Sadly, the reason being is due to a move to another country for work.
The boat was purchased by the current owner some years ago from a yard round the Swale in Kent. Following various essential areas of work, she was sailed down ‘west’ to Poole Harbour.
Tig (of Tollesbury) – Arjen Schipmolder
The boat, Tig (of Tollesbury), was used for the rest of the season, before coming ashore for detailed examination of known defects and for rectification works to be put in hand.
The boat has an extensive list of equipment, mostly new.
Her ballast keel has been off and re-seated with new keel bolts. She was essentially taken back to bare wood on outer hull and cabin sides.
The boat dates to c1973, going by her hull/sail number of 21. You’ll note that her cabin windows are of an older shape.
The work entailed to finish her is not extensive. The current owner lists these.
The owner is willing to take offers for he cannot get back to UK to finish her.
My last post, where I talked about the numbers of local yachting folk ignoring the requirement to return to main residence after a day (or a period) on the water, exercising, caused some ‘anger’ to surface out there.
My use of ‘gets angry’ in particular, seemed to be a problem, but I did say quite clearly that I didn’t think staying out at anchor would cause anyone or myself a problem. I simply asked sailors to be mindful of what we are supposed to do – nothing wrong with that, surely?
Caravan owners are having to comply to same rule, those that don’t have been stopped on various roads and sent home … well documented in the news.
Leaving Smallgains Creek early on a Sunday morning recently…
But there was a problem. One sailor after commenting on the Medway swale boating Association site also sent me a pretty damning email, to which I did not rise to. I calmly sent my thanks for comments. I have since seen the content of that email on a public site…
It was quite noticeable that the obedient majority, stayed largely eerily silent. Frustrated is the word I should have homed in on …
I am sorry if I upset anyone: respect of each others views is important – my view was vilified, but I will let it rest.
As an aside, I have refrained from comment on my facebook page on more times than I can remember to avoid unnecessary ‘clashes’ during the past few months … perhaps I should have ignored what has been going on!
To better things…
Last weekend marked my 65th birthday – a milestone, or just another one of life’s landmarks. I don’t feel any older, and certainly, according to my dear wife, don’t act it…
A lovely present from my good shipmate…
At the beginning of the year we planned to be taking my ‘Canadian’ brother, who was coming over for a visit, away with us sailing with a stop-over in Conyer to enjoy the hospitality of The Ship Inn. My brother’s flight has been turned into a ticket for later use … and we didn’t go, obviously.
So, with a weekend of fine weather, we did four hours of planking renewals on our club moorings on the Saturday and on Sunday dropped down to Whimbrel at 0545 to get ready to go as soon as afloat.
As we left the creek, the early morning sun sparkled on a slightly ruffled surface, the day’s warmth was then already making itself felt.
Sails were pulling nicely and the engine was silenced within a few minutes. passing east of the Leigh Middle Buoy a huge ship was seen approaching from the sea. We had been tipped off about about this by our ‘shipping’ son.
Boy was she big! She is in fact the largest vessel currently on the high seas.
We seemed so close, yet were ell clear for the guard boat took little notice of us.
The HMM Algeciras
It was n’t long before breakfast appeared – a tasty bacon filled bap. Soon after the West Nore sand swept by to port as we left the deep water and picked up speed over the shallows towards the Grain Flats.
It was just great. The feeling of seeing my (and Christobel’s) beloved river coming into view beyond the old fort and business of Garrison Point. The good mate kept looking at me a smiling broadly, she could see and tell, I was in my happiness place!
Cutting across the Grain Flats and nipping inside the fort…
Ah, the river looked and felt delightful. I was ‘home’ … it is a place of many and long memories. One of my earliest was ‘helping’ to row with sweeps the spritsail barge May Flower across to the mud edge near Blackstakes … tumbling memories cascade before me, as I write.
In the distance we saw numerous sails of the Lower Halstow YC Red Sands Tower race coming down Stangate Creek on the first of the flood. Well done all for the turn out. You were a splendid sight.
Part of the Lower Halstow YC fleet approaching Victoria Buoy…
Passing Stangate Creek, I looked the other way … before taking quick peek. A veritable forest! Good luck to them all, I thought.
How far would we get. Gillingham Reach would have been nice… We’d cut by close under Sharp Ness and were making well towards the Bulwark wreck buoys. Here the wind suddenly went fickle and way was virtually lost.
