We’d enjoyed an overnight trip to the River Medway with a stopover in Queenborough. It was our first of the year and we enjoyed sublime weather for it.

A few days later, we were out walking around our local woods partaking of ‘morning exercise’ when I casually said to Christobel, ‘You know the main cabin deck head has some bad areas…’

‘Yes…, she said with a long silence waiting to be filled.

‘Well, I think we should bite the bullet and do it,’ I added. It was left there for a few days. In the meantime and having done the repair area preparation work, we sanded and varnished (my job this bit) the cabin sides as the weather was bang on for it.

So, returning to that woodland discussion, the upshot was that we rearranged our schedule to get the hard part of the job done.

I’d tested my heat gun with a little generator we’ve had for years. All seemed well. but in reality, when it was made to work for more than a test, the generator didn’t like it. A larger unit was fortunately quickly borrowed and some 15% of the deck head paint was eventually ‘burnt’ off. Then it was down to the hard sanding and going through the grades.

Christobel cleaned up the mess and left me to deal with priming and painting the white between those varnished hatch top beams.

And there rests more to the tale: I also said, at some point, ‘we ought to do the cabin varnish work too…’ Christobel looked at me in horror!

The work was cracked on with over a few days until all the ‘dirty’ work was done. Christobel then carried out a rudimentary clean to remove the greater part of our mess. A final spring clean is to come!

At that point, assistance wasn’t going to be a lot of use for it would have been silly to get two people painting in a confined space – so it was over to me.

The weather during some of the days spent working was absolutely sublime – a sail though was out of the question with the main cabin’s ‘stuff’ piled on the forward bunks and floor boards!

I have always found the matt of the various proprietory internal varnishes too ‘dull’ for my liking. When built the boat has a sheen finish which was a yard mix of gloss and ‘whatever’ which has generally been matched by a Ronseal ‘yacht’ silk finish.

But, for this complete makeover I used a mix trialled on the underside of the forehatch which I did at home early in the winter ’21 lockdown.

The mix I came up with was essentially an easy 50/50 matt and gloss (Hempel). I kept it well mixed as I went along…

It has worked.

As I completed the last coat of paint on the deck head ‘bays’ between the varnished deck beams, the masking tape was stripped away revealing a pretty good job!

Next job – fit all the paraphernalia back!

The worst part of the job was clearing away ‘stuff’ (removals) and cleaning up debris and sanding dust, nothing new then. But it has been most worthwhile!

As the finishing touches were completed, we had plans to go away for a few days, the weather Gods are building up another windy week to kick us with, not looking likely…

Grrrrrrrrr………………

On cue, on Monday 29th March, we, in England, were released from hard lockdown to go afloat on a ‘cabined’ craft, maintaining household bubbles.

The weather was predictably windy but glorious drying sunshine poured down too – so some varnish repairs were stuck into. Lots more to do – a late start too!

The fore hatch still awaits fitting, you may well notice in a picture or two.

On the Tuesday the wind had died to a light breeze which came up more during the afternoon. It was absolutely glorious. The last time we sailed out, two days before the third lockdown, the Christmas tree was up. That was on New Year’s Day. It seemed a long time ago.

We sailed over towards the Crowstone, on a comfortable reach, enjoying the buzz we both felt. It was quite warm, but when in the sail shadow, the wind had a bitterness about it, reminding us that spring was only just begun for the equinox was two days earlier…

A buzz of another sort soon impinged on our ears from the quiet around, apart from a low chuckling from the waterline. A group of Personal Watercraft came from behind the saltings on Canvey’s eastern point and zipped past.

One peeled away and came back across our stern and then across the bow – fortunately some distance off, but it met the previous wash waves to bounce over them. Exhilarating it may be…

As they all disappeared into the distance, Christobel said, ‘thank goodness…’ Yes!

The sails showed signs of their long sojourn. The main with creases from being lashed up along the boom, and the genoa from its ‘jail-term’ in its bag!

A bit of use will sort them out!

