-and-trailering/boat-trailer-maintenance#:~:text=Check%20the%20brake%20fluid%20reservoir,not%20towing%20to%20prevent%20corrosion</a> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://seatow.com/blog/5-tips-for-maintaining-your-boat-trailer/">https://seatow.com/blog/5-tips-for-maintaining-your-boat-trailer/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://betterboat.com/blogs/boating/boat-trailer-maintenance-tips">https://betterboat.com/blogs/boating/boat-trailer-maintenance-tips</a><span style="color: #303236; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.bassproboatingcenters.com/blog/boat-trailer-maintenance.html">https://www.bassproboatingcenters.com/blog/boat-trailer-maintenance.html</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.warwicktrailers.co.uk/vehicle-checklist/">https://www.warwicktrailers.co.uk/vehicle-checklist/</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span color="windowtext">Copyright Steve Parke, Arwen’s Meanderings </span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><br clear="all" style="break-before: page; mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-8142477384625726762023-11-07T15:28:00.002+00:002023-11-07T19:24:35.142+00:00When Arwen met Polly <p> A quick sail with Kevin who arrived down Plymouth Sound with his lovely wooden boat 'Polly'. Not the best day for a sail - very strong spring tidal flows in nasty westerly winds which made for difficult sailing conditions on the Sound. I gave up sailing Arwen after a while - I got trapped in Jennycliffe Bay and struggled to get out of it so resorted to motoring. Ah well! </p><p>I was very impressed with Kev and the way he sailed Polly everywhere. It was noticeable how he could get about 40 degrees off the wind whereas Arwen prefers 60 degrees. Could I keep up with him? Could I heck 😆!! One minute we were exiting the Cattedown together, next minute he was well up Jennycliffe Bay. Then he disappeared across to Drakes Island. </p><p>Choppy, plenty of spray. It was a good day. I followed Polly and Kev across to barn Pool by Mount Edgecumbe with a view to beaching and showing Kev how my anchor bungie buddy worked but it wasn't to be - the spring tide currents along the beach were phenomenal and I rapidly abandoned that idea before Kev arrived. </p><p>Kev sailed plenty and I learned loads. Thanks Kev. </p><p>And so a very short segment of video from Polly coming out of the Cattedown - You will see Arwen somewhere on occasions! </p><p><a href="https://gopro.com/v/9mrbw3Pb3nRW3" target="_blank">https://gopro.com/v/9mrbw3Pb3nRW3</a><br /></p><p>and below my take on events out of the Cattedown!! An unintentional masterclass from Kevin on how to sail well in blustery conditions. Boy he and Polly are a good combination. '60 seconds and gone' 😂</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/YXgZFOUlROI" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/YXgZFOUlROI</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YXgZFOUlROI" width="320" youtube-src-id="YXgZFOUlROI"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kevin's YouTube channel can be found at </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtube.com/@sailingpolly-adventuresona9709?si=gqLgRGTavi7raGlb" target="_blank">https://youtube.com/@sailingpolly-adventuresona9709?si=gqLgRGTavi7raGlb</a><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-89159089001081047592023-11-04T17:04:00.000+00:002023-11-04T17:04:24.104+00:00What does 'traditional' mean to you when applied to a small sailing boat? <p> This post is based upon videos, discussions and comments had by members of the Small Traditional Sailing Boat Facebook group. I had already been thinking about the word 'traditional' for some time; since last year in fact, when a passer by made comment that Arwen had nice traditional lines and rig and was a very 'traditional' looking boat. The gent disappeared off before I could question him further, so I never got to unpick what it was he was eluding to. </p><p>Most of the material in this blog post today comes from the STSB group. I have inserted a few of my own ideas - you can tell where for as usual- they will make no sense to any one! </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I am one of
the admins for the Facebook Group <b>‘Small Traditional Sailing Boats’; </b>a
group I joined on a whim and have since then been learning heaps from. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
nothing about boats, so, I’m never sure I have anything of worth to contribute.
After all, those who follow my blog know I came to sailing late in life. I built
a boat before I learned to sail and I have only ever stepped aboard/sailed six
other boats before Arwen – some different lasers (One, Pico, Stratos and Bahia),
a Drascombe Coaster and a Wayfarer. I did two ‘learning to sail’ courses in the
Med and a Day Skipper Three day course in Plymouth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the sum total of my knowledge about
boats, sailing and all things nautical! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: black;">The 'Small
Traditional Sailing Boats' (STSB)</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> group
is lovely. Friendly, supportive, informative, passionate, knowledgeable,
inspirational. Such positivity! A privilege to be a member of such a great
group and if you are into small traditional sailing boats, <i>I genuinely urge you
to look up this group. You will not regret joining it.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">So, as you
can imagine, I have recently been fascinated by a series of conversations and
discussions about <i>what ‘Traditional’ means </i>to individual group members.
Below I have tried to summarise the points made by video contributors and some
of the comment discussion that emerged afterwards. I may have got some of the arguments wrong or poorly expressed and so I proffer my humble apologies at the very start!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">My deep thanks</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"> <b>to Joe Farrow, Howard Rice, Vincent van
der Post, Captain David Gardner, Nick Edmunds, Michael W Jones and Tom Cunliffe
</b>for taking the time to post informative, thoughtful videos<b> </b>on the group site. And of
course, to all those who got involved in the discussions afterwards via
comments. Thoroughly illuminating. And as always, as a novice sailor, I learned
heaps! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><u><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">“What
does ‘traditional’ mean to me?”<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">When I
first had this question posed to me, I panicked. My lamentable lack of
knowledge about small traditional sailing boats was about to be put under the
spotlight! I had no ideas in my head! At a push I can identify a Salcombe Yawl,
a Cornish Shrimper, a Drascombe and a few of John Welsford’s designs. Push me
on a very good day and I might be able to tell you the difference between a
standing lug sail, a gaff rig and a Bermudian sail. Pitiful! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><b><i><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Anyway,
this idea of ‘traditional’. What is my thinking on this now? What have I
learned from the videos and discussions?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Having
listened to all the discussions and read all the comments, I’m thinking<i> ‘Traditional’
refers to the key characteristics/traits in a boat that reflect its historical
design, construction methods and sailing rig/techniques;</i> such things that
make it different from more modern designs today. This would <i>include
discussions about form and function, building materials and modifications made</i>.
There is within the word ‘traditional’ also an implied <i>‘historical
significance’ argument</i>. In fact, some group members have argued that a boat
can only be ‘traditional’ if it predates the advent of the gasoline engine
(although a caveat to this is that modern adaptions of these old boats could be
still called ‘traditional’ if they hold firm to the form and function of the
original). Many contributors argued that ‘traditional’ boats vary in design <i>based
on the region, culture and specific purposes for which they were built</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dhow in the Middle East or the felucca in
Egypt, for example, were a product of their environment and culture, used as
fishing boats and for transportation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">If this is
a broad summary of the discussions that emerged, it needs a little teasing
apart, just for my own peace of mind and understanding as someone who knows
little about boats. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">At its
simplest then, the term ‘Traditional’ is referring to a set of characteristics.
Like, for example, the <i>‘building materials’</i> used in a small traditional
sailing boat. Some argued that a ‘traditional’ boat would simply be constructed
of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>wood (oak, Cedar, mahogany), oil, tar,
hemp, caulking and painting. Copper rivets perhaps. No epoxy, no glass sheathing,
no modern materials. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">‘Traditional’
could also refer to the <i>design and construction techniques</i> used in a small
sailing boat – plank on frame, lapstrake/clinker construction; the fastening of
wooden planks using various techniques such as riveting, caulking or other
traditional joinery approaches. Is there something here to do with
‘hand-crafted’ as well? Those almost lost artisanal skills, that skilled craftsmen
from the generations of boat builders and custodians before us, passed down? Does
‘tradition’ refer to constructional methods from a time ago that were based on
the most effective and efficient use of materials and implements to hand at any
given point in time? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Although
not specifically mentioned in any discussion, I pause here because I wonder if
associated with the argument above is another principle. Does ‘Traditional’ imply
a <i style="color: black;">‘sense of responsibility’</i> we might feel to being the custodian of a
small sailing boat? Carrying out regular maintenance using these old ‘traditional’
construction techniques to conserve old design features in our current boats? I
may be clutching at straws here, for what do I know about boats in general? Nothing! But it strikes me that learning the old ‘traditional’ way of whipping
and spicing your boat’s ropes, is preserving a sense of ‘traditional’ approach.
Using the old hand plane passed down to me from my father, his father, and his
father’s father, is another sense of ‘traditional’ is it not? That plane was
used to create bevels in stringers and create flat surfaces for lapstrake planks to sit neatly against each other in Arwen. My father taught me how to use that
plane correctly. His Father taught him. 'Traditional'!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which leads us back to another consideration
around design and construction methods. That principle of <i>‘evolution’</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was much discussion and comment on the
group Facebook pages about this. Building materials and construction methods have
evolved over time. We use more modern building methods/materials in our boats –
wood can now be glass sheathed and joined with epoxy. Gaps can be filled with….you
get the picture. So can we call these boats built like this, ‘traditional’? The
consensus, with the odd objection, seemed to be yes. Someone observed that <i>“most
small boats today are a variation of a traditional design because most of their
designers draw inspiration from what has worked in the past. They merely
adapt/change things to meet the needs of current users today”</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">But wait!
This theme of <i>‘evolution’</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is ‘traditional’
not also associated with the <i>‘changing form and function’</i> of a small
sailing boat? There was much discussion about how ‘traditional’ refers to <i>an
interplay and balance between science and art?</i> Between <i>form and function?</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many ‘traditional’ boats <i>evolved from
workmanlike principles</i> – their appearance, seakeeping qualities, how they
handled in different seas, their simplicity of use for the job they were built
for, their level of safety. Old working boats were a <i>‘product of their
environment’</i> (and to a certain extent, their <i>‘cultural setting’</i>, but
I’ll come back to that before I confuse myself and you good reader any
further); boats designed to function within particular locations with
particular environmental constraints and working factors in mind. Did they have
to be easy to maintain? Able to be efficient and effective under sail and oar?
Easy and safe to sail single handed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boats
over time thus evolved in shape, form and function; in comfort, volume,
seaworthiness, shelter, draft, displacement, efficiency, safety, stability,
ease of maintenance. <i>"Adaptation of sensible solutions to particular
work-related problems, scenarios and environments were made!", </i>as one commentator noted. In which case, can
a boat of wood with modern materials and building methods be deemed to be ‘traditional’
because it is based on traditional values, such as those to do with safety and seaworthiness, that were developed long ago? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Although not explicitly mentioned, I guess this argument can be seem in the <i>development
of sailing rigs.</i> I personally associate the word ‘traditional’ with any small sailing boat with an 'old' style sailing rig. But then I am, as I
have already said, quite naive and simplistic on these matters. But, surely certain rigs must
have evolved under certain environmental, locational and working practice
factors long ago?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can it be this simple?
Does ‘traditional’ imply some form of rigging choices? Classic designs like the
various lug sail designs? The use of natural fibres – cotton, hemp, manilla? As
a geographer, old landscape paintings fascinate me. Old coastal landscapes
really fascinate me. Such paintings from the 17<sup>th</sup> century onwards –
do not many of the fishing boats within such scenes have various lug sail
permutations? Why might this be? I sail a boat with a standing lug yawl sail
plan. It is simple to use, dependable (especially in strong winds), easily
repairable and easy to drop sail on. Spars and yards are short and easy to stow
away within the boat as I set it<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>up for
rowing. The rig performs well on most points of sail. Let go of the sheet and
heave the mizzen tight and the boat sits there comfortably. I could see how old
fishermen would use this rig, sure that they were safe whilst hauling back in
their full nets. Tan sails hide the dirt and daily wear and tear. Lug sails - simple,
efficient, rigged on a short mast with a minimum of running rigging. Its tack
just aft of the mast and able to be set with or without a boom – mine has a sprit
boom by the way. I’m going out on a limb here - for me, personally – a boat may
have modern materials and building methods but if it is based on an old boat
design and possesses an old well proven sailing rig, then it can be classed ‘traditional’.
There I’ve said it; now where did I put my tin hat? Incoming!!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">So, ‘traditional’
boats <i>‘evolved’ due to materials and construction methods but also of course
to work demands – form and function meeting particular environmental and
locational factors.</i> Up my local river, the old Tamar barges evolved their
form and function to negotiate shallow creeks and tidal mudbanks/flats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flat bottomed to trade where there was no
quayside; drop keels to overcome leeway and currents; a simple wide voluminous hull
with flat transom, rounded bows and shallow draft – function and form. Probably
not a good example, but the best I can come up with at short notice! But, in
saying this, is there now another aspect to do with the word ‘traditional’? One
of <i>aesthetics?</i> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">‘Traditional’
refers to this aspect does it not, surely? Elegant lines that reflect the
historical context in which it was built? Decorative elements, traditional
paintwork?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I am clutching at
straws again on this one as well. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">There is a <i>cultural
context</i> to the use of the word ‘traditional’. Some boats are ‘traditional’
because of their historical significance within a particular area - their use
for centuries with minimal changes to design; the cultural importance they are
held in within a particular region, community or ethnic grouping. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">‘Traditional’
can also be a <i>personal interpretation.</i> Although this aspect was barely
explored, it was mentioned in discussions. Perhaps a boat can be termed ‘traditional’
because of the <i>feelings</i>/<i>emotions</i> it evokes when you see it or
step aboard it. This is a personal interpretation, individualistic to each of
us. It is a <i>‘feeling’</i> we have towards a particular design/small boat; an
instinct about how it looks and how it will behave out on the water. Aesthetic
appeal, the smell of varnish/paint, the amount of varnished wood and hemp rope
on show. Its simplicity of design and line, sense of internal space and
generosity of freeboard. The sense of confidence it instils in us regarding its
safety and seaworthiness. The emotions the vessel provokes through sound and
smell – the creaking spar against the mast, the rhythmic clunk of a centreboard
in its case; the bubbles and ripples along its hull as it surges forward. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">In a
similar vein, can ‘traditional’ also relate to the <i>‘experiences’</i> we have
within a particular small sailing boat? Arwen’s natural haunt is sniffing up
the creeks, lakes, marshes and upper river reaches of the Tamar system.
Centreboard bouncing along mudflat edges, rapid sequences of tacking in narrow
river channels. We follow in the sailing courses of the old Tamar barge and farm produce boat skippers
as they once hauled cargo between the old quaysides, lime kilns, farming hards,
brickworks and old mines that litter the slopes of this extensive Devon and
Cornish valley. Within these waters, I have to develop an understanding of
tidal river fluid dynamics - those currents and eddies; how the wind spills off
different slopes and where the treacherous mud banks might be found, ready to
trap and ground you. Where currents, reedbeds and ‘huffing’ the margins can
give you a lift around the next meander bend. The peace and solitude I get, the
appreciation of the river valleys and their quirks. The skills I use to
navigate into the upper most reaches by pole, oar and sail – reminiscent of
those once used by the barge and small trading boat skippers of old. ‘Traditional’
skills and knowledge used way back then and still used today. Essentially its ‘traditional’
<i>seamanship/boatmanship,</i> is it not? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Finally,
there was a beautiful argument made about whether <i>a ‘traditional’ boat is one
that attracts interesting people alongside it</i>. Such people will recognise
certain elements of form, function, design and aesthetics that have their
origins in the past. These people appreciate a wooden boat! They appreciate
that wood has been used as a boat build material for centuries. They appreciate
that this wood came from a forest and was worked on – shaped, formed. It was
held together by natural fastenings using old working methods. Such interesting
people who come to admire a small boat know and understand the rhythms of
nature; they understand timing! How the length of a person’s lifespan can be
measured in the length of the life of a wooden boat. It’s a nice perceptive observation.
Arwen often draws many admirers. Not for her smart appearance I might add, for
she is a much-neglected vessel in needs of some serious cosmetic TLC. No, people
comment on her lines, her ‘traditional’ sail plan and its numerous advantages; her
hull shape and its seakeeping properties. How she handles in a blow. Those
elements are recognisable by those who know! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">So, have I
clarified my thinking on what does ‘traditional’ mean when applied to a small
sailing boat? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I’m
beginning to! I think! May be not yet! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Have I accurately
summarised the discussion points from group members with simplicity and clarity
– I very much doubt that and so I humbly apologise for this failing! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">Perhaps the
last words, as way of a summary, should be left to some commentators from the STSB group. One
observed that <i>“what defines a boat as ‘traditional’ can be based on
different regions, cultures and eras. It can encompass a wide range of designs
and construction methods that evolved over time due to particular locational, environmental
and working demands. But, what is possibly important is that the term ‘traditional’
places emphasis on preserving historical construction, design and sailing
methods”.</i> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Another
noted <i>“are what we now all sail developmental hybrids of those early work
boats adapted to a society with time on their hands for recreation?”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">I think
Michael W Jones may have had it right when he observed <i>“Don’t worry about
strict definitions of ‘traditional’. Take your boat, adapt it to your needs.