Creaming over the ebb toward Sharp Ness…
We turned. We’d made it thus far, pointless flogging the ebb for little gain. The sky was filled with summery puff ball clouds, blotting the sun, briefly, from time to time. Oh it was just wonderful. It was easy pleasant sailing. We’ve had tastes, getting out on the tide, but a longer trip is different.
One of two giant rigs that will soon be sitting ‘on’ Garrison Point.
Going out of the harbour we had a chat to an ‘old boy’ who knew my parents in ‘May Flower’ days. It was a few years ago now he made himself known, however, we’ve still to meet either at Queenborough or at the Medway YC. He railed against not being ‘allowed to saty out and said, bluntly, he wasn’t prepared to do so.
We briefly discussed the approaching 4th of July review: caravan friends have reported to me that this is the date the Caravan Club expects a ‘release’… This will of course include yacht folk.
We had a good look at the first of two mighty deep sea drilling rigs which arrived some time earlier this spring. The next is due soon. Both are ‘out of work’ and will be resting while demand for new petroleum reserves is low!
I commented to my mate about the Grain Edge Buoy: Peel Portds have instigated a review into whether this boy should be updated with an easterly cardinal – my choice (lit) – or retained as a grenn conical.
For decades I have sailed close to it and rarely round it – usually when tacking northward. I hope it is replaced and positioned just east of the 2 metre tongue a little north of current buoy.
Picture – Peel Ports – Grain Edge Buoy.
It was wonderful sailing, fast, but not furious. The gaunt and guano streaked rusted masts of the Richard Montgomery rushed up, we headed to the north. Once clear we turned ‘west’ towards the Nore. Chrsitobel took over here for a longish spell…
She said afterwards, ‘I loved that bit … Whimbrel did too … you could feel her lifting her skirts and dance along.’
Yes, indeed.
The Ministry of defence has recently issued a call for interested companies to tender for the removal of the Richard Montgomery’s masts. Latest survey results show a decided decline in the old ship’s structure. The masts will be exerting weight and stress forces on these rusting structures.
The underwater sonar pictures of the wreck are interesting indeed. Sobering: a slight change in the natural balance of flows here and the ship could end up sliding into the Medway’s channel…
The masts of the USS ammunition ship, Richard Montgomery.
Around six hours after leaving our mooring we were coming up the Ray Channel. A small group of common seals were basking in the warmth upon the yellow sun drenched sands as we came in.
Some distance beyond the seal, we fetched up to the edge and touched on … dropping anchor and stowing sails. After our lunch, I dropped overboard for a little swim! The mate went below for a nap…
A sailing friend walked down from his own boat, ‘parked’ in the shallows further west. He wanted to wish me a personal ‘happy birthday’ – thank you very much Robert.
Whimbrel anchored on the Ray Sand edge…
During the middle of the afternoon we departed for a waiting spot outside Smallgains Creek and tidied ship.
On the way up a little converted sailing canoe swept past with two crew keeping her up. She has been fitted with outriggers. She was a pretty sight indeed.
Nice little sailing canoe conversion…
And then, as the afternoon wore away into early evening, the anchor was hauled and we pottered into our creek under power.
Since the first easing of our Government’s Covid-19 restrictions, us sailors, boater, canoeists, paddle boarders, dinghy sailors and motor boaters etc, have been able to fulfil a long desired dream of time out on the water, in England – the devolved administrations are acting a little differently, as are some English regions.
However, the requirement to return to main home and not to a 2nd home or caravan and that includes pleasure craft, remains in force. The requirement is unambiguous and straightforward.
I have been asked by numerous members at my own sailing club about whether or not one can go out overnight and became, quite frankly, pretty fed up with answering the same question, when the writing is as clear as can be. I have also seen pictures of moored craft at night in Stangate Creek across the Thames inside the River Medway – made me angry: I too would like to potter off for a few days – harmless to me and others, but…
Out for a sail on the tide the other day, I was passed by a yacht returning up the Ray – it must have been: it could not have got away from its mooring before I left my creek…
The boat will remain nameless … when pictured, I was homing in on a tern sitting on the red buoy before becoming aware of the craft’s approach.
Seen returning up Hadleigh Ray from the ‘sea’…
Passing, I challenged the helm … unrepentant as hell … it made us both quite cross: we’ve endeavoured to be as strict as we can in adhering to requirements. With a boat sitting ready, it has been hard!