From a little before the Crowstone area a call came through from my mother’s care home, on cue, as planned. Christobel helmed so that I could tour the decks and show mother the sights: this shore was the haunt of her young adult years. My mother thoroughly enjoyed her ‘sail’ with us…

The white sails of dinghies were seen being launched from the Essex Yacht Club. A safety boat was pootling around, so, presumably, youngsters were out…

I was given back the helm as we passed Victoria Wharf, which like the beach and its sister wharf, Bell Wharf, were fairly sprinkled with ‘family’ groups.

It was pleasing to see swimmers, canoeists and paddleboarders out enjoying the water too. In the distance, I spotted ‘an old friend’ in his sailing canoe. A sweet little affair with an outrigger, usually sailed by two chaps.

‘Where we going…’ the mate asked as we passed the Billet where we would drive to on a Friday after my prostate cancer radiotherapy sessions on a Friday evening…

‘Past the Belton,’ I said, receiving one of those looks!

As we approached the entrance to the Lower Thame Marina, we came round and needed a spot of power to clear a short double string of fore and aft moored craft. No way of tacking through!

Once clear, engine was silenced and we tacked east.

It was at that point, the blessed roars of PWC’s was heard again.

‘Look,’ Christobel said, ‘what are they playing at…’ They were roaring snake-like in a kind of figure of eight way hard into the shore where people were being sprayed with salt water!

A small group of canoeists were back paddling to stay clear!

Our sailing canoe friends made a change of course and sailed clear of the area as fast as we were, at first, until the cleaner flow of air from the hills took us away from them. We managed a cheery wave though.

Once out towards the Ray channel again, the mainsail was stowed while Christobel ran, gently, over the ebb towards our creek.

The water had sparkled and glistened all afternoon. Twinkles of diamond-like light, glorifying the day.

At a non stated moment, Chrsitobel moved forward ready at the mast to drop the headsail as we slipped towards our mooring.

We slipped in nicely. A helping hand held onto a shroud as I brought Whimbrel to a halt with her stern line. The chap was working on his own Finesse 24, moored two berths away. Thanks mate!

It was just glorious. Pent up frustrations ebbed away during those two and a half hours, refreshing heart and soul…

P.S. Apparently, the local constabulary were activated by a member(s) of the public regarding the PWC’s. The actions of these louts came days after a piece in the national press about greater regulation being considered, with a leader in the Saturday Times (27th March 2021). There actions were dangerous…

A further point: PWC’s currently do not fall into a ‘boat’ category and are therefore not covered by regulations that cover the rest of the yachting and shipping world. How strange!

Harbour regulations differ around the coast too. Locally, the Port of London Authority and Medway Ports have successfully prosecuted owners…

During the summer of 2019 whilst berthed in Titchmarsh Marina, I did what I have done for many years and walked the yard looking at the craft. Some newer craft have an appeal and some of the older boats certainly, but it is usually the ‘graveyard’ that interests me most!

A ‘graveyard’ section can be found in many boatyards, up and down the coast. Inland ones too.

See: http://nickardley.com/ditch-crawler-ruminates-on-boats-found-at-deaths-door/

I have been witnessing the gradual demise of many craft here, as have the yard operators, over time.

It is sad, but almost natural too, for there was a time when old craft were either laid to rest to rot in the saltings, broken up or burnt. Thames barges were often left to rot in a lonely creek.

The lady, Sarah Spinks, sent me a picture of her dad’s boat sailing. Note the relatively short mast for a boat with a hull almost 24′ in length. It was a common feature.

The owner of this boat sailed her on the Norfolk Broads for may years, with his family as crew. The family were ‘forced’ to sell the boat when the ‘old boy’ a husband and father, became ill. Following that sale, she seems to have passed through a couple of ownerships and was latterly based at Titchmarsh Marina from around 2012.

Sarah tells me that she is planning to acquire the vessel and renovate her. She is desperately trying to trace the current owner with the help of Titchmarsh Marina, where the boat has sat out of the water for several years.

Sometimes, owners of these boats ‘go to ground’ and it then becomes difficult or impossible to find them. Bills must have been paid … yards do not keep boats for the sake of it. But, and this is a big but, as came out in a sinking event at a marina in Brixham recently, the custody of an abandoned boat is dubious. In a harbour it becomes the harbour’s responsibility, but does not mean becomes legal owner. At a yard, a lien is often the only recourse, and is the way yacht and sailing clubs deal with the situation in a legal manner.