Make sure it is safe, simple, easy to use and easy to rig. Go and have fun
sailing it.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">If you want
to contribute further to the debate on what does ‘traditional’ mean to you in the
context of a small sailing boat – then why not find one of the conversation
threads using the group homepage search bar and add in your comments. <o:p></o:p></span></p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-1359821819957757642023-10-30T16:58:00.001+00:002023-10-30T16:58:07.903+00:00Dinghy cruising Mudlarking up the river Lynher Day two here is day two of our recent little micro adventure cruise up the river Lynher to Redshanks Beach. it is the morning after the night before and if you watched the other two episodes then you will know what I mean! <div>You can access the other two videos on my channel <a href="www.YouTube.com/plymouthwelshboy " target="_blank">www.YouTube.com/plymouthwelshboy</a> or look back over the last few posts on this blog. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway here we go: <a href="https://youtu.be/kYI1NL-Ls5M" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/kYI1NL-Ls5M</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kYI1NL-Ls5M" width="320" youtube-src-id="kYI1NL-Ls5M"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-44517272462560216012023-10-23T15:42:00.001+01:002023-10-25T16:00:20.725+01:00Arwen may well be joined by........<p> We are locked in a great family discussion about buying a 'family' tandem sit on top Kayak. </p><p>My daughter has taken up surfing and wants to learning to stand up paddle board as well. She was as a youngster and teenager, a water baby, to be fair. Happiest on a beach - mainly rock pooling with her old Dad. And now she is an ecologist! Her husband is an 'outdoors' kind of guy. He prefers walking and camping but is happy to be on top of the water rather than in it. But, a double sit on top that could be paddled solo as well - he'd be up for that! He could accompany his wife whilst she was on the paddleboard.</p><p>My son is a mountain walker and he also loves wilderness canoeing. He has done canoe expeditions down our river Wye. He would be definitely up for a sit on top kayak as would his partner as well. She is up for anything outdoorsy as well. They live near some great large river systems over the east of the UK. Plenty of kayaking opportunities over that way. </p><p>As for me and the boss - well - when I was in my twenties, I was actually quite into kayaking and gained some level three BCU qualifications and participated on an instructor training course as well, although it was so long ago now that I cant quite remember all the particulars, other than I did courses at Calshot, somewhere in Pembrokeshire and Plas Y Brenin - along with a whole host of training and courses on summer and winter mountain leadership across the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia. </p><p>The boss enjoyed her paddle in a double sit on top across parts of Lake Powell and parts of the Colorado river when we toured the SW USA states last spring. She would accompany me for a paddle on days when it was 22C+, the water temperature was 18C+, there was no wind whatsoever and the sun shone all day. Through in a coffee, a wine bar, a beach and a good view - she'd be well happy. </p><p>And we have such great areas to paddle. The whole of the Tamar and Lynher river systems. Then there is the Erme, the Avon, the Dart and the Fowey, all within easy driving distance. All of the Kingsbridge estuary. The whole of Plymouth Sound. Along the coast, from Wembury to Cellars Beach; or around Burgh island. </p><p>So to cut a long story short - I've been out and about looking at tandem sit on kayaks and what an investment in one might mean for us and the family budget. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpgDZ_zgt-IcD4H_Hnh4n5bj0WLCgEQcEwqQQF_Bt6zI-vTW8i0qEUySEcUeZdcOieWXArNS5XkjR2Xfhcrp56acpP9iBKyGTC2Jj6SVXyk9xEoKeckrIB3Ko7wZrSavigMHYv1z8ERwzC4cHENJ253cJVdhdI9HZg_tjQxMUAYDuXLlAc4eE9dKIJzs/s1958/100_0147a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1958" data-original-width="1304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpgDZ_zgt-IcD4H_Hnh4n5bj0WLCgEQcEwqQQF_Bt6zI-vTW8i0qEUySEcUeZdcOieWXArNS5XkjR2Xfhcrp56acpP9iBKyGTC2Jj6SVXyk9xEoKeckrIB3Ko7wZrSavigMHYv1z8ERwzC4cHENJ253cJVdhdI9HZg_tjQxMUAYDuXLlAc4eE9dKIJzs/w266-h400/100_0147a.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I've built two wooden kayaks in the past and sold both on after a while</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>This one, Aneira, was lovely and tracked really well. I added a homemade rudder to it controlled by pedals within the hull. I also made a 'Greenland' style kayak paddle</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghZ2_WBxOlMrvWoZ_dhIXlyD5FXeA4NRMzDNs_Ia-sCVAprn_OBgB_vSVYs03FAI2vYmLwTyL8anEcfTtZxea9HQGyjKBqytsGygkHiqEptQ3qukPVP4mh3BhTo_vE6lakGW9MKsFb7ePVgb1YCxomQJUDnlDusGwBbNSGfeL9cQ5zk4LcTXYYBWICio/s1957/100_0151a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="1957" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghZ2_WBxOlMrvWoZ_dhIXlyD5FXeA4NRMzDNs_Ia-sCVAprn_OBgB_vSVYs03FAI2vYmLwTyL8anEcfTtZxea9HQGyjKBqytsGygkHiqEptQ3qukPVP4mh3BhTo_vE6lakGW9MKsFb7ePVgb1YCxomQJUDnlDusGwBbNSGfeL9cQ5zk4LcTXYYBWICio/w400-h266/100_0151a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I was able to indulge my hobby of pyrography as well. I have no idea where this design came from. It wasn't mine. Someone sent it to me and I loved it. </i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3e9jLtC9yyo016IB6qIEZgiMKAnKjY4nax_GhL6vV9ol_4Cgoaz5HyfQCqrBTenDW2pLeZCxVd42r79Qa2BturzoqwKMdrKW5G-TNnO8uD7HiqYHREtvzju_jzH9YgI_lVMQefhNDANu1YhfvSnwtJeyCB7hhY9RyBlMvNRibDso2a3-_lSVH1N3huM/s2448/100_0152a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="1632" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3e9jLtC9yyo016IB6qIEZgiMKAnKjY4nax_GhL6vV9ol_4Cgoaz5HyfQCqrBTenDW2pLeZCxVd42r79Qa2BturzoqwKMdrKW5G-TNnO8uD7HiqYHREtvzju_jzH9YgI_lVMQefhNDANu1YhfvSnwtJeyCB7hhY9RyBlMvNRibDso2a3-_lSVH1N3huM/w266-h400/100_0152a.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The wolf design was mine, sort of! I based it on several different drawings I found on-line and combined very similar ones into one final 'composite' image. </i></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEE7ezlX5nVOXTGL21n-GplmMIYy1H8icxBIBDPdDiOIE2ob25s8XJWcyfmllv6WlUTjGqrWwPQ2CU8kOWEE8y1TTiIH4N8LSrl6ANjLjVhmdst8vztxhTzvJTDXEJ8zbPWCtcuY7ado867pSSyEHpe2dNe42YT-scaz_ZcM99Oiyc7WqeuJv4lxL0ddg/s4160/IMG_20170813_173029216.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEE7ezlX5nVOXTGL21n-GplmMIYy1H8icxBIBDPdDiOIE2ob25s8XJWcyfmllv6WlUTjGqrWwPQ2CU8kOWEE8y1TTiIH4N8LSrl6ANjLjVhmdst8vztxhTzvJTDXEJ8zbPWCtcuY7ado867pSSyEHpe2dNe42YT-scaz_ZcM99Oiyc7WqeuJv4lxL0ddg/w225-h400/IMG_20170813_173029216.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I've also built a Wee Lassie canoe as well</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>It was 'fun' but a little too close to the water line and also a bit of a tight fit</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugSI1gkK-n2nT1osL9UejlO3DWs0MGEIY9n3_j1tQH5RbFd-G6984B8RMGi3IuhflPmg1dVu6yZZ5R-wG6XvUKeTXw8-_mL4o2V2FhBremRhEK7-9Kom-mbgNg18FyrS9jm2TYsYH8JeUYj9S7u84po9EiZEk9OARbe_E1XtNfRH-xwxdIoCVbQo3gVY/s4160/IMG_20170813_173046244.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="2340" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugSI1gkK-n2nT1osL9UejlO3DWs0MGEIY9n3_j1tQH5RbFd-G6984B8RMGi3IuhflPmg1dVu6yZZ5R-wG6XvUKeTXw8-_mL4o2V2FhBremRhEK7-9Kom-mbgNg18FyrS9jm2TYsYH8JeUYj9S7u84po9EiZEk9OARbe_E1XtNfRH-xwxdIoCVbQo3gVY/w225-h400/IMG_20170813_173046244.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Angharad's pyrography designs were all based on celtic designs - crosses, borders, patterns etc</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Anyway, getting back to the more modern versions. We have narrowed a new sit on top kayak down to two possibilities, although if you know of a third we should look at over here in the Uk, then do please drop me a comment in the box at the end of this post: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>the Feel Free Corona</b></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>the Feel Free Gemini Sport</b></li></ul><div><b><a href="https://www.manchester-canoes-and-kayaks.co.uk/sit-on-top-kayaks/feelfree-gemini-sport.htm" target="_blank">https://www.manchester-canoes-and-kayaks.co.uk/sit-on-top-kayaks/feelfree-gemini-sport.htm</a><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.manchester-canoes-and-kayaks.co.uk/sit-on-top-kayaks/feelfree-corona.htm" target="_blank">https://www.manchester-canoes-and-kayaks.co.uk/sit-on-top-kayaks/feelfree-corona.htm</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>NOTE: I am not endorsing this particular supplier in any way - but they had good pages which describe the two kayaks well. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGEpiTF5rCLcx0HowfPqzZGtu6-GYcUk3K33wFbWNEUSX0jVYzx-j8i-3cLuexh2vk9ubrDxkjAdcdMkk1nttyb4XAO6Amcpw21PP-kYlpUNK636fCagAU327b1PHNWozQuAHHyOjnfAkgtfet-P1pSX3aYOGqiF0XssBFy65wWAaY6DjlBHHZOO4DoM/s750/gemini-sport-features-l.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="750" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGEpiTF5rCLcx0HowfPqzZGtu6-GYcUk3K33wFbWNEUSX0jVYzx-j8i-3cLuexh2vk9ubrDxkjAdcdMkk1nttyb4XAO6Amcpw21PP-kYlpUNK636fCagAU327b1PHNWozQuAHHyOjnfAkgtfet-P1pSX3aYOGqiF0XssBFy65wWAaY6DjlBHHZOO4DoM/w400-h169/gemini-sport-features-l.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>the gemini sport </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyI7WUHQPoDEQMQMxEoyAef40-uPghI46GF7AoFJxiaBw4lYX_J_SvG8WegHnnplT11wMxt7wCIt9Vf0Xyoq2RucNjEP9pi5Xwz6LP0nVVxUtJAkurYmeLpWSNxdJLmAvqPUTkMUHOEUJ1H_eoO8bfPeHuG14oe9qxj3kIk04Jo2nrukmy6OmP-1iyeE/s800/Gemini-Sport-Deluxe-Blue.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="800" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyI7WUHQPoDEQMQMxEoyAef40-uPghI46GF7AoFJxiaBw4lYX_J_SvG8WegHnnplT11wMxt7wCIt9Vf0Xyoq2RucNjEP9pi5Xwz6LP0nVVxUtJAkurYmeLpWSNxdJLmAvqPUTkMUHOEUJ1H_eoO8bfPeHuG14oe9qxj3kIk04Jo2nrukmy6OmP-1iyeE/w400-h220/Gemini-Sport-Deluxe-Blue.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdqnBIa0DHNBQXtwFDGKyfNIdrKLfcVtZ0ZIR-w6K0cOKKHhY1NYeLgyd3jFURMRbSMWfiLl5yGPuKp3kFL5CmNeUpOTtJrgEezkMt0UlV2ao0M6eHayx0C3N6VbFJb6qb08-qpQBk96cP3pevYSQnuj5Hk7CtdKhg1o0MGC5DpSs6zDWLKX9yH990zE/s790/corona-features.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="790" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdqnBIa0DHNBQXtwFDGKyfNIdrKLfcVtZ0ZIR-w6K0cOKKHhY1NYeLgyd3jFURMRbSMWfiLl5yGPuKp3kFL5CmNeUpOTtJrgEezkMt0UlV2ao0M6eHayx0C3N6VbFJb6qb08-qpQBk96cP3pevYSQnuj5Hk7CtdKhg1o0MGC5DpSs6zDWLKX9yH990zE/w400-h169/corona-features.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i>Fee Free Corona</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A 'three' person kayak but one that can be paddled 'solo <br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGSPD0E7cv8A4DT91GoMCVXnUKeeTPCCds8WVNc_L7a5oJExvXwI6cFeyi19PUMdR99mkZ5aUj0kFf6TbBkaIiZ6CgObeYl3HCRyPDkNMS7FzPd9Chw79qZ8HYB3RFbjsWjIMF0fkNFJvBeeknLZ7dnDCbDJRAGCnHTHlUG_UbbDb2nqGF9okRx5jRE0/s1000/corona-main-l.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="1000" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGSPD0E7cv8A4DT91GoMCVXnUKeeTPCCds8WVNc_L7a5oJExvXwI6cFeyi19PUMdR99mkZ5aUj0kFf6TbBkaIiZ6CgObeYl3HCRyPDkNMS7FzPd9Chw79qZ8HYB3RFbjsWjIMF0fkNFJvBeeknLZ7dnDCbDJRAGCnHTHlUG_UbbDb2nqGF9okRx5jRE0/w400-h181/corona-main-l.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Both of these would be deluxe packages with more comfy seats and fibreglass paddles. equipment wise, I have most of the stuff I would need but a preliminary list of new purchases looks like this:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>the sit on top kayak</li><li>two paddles</li><li>two seats</li><li>skeg</li><li>portage trolley</li><li>scupper bungs x 4</li><li>small kayak anchor</li><li>roof rack ties</li><li>roof rack pads</li></ul><div><b>Clothing wise</b> - as I will be hoping to paddle regularly throughout the season Spring to Autumn - I will need to invest in some new clothing: </div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>a kayak jacket with adjustable neoprene waist, neoprene cuffs and a decent adjustable hood - breathable of course</li><li>Neoprene trousers with a higher waist/back cut (I don't like full wetsuits or sleeveless wetsuits or wetsuit shorties)</li><li>wetsuit rock boots</li><li>a new PFD for Maggie - I will continue to use my old but perfectly functional Palm Kaikoura - famous in so many of our videos </li><li>Possible invest in a 2mm neoprene rash vest </li><li>some thin 1 or 2 mm neoprene gloves </li><li>and, optional, depending on whether I go coastal rock gully and cave exploring or not, a helmet</li></ul><div>It has taken quite some time to arrive at this decision. I have sat in many, many sit on top kayaks. I eliminated sit in kayaks - the rest of the family don't feel confident in them. Ditto for canadian canoes although my son and I would have easily gone for one of those. A great excuse for building a strip canoe - maybe another time for that project! I have had to think carefully about what I would want to do as a solo kayaker. essentially I'm not looking at heading a few miles off shore on one. Up the tidal rivers, along more sheltered coasts, some inland flat rivers and lakes. It has to be big enough for two and easily manageable by one! I want to be able to take overnight camping gear with me on occasions as well. Something that tracks well and is very stable. As light as I can get it. Easy to turn. </div><div><br /></div><div>Inevitably it all comes down to compromises! The biggest issue as it turns out is whether I can single handedly lift it up onto the roof rack of a Skoda Yeti! </div><div><br /></div><div>I was very reassured talking to the very experienced staff in my local kayak and canoe shop. They were immediately happy that actually I was doing the correct thinking, asking the correct questions, evaluating the advice given and demonstrating I had good safety, weather, water knowledge. They have been very patient as I have already made three x 1 hr trips to their shop to 'talk' things through. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I see it, most of the <i>safety on the water and around other users</i> knowledge I already have. Navigation knowledge is fine and many of the principles of mountain navigation and sailing pilotage are the same for kayakers. Weather understanding - yep - all good; water temperature rather than air temperature being a major factor for kayakers - noted! Need to develop my <i>'reading the water'</i> craft. I agree - sailing a dinghy up and around the rivers is slightly different to kayaking directly at water level - ferry gliding, rip currents, eddies etc will affect me on a sit on far more than in Arwen - so some work to do there. Similarly with some of the techniques - entry and exit, landing/leaving a beach. </div><div>Lots of homework then before making a final decision. On the other hand, there are good deals on at the moment so I need to get a move on! </div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>So why now I hear you all ask?</b></i></div></div><div>Several reasons I guess, but one of them is that I am not very fit and I need to get fitter. Rapidly! And, sailing Arwen doesn't get me fitter. Regular viewers of my YouTube channel will know that this year I haven't been particularly well and frankly I've struggled a little at times. Been the worst year for illness since I retired six years ago. So, if I can get out on the water quickly and paddle a few miles regularly during the week, this should help. </div><div><br /></div><div>A second reason is that we own a motorhome and we often pop down to Cornwall in it - within an hour and a half we can reach Lands End. We can't get a kayak on the motorhome. Impossible! But it is easy just to take the car as well. So we could then access some great beach, coast and river kayaking further south as well. I won't feel guilty about taking the car. The motorhome has been kitted out to be totally off grid now via solar and extra battery capacity. We wont be plugging in very often. We can leave '<i>Bryony'</i> on site and then just use the car (<i>Zebedee</i>) to pootle about, if we want to carry the kayaks somewhere. Otherwise we just use the E Bikes. </div><div><br /></div><div>And when we go abroad in <i>Bryony</i>? Well, we will just have to hire a tandem kayak on those southern Spanish and Croatian beaches and those lovely northern Italian Lakes, won't we! </div><div><br /></div><div>I'll let you know ho I get on over the next few weeks. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>In the meantime, if you own a tandem sit on kayak in the Uk and have some recommendations or pointers, then do please let me know - drop a line in the comment box below - thanks in advance 😀</b></div><div><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">A postscript:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">And then there were three. We visited another Kayak shop and they threw a spanner in the works.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>The aquaglide Chelan 140 inflatable kayak</b></span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhqFYgHXieV4KHFg9rpYvDblPRdjubD7ZbSZORtv4fEOCVVyPgvpHwFvus37XjejqdzcDv4AmTUEI3ehODaEoFfnI_cyIYgyIcgYC4HdoYU6IV-UJFuQPtG4NZzhd8vJt7oZlvlKpv9qqH0mj-Bf6v0yn-JeebpC3r1Nmb9qiJ_blDJWQNVPrPozPFy4/s1440/Aquaglide-Chelan-140-2021-new-colours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1440" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhqFYgHXieV4KHFg9rpYvDblPRdjubD7ZbSZORtv4fEOCVVyPgvpHwFvus37XjejqdzcDv4AmTUEI3ehODaEoFfnI_cyIYgyIcgYC4HdoYU6IV-UJFuQPtG4NZzhd8vJt7oZlvlKpv9qqH0mj-Bf6v0yn-JeebpC3r1Nmb9qiJ_blDJWQNVPrPozPFy4/w400-h175/Aquaglide-Chelan-140-2021-new-colours.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></span></div><div>Details about it can be found here :<span style="color: #2b00fe;"> <a href="https://www.roho.co.uk/aquaglide-chelan-140-ds-1-2-person-inflatable-kayak" target="_blank">https://www.roho.co.uk/aquaglide-chelan-140-ds-1-2-person-inflatable-kayak</a> </span>and<span style="color: #2b00fe;"> <a href="https://www.roho.co.uk/blog/post/aquaglide-chelan-inflatable-kayak-our-review" target="_blank">https://www.roho.co.uk/blog/post/aquaglide-chelan-inflatable-kayak-our-review</a></span></div></div><div><br /></div>So more to think about. Initial thoughts - <b>Pros</b> of inflatable - storage, transport, load carrying, no costs of roof racks, roof bar accessories etc. <b>Cons</b> - cleaning, drying, tracking in wind or strong currents, puncture risk?<div>So, some more homework to do. However, I can take one for a test paddle up along Exeter Canal and that is a great bonus! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-40249190310368328212023-10-17T16:45:00.004+01:002023-10-17T16:45:50.140+01:00Trailer update and a to do list for winter<p> The new trailer is working well on steep ramps. It needs to have the 'rope' treatment on shallower ones i.e. I have to chock the wheels, tie a rope between tow bar ball and snubber arm on trailer and then draw forward and let the trailer fall back on the rope. The trailer has to be almost fully immersed and then Arwen floats off easily. Its just an extra five minute job at a shallow ramp and I've become quite practiced at it. On steeper ramps, it isn't necessary. </p><p>I always rig up and allow the wheel bearings to cool before immersing the trailer. I also pump in additional grease into the bearing hubs using a grease gun if need be. I always do this after washing down the trailer after a launch and before putting the boat back on the driveway. Such quick tasks will look after the bearings and prolong their life. </p><p>Occasionally on a launch, Arwen gets stuck on her trailer. Not always, but occasionally and I've worked out why. Her centre case bottom slot area is quite wide and it occasionally sticks against one particular roller so stopping it from rolling off. Thus the trailer needs one more quick modification. All I need to do is to move the snubber arm assembly aft by around 10 -15cm. This means that the wider slot base will then sit firmly on the last but one roller. This will also increase the rear overhang of the boat and so the stern will get into the water and float off more quickly. Hopefully, I won't then need to use the 'rope' trick on shallower ramps. I just need to find the time to make the adjustment.</p><p>Retrieval has never been a problem. Arwen comes on straight if there is no wind and cross currents. The water level has to be just below the base of the first roller onto the trailer. </p><p>Getting a trailer for Arwen was a difficult task and as you can read in previous posts, I looked at lots, consulted a few companies and only Admiral trailers came back with ideas and thoughts on how to adapt one of their stock trailers to meet her 'unique' bottom and hull configuration. They did a good job! </p><p>As always, at the end of a sailing season, Arwen will need some maintenance over the winter and into spring. The list this winter is as follows: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>touching up the hull bottom in places where there are odd scrapes and dings from beaching, odd contact with rocks etc. A sand to the undercoat, and then three top coats should do it. </li><li>sanding down and re-varnishing the inner coaming area. It is looking 'worn'. Doesn't need to be done but cosmetically it would look better</li><li>the trailer modification as outlined above</li><li>a re-varnish 'top up' coat on the mast - done every other year</li><li>rubbing down the rub rails and resealing with burgess sealer - done every other year</li><li>a thorough clean before 'wintering her'</li><li>Not necessary but I might just do it - is to take off the centre board top cap and lift out the centre board so I can check the centre board casings. I did this during COVID lock down but that is now two years ago and little bits of gravel etc will work their way up the sides, so it is always worth checking every couple of years. May need a quick repaint on the inside of the centreboard slot. </li></ul><div>If I had the space, I'd empty her completely, roll her over, sand the entire hull and repaint it, not because it is damaged but because after 14 years, she is looking slightly 'dull'. But then, its only going to get scrapes again next year, so is it worth it? </div><div><br /></div><div>I have some white Toplac and I might recoat all the thwart tops etc inside the cockpit. I did the floors with grey Interlux paint and sand additive just over a year and a half ago - so the cockpit soles are all fine. Grubby but fine. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know about how other boat owners feel about their winter maintenance lists but I always enjoy it. Arwen has done remarkably well - fourteen years sailing and only minimal touch ups. </div><p></p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-13028872101377773702023-10-17T16:13:00.004+01:002023-10-23T15:04:44.396+01:00Dinghy Cruising Mud larking at Midnight up the river Lynher <p> Part One of three about a recent cruise up the Lynher. You can read the blog posts about the trip at <a href="https://arwensmeanderings.blogspot.com/2023/09/mud-larking-at-midnight-up-river-lynher.html" target="_blank">https://arwensmeanderings.blogspot.com/2023/09/mud-larking-at-midnight-up-river-lynher.html</a> and about day two at <a href="https://arwensmeanderings.blogspot.com/2023/09/mudlarking-at-midnight-part-2.html" target="_blank">https://arwensmeanderings.blogspot.com/2023/09/mudlarking-at-midnight-part-2.html</a></p><p>This link <a href="https://youtu.be/Mvb4UonvaNw" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/Mvb4UonvaNw</a> will take you to our YouTube channel and the video below if you cant play this one underneath in your browser. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mvb4UonvaNw" width="320" youtube-src-id="Mvb4UonvaNw"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Up the river Lynher </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>'Mud larking at midnight Part 1'</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>And the part two installment can be found at: </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/PiPVTGyx7pw" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/PiPVTGyx7pw</a><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PiPVTGyx7pw" width="320" youtube-src-id="PiPVTGyx7pw"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Up the river Lynher</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>'Mud larking at midnight? Part 2'</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-11261704383149713822023-09-25T20:35:00.001+01:002023-09-25T20:35:34.811+01:00#shorts dinghy cruising<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/hGkD9pX7Puw?si=aOmin3eePcCD79Bo" frameborder="0"></iframe>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-40118990386559986152023-09-22T17:46:00.005+01:002023-09-22T17:46:24.758+01:00September visitors <p> Joining us for tea tonight, a new deer family. We already have one family of two adults and one fawn. This is the family where one of the adults has only three legs. But tonight, this group is different, a mother with two fawns. </p><p>Welcome to the garden guys. Make yourselves feel at home. What is ours is yours but don't eat the Evening primroses or marigolds - OK? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHBpBFQxMsxrxlM_UDyv9FxyxznGtCBAXFoKltw8ssoarJrThc98AaivCIEnjsHTSToeQFc5c2TQK5ToJvjNT8WblrFxIu5wbijxVAbWqOa8tMi9TCKZWqpdw-bnfiQSRItVj6ItiwKoubhqVgB7vJ2uK65hPm_vb1hQOD8bbyPHwuP36kwOde5A3aO0/s4896/DSC04716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHBpBFQxMsxrxlM_UDyv9FxyxznGtCBAXFoKltw8ssoarJrThc98AaivCIEnjsHTSToeQFc5c2TQK5ToJvjNT8WblrFxIu5wbijxVAbWqOa8tMi9TCKZWqpdw-bnfiQSRItVj6ItiwKoubhqVgB7vJ2uK65hPm_vb1hQOD8bbyPHwuP36kwOde5A3aO0/w400-h300/DSC04716.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9arz9b0Bt5G6RE081EwMoVZfKOf94LALB9Gh1JkECuoJ4d7tEZPulxVc_Lv8VUmFRt0D9pKaPDQ9ahnVoQiv5604p5XnKsJGuf9EqFE6HHB0dnp9EbI273wpOF1rKp8cfnThZOHu5V53DtrJcVgGuePWoHJvHoDeW262Pw58yYl-PiRyGb5mHCv3xA4/s3634/DSC04718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-qVSU-2lWVBBCy-M3uIQuIamY8RclO1iO-LBDQvjlaMisLU10BFAGnjTdCja000JN6z4P6MFyjgR6obyr0eokHsKTY-HLa2fsbZy0pYU1AEASBbWcwXhiqYBIq-fGWn36ZEdCbY4b1SQiSRT8ghbvNwt27YlZF-1EJVoXBtj6AYXzk2ofFZUK6i-adI/s4896/DSC04799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-qVSU-2lWVBBCy-M3uIQuIamY8RclO1iO-LBDQvjlaMisLU10BFAGnjTdCja000JN6z4P6MFyjgR6obyr0eokHsKTY-HLa2fsbZy0pYU1AEASBbWcwXhiqYBIq-fGWn36ZEdCbY4b1SQiSRT8ghbvNwt27YlZF-1EJVoXBtj6AYXzk2ofFZUK6i-adI/w400-h300/DSC04799.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-27410026050369800952023-09-17T18:51:00.003+01:002023-09-17T18:51:42.988+01:00Capsize recovery in a welsford navigator? <p> Own a navigator? Thinking of building one? Helpful and reassuring video here by Josh although note he did it in calm conditions and all that comes with that caveat. </p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/G_2_4-HCPs4?si=3kwryHX0Nk5Ra4VC" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/G_2_4-HCPs4?si=3kwryHX0Nk5Ra4VC</a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G_2_4-HCPs4" width="320" youtube-src-id="G_2_4-HCPs4"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks Josh. Great video as always. Really illuminating and well filmed. Appreciated 👍</div><br /><p><br /></p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-16420508857080597072023-09-17T16:36:00.002+01:002023-10-17T16:08:15.323+01:00Mudlarking at midnight part 2<p> 0530 and I can feel the water lapping the base of Arwen's transom. Its creeping silently up the beach, the line between muddy water and muddy beach, difficult to discern. As I peer from under the stern tarp tent flap, my eyes struggling to make sense of the dark, Arwen lurches gently from side to side as more water creeps under her hull. Slowly, over the course of twenty minutes she floats off the beach. </p><p>Now is the moment of truth. Has last night's re-laid kedge anchor held? Do we lie bow to the beach in this position? </p><p>First impressions? The tidal flow is nowhere near as fast as it was last night. How strange is that? It lacks the speed, forcefulness and malevolent intent which saw me having to hold the boat bowsprit at right angles to the beach on the water's edge for a few hours last night. </p><p>And, I cannot describe the sense of relief this news brings. It is so tempting just to crawl back into my snug sleeping bag and catch a few more hours of much needed sleep. But I'm awake, alert, restless, watchful. I won't sleep now! </p><p>I crawl back and forth between bow and stern watching carefully my position against a transit that is just appearing in the dawn. From the permanently grounded upright scaffold pole back across the channel to a fallen tree on the opposite bank, Arwen is holding her position on this imaginary line. I ease bow and stern warps to take account of the rising tidal column and retrieve the large fender that that kept us upright on the beach overnight. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BiAVWOTW5ao2Llrxqwr_fBjzbNiq6WKfBXn0QPB6pab9vNL44gUNyihH6Nx2KfVknqmI5nbG5MWFVJVPqlAv6OtXSqgJTtly62AzuIo4cw52bHgdZYU5sWZRK_LtY3DChZ6T0w9Ryk6hnE-xTbSqCgUXdXgZiITYy8pQDSROnKlX12r8RIZ5koPjyME/s4032/PXL_20230902_192931469.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BiAVWOTW5ao2Llrxqwr_fBjzbNiq6WKfBXn0QPB6pab9vNL44gUNyihH6Nx2KfVknqmI5nbG5MWFVJVPqlAv6OtXSqgJTtly62AzuIo4cw52bHgdZYU5sWZRK_LtY3DChZ6T0w9Ryk6hnE-xTbSqCgUXdXgZiITYy8pQDSROnKlX12r8RIZ5koPjyME/w400-h300/PXL_20230902_192931469.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>The dawn is beautiful. Daylight is just peeping over the eastern horizon, downriver. There is plenty of cloud cover - greyish, foreboding but in places, a few are beginning to take on a peach blush along their base. This will deepen over the next half hour, I'm sure of it. Shadows are melting away and shoreline features take on sharper lines, shape and definition. The little marshy bank, the hedges and trees further back start to come alive. The dawn chorus, on some magical cue, starts and insects begin to drift up from their ground based night time hidey holes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeS-8SEb0BnhdbZo4XoYkPFTvg4_1lamAxHfBEixDL5nGbSwJcGfqinAOxbBkSpGlSxcCP10lUEPlZwvP5zo6p6Bi3fJJl5W3VlZIfZ2brK22VOSqV2pFay5wn2fZUUghkiUNyWNnS9YwikwEIF00pl9y2_2UCZdQXXcsXofdd-Jct364WNuXzNhN1RSI/s4896/DSC04701.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeS-8SEb0BnhdbZo4XoYkPFTvg4_1lamAxHfBEixDL5nGbSwJcGfqinAOxbBkSpGlSxcCP10lUEPlZwvP5zo6p6Bi3fJJl5W3VlZIfZ2brK22VOSqV2pFay5wn2fZUUghkiUNyWNnS9YwikwEIF00pl9y2_2UCZdQXXcsXofdd-Jct364WNuXzNhN1RSI/w400-h300/DSC04701.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>The flattened beach area under the marshy bank is covered. I am now afloat ten metres offshore. I change, shave, clean teeth and set up the galley box for a brew. The white boom tent, soaked with dew on the outside and condensation on its inner surface has been folded back. There is nothing worse than getting '<i>wet'</i> before the day has started properly! There is no wind but the air is chilly and I've donned an old thermal duvet jacket. To the east, the river surface is silvery, like liquid mercury, but streaked peach, pink and lemon yellow. Ripply colourful whirls, ever morphing. An abstract, Dali like water surface. Perfect. Stunning! I pack away sleeping gear, collapse the sleeping boards and have a general tidy up, always glancing up to try and capture the ever shifting landscape vision before me. It always amazes me how quickly a view changes early morning; blink and you miss some subtle aspect and change. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAVanohp93iT5tggJTPO51LSaEEYhkOJ_76UZL8Ri-oc1GHnX5gSbyA0jOvJRH1ZP0EnZ1r_9ia6fqqG5YepU4p9sTae4Mhj0OeiAMAkibSBbPKA_F4ZpdaLr9yIF871mFBuuEOBPkQ1rPY4FXeOfDLazoDNZI1b8EZXwyWPmeytbW_XwIcxk43_BkY0/s4032/PXL_20230903_055656160.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAVanohp93iT5tggJTPO51LSaEEYhkOJ_76UZL8Ri-oc1GHnX5gSbyA0jOvJRH1ZP0EnZ1r_9ia6fqqG5YepU4p9sTae4Mhj0OeiAMAkibSBbPKA_F4ZpdaLr9yIF871mFBuuEOBPkQ1rPY4FXeOfDLazoDNZI1b8EZXwyWPmeytbW_XwIcxk43_BkY0/w400-h300/PXL_20230903_055656160.