I just caught the tern before it lifted off…
I wrote to the Port of London Authority to give their verdict on requirements.
This was the response I have received and although this is the port of London’s view it is the view of all known marine organisations and harbour authorities:
Thank you for your email of 27 May 2020.
I have discussed your query with colleagues – we agree that your interpretation of the current government covid / coronavirus guidelines is correct.
If we take those government guidelines as the starting point, then it may be helpful if I quote these verbatim:
· “You should stay at home as much as possible”
· “Leaving your home – the place you live – to stay at another home is not allowed”
· “Day trips to outdoor open space, in a private vehicle, are permitted”
· “Leaving your home – the place you live – to stay at another home for a holiday or other purpose is not allowed. This includes visiting second homes”.
Thank you, thank you, Martin: I was beginning to think it was me!
We had a glorious sail, meeting up with some friends who had just been able get their lovely little yacht, Poppy, launched that morning.
Whimbrel running along the Chalkwell shore – picture Billy Chapman
Poppy’s crew took a number of lovely shots as we briefly sailed in close quarters… We were out for a further 3/4 of an hour before sailing into our creek, under head sail, and berthing without resort to power. Lovely!
I have since also accessed the Royal Yachting Association guidance for recreational sailors/boaters etc.
RYA Guide…
As you will see it is as clear as it can possibly be, vis, picture of a house, GO HOME!
So, fellow sailors, forget ‘Cummings’ and others, do your bit properly and don’t be part of a set-back, please…
Warning: Dated, Wednesday 24 June 2020
Today, from a reliable source within the yachting literati, I received news that I have been accused of informing the police about a certain sailor being away from home. This was after the person(s) concerned received a visit from the police.
The person concerned stated that I have mentioned their name(s) in this post.
I wish to state publicly that I have not and would not contact the police on this matter.
I deliberately did not name any boater in my post.
I have also been told that there is a desire to burn my books from that person and others!
I have also been informed that a person has stated that given the opportunity they will burn Whimbrel.
Currently I am treating this threat lightly, however, if further reports reach me I will not hesitate to contact the police.
A fellow sailor today called to me that they have been hearing many stories relating to me and this post. He said people are ‘so sad’.
This is a sad reflection on the so called ‘caring society’ that we live in.
Guilt is caustic, I do hope those that feel this way reflect.
A fellow owner of a Finesse contacted to say that, reluctantly, he had decided to put his Finesse 21, Ivy May, up for sale. He has owned her for a dozen years or so.
SORRY SHE’S SOLD!
When the chap bought Ivy May, he wasn’t even married, but now, with two growing boys who take up all the space, a larger boat was needed.
Ivy May sailing through Queenborough Harbour on her way to The Leigh-on-Sea Festival. – 2018. Picture: Nick Ardley.
I have known, Tim, the owner of Ivy May for a number of years meeting here and there at rallies or just out. He is a keen, enthusiastic, almost ‘boyish’ sailor with guts and experience. He has made it to a rally ‘up the coast’ from the Lower Thames more than once in conditions that put others off. He trusts the boat. And that is something about a Finesse – she will look after you.
The boat was originally rigged as a Bermudian cutter and was in need of quite a major overhaul when Tim found her in 2004 at the Iron Wharf Boatyard in Faversham.
Ivy May as found by Tim in 2004. Picture: Tim Mulcahy
The refit took until the spring of 2006 to complete, and she looked stunning upon her re-launching.
Ivy May in 2006. Picture: Tim Mulcahy.
It wasn’t long before Tim decided that a gaff rig was what he wanted and a new set of spars and sails were ordered.
Ivy May reefed down on her way to the 2014 Finesse Rally at Chatham Marina. Picture: Nick Ardley.
As with most Finesse yachts that come on the market, there will be an inevitable job list, as with all boats. But, on a wooden wonder, your efforts will be duly rewarded.
Ivy May at a Finesse Rally. Picture: Nick Ardley.
What I would say to a prospective purchaser is go and take a look. This boat has been used for sailing, not sitting around. Some things that I know of need attention – Tim knows of these too, obviously!
In the main, some deck edges need attention: the decks and cabin tops are marine ply covered with glass cloth and epoxy. Sometimes an insert is needed, more often than not a simple epoxy repair will suffice and paint. The main cabin hatch needs a new top or complete renewal.