Apparently, if you destroy an old boat, the owner who has or had legal title may have recourse to compensation. It’s tricky!

As I write, the legal owner of Alcyone is still to be contacted.

Recently, an article appeared from the Eastern Daily Press, written by reporter Daniel Hickey:

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/norfolk-woman-search-sea-king-boat-titchmarsh-marina-7824306

This was also followed up with a fundraising page, raised by Sarah:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-alcyone?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

I have added a series of three further pictures of the Alcyone as seen in August 2019. Two years of being open to the elements has passed since these were taken, so her condition may well have suffered further.

My advice would be for a thorough assessment be made of the vessel’s condition by a competent person. A list of priorities and other work requirements are needed with worst case ballpark costs.

It may be that the hull is in relatively good condition. The stem can be repaired, but there are many unanswerable questions floating in even my mind, to give an honest assessment.

Below are a series of three pictures showing the deterioration that has taken place over the last two seasons (nearly)sent by my good sailing friend Ian Clarke, owner of MG’s old bawley yacht Storm. Thanks Ian.

Although, I made a lady very happy, I would seriously urge her caution for the project could become a disaster, financially. That said, throw money at a boat and anything can be done.

Boats though are not a matter for the heart alone and far too many people have learnt that the hard way…

We all have to say ‘farewell, friend, mistress…’ to our beloved craft at sometime, and I know I too will face that dilemma one day…

To follow the adventure, see: https://www.facebook.com/AlcyonetheSeaking

There is an organisation driving the acceptance of harbours as heritage ‘hot spot’ worthy of protection and an enhanced ability to attract funds. The forefront of this is currently bedded in the Thames Estuary area.

The initiative held a meeting recently and interested persons should contact Brian Corbett at briancorbett@aol.com for further information and or the joining of a mailing list.

UK Heritage Harbour Initiative is a joint long term plan by the Maritime Heritage Trust and National Historic Ships Shipshape Network to transform historic harbours.

Without going into too much detail it would be best to have a look.

See: https://maritimeheritage.org.uk/component/zoo/item/heritage-harbours-update

The report is wide ranging and cover the whole of the UK and Eire.

I have added a few pictures of some places mentioned on the east coast – greater Thames Estuary…

Not all are signed up participants yet.

From further afield, I found a picture for Sandwich. I was surprised to find that Rye has not made moves to join the group.

The Medway group with Medway City Council are in discussion with the directors of Sail Training International to bring the tall ships to the river in 2025.

That would be brilliant!

If you haven’t ‘mixed it’ with these fabulous sail training vessels, it is a fantastic experience. Most ‘east coasters’ are used to the ubiquitous tan sailed spritsail barge and smack, but tall ships, they’re something different!

A reminder of better days to come…

After I had my sail on New Year’s Day, equally enjoyed by the mate and ‘boy’ it became increasingly likely that England would go into a full lockdown.

We did!

I got myself organised and collected various ‘pieces of wood’ from my little sailing tender Twitch and also the washboards and fore hatch from Whimbrel.

Some of this has been written about in an earlier post, see:

Many years ago, I made up a set of temporary wash boards and a fore hatch to allow these fittings to be brought home for maintenance.

The ‘bits of wood’ spent a few days in our conservatory drying out properly before even thinking about starting sanding and in the case of the hatch, a complete strip to bare wood.

Once the sanding was done, outside of course, I took over the conservatory breakfast table to apply the varnish coats. Clearly only one side at a time could be done – so for the wash boards a week and a half passed by before they were completed.

Interspersed with varnishing of wash boards and walking daily, the hatch was progressively stripped off with my new acquisition, a hot air gun stripper. The wonders of the internet when no shops are open. I’m converted almost entirely now!

The top of the hatch was stripped off with traditional liquid many years ago, probably around thirty…

I have said to my dear mate that the gun will come in useful when we do the cabin sides and sheer strake … her eye lids fluttered, not in normal expectation, but a kind of resigned horror. She said, ‘When…?’

‘That’s a good question,’ I said, adding, ‘probably the year before Whimbrel’s fortieth…’

Attacking the inside, which has had far fewer coats over the years was a bit more difficult. I had to be extremely careful with the gun as it had a tendency to singe the wood.

