I have become aware of another Finesse 24 up for sale. She is a lovely gaffer called Mariette. The lovely lady was owned by a friend for a number of years before he sold her to the current owner.

The vessel had her centre plate removed some years ago, but, being a gaffer, it doesn’t seem to have affected her sailing ability greatly.

Picture of Mariette sailing in company with Whimbrel a few seasons ago.

The vessel has been well looked after. An owner many years ago converted her to gaff rig – she’s a beauty!

Mariette has a very extensive locker of goodies and would be ready to sail away…

See: https://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/Classic-sailing-boats-for-sale/a-f-platt-finesse-24-gaff-cutter/282105?utm_source=newsnow&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=sailbo&fbclid=IwAR0OzvF5qPCwyF46M3b14TLIMVzMotxhe9g2dJAiXvcHo8PLQkn3vbmEw_U

I would ask any buyer to contact me: I am current keeper of class owner records, and to also join the Finesse Facebook Group (a closed group for members only)

See: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1518607771700636/?ref=bookmarks

Mariette on the River Medway.

Contact: Colin Ramsay at colinramsay2006@hotmail.com. Tel: 07368 415432. Colin is happy for prospective buyers to make direct contact.

Boat is based at the Benfleet Yacht Club, Essex.

I was reminded recently soon after the latest RYA magazine fluttered through the letter box about seeing an autonomous vessel in Harwich Harbour.

The Autumn 2019 RYA magazine carries an article about an autonomous vessel crossing the North Sea this summer. The one in question sailed from West Mersea to Oostende in 22 hours with a ‘cargo’ of oysters. The operation was sponsored by UK’s Maritime & Coast Guard Agency, Department of Transport, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, the European Space agency and partners in Europe.

Photo of picture in RYA magazine – courtesy of RYA Magazine.

The vessel’s name is USV Maxlimer and was developed by Sea-Kit International of Tollesbury. The boat was built by Hushcraft Ltd in West Mersea and Tollesbury. Her base is said to be Maldon – amongst the fleet of Thames spritsail barges!

See:

SEA-KIT docks in Belgium to complete first ever international commercial uncrewed transit

It was all carried out with the use of GPS using a Global Situational Awareness system via an internet feed allowing remote access to CCTV cameras and controls. Maybe some of you will have seen her about.

I didn’t!

But, I did see this one in Harwich Harbour. She was being ‘shepherded’ out of the harbour across The Shelf by an escort … as we sailed in. The boat’s name is Intrepid Barracuda. Where she was going I do not know. We didn’t hear anything on Harwich VTS, so assume was doing trials.

I did find this on line though…

https://www.abports.co.uk/media/aypp4aqj/abp-lowestoft-ntm-no-23-2019.pdf

So, there we are. She was on trial!

The Intrepid Barracuda in Harwich Harbour.

I am sure that in the future we will see far more of these types of vessel in our coastal waters. I am sure though that unlike some yachts (in particular) which seem to go about on an auto pilot in congested waters, the ‘real’ thing’s cameras will tell an operator or an interface that you are in its way!

I had an ‘incident’ in late August where a yacht kept on coming up our stern … only veering away as I made a course adjustment to prevent chance of a collision. There was a ‘bloke’ aboard in the cockpit, but he made no acknowledgement … roll on full automation!

As an ex sea going engineer officer who keeps abreast of things, I am aware of shipping developments – the Japanese are to trial an ocean voyage, a ore bulker, I believe to Australia…

Interesting developments.

I was busy working among the merry band of members at my yacht club yesterday (Saturday) at the weekend work party when I saw a boat in slings coming into a new section of yard we’ve taken over from a boat yard. We’re busy ripping out decrepit rickety finger jetties and rebuilding new sound ones – it has been a continuing job for over a year now, but progress is being made. The ‘powers to be’ have decided that the new yard will be used to lay up those boats which are either in long term lay up or seemingly approaching the abandonment point! It reminded me of something I saw which saddened me and my wife at a marina during the summer.