I have known Nancy Grey and her sister Dione for most of my life from around 11 years old. Both are barge-yachts, built by Shuttlewood of Paglesham on the River Roach. The build shed still exists, but little takes place there these days. The yard was being used to build/fit out house barges for the River Thames some years ago and one still sits awaiting completion.
Nancy Grey… (Nick Ardley)
The Dione is owned in Kent and is berthed in Shoregate Dock off Milfordhope Creek – one of the Medway’s many creeks. Her owner also has the Thames spritsail barge Ethel Maud, which is nearing a complete rebuild in the dock.
But this is about the Nancy Grey. Years ago I received an email from a chap sailing in the water around Thailand – he’d been a previous owner of ‘Nancy‘ – the chap had just finished reading one of my earlier books and wanted to say ‘thank you…’ That was Paul Lester, father of Toby, owner of the spritsail barge Ironsides and manager of the Iron Wharf Boatyard.
Nancy Grey coming through Queenborough Harbour – (Nick Ardley)
Some time after returning from his trip abroad, Paul Lester decided to buy Nancy Grey, a boat he’d owned before, from Nick Hann, a Leigh-on-Sea man. Nick had decided to go for a steel barge-yacht which had become available – the Calluna. She is roomier and has a shower in the toilet compartment which enticed Nick’s wife afloat more often!
Nick had owned Nancy Grey for many years and in his time the vessel received a bit of a make-over – something all of her owners have had to do to some extent or other.
Nancy Grey having new planking – Nick Hann
During this particular refit Nick told me that he also built a new hatch which gave better ‘standing room’ or sort of, beneath! She’s a bit low below…
Below – during the refit… Nick Hann.
Some frames were renewed to… All spars were completely stripped and re-preserved.
Almost ready for the water… Nick Hann
Nick Hann raced Nancy grey to some noyable wins around the lower Thames and on the Swale. In his hands she became a bit of a flyer, however, these little ships were noted for their speed.
If you take a good look at many of today’s yachts, you’ll see hard chines and very flat bottoms. They’re so barge-like. The pedigree rests with these humble ditch-crawlers of a bygone age.
Nancy relaunched with spars awaiting sails… Nick Hann.
I heard from a fellow Finesse fiend, Tim Mulcahy, very recently telling me he was thinking of selling his Finesse 21, Ivy May, and purchase a larger vessel. His boys are growing … and Tim needs space for his new lady.
Shortly after this conversation, Tim messaged me, ‘…Breaking news, Nancy Grey has new owner and is staying in Faversham…’
Tim had jumped!
I shall bring news of Ivy May, a delightful gaff rigged Finesse 21 soon.
Nancy Grey in full flight, racing… Nick Hann.
I wish Tim well. He has a lot to live up to in the care of this piece of yachting history…
One of the first things I did when ‘locked down’ was to collect the cockpit floor boards for repainting. I also fitted a new lifting latch to one of them.
Work in progress…
If I was not going to be allowed to go sailing, I needed something other than the comforts of good wife, home, and walking to keep me sane!
Finishing touches.
Those finished, I fetched home the compass: the light had been a bit ‘dodgy’ for a season or more … time to look into it. I thought I had cracked it by finding a faulty connection inside the plug.
Plug (old)…
Upon visiting the boat to check moorings and bilges etc IAW guide lines, I tested the repair. No good. Back home I discovered that there was absolutely nothing wrong with the led light and its wires. By fiddling about light (as on boat) worked, but a touch and it went off.
A new plug and socket unit were sourced and one was found on Amazon for princely sum of £1.70 inc postage, cheaper than from actual supplier. Amazing!
I had to make a new wood socket housing…
New socket underside.Plug and socket unit assembled.Unit fitted – all good now!
I have to say, the internet and the ability to order just about anything needed has been an absolute boon during this time: I’ve had, as you’ll see, epoxy, one use brushes, a jig saw, paints and more…
Then the big one…
Some four years ago I bought what was stated to be a wood seat and lid for the loo on Whimbrel. It became apparent in a year that the ‘wood’ from which the parts were manufactured probably did originally grow as a tree or two but had morphed into compressed cardboard type stuff.
One of the growing cracks…
Great! The ‘damp’ soon found a way in. I did a epoxy and paint repair or two, but a return to a plastic lid seemed likely.
And another!
But, with loads of time on my hands and plenty of plywood of same thickness, I had a challenge!