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Fish jump, clumps of bladder wrack float on the surface. The trangia hisses, the kettle lid rattles. I love my galley box/stove <i>'percussion</i>' performance - hisses, rattles, bubbles and whistles. Happy memories of a life time of micro-adventures - mountaineering, camping, dinghy cruising and expedition travelling. Coffee or tea? Tea! And a porridge pot with added handful of sultanas. A breakfast fit for a king spoilt by a chill dank air. I wish the sun would rise more quickly so I could feel those first tendrils of warmth. </p><p>Nothing moves. There is a stillness. A stillness of air; of water movement; suddenly of wildlife; of the moored yachts midstream. Even tideline flotsam has ceased movement. Everything suspended in time but accompanied by a wonderful avian orchestral symphony. I try to freeze the vista tableaus in my long term memory. </p><p>I pack away, careful to avoid any noise. Don't want to disturb my neighbours moored mid channel. Things are stowed back in the <i>'lomo'</i> dry bags and forcibly squeezed through the narrow gaps in the foredeck hatch either side of the mast. I inwardly curse under my breath about THAT hatch arrangement, once again, for the thousandth time. Wish I'd had the foresight at the start of building Arwen to turn one central hatch in this foredeck bulkhead into two smaller ones either side of the mast position. Life would have been so much easier accessing the locker under the foredeck. If only I'd been borne with the gift of foresight that most other humans seem to have! But way back then I lacked boat building experience. I didn't know then what I know now. Perhaps I should be a wee bit kinder to myself! Nah! I was an idiot with a father and father-in-law who were both engineers. I should have asked for advice - serves me right! 😆</p><p>Bags stowed, galley box tidied away and secured. Tarp tent folded and stored under the foredeck. I stand up and untie various halyard and sheet lines from the mast and reconnect the topping lifts into their correct positions. The boom is raised slightly. Everything is ready. We are shipshape. Sort of! I inwardly cringe at the amount of dried mud that coats the foredeck and the front part of the cockpit. Thick, glutinous, treacle like Tamar mud! A reminder of my poor understanding of spring tides. And that mud is whats left AFTER I had rinsed myself down earlier this morning at 0200! </p><p>Hey, you aren't a real small boat sailor until you have waded knee deep through mud to re-lay or retrieve an anchor, are you? </p><p>Today's departure plan is simple. To go forward and untie the bow warps. There are two of them tied together in one long loop. Each loop 'end' is secured to the stem post. The warps snake away to the beach scaffold pole/stake, eight metres away on the marsh bank. The theory is that by pulling one end, I can haul all the mooring warp back around the post, through the water and back into the boat and then haul the stern anchor rope along the starboard side to the bow where I can then pull myself in to deeper water. That's the plan but of course it depends on remembering which side of the pole the big sheet bend knot is tied (that joins the two warps). As it happens, I remember and the warp comes back quickly. I'm able to untie the sheet bend and coil and stow both warps easily without Arwen drifting too far. </p><p>In fact Arwen has drifted backwards a little into the deeper water and is now lying bow facing upstream. She is held, as planned, by her stern kedge anchor. I carefully walk the warp down the starboard side and slowly Arwen turns bow into the last remaining incoming tidal flow. 0815. We are ready for departure. The tidal flow is lessening. High tide by 0900. Barely a breeze. A quick zephyr running down channel. Insufficient to overcome the last bit of incoming tide. I ship oars and row a little but Arwen isn't built for distance rowing. I know I will have to resort to outboard before long but it would be polite to try and clear the moored yachts so as not to disturb their morning lie in. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSfSs9FRndQ-ciLahCsw6_er82PVdtl4EgAiY2LwyGMcj1b3FFsiq91khRoZfCyD4OUvgLheu9tXOuibEY1GdC6bpxM78B_fmN4YxVaJlNxcqWTtLxnC63i9DudWX_9gLSr3LrVOM6F2UEOdIohtBPdic_Knggj_hwp_xIdiUGoPaHSfSWiccwkkWbwo/s3280/PXL_20230903_055712601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2464" data-original-width="3280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSfSs9FRndQ-ciLahCsw6_er82PVdtl4EgAiY2LwyGMcj1b3FFsiq91khRoZfCyD4OUvgLheu9tXOuibEY1GdC6bpxM78B_fmN4YxVaJlNxcqWTtLxnC63i9DudWX_9gLSr3LrVOM6F2UEOdIohtBPdic_Knggj_hwp_xIdiUGoPaHSfSWiccwkkWbwo/w400-h300/PXL_20230903_055712601.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>We round the little spit and hug the shoreline down to the start of Tredown lake entrance, a distance of around sixty metres. The little outboard finally splutters into life. The sea surface is glassy but colourful. It truly reflects, like a shining mirror, the streaked sky above. Fluffy ribbon like banner streaks of colourful cloud. An artist's palette; shades of peach and amber, pinks and oranges, yellows and lemon. A few early morning illuminated high altitude jet trails. All is reflected in these still waters. It is tranquil, still, beautiful. A soundscape of gurgling water lapping against hull. The barest hiss of wake left by a rudder. The sound of the dawn chorus from every hedgerow lining the riverbanks. The Canadian geese flocks who begin to make their noisy presence heard. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd13kYS2KlrY-WX4Qek5Y7KGLsQG5t5GdYBfri0CN4LVLSXI0OF78xiYltyufkcfvqMBx0LcvXkLn_soEfowdy_dDJUuURgMlePiffOvV-H6NNPNkzYK7z6yPrph_rxThEkQKnfG9fqtkjnqtMU61AExHkzAJC8Ph_S12Ydw6ybhVezwMwD4GLpsYe9_o/s4160/IMG_20170919_072928654.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd13kYS2KlrY-WX4Qek5Y7KGLsQG5t5GdYBfri0CN4LVLSXI0OF78xiYltyufkcfvqMBx0LcvXkLn_soEfowdy_dDJUuURgMlePiffOvV-H6NNPNkzYK7z6yPrph_rxThEkQKnfG9fqtkjnqtMU61AExHkzAJC8Ph_S12Ydw6ybhVezwMwD4GLpsYe9_o/w400-h225/IMG_20170919_072928654.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Off black rock point, I tie up at a vacant mooring buoy and await some morning wind. It will be here soon, I'm sure of it. The sun just needs to rise a little more; it's rays just need to heat the land a little. I snooze awhile; still in my duvet jacket with a fleece blanket over my knees. I slept fitfully last night. A few winks now are appreciated. </p><p>And just like that, thirty minutes pass. A flutter in the mizzen sail penetrates my sleepy senses and I come to abruptly. The starboard shroud tell-tale flickers, rises and falls and promptly repeats the sequence again. And again. And again. </p><p>A breeze. A mere flicker - light, negligible. But, a breeze all the same. I rapidly unfurl the mainsail and raise it quickly, sweating the halyard to gain the highest upper yard position I can; right up against the top mast sheave box. Tension the downhaul, adjust the snotter; get some belly in the sail. Loosen everything a tad. But despite this effort, the sail stays stubbornly along the midship line. Ho Hum! </p><p>I push it out across the starboard beam and it fills a little. Is it enough? It fills and flutters and fills once more. Painter is slipped. We start to drift downriver carried by a combination of the first ebb of the tide and a northerly VERY light breeze. Jib unfurled; it fills a little and then sags across the middle of the foredeck, its sheets hanging uselessly below. Mizzen downhaul and outhaul are eased. The mizzen sail fills a little. <i>"Every little bit counts"</i>, as they say! </p><p>Yes, movement. A distinct gurgling along the hull line. Now time to turn attention to the huge rafts of floating flotsam. Twigs and branches even trunks; draped in rafts of seaweed. Flotsam clunks off centreboard, hull and rudder. Arwen and I steer a course avoiding the biggest debris rafts. The wind dies. The ebb tide strangely falters. We resort to outboard once more; nervous, vigilant, seeking out those dangerous floating wood laden flotsam rafts. One of those trunks hitting the outboard and one broken prop pin later. I shudder involuntarily. It doesn't bare thinking about.</p><p>It is, of course, a slow morning's progress back down the Lynher under an ever changing combination of motor, sail and just bare poles drifting. Switching between the three modes keeps me busy and fit. Off Wearde quay we almost come to a standstill. No wind, barely any tidal movement. Plenty of time to watch the bass herding small fry to the surface. It is a savage carnage. No mercy is shown by the marauding bass. They chase and harry. Mackerel and whitebait jump out of the water to escape. Seagulls dive bomb the surface picking off any stragglers not quick enough to return to the deep. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJh2h1-0D_wGKtHDsNsCkSF-VZ7QTfFMMgUc3r3Z-7gsTGezydfMdzKrBIagOun_wrqy4HM5HtEwxsKdkFBf07xu8msnXXcqR5dytZ76uBS7uUDfmMpnl9mkQaBNGIMeu4mmQAxbUuyAyZvhkux46Mbz3oDY_HMTZ0Z6riHVYJqm6VAZDE7LWhgKSrmN4/s3280/PXL_20230903_075740756.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2464" data-original-width="3280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJh2h1-0D_wGKtHDsNsCkSF-VZ7QTfFMMgUc3r3Z-7gsTGezydfMdzKrBIagOun_wrqy4HM5HtEwxsKdkFBf07xu8msnXXcqR5dytZ76uBS7uUDfmMpnl9mkQaBNGIMeu4mmQAxbUuyAyZvhkux46Mbz3oDY_HMTZ0Z6riHVYJqm6VAZDE7LWhgKSrmN4/w400-h300/PXL_20230903_075740756.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>On the shore, right under the trees, with the high tide almost cutting off his escape route back to the quayside, a lone fisherman casts and retrieves; casts and retrieves. He switches lures and immediately grabs a bass and gives a shout out to his mate. I missed him. He is camouflaged so well, against the trees and low hanging bushes, he is almost invisible. I'm impressed though, for both may be in thigh waders but each wears a life jacket. Sensible precautions! These guys are experienced! </p><p><br /></p><p>It is 1200 midday. I'm back on the buoy I was on yesterday; the one in the middle of the mooring trots just a way downstream from Saltash quayside. Kettle is on. I'm grabbing a brew. Sun is shining but I'm still a tad chilly so I've grabbed my old duvet jacket once more. One of those favourite pieces of kit; like an old friend, it goes everywhere with me. Grimy, threadbare in places, it is a well travelled jacket. An extra layer when stargazing; my go to outerwear on early mornings wherever I am in the world. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFS1jNki1ZdcyKrrcblGlT0pQ8ntXgz_m9BN9glziHkDuZpdyjtypz9fs7tXg88HwcpV5-_Bk0uEvHWI7Ue1tlFGLIPrpHXmpAHr_i6ajeE2zuS2NN7PGrEaWX9B5O1F_YAkHt2dxHuY8Md46sWR2ns3srTn3PN9aTv-I-fDqwPOsjwzLJ3Wc9aO-IQTk/s1920/cuppa.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFS1jNki1ZdcyKrrcblGlT0pQ8ntXgz_m9BN9glziHkDuZpdyjtypz9fs7tXg88HwcpV5-_Bk0uEvHWI7Ue1tlFGLIPrpHXmpAHr_i6ajeE2zuS2NN7PGrEaWX9B5O1F_YAkHt2dxHuY8Md46sWR2ns3srTn3PN9aTv-I-fDqwPOsjwzLJ3Wc9aO-IQTk/w400-h225/cuppa.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>Traffic is a steady stream across the bridges. There only occasional boats passing up and down the river. In the far distance, one of the MOD Police boats does lazy slow circuits around the dockyard frontage. A few minutes later and I am caught by surprise when I glance up to see the same boat entering the Lynher. It seems that Jupiter Point naval training station also falls under its remit. The MOD Police are very skilled at 'sneaking about' unnoticed! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhep6uJt4IZ-9t2mNvNdkRNMp7TSfSK1OJckP7tSki-mtqN2U_eB-IEq6Y1r3WD0xwgC64QK4xgh1D5xeBF_HFG_5EmaMIQhAVGmhMlV-PUZKr7qMbI5-dLVFZApR36uBfis-G1PAELBy2mhLAf7uoYkETTBIiitSaPLa3aoUo-5dY1SGqQURp4xvDdN50/s1600/DSCN2512.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1600" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhep6uJt4IZ-9t2mNvNdkRNMp7TSfSK1OJckP7tSki-mtqN2U_eB-IEq6Y1r3WD0xwgC64QK4xgh1D5xeBF_HFG_5EmaMIQhAVGmhMlV-PUZKr7qMbI5-dLVFZApR36uBfis-G1PAELBy2mhLAf7uoYkETTBIiitSaPLa3aoUo-5dY1SGqQURp4xvDdN50/w400-h244/DSCN2512.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>Three hours into the outgoing tide and I am able to slip the mooring and drift down the line of trots under mizzen sail and into the confluence of the two rivers. The winds are shifting once more, this time to the east, so I should get a sort of beam reach sail down most of the river. Easy sailing with steady 7 knot winds. </p><p>Of course that doesn't happen. The winds drop completely. I have to use a combination of bare pole drifting, drifting under mizzen and occasional use of the outboard to make any progress. Its nice lazy boating. No dolphins at the Millbrook shoals but three small private fishing motorboats slowly trolling between the trots. Plenty of bass and small mackerel again. I've stopped once on the way down to tie up at a vacant buoy so that I can refuel the outboard. It has a small internal tank and I can't fit an external one to it. So I buoy hop! </p><p>Now on a buoy at Wilcove, I catch the first stronger breeze. The afternoon winds are kicking in. I'm able to sail off the buoy and so make the remaining journey down through the Cremyll narrows under full sail. By the time we reach Drakes Island, the winds are a steady 12 knots. </p><p>The afternoon passes with some lovely sailing around the sound. Up through the gap between the breakwater and its round fort; along the windward side of the RFA Tide Spring - not so close as to cause them alarm but close enough to get a good explore of the superstructure. Down through the Bridges on the western side of Drakes Island, avoiding the dragons teeth antisubmarine traps - for now it is 1500 and almost completely low tide. </p><p>Some bosuns whizz by, hard sailed; expertise on display from their double crews. The winds are picking up. It gets lively across the northern face of the island and back towards the Cattedown.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmY5LxYIyMQABItaKEdA_yl9TEhvuKJ9KrMpomSDX8_lFw-iKeDRf5iRfzQXusZc43OtgVNatGCk0GBgCEvuj-UGN8M718gr0U3WrRR1L3Z29tvNb0Ipue5ENpxYoHxWxNbUlRe_PZ2rzNi_QGiVB0bWOeUpfo8QAu2Rh37gkOqM-JWogccQGPZPmumA/s4096/IMG_20200809_135609192_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmY5LxYIyMQABItaKEdA_yl9TEhvuKJ9KrMpomSDX8_lFw-iKeDRf5iRfzQXusZc43OtgVNatGCk0GBgCEvuj-UGN8M718gr0U3WrRR1L3Z29tvNb0Ipue5ENpxYoHxWxNbUlRe_PZ2rzNi_QGiVB0bWOeUpfo8QAu2Rh37gkOqM-JWogccQGPZPmumA/w400-h300/IMG_20200809_135609192_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Arwen and I play all afternoon. The earliest we can retrieve back at QAB marina slip will be 1700. And then I make my mistake. A silly one really but there we go. I decide to go for late afternoon coffee and cake at Mountbatten water sports cafe. I'm directed to tie up at the very outer end of the outer pontoon face. I'm informed that I should still have 10" of water under me even at very low water. </p><p>I return from delicious coffee and cake to a disaster! Firstly, Arwen is in 8" of water. Secondly, no one told me about the rocks and mudbank. You'd have thought the team would have mentioned that! But here I am, sandwiched between pontoon and an exposed rock and mudbank. I cant go forward. I can't go backwards. I cant push off the pontoon. Trapped! I'll need to wait at least an hour before there is sufficient water around me to enable me to escape! Very frustrating! </p><p>But, I'm not the only one. For the work boat from the Tectona Trust - the situation is worse. Because they couldn't move me, they had come in to drop off some crew on the very edge of the pontoon and now find themselves well and truly stuck. They had pushed off, gone 3 metres and run onto the same mudbank which was trapping me. </p><p>The work boat is around 20' long, 8' wide with a large inboard engine. A real workhorse gaff rigged sailing boat. Traditional carvel hull and the two crew really know their stuff. Proper salty seadogs. I am treated to a master class in how to free your heavy boat from a mudbank. the crew stand on the side decks; they run from side deck to side deck. That boat rocks side to side; the engine is engaged and driving hard; the stern waves and wash are truly impressive. They use poles and oars to push and level themselves side to side, backwards and forwards. </p><p>It is truly exhausting to watch their exertions but nothing! That boat does not move one iota. Zilch. Well and truly stuck! And then out comes the anchor - it is thrown forward, pulled taut and they try to haul themselves off. Nothing! They can't get it far enough. A boat pole probes the depths. A decision is made and one brave soul jumps overboard, wades forward many metres up to his waist and buries the anchor. </p><p>The boat engine is reversed and forwarded; reversed and forwarded. Both crew haul and haul. Nothing! </p><p>A passing dory with a huge outboard is called across. Tow ropes are attached. The dory skipper tries everything. I beat hasty retreat further back down the pontoon, I swear blind that boat cleat is going to be ripped off its dory deck! Nada! Nothing! After thirty minutes of these antics, the crew resign themselves to, like me, having to wait for the tide to rise! </p><p>The take away lesson I have from this incident is that I give up way too easily when things get tough! I could have waded out and probably got Arwen off the mud and into a metre of water. I just couldn't be arsed frankly. The Tectona crew? Oh my they are impressive, good humoured and determined. And highly. highly skilled. They had to be places. There were more people to collect and drop off. They waited 15 minutes!