The power sander did the bulk of the middle areas but it was back to hand sanding for all the intricate corners and such.

Once all the sanding was done, it was a case of coat after coat.

On the inside I used ordinary gloss varnish (Blakes-Hampel Favourite) until the last few coats when I used a 50/50 mix of gloss and matt to give a sheen finish. I dislike the matt for it is far too ‘dead’…

That took a week! Then it was onto the top, overlapping onto sides.

The final coat to the top was taken round the bottom edge and sides too.

The hatch hinge screw holes have been re-drilled to suit new screws ordered on line, and is aboard Whimbrel awaiting fitting. I took opportunity to restock on a number of small sizes when ordering.

See: https://www.seaware.co.uk

What next?

Go sailing, I hope!

Last summer when we were sailing out of Crayford Creek, we had to gybe more than was normal due to the nature of the bends and wind direction. It was also a little breezy.

The upshot was that when I stowed the main on our approach to a mooring at the Erith Yacht club, I found that one of the nylon sail shackles had shattered. No problem ,fit a spare – my last of the size in use.

So, over a pot of tea, I went on line and ordered a package of shackles to be delivered to Limehouse Marina where we were due to berth a couple of days later.

When they arrived, they weren’t the ones I thought I’d ordered: Whimbrel has the anti-seize type with the little barb.

So, with time on my hands I set to and ordered the correct shackles and also a handful of slides with the built in stainless eye for use at the top of the main sail. A few have broken over the seasons and I had one left!

They were obtained from www.chandleryoutlet.com

From Pace Marine came the varnish I needed to get the hatch varnished. In my order, I had asked for the small 375 ml tins which I prefer as less is lost towards the end of the tin when it invariably skins over…

Well, the phone rang shortly after pressing ‘send’ on the order. They had two tins little tins, but not three. They sent the two and also uprated the third to a full 750 ml tin at no extra charge!

Amongst the order was a ‘present’ for Christobel for it isn’t so very long before she will be entertaining herself with one of her favourite activities – antifouling!

The prices too had been held back to their ‘Christmas’ offer level too. Thank you guys!

I needed some new bronze screws for the fore hatch as I had run out of the size needed and felt it best to renew rather than reuse the old ones. At same time I topped up stocks too.

See: www.seaware.co.uk

Used to use Combwich now part of Anglia Stainless, but found getting into their ordering site impossible, so I gave up! Doing a search, I found a company based in the heart of the Falmouth traditional boat country. They were more than helpful and had an easy to use ordering system.

Job done!

My next project was centre plate bolts.

For years I have used standard 4.6 grade galvanised mild steel bolts of 20 mm diameter. The last time I went to get some from a supplier I had used several ties over the years (I buy a box of 5 or 10 at a time) they sold me anodised grade 8.8 bolts. These are ‘standard’ builders bolts of relatively high tensile strength compared to the ‘plain’ mild steel bolts. They have more carbon in their make up and hence corrode far faster.

A 4.6 grade bolt easily lasts two years with the use Whimbrel’s centre plate gets. The tensile bolts need changing annually without fail!

The difference in wastage is stark!

The company made me up a box of 20 hot dipped galvanised bolts at a very reasonable price, even taking into account the transport cost of £16.00!!

See: https://www.rcfboltnut.co.uk/

I now have enough, probably, to outlast my continued ownership of Whimbrel.

Now that is a sobering thought in itself. Oh heck!

An email fluttered ‘onto the door mat’ yesterday from a disgruntled purchaser of goods from Anglesey Welding & Marine Supplies.

Still not happy with my unit. Probably the worst buying choice of my entire sailing life!

See my blog after my own experience of company – never sorted!

A tale of woe came from Dublin, Eire. The chap ordered a fabricated outboard bracket – which he tells me hasn’t been delivered, although supposedly sent.

Chap contacted to ask if, when I had my own woes, I managed to obtain any telephone numbers for the company. Initially I thought not, but after a trawl through my ‘boat box file’ the order and paper trail of woe that then ensued is all clipped together!

Telephone numbers for Anglesey Welding are:

07522 591792 – on my invoice.

Mr Beardmore – proprietor’s own number in 2018: 07866 778215 – note, it was never answered and no messages were responded to!

So, it looks like more and more people are having problems.