I will tell the story in pictures…
The hinges had nylon bushes and pins – all had suffered. I drilled out and fitted stainless pins retaining nylon bushes.Marking out…Cutting out with newly purchased jigsaw!Shaping up and heavy sanding surfaces…Fortunately I have a curved faced spoke shave, which made shaping inside curves easy…Shaping finished…
At this point the good mate of Whimbrel beagan to take more interest in the project: she said, sanded, ‘they felt as smooth as a baby’s bottom.’
Yes, well!
Fine sanding was helped by warm sunshine which bathed the outdoor work space…Coating in progress – three coats each side.
On a visit to Whimbrel to check moorings and bilges, I dry assembled the parts to obtain pre-drilled hinge screw holes and I also drilled the holes for cleaned up seat buffers. Epoxy was brushed into these.
Final coat applied to ‘upper’ surfaces…
I used a ‘bathroom’ sealant to bed all the bits and pieces ensuring screw holes received some too.
Seat and lid assembled.
On another boat visit … I fitted loo seat and lid.
The completed job!
All in all, the cost was the grand sum of £88. The effort was free of charge, time was of no essence, and to be frank, I’m quite proud of the finished product!
It looks good and as one of my regular crew said, ‘A throne fit for a king…’
The boat still sits awaiting the call of the sea…
Checking Whimbrel on a glorious day for sailing…And, the engine thrusting against moorings for a good run … while I wandered along looking at other boats.
Yes, it is hard to accept that sailing is a feature of my life that is on hold currently. Even Christobel has a hankering to just get out there and feel the soft breeze caressing her cheeks.
We know that along the tide lines, the saltings will be awash with an early greening. The first spikes of glasswort will be rising above the mud’s surface. Sea plantains and asters will be showing new leaf growth and the cord grass clumps will be sending forth their fresh shoots too…
Whimbrel in her berth after her short time ashore.
Alas, whilst all of this is happening, Whimbrel rests in her berth waiting for her crew to board. The sounds of a sail bag being thrown up on deck, the hanking on, running of sheets, the removal of covers are becoming but a distant memory for her, as it is for us…
Around her, in the creek, Brent geese sally back and forth feasting on weed as tide allows. Waders feed, take off and alight again in their constant search for food. Familiar cries ring out. But I am reminded of the fact that for this year, I am unlikely to see the arrival of the first flush of common terns, or the departure in staggered drifts of the Brent that have kept us company for so many long autumn, winter and spring months. (I really question why they have to go!). Life goes on in this world. This is a world that knows not what the human inhabitant is suffering, the pain of many families before it will eventually come to an end…
Sailing back into local haunts like Queenborough will surely be more of a joy after an ‘enforced’ absence…
But, as I say, life goes on.
Upon the boat being lifted back into the water I began a search for ‘plain’ galvanised mild steel bolts to replace the ones I last purchased. The bolt shown is a 4.6 MW which is a low carbon steel (standard bolt), whereas the 8.8 MW now often sold is a medium carbon steel and has around 3 x the proof strength – something not needed for a simple pivot. The carbon content, I believe is such in the higher tensile steel to cause fairly rapid degradation in sea water.
This 4.6 MW grade low carbon steel bolt had one year’s use, and could have gone on being useful.This 8.8 MW grade medium carbon steel bolt had two years use – changed in nick of time!
I emailed a well known marine fastenings supplier and they now only sell the ‘8.8s’ and when I sent a picture of each bolt all I got was a deafening silence. Thanks guys!
The search goes on…
With all the time in the world to do what little that can be done whilst ‘cocooned’ at home keeping off the streets and out of the way of other people, Christobel and I have extended the lengths of our ‘exercise’ period, on the one outing a day for this purpose as designated by the powers to be…
On domestic days, two for cleaning and shopping, we walk for an hour on a regular woodland route, but on the other days we have a route of anything between five to eight plus miles which has and continues to be enjoyed.
What has been noticeable is that the sky has become clear overhead of aircraft cruising towards London (Heathrow) or for destinations across the Atlantic, leaving a taste of a blueness before the time of aircraft!
A single high-flying aircraft leaves an obvious mark upon the sky…
We were on one of our longer strolls and were sitting on a convenient bench overlooking the moorings of the Benfleet Motor Boat Club, opposite the Benfleet Yacht Club, ruminating and sipping some cocoa whilst munching on a square of apple cake each.
Leaning back, my mind began to wander down the creek towards Whimbrel. The tide was at a point where I’d have been slipping into the mooring after a pleasant sail on the tide. There was a soft breeze. The sun was shinning and a fairly cloud free sky majestically surrounded us.