</p><p>That crew member waded out once more and under a combination of engine, anchor rode hauling and poling off - that boat was freed. It was genuinely impressive. An absolute master class in seamanship and experience. It was what it was. They held no ill grudge towards me being stuck at the end; no ill grudge against the centre for not being informed about the mudbank. These things happen - part of life's rich tapestry - some thinking, a rizla fag or two - some hard effort. Anything can be resolved. </p><p>After they had left, I made a quiet promise to myself. For the master class I'd been given in how to free your stuck boat, I have promised that next time it happens to me, I will wade in to the waters, I will try all the techniques they showed me. I owe it to them and their organisation and outstanding community work. </p><p>When the tide had reached 70 cm depth, I was able to pole Arwen over the mudbank and lower the outboard safely. we motored across the short distance to a vacant buoy. I packed away various bits and pieces, stowed sails properly and untied shrouds. All ropes were tied to mast in preparation for its collapse back into the boat. I arrived back at QAB at 1730 and there was just enough water to allow me to tie up alongside the pontoon. By 1750, Arwen was back on her trailer being washed down at the top of the slipway! </p><p>You know what? It had been an adventurous weekend and we'd had fun! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-24370554497282895122023-09-16T18:12:00.003+01:002023-10-17T14:38:18.805+01:00Mud larking at Midnight up the river Lynher<p> Well not quite mud larking. Mud bathing? Mud sliding? Stuck in the mud? </p><p>Anyway, <i>"whatever"</i>, as my teenage friends say, at 0100 on a Sunday morning, under a stunning orange waning gibbous moon, I am knee deep in thick, oozing, squelchy Tamar mud, trying to re-lay a stern (kedge?) anchor. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kCvCJr0znSfqbnb3qOCFmZ1J0JTxOQNTzp5zL5GDnfv7e54SvKC11uZvSobBcvR8tFp88PcDZEv4XMvBNp46B8EH_6oJLyqkaZ8crrdr0g5dyOtEGL57NMRmkv3jP1P5wTTOo0lsO4bs5sT3GdppYAdyS_Vm8Hw4nYQKlbJCtALraZXfciup7En9gnM/s4032/PXL_20230902_203515974.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kCvCJr0znSfqbnb3qOCFmZ1J0JTxOQNTzp5zL5GDnfv7e54SvKC11uZvSobBcvR8tFp88PcDZEv4XMvBNp46B8EH_6oJLyqkaZ8crrdr0g5dyOtEGL57NMRmkv3jP1P5wTTOo0lsO4bs5sT3GdppYAdyS_Vm8Hw4nYQKlbJCtALraZXfciup7En9gnM/w400-h300/PXL_20230902_203515974.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>But, wait, as normal, I am getting ahead of myself , am I not, for there is a journey first to reach this muddy haven. </p><p><br /></p><p>2023 has been a wash out where sailing has been concerned. I have had to cancel several trips due to rapidly changing weather conditions and/or medical appointments. But that is the way it is.</p><p>Now, I have two days. Two precious days, when I can get a quick sailing trip in. More than enough time to revisit an overnight destination I last visited some five years ago. Big, BIG spring tides (I should have known better 🙄). Today, 0730 HT, low tide at 1330, evening HT at 2030. Dropping springs - from 5.9m at launch to 5.3m on retrieval tomorrow.</p><p>Launched at 1000, Arwen and I have edged out of QAB marina and headed the short distance across Sutton harbour to the dinghy pontoon below the Barbican arches, where I've grabbed a coffee and a bacon bap from Bertie's. Quick chat with Phil, the owner and then a pleasant 30 minutes sat on the granite steps overlooking the Pilot and harbour master berths, reviewing in my head the weekend plans and also the earlier launch. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNtyfDKbt_3SH8oxKjT-rGnvGv9eIc5CpZ-wovHnHedLYTIDwZZdQMTsIzjRd-0wHKAlN_RoqophYBApo41pmgq_vydaTv7tdeLkfKDcJZKQkZVmcwYWYDXBmJGvFFG7NormTzbyjKtYviV3mQld5-p5-p-CMmbXSoeEFrgwtP_gjVoPXe8tFb-uQi4Y/s5184/GOPR4057.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNtyfDKbt_3SH8oxKjT-rGnvGv9eIc5CpZ-wovHnHedLYTIDwZZdQMTsIzjRd-0wHKAlN_RoqophYBApo41pmgq_vydaTv7tdeLkfKDcJZKQkZVmcwYWYDXBmJGvFFG7NormTzbyjKtYviV3mQld5-p5-p-CMmbXSoeEFrgwtP_gjVoPXe8tFb-uQi4Y/w400-h300/GOPR4057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>Something still isn't quite right with the new trailer. Today I had to attach a rope to the trailer snubber arm and car tow ball to give myself 'an extra metre and a half'. The trailer had to be submerged before Arwen would come off her. </p><p>I think I have spotted the problem. it is partially to do with shallow ramps. On steeper ramps it doesn't happen. I'm digressing - one keel roller needs moving forward by around 10 centimetres so that the wider skeg area beneath her centreboard rests on it. At the moment this wider bit just goes forward of that roller and so when I come to push her off, it digs into the roller behind and so refuses to budge. I also think that if I move this roller and also put another 20 centimetres of rear hull overhang over the last roller, the stern will hit the water earlier and so float off better. I can just about accommodate this overhang change on the driveway, just! So next launch, some trailer modifications before I retrieve Arwen back onto it. Maybe I need to make up a one and a half metre tow bar extension as well? Probably not. I think the minor adjustment will cure the issue. </p><p>Thirty minutes of lazy reflections and musings and now it is time to cross to a vacant mooring in the Cattedown under outboard. We nosey out carefully from the narrow entrance between cafe pier and pilots landing stage. A huge four legged rig is moored immediately off Elphinstone Quay. It makes visibility tricky; can't see what's coming around the corner from the Cattedown very easily. </p><p>On this outer yellow mooring buoy, I set up GoPro cameras, shift some gear around to better balance boat trim and remind myself of my planned passage plan for the afternoon. It is busy out on the water. Everyone who owns a boat in the area has decided to head out to sea for the day and why not - 26 Celsius forecast and sunny skies. One last 'hurrah' before the school holidays end and everyone is back to school and work routines. And, it does look a beautiful day out on the sound, which is now the nation's first ever new marine national park, as of last year. We are rather proud of that in Plymouth. Lots of great conservation work going on. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrEz8oK99UT7PLYv9nx8DspZ5GWNzZ6QfkHem3Vko59EsPrXhEDtbe2BIWCz3z0iwXefCTiQCA9YYpsgle9zr694gKfskw7d0NTXJLsizper5csP7MnAgdhN04u7KaPo5HFn3J1P3Ns4e0WOaS0_enxDe2GtOMcCxGwdpo6CYCe_BXS6tUaWA4B9-Y9E/s4896/DSC04659.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrEz8oK99UT7PLYv9nx8DspZ5GWNzZ6QfkHem3Vko59EsPrXhEDtbe2BIWCz3z0iwXefCTiQCA9YYpsgle9zr694gKfskw7d0NTXJLsizper5csP7MnAgdhN04u7KaPo5HFn3J1P3Ns4e0WOaS0_enxDe2GtOMcCxGwdpo6CYCe_BXS6tUaWA4B9-Y9E/w400-h300/DSC04659.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vXyB0LI0vlMbZc-E5Wp0DNHCV6kvwo8G1eAfEH_wDAzDhuZK54A8Q_OwMRmXet6qM67rXUiFLJbApkXdzJ2FbcA4LpB9qCP8DMIj_0wVbAngutwup349uo7YfFoLtNyg9CXc7RKUml8kaW4D4HeFyRzW33HFAr7WnamTAnM9BCp-neXEvGOl0N6d9qw/s4896/DSC04660.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vXyB0LI0vlMbZc-E5Wp0DNHCV6kvwo8G1eAfEH_wDAzDhuZK54A8Q_OwMRmXet6qM67rXUiFLJbApkXdzJ2FbcA4LpB9qCP8DMIj_0wVbAngutwup349uo7YfFoLtNyg9CXc7RKUml8kaW4D4HeFyRzW33HFAr7WnamTAnM9BCp-neXEvGOl0N6d9qw/w400-h300/DSC04660.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>Today's passage plan, sketched out in one of my little yellow waterproof notebooks, is simple - a pootle up the Tamar on the incoming tide, turn left (west) into the Lynher river and head up it to Dandy Hole to overnight on a delightful little mud shingle beach called 'Redshanks'. Backed by a low grassy bank and then a steep field full of cows, it has lovely views upriver to the the St. German's viaduct and the river Tiddy, and back down the river towards HMS Brecon and Jupiter Point (the Royal Navy small boat training station.) Morning sunrises here are sublime! The early sun will colour the waters shades of lemon yellow which turn to burnished copper and gold as the sun rises higher. </p><p>With a bit of luck, I will have the beach to myself. Gurgling waters, splashing fish in the shallows, some scuttling crabs. sat on a boat cushion with my back against the low bank, I'll brew coffee in the little coffee pot, prepare my evening meal and watch the sun descend. Later, stomach full and wearing some warm layers, I'll collect drift wood from the strandline and have a small fire as the sun sinks below the horizon. It will be a clear sky and so I can set up the cameras - Gopros can do time lapses of the milky way; the DSLR, some Milky Way photographs with Arwen and the fire in the foreground. I'll shoot the foreground just after blue hour and then a few hours later, the sky when the core of the milky way will be at its highest. </p><p>That's the plan! </p><p>Meanwhile, back in reality and now in the habit of sailing off one of the Cattedown vacant moorings (why did I ever used to motor out into Jennycliffe Bay to raise sail?), today is proving a little tricky. The wake of so many passing motor cruisers and big yachts makes it bumpy and standing on the thwarts to undo the sail ties is a perilous affair at best! I cling to the furled mainsail on its sprit boom, arms around around it as one particularly large wake from a big motor cruiser rolls under Arwen's port forward beam area. </p><p>For this trip, I have re-routed the mainsail halyard back to the cockpit. Normally, I will raise sail at the foot of the mast and tie off the mainsail halyard at the mast base cleat but narrow river channel work demands I be able to drop it or raise it more quickly and without clambering over the centre thwart. Hence the temporary re-routing. </p><p>Mainsail rises rapidly on a few strenuous heaves; the mizzen is pulled in tight already. Centreboard and rudder are up. Arwen settles bow into tide. There isn't much wind to contend with at the moment. I walk the yellow buoy back amidships, starboard side, slip the bow painter and Arwen drifts backwards on the outgoing tide. Rudder down, mainsail out, centreboard down and jib unfurled, she lazily turns through a northly arc to settle onto a beam reach out of the Cattedown towards the end of Mountbatten breakwater. Sedate, calm, professional looking. I'm getting better at this 'sailing off mooring' malarkey! </p><p>And so it comes to pass - we sail the 'sound' for a few hours. Winds are light, around 4 knots, from the north. They give some nice slow beam reaches back and forth between Jennycliffe and Fort Picklecombe. The old throat to clew crease that plagued me for years in the main sail is gone. The broken jib furler from last trip (recently disassembled, cleaned and reassembled) performs perfectly. An eased downhaul and sprit boom give a good belly in the sail. The sun shines. Plenty of boats out on the water. A huge RFA vessel 'Tide Spring' lying at anchor by the breakwater. So much to see and enjoy. We make 2.5 knots in light fickle breezes. I'm happy with that. There is no need to rush today. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyq9kP8TnN8KqXya2l7RZuJ1CoqbNsETUzzIWHl-lhnCdofALzwp3VO5yawDgyPM5GLx41XvrBW0v59ARPDYXbcI-Ac1c6wJ_EvzK87zgdC1ROozKEa9aK9QdHF8jzg1mtm6wzELevXGCx9OxuBe8yDXajj_a_7Kb4sdL4Y5Y9qZCmeK-Aq-sj41V2yo/s4000/P1000681a.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2248" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyq9kP8TnN8KqXya2l7RZuJ1CoqbNsETUzzIWHl-lhnCdofALzwp3VO5yawDgyPM5GLx41XvrBW0v59ARPDYXbcI-Ac1c6wJ_EvzK87zgdC1ROozKEa9aK9QdHF8jzg1mtm6wzELevXGCx9OxuBe8yDXajj_a_7Kb4sdL4Y5Y9qZCmeK-Aq-sj41V2yo/w400-h225/P1000681a.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Arwen and I reach back and forth across the sound avoiding the dense rafts of seaweed and driftwood which have been flushed down river by the outgoing large spring tide. A dead dolphin drifts by. Sad, there are propeller scars on its back. Clearly from its bloated size, it's been dead a couple of days. I have heard of frequent sightings of these small dolphins being up the Tamar in the Millbrook area. They've been seen herding mackerel onto the exposed mud flats and shallow areas. I might call in later and see if we can find them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZC_vv_QQTJ1vxJOfvedKqAWC0VnBaiV5e8zCtA22LVCq3q_jjgPjm-7HgBZ95zWQfbxkFO5ODrkbt0zrOR8HtoOwBRZBuxG8fLq6Iz5CR-G5TD1JjD_7f91ETSM7cTO3bMQLTb9WNV0VZFamxacuzOyUhMIXFA3xBHABbCgHeNeCZjMO3wZgFQDw3Ec/s4896/DSC03813.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZC_vv_QQTJ1vxJOfvedKqAWC0VnBaiV5e8zCtA22LVCq3q_jjgPjm-7HgBZ95zWQfbxkFO5ODrkbt0zrOR8HtoOwBRZBuxG8fLq6Iz5CR-G5TD1JjD_7f91ETSM7cTO3bMQLTb9WNV0VZFamxacuzOyUhMIXFA3xBHABbCgHeNeCZjMO3wZgFQDw3Ec/w300-h400/DSC03813.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Warm up sailing and fine tuning done, it is soon time to proceed up river. Arwen and I enter the Tamar and the Hamoaze at 1330 just around low tide. Fortuitously, the winds ease around to the south. Perfect given the orientation of the river north - south! It will be a downwind passage up the Tamar - it sounds contradictory doesn't it! </p><p>(I won't bore you with all the details of this passage. If you want to know more about sailing the Tamar and Lynher, these previous blog posts will give you ample knowledge about the sights and history of the foreshores we pass. </p><p><a href="https://arwensmeanderings.blogspot.com/search?q=river+tamar" target="_blank">https://arwensmeanderings.blogspot.com/search?q=river+tamar</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://arwensmeanderings.blogspot.com/search?q=river+lynher" target="_blank">https://arwensmeanderings.blogspot.com/search?q=river+lynher</a><br /></p><p><a href="https://arwensmeanderings.blogspot.com/search?q=royal+william+yard" target="_blank">https://arwensmeanderings.blogspot.com/search?q=royal+william+yard</a> )<br /></p><p>Through the Devil's Point narrows, past the Cremyll gun battery on the western, Cornish shore. Opposite in Devon, the Royal William yard. A huge victualling yard for the Royal Navy in the 19th century, that barely got used). The waters here are notorious. Close on the Devon shore mid tide and you are caught in a nasty eddy jut off the Admiralty barge steps. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3tVBH38x_7Wb8gjPiaxzR1tmxg_lg-jgpMoRgUR8upons-Q-sy6lZvR5mBPj14QsSMUcYtEBHNCHpV_NiwdqERG9SSciHXwABqh1sRdqu5mx3ZGwwNDFOMf5TevzmwePqWUpFHk7Nrk8Ao2mh1zWdi1LZqeqhpCp8K0zKQ3glsH3bwau1YLTDhX5mnU/s6000/at.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3tVBH38x_7Wb8gjPiaxzR1tmxg_lg-jgpMoRgUR8upons-Q-sy6lZvR5mBPj14QsSMUcYtEBHNCHpV_NiwdqERG9SSciHXwABqh1sRdqu5mx3ZGwwNDFOMf5TevzmwePqWUpFHk7Nrk8Ao2mh1zWdi1LZqeqhpCp8K0zKQ3glsH3bwau1YLTDhX5mnU/w400-h266/at.