Beware. Don’t order from this firm!

The Covid-19 crisis has meant that a large number of craft have spent the best part of 18 months laid up since being lifted out at the end of the 2019 season.

Looking back, I seem to remember that many yards, club and commercial, seemed to be pretty full even before the crisis, so the problem can only have been exacerbated. I know at my own club, space was limited for those wanting to be lifted this last autumn.

I nearly always carry a camera and just a ‘light-weight’ trawl through my pictures provides a gamut of views into yards passed by.

So many craft have the look of utter dejection. They are lichen coated. Sometimes, even bushes can be seen growing in a cockpit. I have even seen a tree growing out of a cockpit locker!

Often I come across craft on my rambles with my good mate. She’ll often be left striding away into the distance when I stop, pull out the camera and begin clicking!

The boat below is a case in question. She is a Dauntless of around 19 to 20 feet, probably gunter rigged. These little craft were once common around the east coast.

The boat has sat, apparently abandoned, for more years than I can honestly recall. She’s still ‘intact’ but for how long. As a yard man said to me some years ago, ‘Provided the bills are paid, she stays…’

There is another of the class in a marina in Kent. I take a look at her every time I have visited over the past five or so years – not last though for the marina remained closed to outsiders!

Wandering round a marina on the River Blackwater the year before last, I spotted several boats that had clearly been sitting awaiting a new owner or an owner to decide on his (or her) next course of action.

Amongst the group were a couple of Westerly centaurs looking somewhat bedraggled with lichen coatings taking hold.

Often the boats are still afloat. How often have you sailed into a marina and berthed alongside a yacht covered in Verdigris?

Well this little thing has danced many a waltz around her mooring buoy in a creek off the River Blackwater. I shall be interested to see if she is still there later this year (Hopefully…).

Now, sometimes, I am almost shedding tears. A once beautifully varnished clinker Finesse 24 has sat ashore in a yard off the swale for a good number of years. I believe it could be as long as seven to eight years now.

The boat came ashore for her normal refit and has sat, mouldering. I have spoken to the owner, now well on in years, who told me she was for sale – a poster on her transom has some details appertaining.

I am hoping to find that she has been sold. I keep the Finesse records, so hope to be told!

Another of my Whimbrel’s sisters sat in a rill off Benfleet Creek for many seasons. I have actually been aboard some years back when in far better condition. She was for sale for £4,500 then! It was far to high a price, I thought.

Her mast and gear have ‘disappeared’ since and her insides were ‘rifled’ by unknown persons.

I could go on looking through my files for pictures. In the current situation we all find ourselves in – not being able to travel for good reason – I can’t refresh and obtain a view of current yard holdings, but surely, my wanderings will return…

In all UK countries, the common goal is for a general opening up in late May and by end of June, full clearance from current crisis restrictions. People will be able to access craft from early April in England, hopefully … so it will be interesting to see how many craft have a ‘for sale’ sign attached as the year progresses beyond the usual rush to get afloat passes.

It is not only yards where craft can be found in need of more than a little tender loving care and affection for recently it was reported in the marine industry press that a ferro-cement ‘schooner’ had sunk in Brixham Harbour. It was stated that recovery and repairs to pontoons would come to around £100,000. Not a small sum.

It was also stated that should a vessel fall into disrepair, be abandoned and sink, the fall back is on the harbour authority. An authority also has to be careful in disposing of an ‘apparent’ abandonment: it might not be. But, in reality, ‘it is the harbour authority that is obligated to remove and dispose of the vessel at its own cost…’

So, it is easy to see why owners walk away…

I have been overwhelmed by comments made by sailors and ‘landsmen’ alike regarding being named as one of twenty-five people named as having a positive effect on the sailing/cruising community.

See:

So, I thought I should share some.

From one who was inspired… ‘Well done Nick and Christobel . Very well deserved.’

From a man introduced to sailing a Finesse aboard Whimbrel: ‘Definitely where all my problems started. Well done Nick and Mrs mate.’

‘Congratulations, an honour indeed. xx’

‘Well deserved, you and your sterling mate. I am proud to be among the number to have been invited aboard of Whimbrel and supped a cuppa with you. Hero!’

‘How fabulous, and well deserved!’