The tide just into the saltings on a gorgeous (Corona) morning recently…
Apparently, I began babbling away to my good Mate, Christobel, reminiscing about a ‘trip’ for it wasn’t any one particular trip, but was surely a mix of many.
It was still early on the tide … the mud banks usually covered were still above the tide level. I remarked about ‘butting’ into one many years ago on a cold January day. I removed my life jacket, trousers and tops and ‘popped’ overboard and pushed the bow clear, clambering aboard as Christobel sailed clear, in the right direction along the channel … it can be seen mid/right in picture below. There were no saltings then!
Early on the tide … deep water channel to Benfleet YC.
I remembered too, sailing up here with a friend, a fellow prostate cancer sufferer , who had confessed to never having sailed up this stretch of water. It was his second outing of last autumn and only his third sail of the year for reasons unimportant to this tale. He was revelling in a comfortable sail westwards towards the Benfleet Creek Barrier.
Close hauled past the lower moorings belonging to the Benfleet YC.
The sun had shone that day, and later in the walk, the same sun was seen sparkling across the waters sailed that day with the friend aboard. My Mate and I both sighed. both feeling some pain, as we gazed for a little while, wishing…
The sun sparkling across the water…A happy sailor aboard Whimbrel…
Later after my friend and I had sailed back down Benfleet Creek and reached the regions of the entrance to our own creek, the sun was on the wain and rapidly heading into a clear early winter sky. It made for a spectacular sail in towards Whimbrel’s mooring.
Reaching into Smallgains Creek towards the setting sun.
I apparently reminisced too about an early morning sail with Christobel on a cold and almost frosty morning. Ah, what a girl she is…
I clearly remember, smell even, the waft of sizzling bacon … the bacon was under the grill before departure, ready by time we were sailing outward. Bliss!
Bacon butty on its way!
‘Yes…’ Christobel piped as I awoke from my reverie, ‘the things I do for you…’
‘For you too…’ I added grinning at her!
Sailing back from Queenborough with a bone in her teeth, Whimbrel revels in a perfect breeze.
The image below is one for the ‘for ever’ box. The boat is comfortable in her mooring, the sails are stowed, bagged and covered. The mugs have been washed and we’re walking slowly away as the tide quietly gurgles through the moorings on a gathering ebb, contented and full of sailing happiness … with added memories for ‘darker’ days…
Following on from my last post: http://nickardley.com/ditch-crawler-and-mate-prepare-for-whimbrels-lift-out/ The plan to lift Whimbrel was put into operation some days before the Corona Virus (Covid 19) restrictions began to be applied. We had, however, been carrying out our own ‘isolating’ procedures for quite some time as certain people were deemed more vulnerable, however it transpired that my prostate cancer treatment is not a cause for concern in regard to any added risk. Which was welcome news.
Whimbrel in the slings, hanging whilst renewing the centre plate lifting wire and pin.
So, on the appointed day the boat came ashore. The centre plate lift wire and its pin were renewed before Whimbrel was bedded down in a spot clear of other craft for the ‘slurry’ blast of her bottom.
I had agreed the job with Willpine Blasting Ltd, based on Canvey Island, many weeks previously.
The company specialises in marine work and have operated in my locality for a number of years. Background experience was gained with Blythe Boats, once based at the Dauntless Yard, Canvey Island.
The Willpine van which is specifically built for such work.
A test patch was carried out in the first instance … with a water blast loaded with sand.
Test patch!
The work then got underway with the ‘crew’ taking turns each side … the woodwork has not seen the light of day since 1983!
Stripping underway…Stripped…
Thank you to the two Willpine boys for your attention to our clinker-built vessel’s bottom.
The initial coatings went on in the autumn of 1983 – she has never been cleaned back to bare wood since then. The blast cleaned off the surface soft wood tissue to good clean timber.
As the boat was out and her bottom needed to be painted, for protection alone, we got on with it – having moved a 42nd wedding anniversary holiday to the autumn – weather and time seemed to be on our hands, or was it!
Christobel doing what she loves best…
So, after leaving her to dry for two days with a warming sun and an easterly breeze coming across the saltings, she was ready for a prompt start.
First off, Christobel got beneath and checked along the lands for any paint left by ‘the blasters’ and then hard sanded to best of her ability – quite frankly, I just left her to get on with it: other things needed doing! In our elevated position above – the boat had dried quickly, but I was already beginning to worry though!