I know my last blog was about craft close to little hope of redemption, but all of us sailors must have seen craft afloat, that had the look of not being cared for.

So, how often do you look around as you wander back to your boat, after a shower say, with a chippy feeling that is curtailed as one’s eye catches the sight of a craft that has sat neglected for many months, if not longer?

The craft and its whereabouts will not be revealed, but I’m sure someone will recognise her, suffice to say I spotted her in the north of my east coast sailing grounds…

The mooring lines on the boat’s deck cleats caught my eye first. There is no way these had been removed and retied in many months – most probably last year or further into the past.

Mooring line solidified with verdigris…

Then my eye saw some of her fenders on the point dropping overboard due to frayed and sun rotted lines.

Rotting fender lines…

Then to a tangled mass of ‘congealed’ rope at the mast foot came into view … nothing in that lot had moved for a long time.

At the mast foot…

On the fore deck was another tangle with hanging coils of genoa sheet and mooring lines.

On the fore deck…

Walking along the mooring finger where this poor girl sat I saw that the growth on her rudder (she had two and the other was out of sight…) was so thick that it was clear she wouldn’t be able to go anywhere in a hurry: the bottom would be in same condition.

Hull growth…

During this summer, we had to beach Whimbrel on two occasions – the first to remove weed and copious layer of barnacles on the ‘flat’ bottom, and secondly, fresh weed growth around the wind/water area down to around half draft. For us, it is easy: we careen her over and get to it! It doesn’t take long on shingle of sandy bank and many people do this during their season. I remember an ‘old boy’ telling me up in the River Deben that he beached his boat three times in the sailing season for a scrub…

Whimbrel’s mate getting under…

I did note though that the vessel had been fitted with a clean mainsail cover and a modicum of cleaning had been done on deck with a scattering of ‘dropped’ tools, so, maybe, there is an owner about somewhere who has begun a long task…

I looked up on various sales sited for the class of boat seen and I was quite shocked. The list price for craft of her type dating to 2003-05 period ranged from £99,000 to £115,000. It caused me to swallow hard!

Apologies to the owner, if you should read this, but I was greatly saddened.

After the trials and tribulations of last summer and my subsequent treatment for prostate cancer, I decided during the spring of this year (with my good Mate’s agreement) to go wandering this summer.

The boat’s travels ranged from North Kent up to Iken Cliff on the River Alde, covering a few miles short of 700 n.miles during period away from home. The distance is modest against those that go on long coastal voyages in all probability, but for us it has been a pleasant meander. I’ll suffix that with an exception … being wind bound on two occasions – once in Titchmarsh for five whole days. Now Titchmarsh is a lovely marina, but amenities and stores are a good walk away!

However, my time cocooned from the worst of the high winds wasn’t wasted. I had a bit of a wander through what is euphemistically called the ‘graveyard’ by Titchmarsh Marina staff looking at the various craft that are at death’s door or close to it.

I came across a sad and forlorn looking Sea King – a 24-footer, I believe – which has clearly come to the end of her sailing days and will eventually find her way to a funeral pyre…

The Sea King Halcyon appears doomed…

Inside, her cabin still ‘glowed’ in varnished mahagany.

The cockpit was a mass of various bits including her rudder. Below her sails have clearly been rifled over and parts have already ‘walked’…

The boat’s stem clearly shows her main problem – ‘iron’ rot.

The Sea King is essentially a ‘grown up Dauntless’ – her lines and hull shape show this. It isn’t surprising for her creator, Reg Patten, served his time with the Dauntless Boatbuilders of Canvey Island.

Close by the Finesse 24, Halda, still languishes in a continual state of slow demise. Much equipment has been taken (purchased, I understand to offset unpaid charges) but a perfectly good centre plate winch is still bolted to the cockpit bulkhead! The deepness of keel and completely different hull lines created by Alan Platt can be seen – a proper little yacht!