A sailor in Chichester Harbour: ‘Brilliant! Congratulations but an entirely worthy honour! If it wasn’t for your combination of infectious enthusiasm and sound advice we would probably have steered cautiously away from buying Frith, and we’d be plodding along in a mouldy Westerly Centaur whilst Frith rotted. On balance it was still a decision of the heart, not the head but we’ve absolutely no regrets! Well done again.’

‘Well deserved accolade Nick.’

‘Great to see that coastal sailing receiving the recognition it deserves under your stewardship Nick Ardley. Congratulations on this award for all your work supporting the coastal sailor, by sea and word!!’

‘An honour you certainly deserve for all you have done to foster peoples’ knowledge of, and interest in, sailing. We are honoured just to be in the photo!’

And a mention for Whimbrel too – ‘Fabulous news!! Well Done Nick, Christobel and of course Whimbrel. Congratulations!!’

‘Congratulations to you both, every great skipper needs a great mate! Very well deserved Nick Ardley. xx’

From another who says it was all my fault… ‘Excellent Nick congratulations to you both and thanks for all your support and encouragement over the years. Well deserved.’

A touching comment from the Finesse Community: ‘You are definitely worthy, you are almost always the first to comment on questions I have with clear and concise responses thank you!’

From New Zealand came: ‘Richly deserved, what next a Knighthood?’ – I don’t think so!

‘And about time too ! You certainly deserve the publicity.’

‘Congratulations Nick “ our local hero” well deserved.’

‘Congratulations good to see the acknowledgment. x’

‘That’s excellent, it’s great you have been recognised for all your contributions to sailing…’

‘Congratulations on your honouring by the Yachting Monthly, you really deserve it…’

From a respected yachting journalist: ‘Well done and richly deserved.’

From the Netherlands came this particularly lovely message. They include Christobel too:

‘Ineke and I congratulate you and Christobel so much on your election as
sailing hero by the authoritative Yachting Monthly. Sure you earn a
place in their Hall of Fame (and in ours).
Above all, this means that many sailors, and we are among them, owe you
a debt of gratitude for everything you have contributed to developing
and maintaining the joy of sailing and much more.
As a little example of this, I send you a picture of the solar panel
that recently I installed on Josie. It does not contribute to her
beauty, but it indicates the purpose of being able to spend more time
undisturbed in the mud … of which satisfaction you sure have
contributed.
Enjoy this mark of honour! Kind regards, Ineke and Pieter’

From the bottom of my heart, thank you all, I am deeply and humbly honoured…

I was contacted a little while ago by Yachting Monthly magazine deputy editor, Katy Stickland, regarding their intention to publish a list of sailors who in their opinion were worthy of inclusion in a hall of fame covering the first two decades of current millennia.

All concerned were asked to be absolutely quiet about this … that was hard: I was exceedingly chuffed, and Christobel is so proud too, wanting to shout out to the world!

I was asked for a couple of photographs, in the event they used one already held. Picture of Whimbrel would have been nice too, Christobel noted!

The prerequisite for inclusion was ‘how the sailor had enthused others to get up and do’ and in this they had picked up on my writing, blog and the fact that many many people were taken afloat on Whimbrel over a great number of years.

As I said to Katy, I feel exceedingly humble for my inclusion and my thanks must go to all those that have supported me in my endeavours; all those who have found, through me, an enjoyment in the rivers and creeks of the greater Thames estuary and some of its history; all those who have sailed aboard Whimbrel and gone on to purchase craft of their own (especially a Finesse!) and all those who have been inspired to go out and purchase a Finesse.

Below are two sections from the March 2021 edition of Yachting Monthly – both courtesy of Yachting Monthly.

To this I would like to add my sincere and heartfelt thanks to Katy Stickland and all the Yachting Monthly team for the honour bestowed and for their faith in my writings.

Thank you.

I received a message from Katy Stickland saying:

‘I can send over the online version once it is live (14 Feb).’

So, I will post the article link just as soon as I receive it.

Katy also wrote: ‘If they or you could also link to our subs offer, where readers can save 35% on a subscription, that would be great too. The link is: http://yachtingmonthly.com/subscribe ‘

There we are, if not already a subscriber, get going…

Link as promised for full article:

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