My goodness – renewed in the nick of time!
I spent the first day dealing with renewing the centre plate pivot pin which was found to be badly wasted – only two years old. I have been doing annually for some years, but moved to two. I have a feeling that my box of bolts purchased as ‘Mild Steel’ are probably builders High Tensile Bolts which are higher in carbon and a ‘label’ seems to indicate this. I remember specifically asking what sort of bolts the supplier had. A different supplier will be sought!
Adjusting the boot top line under the quarters – first coat of primer/undercoat completed.
Part way into the job, restrictions on movement and work came in, and unless absolutely necessary ‘we’ were being advised not to do it. After a day off, we decided that the job needed to be finished at least: the boat was sitting in a temporary position. Our plan was to be back in the water within a week or so. I knew that being moved, at least, was going to be a priority for the boat’s safety, in the event of a complete lock-down situation.
The need to be moved was borne out by the requirement for her side chocks to be hardened each day during strong northerly and north-easterly winds over the weekend we were ready to go back in.
However, by the end of a long hard first day, Christobel had applied two coats to the bottom whilst I ‘prated’ around the topsides and transom making preps for full coatings. The topsides were hard sanded with a power sander. A number of fastener tops needed attention with cleaning off, sealing, priming and undercoating several times. With the weather the touch-up paint coats were drying in next to no time.
Note: The topsides were last fully painted in spring of 2016.
Bottom primed and topsides spotted with undercoat.
The next day, the day we had hoped to avoid, we had a day off … letting paint dry.
Back on the job, I ‘cut’ in the approximate top of the bottom red coat for Christobel to get weaving. Bless her, she carried out a check for any hollows in the primer coats and applied stripe coats where needed. Then onward with the antifouling. What a girl eh!
First coat of antifouling being applied.
By the time I had stripe coated the ‘repaired’ areas around the topsides, the first coat of antifouling was nearing completion on the boat’s port side. Before long calls for more paint made me stand back and admire the Mate’s work…
In gloriously warmish sunshine the topsides were given a finer grade sand, wiped down and given a full coat. Whimbrel was looking better by the hour.
Finishing the topside painting.
In the light of a peach of a spring sky, the sides glowed!
On the third day, Christobel was back underneath doing the last antifouling coat, before carrying out a check and stripe coating ‘hollows’…
Boot top in hand as Chrsitobel gets on with a second coat below…
Meanwhile, I varnished the transom and got on with sorting out the boot top coating. I’ve used a hard racing boot top coating rather than the ‘normal’ stuff which washes off too easily making a mess of the paint lines and look of the boat afloat.
Captured completing the boot top cutting in…
It was with a sigh of relief that I reached the end of cutting in the boot top. Due to stripping back the upper part of this by hand scraping and hard sanding and blast removal below, the line was largely lost. We laughed about the re-appearance of the builder’s original scribe markings, long deemed of little use as Whimbrel has gained added weight with her cruising use! I must say though, it wasn’t so far out…
Two shots of the finished job.
Transom varnish glistens … with a mirror image of ladder on topsides.Ready for the water…
Looking as pretty as she could be, Whimbrel awaited permission to go back afloat.
There are jobs around the decks that need doing. Relatively small sections of weather damaged varnish and a coat of fresh paint on cabin tops (after a hard sand), in the main.
Notwithstanding the onset of the serious health problems associated with the Corvid 19 (Corona virus) that has spread from China to virtually every country around the world since being ‘admitted to’ during December 2019, the weather has conspired to limit the opportunities for sailing too.
Our Government (British) is systematically closing down ‘life’ as we have all known it. People over 70 years of age are advised to self-isolate. Ill people have to isolate for seven days and if another person or persons live in household, this is 14 days for them. Everyone else to quote, ‘maintain a level of social distancing…’ which is at least two metres – which I call the spittle distance – essentially avoid all contact…
This does not seem yet to limit activities around the waterfront, provided care is taken … so, as planned, Whimbrel should be lifted from the water this weekend for a bottom paint clean off ready for my good mate and the boat’s keen bottom manager to get at it.
Last time the boat was lifted out in 2016 – survey requirement. Note: Christobel hard at it!
I have the top sides to deal with…
Since Christobel and I enjoyed a sail on a lovely February day, I have enjoyed little sailing indeed. But, with my youngest brother crewing as temporary mate I enjoyed a magical window of opportunity when the wind died to a force 5 and less for two complete days.