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICM6B3iYAmCnVEZjpBLpDmZ94KrLkgA0MvreUlFSRO0P-UKzspFvHP_vD0iavkAWTh8RtYa6pnGd7SMkm-NHS47I4AcfWcVxmkSwFGvMuWhAzILJgUkqrspqASUJ86KDVrgmkSadVWWHMQkwcWZb1Bn1hDO2s9SB1ENkMoEe4Jp66hdqGRUaOkt-VnuE/s4096/IMG_20210507_120015047_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICM6B3iYAmCnVEZjpBLpDmZ94KrLkgA0MvreUlFSRO0P-UKzspFvHP_vD0iavkAWTh8RtYa6pnGd7SMkm-NHS47I4AcfWcVxmkSwFGvMuWhAzILJgUkqrspqASUJ86KDVrgmkSadVWWHMQkwcWZb1Bn1hDO2s9SB1ENkMoEe4Jp66hdqGRUaOkt-VnuE/w400-h300/IMG_20210507_120015047_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>someone took a photo of us as we were just getting ready to proceed upriver! Rarely get photos of me and Arwen sailing together! </i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>On the western shore, dangerous rocks extend outwards beneath the gun battery. There is a reason for the Cremyll red port marker buoy! </p><p>And beware those fierce mid channel tidal streams that can flow at 1.5 up to 2.5 knots. </p><p>Tempted to land on the stony beach and call in at the Mount Edgecumbe Arms for a drink, I am conscious that the tide is building and we are in its first hour of flood. Subsequent hours will see huge volumes of water tearing through these narrows. It is best to continue our journey upriver. Up past the entrance to Millbrook Lake, just past the old boatyard 'Mashfords', at the end of Cremyll quayside, I nudge Arwen's bow westwards. Southdown Marina/boatyard up at the narrow entrance to the lake has a lovely cafe within its confines. An old boatyard, the berth of 'Tectona' and its trust of wonderful volunteers, the yard is owned by the Huggin's brothers. I wandered around it a few weeks ago and had a lovely breakfast at the cafe. </p><p><a href="https://www.sailingtectona.co.uk/" target="_blank">https://www.sailingtectona.co.uk/</a><br /></p><p><a href="http://southdownmarina.com/" target="_blank">http://southdownmarina.com/</a><br /></p><p>The channel entrance into the lake is very narrow. And it goes due west, running beneath a heavily wooded hill on the southern side. A classic wind shadow area today with very limited tacking room when the tides are fully out, like now. This does not feel prudent! Anyway, I am distracted by dolphin. A small pod are shoaling mackerel onto one of the sandbanks to the north as I expected. Dusky brown tops and white stripes, these clever creatures blend into these muddy waters and they prove frustratingly elusive; almost mocking me as they quickly rise alongside Arwen's hull, before disappearing off a great distance. </p><p>Did I catch one on a GoPro camera? Did I heck, the crafty critters! No sooner do I switch one on, than they are gone! Skittish, teasing, playful, frustrating! Nearly had several mackerel jump in the boat to avoid them though! </p><p>I cast an eye back towards the deeper channel and carefully thread my way through the moorings that line the western mudflats. Red port cans warn me that water depth will be very little here. In the calm waters, the line between exposed mudflat and actual water is difficult to discern! I can just see this line between mud and muddy incoming creeping waters because of periodic piles of frothy buff coloured bubbles and the occasional shoaled piece of driftwood. There is at least 300m of shallow exposed mudflats between the moored boats and the shoreline north of the marina. At high tide it will be covered by about a metre or so of water. Ready to catch the unwary small boat sailor! </p><p>Further north, and having clearer these moorings, navigating the Torpoint ferries becomes the next 'pressing' pilotage issue to consider. Under sail though the ferries is always nerve wracking - well for me it is. Three large chain ferries between Devonport and Torpoint; the trick, to time your arrival mid channel, when one is stopped on a shore disgorging cars and the other two are approaching opposite shores, leaving a nice gap between. </p><p>Of course it doesn't happen today - don't be silly - its me! When have I ever demonstrated such seaman like skills? I arrive just as two ferries cross in the middle and so I immediately turn to port - a leisurely gybe for a change, and stand off by beam reaching across the channel. Not that there is a lot of space to do so, for on the eastern shore is the great Devonport naval dockyard, now owned by Babcock. Getting too close to this shoreline incurs the wrath of the ever vigilant MOD police marine unit. And they will see you! And, they will pay you a visit! And, they will be 'irritated' if you go within 50m of those dockside quays. To the west, lots of mooring trots with rather large yachts and very, very narrow gaps between. Tricky then, is it not? </p><p>I tack back and forth in the northerly winds a few times and when the gap has opened sufficiently, I proceed through the ferries. As chance will have it, the third ferry has yet to depart its particular shoreline. A bonus then! A good omen for the trip perhaps? </p><p>During this stretch of sailing I always switch channels on my VHF to channel 14 to listen in to the KHM traffic. It gives me fair warning if there are any larger naval vessels proceeding up or down river, not that I have ever encountered any doing so in all the years I've been up and down this stretch of the Tamar. I've clearly been lucky. Anyway, all that will happen is that the MOD boats will come alongside and gently encourage you to go westwards in the channel until the vessel has past. </p><p>Past the sunken pleasure boat, a notable feature on the Torpoint shoreline and past the vast frigate sheds on the eastern side. Shed is a misnomer. Three gigantic, HUGE buildings with a dry dock in each - each capable of holding a frigate or a destroyer. Today there seems to be a frigate in the outside dry dock, possibly another in the middle shed. Ahead, towards Weston Mill basin, I can see a couple of decommissioned subs, a frigate tied up by HMS Tamar and possible the tall superstructure of what may be a destroyer. Within the inner basins there seems to be a very large vessel - an assault ship perhaps? And just up by the new incinerator - another vast vessel - is that HMS Albion? Another assault ship? </p><p>Something is missing. It is irritating me. I am aware that something on the waterfront has changed. I can't quite put my finger on it - something familiar, a feature of the shoreline on the Torpoint side. </p><p>Ah ha! Got it - the big refueling tanker is missing at the end of the Yonderberry refueling jetty - and what's this - the long jetty is looking shiny and new? The end equipment of pipes and derricks look new. The pier has finally been refurbished. I'm guessing the navy ships can now tie up alongside once more. This old pier had for many years been suffering from concrete cancer. Lots of new shiny white concrete support beams. Great to see but wow when did it happen? Have I been gone from this part of the river for so long? </p><p>Up past Wilcove and the two Tamar bridges appear around the corner ahead. The noisy MOD dogs barking at Bull Point as always. <i>But wait, whats this calamity?</i> <i>How can this be? </i>A boat tied to my favourite yellow mooring buoy at Henn Point? <i>This has never happened before. </i>Not in the last fourteen years have I ever seen a boat on this buoy? This is a travesty! I need to send a very strongly worded email...somewhere, to someone. How dare they!! 😆</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwlVCEk3-1o8a_ZnWKHSUNGI3IT_uzFSriuD96hC5myXH4uOgqt3zekw2yVHABrMUGhtfFFkkzGyOsRF6qu9w4qsDzabPOF10EYmNDOvkTQYMxUAm3j5TIy7QBOYTHZFTB_TkLWfSD69FSEV2PYJan_nudGi7jwe21zyvGR6SDM6bkpro5EBDbmBG20c/s1600/DSCN2512.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1600" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwlVCEk3-1o8a_ZnWKHSUNGI3IT_uzFSriuD96hC5myXH4uOgqt3zekw2yVHABrMUGhtfFFkkzGyOsRF6qu9w4qsDzabPOF10EYmNDOvkTQYMxUAm3j5TIy7QBOYTHZFTB_TkLWfSD69FSEV2PYJan_nudGi7jwe21zyvGR6SDM6bkpro5EBDbmBG20c/w400-h244/DSCN2512.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>This yellow outer mooring buoy <i>is always my stopping off point before going into the Lynher.</i> I stop here to eat, to boil a brew, to adjust sails or overnight gear. I stop here to snooze, to watch what is happening in the dockyard a quarter mile down river. Its a great place to watch egret and herons. Nooooooooo! <i>This is not how it is supposed to be!</i> Outrageous! I feel traumatised. Violated in some way! 😂</p><p>Plan B needed and so I sail further up towards the bridges, 20m out from the long line of mooring trots that line the western shore. All seem occupied; but wait, right in the middle, one single, vacant, lonely mooring buoy in need of a boat! </p><p>Can I sail up to it? Er - no - major catastrophe potential! It is literally 7m off the rocky shoreline. I'm bound to mess it up! Can I row to it? Er - no - fierce tide and those trot lanes do seem rather narrow! Can I drift up to it? Doubtful. Never done that before and probably not the time or place to give it a try now as it sits, did I say this before, about 8m away from a rocky shoreline and an incoming tide which is building in flow rate! </p><p> Damn! Its going to be outboard then. </p><p>I point Arwen's bow eastwards. We tack around, sail down wind into the big wide open area where the Lynher and Tamar join, before gybing back around to point northwards into the wind. I'm very conscious that the tide is now an hour and a half in and the water flow heading north is fast! Is it faster than the northerly wind coming towards us? We are about to find out! </p><p>Sometimes I surprise myself at the sudden speed of movement I can put on when feeling imminently threatened by something dangerous - like two moored lighter barges and the sudden realisation that tide does indeed trump wind today. The mainsail is dropped rapidly and loosely tied up. Centreboard almost fully up; mizzen sheeted in hard. Now is the time not to have problems starting the outboard. We will be on a downstream approach. Not the best approach to be fair but circumstances dictate so! I lower the outboard back into the water, apply a tiny amount of choke, send up a prayer and pull the starter cord. It starts on the third pull, conks out, starts on second pull and holds. Phew! </p><p>We have drifted up river towards the two bridges; quite some way, so a gentle sweeping broad turn to the west and we enter the trots. I slide down past the mooring can to give it the once over. Good oh! She has one of those tiny side buoys attached to a giant hawser loop. It will reach up nicely and fit over Arwen's stem post. No fiddling with mooring warps. Nice, simple, I've just got to judge approach and flow rates correctly!</p><p>Five minutes later, a perfect pick up, by hand, without use of mooring pole. I literally stop alongside the can and just reach down. Love it when a plan works! Not the view I want, but it will do. A food stop, a nice cooling breeze. Thirty minutes passes nicely. There is now around three and a half hours to the top of the tide. The winds have shifted to southerlies but not of course in the Lynher. Rivers are notorious are they not, for the winds to run down their length, irrespective of the wind direction elsewhere along the coast. As more often than not on this river, the winds come westerly straight down the channel. It will be a late afternoon/early evening of tacking back and fro to make progress up river. Hey ho - good exercise harms no-one. </p><p>I slip the buoy and motor back to the confluence area, raise sails and point Arwen into the Lynher. A quick check of my yellow notebook of sketch maps to remind myself of the channel and hazards in this first section and we start the first of what will be endless tacks upriver. Steady winds at 5 - 7 knots will assist. </p><p>Barely a ripple. Just above a glassy state, slightly ruffled water surfaces that boil as fry are chased from beneath by mackerel and bass. This is an area rich in fish but this year the mackerel seem very small. Several fishermen line the northern shore, a few fly fishing, some spinning and several bottom fishing. The occasional shout of glee indicates some are successful. Fish for tonight's BBQ then.</p><p>The water level in the Anthony Passage small harbour is low. Thick mud banks appear through the narrow entrance with its menacing sign '<i>Private harbour KEEP OUT</i>'. Quite an intimidating sign given the late afternoon sunshine which makes the waterfront houses and cottages look radiant and serene. A stunning area to live but for me a little remote perhaps? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4H4c7PE1nNKipBxkTDkkk-q-B9K00H4yU9xwjEkpv3zxHGMggMQrEgXfTuMeq4OdV2LNF8Fjfxayu-NCbq8cpr8upfdOjgx1tzdpFNhz1X0F-audo5qDCbBLUZ8dQOxHI63LfywHJ8tR7BudPkYqHeA7loTsdGgr3o-A8oFIWsgldX26Dpzo89Oi2QY/s3280/PXL_20230903_075740756.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2464" data-original-width="3280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4H4c7PE1nNKipBxkTDkkk-q-B9K00H4yU9xwjEkpv3zxHGMggMQrEgXfTuMeq4OdV2LNF8Fjfxayu-NCbq8cpr8upfdOjgx1tzdpFNhz1X0F-audo5qDCbBLUZ8dQOxHI63LfywHJ8tR7BudPkYqHeA7loTsdGgr3o-A8oFIWsgldX26Dpzo89Oi2QY/s320/PXL_20230903_075740756.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Jupiter Point, the RN small boats training station with HMS Brecon lying mid channel, hoves into view. I've many fond memories of accompanying CCF teenagers from my last school here, including my own daughter. The naval contingent did their small boat training here; the instruction superb, good humoured and demanding. My daughter and her friends flourished! But, it seemed to me that many of the moorings are emptier than I remember. Where are all the small naval motor launches? They seem to have gone, replaced by an extensive array of ribs, pulled up onto floating mooring platforms. Changing times eh? </p><p>A quick mooch into Forder Creek entrance and a hasty retreat - not a lot of water in there yet - and whilst it is a rising tide - I don't want to be sat there - grounded for an hour or so. A similar pattern on entering the narrow channel into Wivelscombe Lake - the centreboard bounces, the rudder drags and suddenly kicks up. I grab the paddle, push myself back off and turn the bow seawards - some quick paddle strokes and we are back in deeper water and catching the wind once more. Another time perhaps. Next year I will sail into these two areas on a rising tide. There are old quays and ancient mills to visit. Fabulous old industrial and agricultural heritage and archaeology; an interest of mine. </p><p>On this stretch of the Lynher, it is important to look back often, otherwise you will miss the stunning vineyards that come right down almost to the water's edge. Shoreline bushes and trees hide them from view on the way up but if you look backwards, gaps appear. Tiny, derelict, crumbling buildings right at the water's edge betray the position of old former quays and beach hard's where smaller boats arrived to collect produce to ship them out onto the larger barges in the channel; or to sail and row them down to the quaysides at Saltash, Forder and Anthony's passage. </p><p>The vast expanse of the Lynher opens up beyond Shillingham Point and opposite Tredown Lake. A vast open water area with some shallow depths and shifting sandbanks, flat glassy waters, the hue of burnished pewter. Centreboard and rudder watching is crucial here as the waters are murky. And, today, a new hazard, huge rafts of driftwood. These big spring tides have flushed out every nook and cranny on every single part of the river shoreline. The rafts gather where the current is strongest and lazily they progress up or down river depending on tidal state. It is interesting to note that there are several large branches and even some small tree trunks in these weed rafts. One or two clunks under Arwen's hull make me jump! </p><p>Vast colonies of Canadian geese on the far distant southern shores make their presence known; wow that honking is loud! Some fly overhead, just skimming the water surface in tight 'V' formations like avian Red Arrow display teams. Mackerel jump and bass swirl the surface, their dorsal fins flashing in the sunshine. Tractors can be seen meandering up the hillslopes, delivering cattle feed, spraying slurry or turning over newly mown grass. Several large yachts and motor cruisers are anchored mid channel, some with sides adorned by small ribs, sit on kayaks and SUP's; or, sadly, the now too ubiquitous jet ski. It is a safe haven for larger boats, with stupendous scenery and plenty of kayaking opportunities. All those creeks and shallows to explore. </p><p>We tack lazily back and forth up river. There is sufficient water depth over the vast sand and mud banks for Arwen to meander quite a wide range across the channel. But I still keep an eye on her centreboard. Its those <i>'invisible'</i> tree trunks that worry me most! Occasionally, the winds are deflected by coastal geography so that we get an easier beam reach section for a while; a break from the relentless upriver tacking we have done all afternoon. Still, the winds are steady, consistent. Fantastic slow sailing at its best! To be savoured, valued and enjoyed. As the afternoon turns to early evening, the sun lowers in the sky and so starts to illuminate the tips of the northern shore woods that carpet the steep slopes of Dandy Hole. A <i>'golden gilding</i>' to the bright green foliage. Beautiful! </p><p>I count twelve boats at anchor mid channel in the sweeping curve beneath the steep river cliffs. As I round the bend under sail, the high pitched wailing buzz of two jet skis assault my ears. They are whipping around at high speed up and down the channel between here and St Germans. A peaceful, tranquil anchorage shattered. Surely I cannot be the only sailor here at this moment in time who is grossly offended by this. The jet skis could go half a mile further down river and have the entire wide area between Wacker Quay and Tredown Lake to play in. Not a yacht in sight down there. An area almost a mile in width, where they would disturb no one and have the entire area to play in. The sandbanks have at least a metre or more of water covering them now, so it wouldn't be an issue. But no! The nautical equivalent of 'boy racers' are feeling entitled. They have rights too don't we know? And they want to buzz everyone around them. Its their right to be here as well you know! </p><p>I am clearly becoming a grumpy old man and deep down I know I am being unfair. They are entitled to enjoy the water as much as I am but I am, frankly, bereft. I was so looking forward to a peaceful night shared with Canadian geese, shoreline crabs and possibly a nocturnal otter or fox. But it clearly isn't going to be so. Hey ho! I am being selfish and grumpy! They are having fun. They probably have to go back to work next week. I'm retired. I can sneak up here any time I like. I'm being childish and unfair! </p><p>Having picked my beaching spot, four boat lengths off the strand line, I drop sail, raise rudder and centreboard and loosen mizzen. The pre-prepared stern anchor is dropped off the transom and the warp uncoils as I drift inshore. </p><p><i style="text-align: center;"></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5eIXy4P9r9nB5nkqYuNZZSvKW7tleNaH7D9tucgBBdn0lSB33QbCy6iRjAFFdzxNqi9dvgu6a3Qgw2LHUpHX3RoedwjVH-8pg7L4IhEM2ul2NU4ZP7tJu1CBJEZajqvETcrkQ2_Zek6l988qfJKOsNRYBEMApze9WQ1q56FJPCYPGpbQAtDyyOuEVto/s4896/DSC04665.