My crew rowing the tender to Whimbrel…
We departed early on a Friday (two weeks ago now) and returned on the Saturday lunchtime tide. We enjoyed a sublime sail acroiss the river after departing a few minutes before high water. being ‘late’ I swung further east round the Grain Flats, but the wind was sufficient for a close reach deep into Blakstakes area along the shore of Deadman’s Island and just making Strangate.
Heading into the River Medway.
Inside the River Medway, we encountered a pretty ferocious ebb even though the tides were neaps. As our overnight stop was planned for Queenborough we ended up enjoying a spin up Stangate and a tack back out – all helpful in keeping warm!
Approaching Slaughterhouse Point at the foot of Stangate Creek.
Thereafter we made ‘passage’ for Kingsferry Bridge approaches before working back to Queenborough. The temporary mate was soon away in Twitch for a spin round the harbour … would you believe it the wind died to such a low level he had to ship his oars and row home!
Sailing into Queenborough…
The bird-life both in Stangate and around the Swale were stupendous, a wonder. We also saw a seal basking along the Greenborough Marsh mud shore.
My brother was soon off in the tender for a quiet sail around the moorings … the wind died on him!Dawn on the Saturday…Slipping quietly away from Queenborough under sail…
We had a fabulous thirty hours! And, in an opposite to Emma’s infamous act of stupidity in the clever Jane Austin novel, it was a trip well done, well done indeed … it was an amazing couple of days.
Tool box with all the additional tools needed (not kept aboard), cables and sander…
Over the last month or two, I have been collecting together the necessary paints and preparatory equipment such as sanding papers in readiness. The pile on our ‘shed’ floor has grown … new centre plate lifting wire pin is ready, wire is aboard and the ‘blast man’ is booked.
Roll on the weekend … hopefully I’ll get just a little sail before, but time is running out.
We couldn’t make the last exhibition due to circumstances beyond our control, but this year when the invitation arrived it was ‘fixed’ into out diary!
The Wapping Group of maritime artists is a small select band of around thirty artists who are elected into the group as and when places become available – this has always been the case since the beginning when moves were made to form just before the outbreak of World War II, delayed until around 1948. They always have a waiting list, but these days there are a few what are termed ‘candidates’.
Paintings by Karl Terry ARSMA
Karl Terry’s work caught my eye with a view across the moorings of the Belton Way Small Boat Club down by the cockle sheds in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, close to home. The boat in the bottom right is either a Finesse 21, or Lady Beatrice, a 21 foot gaff cutter once owned by Laurie Harbottell who designed and built her for his own use. The hull design became the forerunner of the Finesse 21 built by Alan Platt.
A view across the Belton Way LBC moorings…
I continued to wend my way round, slowly, looking and drinking in the painted views. Many of the works were of familiar places.
Isleworth Reflections , Karl Terry.Chris Robinson took us on a trip from Marlow Bridge round to Tollesbury … with evocative views.
Wandering on I passed a picture I really liked! Moving on, there were more views of interest and familiarity. The boat yard at Hoo popped up, wit the bow of the spritsail barge Marjorie and a concrete lighter!
Bows, Hoo – by David Penny.
I soon came across an artist we know well (he lives close by) and one of his works was a 40th wedding anniversary present from my dear mate…
Winter Sunset, Heybridge Creek (Looking towards Downs Road Boat Yard) – Alan Runagall RSMAA group of Alan Runagall’s pictures…
We both love Alan’s works in watercolour – they are evocative and sometimes ‘hazy’ allowing the eye to wander and find those little details deftly captured…
A Group of paintings by Roy Hammond.
Some of the works seemed to have a little too much ‘pink’, ‘yellow’ and ‘orange’ in them, but they seemed to be getting hard looks from many of the punters around.
Sorry, won’t turn! A group by Trevor Chamberlain ROI RSMA.
And this was the picture that we took a fancy to … St Paul’s seems to float over Queenhithe on the other side of the river. The cranes adds a ‘time and place’ aspect: I believe this is part of the Thames Tunnel works currently ongoing…
Capsized again … Thames View by Keith Morton.
All in all we enjoyed the experience. and it is always a joy to view the type of art one appreciates with understanding.
The pictures are on view at The Mall Gallery, just beyond Trafalgar Square until Sunday 15th March.