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5eIXy4P9r9nB5nkqYuNZZSvKW7tleNaH7D9tucgBBdn0lSB33QbCy6iRjAFFdzxNqi9dvgu6a3Qgw2LHUpHX3RoedwjVH-8pg7L4IhEM2ul2NU4ZP7tJu1CBJEZajqvETcrkQ2_Zek6l988qfJKOsNRYBEMApze9WQ1q56FJPCYPGpbQAtDyyOuEVto/w400-h300/DSC04665.JPG" width="400" /></a></i></div><p></p><p>The tidal flow is stronger than I anticipated and I am swept slightly upstream and broadside on to the beach simultaneously. Some strenuous paddling repositions me but its difficult to maintain. I jump out, grabbing bow line, and dash up the small remaining beach, looping the rope around the large scaffolding pipe banged upright in the ground. Previous explorers have generously placed four of these posts deep into the top part of the beach. Convenient mooring poles. </p><p>Arwen is slowly swept into the beach on the strand line line. The stern anchor isn't holding. It is dragging up tide and inwards towards the tide line. This is a first for me and leaves me head scratching for several minutes. Frankly it is a little terrifying! I have <b>never</b> experienced such tidal flows here before. Neither have I ever seen the tide come in so fast or so high. It is clear that the marsh bank at the top of this little beach will be inundated within the hour. Fascinating. Terrifying! I am genuinely surprised and slightly perplexed! </p><p>Not what I was planning. Dreams of a camp fire are dashed. That will not be happening tonight. </p><p>I off load the galley box, reposition Arwen and pull her up the beach a little more and quickly get the Trangia stove assembled. Everything is on the top of the marsh bank and I have about forty minutes before it is inundated. A brew is on and for several minutes I dash between Arwen and the stove. Phew! It's exhausting! Arwen is just being swept sideways and upriver at the same time. I set up a new stern line to another of the mooring posts. It stops Arwen from being swept upriver but not from being broadside right on the tide line. At least she holds a stable position, for now! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zFxZbE5VQqaiIPVz7GMiIB5qggiz1svsw6xcnFWGIh6HlgX1CJnqotLXNU4QEwoaHiAIRh-tfEuUqWnfSaLflZcytWhca418NT5QEOHtfg7qtX5xalUGU1Z3cWQqRnWcZmMumargjR-EriNb4YOZq_5skpDHxyh5T_MW0gyHRYnx7P5EI-er6LUfc9I/s4896/DSC04673.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zFxZbE5VQqaiIPVz7GMiIB5qggiz1svsw6xcnFWGIh6HlgX1CJnqotLXNU4QEwoaHiAIRh-tfEuUqWnfSaLflZcytWhca418NT5QEOHtfg7qtX5xalUGU1Z3cWQqRnWcZmMumargjR-EriNb4YOZq_5skpDHxyh5T_MW0gyHRYnx7P5EI-er6LUfc9I/w400-h300/DSC04673.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bUnGdlXy1-I8XiSIc-JasOmAFZB-jK7pTtFsxZMJ8Qp7Z8e61KDWYZzTFdX1yaEhIilwbphgnrL1qwvs9rE0BvaRN6tYt6wyiQjQ2UU7AQZrg4bJbvlp3bES_xnOKAYMZYAkiL-GX9otlXL95yhQqf61WfBieQ0s7y_Zg7-JARWAyFE2SsZREbNiR40/s4896/DSC04674.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bUnGdlXy1-I8XiSIc-JasOmAFZB-jK7pTtFsxZMJ8Qp7Z8e61KDWYZzTFdX1yaEhIilwbphgnrL1qwvs9rE0BvaRN6tYt6wyiQjQ2UU7AQZrg4bJbvlp3bES_xnOKAYMZYAkiL-GX9otlXL95yhQqf61WfBieQ0s7y_Zg7-JARWAyFE2SsZREbNiR40/w400-h300/DSC04674.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>Tonight is a boil in the bag camp meal. It's on. It takes seven minutes to heat up. I have around three metres of beach left before the water laps the base of the marsh bank in which the galley box rests. </p><p>And that pretty much sums up the next two hours. A frantic mixture of eating, packing away and stopping Arwen from drying out too high up the beach. Towards the top of the tide, she settles nicely in the water. The tidal flow has fallen away and she is in a metre or so of water. It is a falling spring tide and tomorrow it will be 50 centimetres lower. The top of this beach flattens substantially and I need to make sure that Arwen is dried out at least seven metres back down the beach on the sloping part. The waters is draining away rapidly and silently and I spend much of the time lifting her bowsprit and pushing her back into the water to float. At least she has stopped her swinging to broadside up river. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR29VjMf1Jn-7MUYrexOmCqc4hng6-EFm_sdNnGR2kZfVhxpvBr_1Q1T4y_h2YL9lRYG6qK1UQxEOYlTABluetITpdu4sZ-DkgS5sb6gTj3Uay2z075gBWhL1YO9o0l2Zss8h4xm3rIyA58oykhVWIs0jiel__UNxZoIFX0VxC3yxuUfZDtwxHyp7IC68/s4032/PXL_20230902_192911716.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR29VjMf1Jn-7MUYrexOmCqc4hng6-EFm_sdNnGR2kZfVhxpvBr_1Q1T4y_h2YL9lRYG6qK1UQxEOYlTABluetITpdu4sZ-DkgS5sb6gTj3Uay2z075gBWhL1YO9o0l2Zss8h4xm3rIyA58oykhVWIs0jiel__UNxZoIFX0VxC3yxuUfZDtwxHyp7IC68/w400-h300/PXL_20230902_192911716.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEw3y47_uuYklTZJFnmhSOGbtO0viXD9MLE-Cfr1-ETDfKzZ-dsbA6CZ9s4aY3T-1VfhxWk8chCHKfqDAxqtqc7HE5BILpiJZm5vQiOktoeGSUtOtZ72UAdSVpDJD92SldX4eXcO4Vuo-EQlGyOegR0n0AS-ngDNx8CZCka0n9LXsWi_1C-xvSGMclXqo/s4032/PXL_20230902_192931469.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEw3y47_uuYklTZJFnmhSOGbtO0viXD9MLE-Cfr1-ETDfKzZ-dsbA6CZ9s4aY3T-1VfhxWk8chCHKfqDAxqtqc7HE5BILpiJZm5vQiOktoeGSUtOtZ72UAdSVpDJD92SldX4eXcO4Vuo-EQlGyOegR0n0AS-ngDNx8CZCka0n9LXsWi_1C-xvSGMclXqo/w400-h300/PXL_20230902_192931469.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2kPOTOOrSbSXOxdCEL4RM8prv_FmS9pcIDNJFX0Kc6qH_1Joka33PlXZTjnzSTlpddcdv2ebgzNj2R-RehV8V7LmEYVrlGiplWc97dE1JPgBafIA5fZbZHYB2jtdn0125VEMBwHIhgFHzooCZpe-Ds8KdnZzWdGdjdnlNDMn2MXHY1b440xI_iVps64/s3280/PXL_20230902_193011296.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2464" data-original-width="3280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2kPOTOOrSbSXOxdCEL4RM8prv_FmS9pcIDNJFX0Kc6qH_1Joka33PlXZTjnzSTlpddcdv2ebgzNj2R-RehV8V7LmEYVrlGiplWc97dE1JPgBafIA5fZbZHYB2jtdn0125VEMBwHIhgFHzooCZpe-Ds8KdnZzWdGdjdnlNDMn2MXHY1b440xI_iVps64/w400-h300/PXL_20230902_193011296.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>It's exhausting, this shuttling between galley box and boat malarkey 😆. Where is my 'collecting firewood' stroll? Where is my 'seashore rock ramble'? And those Jet skis? At 2130, well past dusk, they are still zipping around. But, I think this is about to be resolved. Unknown to them, three small ribs have departed three separate yachts. As the jet skis return to their boat base to swap passengers, there are heated words. The three ribs have converged. Feelings and dissatisfaction are made clear. Loud voices carry across the water. Jet skis are 'neutralised'. Threats about contacting the coastguard and giving boat details and all that seems to have done the job! The jet ski crew have taken up singing folk songs loudly and playing guitar! To be truthful? They are pretty good and I can hear the kids joining in. Lots of laughter - I'll settle for this. Everyone is now happy! </p><p>And, at long last, Arwen has dried out on a gentle slope on a mud shingle mix. I've managed to get a large white fender beneath her so she sits upright. My problem is now tomorrow's early morning incoming tide. It is clear without a stern anchor, she will drift inwards and end up broadside on the strand line again and that fills me with horror although I cant explain why. Completely irrational! But, I have to be back home tomorrow, for the day after, I have a vital early morning hospital appointment. </p><p>I resign myself to a late night. Around 0200 tomorrow morning, when it is low tide, I will need to re-lay out a kedge anchor. It will need to go at least 20m out and I will need to dig and bury it in under some obliging rocks, which, at this particular moment, have yet to be uncovered. But, I know they are there! It is imperative that this anchor holds tomorrow morning otherwise I am going to be swept sideways and upriver and possibly stranded if I don't wake up in time! And, moreover, if I want a bow mooring warp that slips off around the scaffold pole tomorrow, I definitely need a stern anchor that holds. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfYvCNu7NqSQ-e0LuMoHim9tz3xyYdwy3rCmwY3wLVrxnpYm1O81YNlikaUWV2EQ33ObWoBwXnoV2Nep128JiqDhRvWoW2q7V-DI5HbxgfucUuvdzQ_ccAAc-mHGW3dl7dqsk3dzhy3NfwPa60lB4NWFJR8Lbf2SXGy0QBFrTTqFijQr6fMU1QqDf6vA/s3280/PXL_20230902_203747637.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2464" data-original-width="3280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfYvCNu7NqSQ-e0LuMoHim9tz3xyYdwy3rCmwY3wLVrxnpYm1O81YNlikaUWV2EQ33ObWoBwXnoV2Nep128JiqDhRvWoW2q7V-DI5HbxgfucUuvdzQ_ccAAc-mHGW3dl7dqsk3dzhy3NfwPa60lB4NWFJR8Lbf2SXGy0QBFrTTqFijQr6fMU1QqDf6vA/w400-h300/PXL_20230902_203747637.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>0200 and I am still managing to smile - just! </i></div><p>And so, here we are. It is 0210 and you find me knee deep in squelching mud. All is quiet on the moored yachts. Their anchor lights, along with a full moon, give me plenty of light to work by. I've been arse over face twice. Mud is everywhere on my clothing. My wellies are full of it. And I am being bitten to death by midges! Twenty five metres down the beach from Arwen's transom, the mud suction is so great, I can't physically pull my feet out of it. On the plus side, the anchor is buried under three large boulders that I have spent the last twenty minutes pushing into place. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkM8MoaBXudsdW3FvXn7XUMg40eBIilvtk96EQeWRmpuXArE4NKPsm6M7OBgwqvB6L1JiNaadfZ0tkxeVohhtTyVVXyzmF6Ykk4aLznUFXhL6TgEx8R19C6wAkPDLH8GcaEzyYPtdHzN1ZVbTars4ILl8cJ9Vq3wUtPh0ROIBCtEOJ1sSLpYHBoLR1yA/s4032/PXL_20230902_203515974.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDkM8MoaBXudsdW3FvXn7XUMg40eBIilvtk96EQeWRmpuXArE4NKPsm6M7OBgwqvB6L1JiNaadfZ0tkxeVohhtTyVVXyzmF6Ykk4aLznUFXhL6TgEx8R19C6wAkPDLH8GcaEzyYPtdHzN1ZVbTars4ILl8cJ9Vq3wUtPh0ROIBCtEOJ1sSLpYHBoLR1yA/w400-h300/PXL_20230902_203515974.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Tawny owls hoot in laughter at my antics. Bats swoop low over my head to inspect my precarious position. Bass jump in the shallows. I'm sure they are laughing at me! </p><p>It's pitiful isn't it. I am a useless sailor, am I not? Seriously, there is a risk that the coastguard will come out tomorrow and find my body stuck in the same position with my head just above water! </p><p>I manage to wriggle both feet out of my wellies. I am free. Ten minutes of tugging and wiggling frees the wellies. I squelch, slip and slide up the slope back to Arwen. In her front cockpit section, I strip off, wash myself down, clean myself up, hang my boots off the stem post and crawl under the boom tarp tent and into my Rab down bag inside its Gortex bivvy. I am exhausted but old buckets of water sluiced over my lower half have woken me up somewhat! I have to be up around 0600! I need to sleep!! No stargazing tonight! </p><p>Above, a little white anchor light casts a warm glow over the white tarp. Below seaweed pops, mud splutters and crabs scuttle. I'm oblivious to it all. I fell asleep quicker than I thought! My fate, Arwen's fate, is now in the laps of the Gods. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-35925682230518485002023-08-17T16:13:00.004+01:002023-08-17T16:13:28.041+01:00A new watermark logo for Arwen's vlogs. <p> I have been playing about with free software, trying to design a simple watermark and/or copyright/subscribe logo for our vlogs on YouTube. </p><p>Here are my efforts so far! Since retiring from teaching, it is surprising how much of my ICT knowledge and skill I have forgotten! Ho Hum! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaX6b0vdCb7HD0DCENQ35-LqKC4FkNeeJPgeFsLauU-r2WgmXOPG-wRig-UP-Z0_PwXueUn4wzuovAK-ZIA7rC90eZIc4Ekw2whMVTYuHiSZlLxitdEmfpqF2VJyzec647ZX-Pb-NLxSqTJGdqUFt19lK_Z4Er5lFVnq2s7aVSTpHgd18yBUpUTmpRmwg/s411/Arwen's%20Meanderings%20(3)-cutout.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="411" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaX6b0vdCb7HD0DCENQ35-LqKC4FkNeeJPgeFsLauU-r2WgmXOPG-wRig-UP-Z0_PwXueUn4wzuovAK-ZIA7rC90eZIc4Ekw2whMVTYuHiSZlLxitdEmfpqF2VJyzec647ZX-Pb-NLxSqTJGdqUFt19lK_Z4Er5lFVnq2s7aVSTpHgd18yBUpUTmpRmwg/w400-h400/Arwen's%20Meanderings%20(3)-cutout.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>This one is a transparent one - so the video will be seen through it</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd243YDH6LgCb84zcmoy66Tc8bS08BCWu_vZwcnlfKofZOtAvCSdjl-SqpTB-H1HB-tjDxE1lYlztHKfIoYQnQOmwFBnI-RgPacuYsnj6BP320aC67tuLY9fb9kAwZCJirSUJjqT6J__vb7tB0BEwN4bU5l2KV6MzTzDX_GP2OF1WY-8C5UhbbF48My3g/s404/Arwen's%20Meanderings%20ab.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="404" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd243YDH6LgCb84zcmoy66Tc8bS08BCWu_vZwcnlfKofZOtAvCSdjl-SqpTB-H1HB-tjDxE1lYlztHKfIoYQnQOmwFBnI-RgPacuYsnj6BP320aC67tuLY9fb9kAwZCJirSUJjqT6J__vb7tB0BEwN4bU5l2KV6MzTzDX_GP2OF1WY-8C5UhbbF48My3g/w400-h400/Arwen's%20Meanderings%20ab.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>These two re solid backgrounds and will be small circular logos in the bottom left hand corner of all vlogs in future - perhaps! </i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzHEE0Wf8ADq07Ygs-RdZ1AoPC9czh7vm1ACGG3XUSJpVUNRsLxIFjh3QUqwO70DyUjilHLhOF-oWgaqClPYqy323Swz4Hmg5C7LFFM8VxqSM0AxdAfAv9UHn-AZmi0ITnm1hKLp0oJWnaDOpr-islSMUnHqzdV8H236b1Hk0lyN2W_7NiEKO80uKenk/s412/Arwen's%20Meanderings%20effort%201.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="412" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzHEE0Wf8ADq07Ygs-RdZ1AoPC9czh7vm1ACGG3XUSJpVUNRsLxIFjh3QUqwO70DyUjilHLhOF-oWgaqClPYqy323Swz4Hmg5C7LFFM8VxqSM0AxdAfAv9UHn-AZmi0ITnm1hKLp0oJWnaDOpr-islSMUnHqzdV8H236b1Hk0lyN2W_7NiEKO80uKenk/w400-h400/Arwen's%20Meanderings%20effort%201.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-17177278952915080292023-08-17T16:03:00.036+01:002023-08-18T13:49:36.126+01:00When is 'prudence' really just an excuse for 'sailing fear'? <p> So, I have spent the last week preparing for a voyage of five days up the Tamar. I've brought food, packed galley boxes. I've disassembled and reassembled the broken jib furler and successively rewound the 4mm cord back onto it. It works perfectly now. 😊</p><p>I've packed clothing for five days along with sleeping gear and bivvy bag. Fuel containers have been topped up for outboard and I have given the latter a quick service. </p><p>I selected two anchors - my smaller danforth and a chunky collapsible four pronged grapnel (which I tend to use as a stern anchor in very sheltered areas - so far it has held perfectly). My anchor buddy always comes with me. Mooring warps and extra warp ropes, recoiled carefully so that when thrown they'll uncoil perfectly during flight! Bound to be some helpful tourists on some of the quaysides I will be visiting! 😆</p><p>Trailer has been checked; some bolts tightened; some rollers moved to sit better beneath the hull. Axle hubs have been repacked with grease. The hitch has been given some TLC. I spent two days sorting out my charts, passage plans and little notes and sketch maps for my waterproof note books. I pored over Google Earth for alternative sites to dry out on or shelter in. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7IHl3cQNfik57Y0x1tlZNAiKfTNDS4j8WKN0xGSKO5T4AnmTPoD-KMc_2Tc2wfOzRX6a5av6DW9wTfdf2OyCXHualV5rdBjlT6tKEy3SYaapSnrpZNcdcpXcufQ3uUC30bP7NXoz3y2pPcsY29g1DX7otmiOe4Pjut7e2etuaPiMgcDMTKBagk6KzcE/s4032/PXL_20230816_090524374.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7IHl3cQNfik57Y0x1tlZNAiKfTNDS4j8WKN0xGSKO5T4AnmTPoD-KMc_2Tc2wfOzRX6a5av6DW9wTfdf2OyCXHualV5rdBjlT6tKEy3SYaapSnrpZNcdcpXcufQ3uUC30bP7NXoz3y2pPcsY29g1DX7otmiOe4Pjut7e2etuaPiMgcDMTKBagk6KzcE/w400-h300/PXL_20230816_090524374.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>It is surprising how quickly I have forgotten the stuff I learned on my 'Day Skipper' theory course in 2019. But, it came back quickly to me. The route planning is similar to what I have done in my mountaineering. The tidal charts work I sort of understand. I did, however, forget to plan around tidal streams and flows! How hum! </i></div><p>The itinerary was roughly as follows - nothing overly ambitious; but some tight river channel sailing, some open channel exposed areas. Some new sailing areas for me - the Tavy, Kingsmill Lake, Millbrook Lake and the river above Calstock. Venturing into the salt marshes and creeks of Egypt Bay and Wivelscombe lake - tricky. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Day One: HT 0715 LT 1340 HT 1930</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>depart Queen Ann Battery marina for Cattedown</li><li>finish rigging, setting up cameras and final adjustments to trim and balance</li><li>set sail for mouth of Tamar and sailing back and forth along Plymouth Hoe to check all is working into Millbrook Lake to visit the cafe at Southdown Marina for lunch</li><li>on the filling tide - sailing up the Hamoaze, up past the Dockyards to the mouth of the Lynher, taking up a vacant mooring at Henn Point to allow the tide to build further</li><li>sail to Forder valley inlet and quick exploration on building tide; ditto into Wivelscombe Lake marsh and creeks</li><li>then up the Lynher to Dandy Hole; and if possible, an overnight on Redshank Beach. I haven't been up there for almost five years! </li><li>The alternative should weather be fickle was to moor alongside St Germans Sailing Club pontoon. Andy, their mooring officer being very obliging and in that circumstance, offering to come down and see me onto the pontoon safely. </li></ul><div><b>Day Two: HT 0755 LT1400 HT 2000</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>depart around 0715 and proceed downriver back to Henn Point vacant mooring</li><li>breakfast at Mooring watching the Tamar river traffic passing by</li><li>leisurely passage up river calling in at Weir quay on their pontoon for an hour or so until tide built sufficiently to carry me up to Cotehele</li><li>dipping into the little reed inlet south of the quay for a couple of hours before being able to tie up alongside for afternoon tea at the quay cafe</li><li>departure on last two hours of tide up past Calstock to Morwellham Quay - overnighting on one of their basins; and if not there, then back down to a swinging mooring at Calstock Boatyard, arranged with them as a back up option. Another Andy, at the this yard, offered to come along in the yard boat to welcome me onto the mooring. I could use their toilet and shower on shore during the evening. </li></ul><div><b>Day Three: HT 0830 LT 1430 HT2040 LT 0250</b></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>departing Morwellham on top of tide after breakfast, either for trip under motor up to Gunnislake Weir OR back down to Calstock town pontoon and tying alongside</li><li>coffee stop and walk around Calstock </li><li>mid afternoon departure down to Cotehele - into the little inlet in the reeds to wait for sufficient water in the basin behind 'Shamrock' barge.</li><li>Overnight at Cotehele - depending on time - stroll up to NT trust house and exploration of quayside locality </li></ul><div><b>Day Four: HT 0900 LT 1500 HT 2100</b></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>depart Cotehele quay around 10 am after breakfast in cafe</li><li>down river to Cargreen and quick dip into Egypt marshes and creeks opposite</li><li>down river to Saltash pontoon for stop off</li><li>at turn of tide - sail back up river heading for either - Kingsmill Lake and Moditionham quay OR up the Tavy river to the quayside at Bere Ferrers for overnight stop.</li></ul><div><b>Day Five: HT 0935 LT 1530</b></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>depart 0730 and take last of building tide up to Lopwell dam, if possible</li><li>return on ebbing tide down Tavy into Tamar river</li><li>down river stopping for lunch at Southdown Marina cafe</li><li>out into sound and sail around the sound</li><li>retrieving boat out of water around 1730 at QAB</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div><b>So what's the issue? </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, firstly, <i>exactly how much gear do people carry on a trip of this length? </i>I seem to have acquired a mountain of it. In weight terms - its about 30 kilos max. On previous trips - it has all disappeared into the foredeck locker, centre thwart lockers and front thwart lockers. A couple of dry bags are then strapped along the hull low down in the forward cockpit area. The 10 litres of water in various sized bottles gets stored low down in the forward thwart lockers as well. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGp9imtftwEdGFFgUtSFyUR1q1t5mO2AdA_tsKi0WwnfnSC9unXztlu93l_um10UwatXg23lJKXdiezHe0S9mV9MraQ-ginIUo-JQOsSFWBsX93BIYK5zCoMLCRuIWlMM_tupO1AebVnUhHxdyf96dtfWA1NHY8nE4pfp9JYzm_O6mc0521YHwfMgwhw/s4032/PXL_20230811_090441685.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIGp9imtftwEdGFFgUtSFyUR1q1t5mO2AdA_tsKi0WwnfnSC9unXztlu93l_um10UwatXg23lJKXdiezHe0S9mV9MraQ-ginIUo-JQOsSFWBsX93BIYK5zCoMLCRuIWlMM_tupO1AebVnUhHxdyf96dtfWA1NHY8nE4pfp9JYzm_O6mc0521YHwfMgwhw/w400-h300/PXL_20230811_090441685.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Galley box with tea, coffee, a few snacks and one meal plan</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The 'food supplies' box on the left carries four other meals, all the breakfasts, water, lunches and 'treats'</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMFP4HVP63BNuHwMotAq3E6R83CwwkekQrIU1LMNsIpq8qoRfMYh-UnI2mzj6CXcAvNpjuiZ4neJnSsYN0bV83E6-32DTwJo1pPv745WhR9JXJMMOnQq8JDo8n_0pMkcLhIYFmzgTOh_vUJZsm7E5btkDEQAQpjirVRT5N2CTRQCwL2ObyppNebg1TjA/s4032/PXL_20230816_161539239.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMFP4HVP63BNuHwMotAq3E6R83CwwkekQrIU1LMNsIpq8qoRfMYh-UnI2mzj6CXcAvNpjuiZ4neJnSsYN0bV83E6-32DTwJo1pPv745WhR9JXJMMOnQq8JDo8n_0pMkcLhIYFmzgTOh_vUJZsm7E5btkDEQAQpjirVRT5N2CTRQCwL2ObyppNebg1TjA/w300-h400/PXL_20230816_161539239.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Once upon a time - I used to run mountain marathons - carrying everything I needed for four days in a tiny rucksack on my back. what the hell has happened to me in 30 years? </i></div><div><br /></div><div><i>But is it too much? </i></div><div><br /></div><div>I mean there is a fair amount of electronics - three Gopro plus batteries plus accessory clamps. A drone and spare batteries and charger. Four small power-banks and a solar panel. And a small compact camera as well and a handheld microphone. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>And how many mooring warps and extra log ropes do people carry? </i></div><div>I have two 30m spare warps and then two 10m mooring warps. <i>Too excessive? </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Perhaps it is time to do a vlog update on what I carry in Arwen and see what viewers think! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghh0SgRDFTm5cigvp_xLDr6fJH-USAcLE8fY_6yNwNjA9fJw1gqy0cta8dY7uit3oy8R1MprH6BAOJdNJWtWvj2ns1IGuLK6xmHXxbpqcyOXd0Rupv3OjR3EpoBcKUcMDxyzI7_6U5ubLMkHNHKlJMcP3Pae0HVAkCwAvXInykkRt5amwExt4HZV-gKJw/s4032/PXL_20230814_161857867.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghh0SgRDFTm5cigvp_xLDr6fJH-USAcLE8fY_6yNwNjA9fJw1gqy0cta8dY7uit3oy8R1MprH6BAOJdNJWtWvj2ns1IGuLK6xmHXxbpqcyOXd0Rupv3OjR3EpoBcKUcMDxyzI7_6U5ubLMkHNHKlJMcP3Pae0HVAkCwAvXInykkRt5amwExt4HZV-gKJw/w400-h300/PXL_20230814_161857867.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I was lucky to see the old Tamar barge 'Lynher' sail up to the Cotehele quayside a few days ago. The only photo I got as I was on the shoreside bow warp duty - catching the thrown warp and then rapidly coiling it around the granite bollard and helping adjust it as the crew hauled their end to get the bow into the quayside. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fBJVl4YRn6g" width="320" youtube-src-id="fBJVl4YRn6g"></iframe></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The video above is just a quick capture. In previous conversations I was told the barge would go into the dock behind 'Shamrock' but it became obvious as the barge turned into the river that this wasn't going to happen and that she was going to come back alongside us on the Crane quay. So it was all hands to action as two of us dashed forward ready to receive stern and bow mooring warps. The plan seemed to be to bring the barge in and secure immediately the stern line so that the downriver movement was taken off the boat. The bow rope would be wound around the bollard and tied off and then the crew would haul in the bow line slack and secure the boat alongside. You will be please to know that the crew and 'volunteer' quay hands carried out the plan perfectly! </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>It seems the change of plan is due to the amount of mud that is in the big basin! </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And then the big question: <b><i>When is 'prudence' really just an excuse for 'fearful'? </i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>The weather changed in the three days before the trip. By yesterday, winds had risen to 12 - 15 kts with gust from 24 - 29kts; and that was for the first three days. Throw in the torrential rain warning on the TV weather forecasts - not quite a yellow warning but Friday night really bad and then heavy showers and possible thunder storms on day three and four. </div><div><br /></div><div>The boat can handle all that with no problem at all. The navigator is such an extraordinarily well designed, sea-worthy boat! But, alas, Arwen's skipper? Not so well designed! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Most important in my review of the weather - the wind direction. Easterlies shifting around to South-easterlies- shifting to south Westerlies across the four days! Previous experiences and the experience of a sailing friend Steven show that the river Tamar and Lynher are not always comfortable places to be in these wind directions, in stronger breezes. Above Halton Quay, the river can be calmer but the issue is getting up there. </div><div><br /></div><div>Last week Steven had a very rough night in southerlies and heavy rain up at Cotehele and had to move in the middle of the night from the basin to an inlet deep in the reed beds to the south, where he lay at anchor for much of the night that was left before returning to the basin on the top of the morning tide. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvulnsiFlR9SvjNb6J9gvKbNNZZbPvGU86ifDKQLnQDfSGBzmZyFgtR1qCPBjhwCFxCb3p6XPCKY3cIDW00RZVGo0te5HZGZ8bz7piSYY3r4-WOcpp3JCvHLs0elN98UBU_wAbL1aLbZOBaY3xLHEPwcc1Rik7qHf7O2Ozdy3DAkhP1iuD2rKwiItPzg/s4032/PXL_20230814_143538290.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvulnsiFlR9SvjNb6J9gvKbNNZZbPvGU86ifDKQLnQDfSGBzmZyFgtR1qCPBjhwCFxCb3p6XPCKY3cIDW00RZVGo0te5HZGZ8bz7piSYY3r4-WOcpp3JCvHLs0elN98UBU_wAbL1aLbZOBaY3xLHEPwcc1Rik7qHf7O2Ozdy3DAkhP1iuD2rKwiItPzg/w400-h300/PXL_20230814_143538290.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Wabi IV - Steven's pathfinder with adaptation - a cuddy. He has also added twin skegs. The workmanship and 'thought' that has gone into this boat is amazing. </i></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>St Germans and Redshank beach would be exposed, as would Cotehele. </div><div><br /></div><div>The boom tarp would leak badly in torrential rain as I learned a few years back down in Falmouth. Serves me right for not investing in a proper boat tent some years ago! During some summer stormy showers, there was a constant trickle of water in three places and I had two very rough nights on that trip emptying buckets and pumping out water from the bilge floor area several times each night! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>You can see where this is going.</b> I decided to delay the trip. I think it is the right decision having watched the winds battering the trees in our garden this afternoon. It is always a good indicator of what conditions will be like out on the sound in northerlies or easterlies. (We are very sheltered from southerlies and westerlies). </div><div><br /></div><div><b>But, I am left with a niggly feeling</b> - <i>have I bailed too early; did I give up too early? Should I have sailed in the squalls and the showers and gained some good sailing experiences? Have I allowed some bouts of ill-health this year to play on my fears? </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>I think I am regretting the decision. I think I have been cowardly and hidden it behind 'prudence'! </div><div><i>Damn - when did I become so soft? </i>I sit here now kicking myself badly. I rarely make wrong decisions like this. I hate myself when I do! </div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Postscript update</u></b></div><div>Perhaps it was a good call after all. They have just announced on local news that the Falmouth Tall Ships sail by scheduled for today has been cancelled because of the weather. Tonight winds will be on average 25 kts with gusts in the high thirties/early forties. Rain is 90% chance and torrential. Tomorrow the weather is 18 kts winds and gusts around mid thirties. But, it will be sunny. The day after tomorrow, it will be dropping to 13 kts and gusts in mid twenties but lots of rain showers. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sailing is meant to be fun. It is important to occasionally go out in testing times as well, for skills development; but, this afternoon and tomorrow is just barmy, especially up the rivers where there are fewer boats to come rescue me. A lifeboat crew would take at least 30 minutes to get to me in their fastest rib.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have sailed in winds around 15 kts on several occasions but the gusts were only around 15 - 18 kts and also from the north rather than southerlies and easterlies. On each of these occasions I sailed along the coastline and the cliffs offered some protection. Arwen handled it all with ease, as you would expect with her design pedigree. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have been reflecting on what I learned from Helping Steve Yates recover his boat on a slip way up river. One of the things he has is a fold out draw bar extension. And what a difference that makes to launching and recovery. I don't need a folding one but a 1m extension would make all the difference - allowing me to get more of the trailer in to the water without having to put the exhaust just above the water surface. So, I am off to explore how much extension bars cost and whether it is cheaper to make my own. I'll keep you all posted about this development. </div><div><br /></div><p></p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6263863416874538973.post-66938727090348533862023-08-11T17:17:00.001+01:002023-08-11T17:17:05.962+01:00Plans are afoot<p> Planning for a big trip next week - assembling a week's worth of food supplies is the start! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReJ8qemWB2s6dq1BknnlqR7c3poYTDg5QSWi-xZTHfzp8u4IsjNHPJMEJEubXQSl4Ogu122piheNG8MUOz2-9USJL3n_7plaJkAXiAKMVWw5VaiyqI58fMTBJ-sefi4Lrt5gXQXhNdAHn1LJptaX4CdHl7BAfo-nJA7sndrBvSA2O49ciuuodisI38Wc/s4032/PXL_20230811_090441685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReJ8qemWB2s6dq1BknnlqR7c3poYTDg5QSWi-xZTHfzp8u4IsjNHPJMEJEubXQSl4Ogu122piheNG8MUOz2-9USJL3n_7plaJkAXiAKMVWw5VaiyqI58fMTBJ-sefi4Lrt5gXQXhNdAHn1LJptaX4CdHl7BAfo-nJA7sndrBvSA2O49ciuuodisI38Wc/w400-h300/PXL_20230811_090441685.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06932550661580632605noreply@blogger.com0