Halda moulders on…

To one side of the yard where vessels seemed not quite ‘into’ the doomed category sat a collection of vessels – wood and glass – awaiting their owners’ return to continue refits. It was clear to me that for some this was going to be a forlorn wait. Green verdigris was spread in abundance.  I chanced upon a sweet little day racer – a bit like a dragon, and it could be (?). She had the enticing name – Victoria. I wonder what the monarch of that name would have thought! The poor boat is drying out badly…

A sweet little thing – her name is ‘Victoria’…

I passed a glass-fibre sloop with a notice of sale to redeem unpaid ground rent – there were a number of these about. Little chance of Titchmarsh recouping losses!

Close by sat a couple of deepsh draft cruisers – wooden, of course – that showed a great willingness to get on with it. But how many years ago was that, I wondered.

Work appears ongoing…

But is it too much? Planking has sprung!

Leaving that little area behind, I continued my wanderings … and stumbled upon this once fine looking open motor boat – a yacht tender perhaps, for reaching the mother ship out on distant moorings. These days virtually all vessels used for this purpose around the Walton Channel are either Rib types of GRP motor tenders, left to swing on moorings whilst the ‘mother’ is away.

I liked the look of this one!

A vessel with good solid shape, designed for load carrying. Her propeller was guarded by the tunnel – seen.

Her bow was pram-shaped with a rise not dissimilar to a scow.

Oh yes, her little petrol engine still awaits the attention of an engineer!

Arkle, seen below was another launch of a different pedigree, but nonetheless, functional. She had the look of a yacht club launch… She ‘aint’ going anywhere!

Arkle…

I walked on and I found before me the bow of a good looking motor-cruiser or weekender. She didn’t look too bad at first sighting, but as I walked round her, a tale of neglect followed. I think it highly unlikely that she ever had a cover fitted over all that open woodwork – a great shame for a small amount of outlay would have stalled this sort of nonsense!

Once a fine motor launch…

Hmmmmmm …… whatever happened about fitting a good cover?

Another thing noted was the use of what are essentially DIY timber such as plywood – a false economy afloat where weather can do its worst.

In the middle of ‘this lot’ sat a pretty little thing – a Silhouette I believe, or of the type. Work had clearly been carried out, but when wasn’t clear: green verdigris was taking hold. Maybe this is a stalled project…

A pretty little boat – Silhouette?

Repainted this year, or last, but seemingly un-cared for…

I was left wondering if she would still be in the same position the next time I was likely to be in the Walton Backwaters.

The next vessel seemed beyond the possibilities of a renewal. Hull planking was seen to be coming adrift, she has a crushed bilge and her internals were a picture of decay. The old launch has served her time in some harbour with day after day of hard graft, heavy use and probably a ‘she isn’t mine, so I don’t care about the knocks’ attitude. Sadly, a chainsaw and bonfire awaits…

Not a lot of hope, surely?

Crushed bilge…

My eyes then lit up as they alighted on a fine deep draft cruiser with the look of  one of those Littlehampton built yachts. Her hull sides have been prepared and the bottom cleaned off … but close inspection began to show why progress has stalled. Keel bolts looked as if attention was needed from the look of the ballast keel to timber join. Then there were areas of degradation around the stem and opening up around the planking ends to stern post…

Some hope?

I cast my eyes towards the deck line – trouble was afoot. Open deck edges. Partially stripped cabin sides and missing window furniture in a sea of ‘green’ growth. Initial thoughts were squashed!

Fast drying out…

Some weeks later my good Mate gave up her place so that I could take a New Zealand friend sailing. The chap asked me soon after he’d arrived in Essex back in May if it would be possible to get him to the River Ore and Alde in Suffolk. I said, ‘Yes, weather and God willing…’ Starting from Bradwell on the River Blackwater, it happened. That tale is another story though…

We stopped off at the Aldeburgh Yacht Club for showers, after which we walked into the town past Slaughden Quay – once a busy and prosperous place before it was all bu washed away centuries ago – but I stopped by Demon Yachts, a yard situated on the edge of the town, and saw a couple of boats advertised as being for sale. Both are ‘projects’ and much would be needed to finish them. Most of all a willingness…

The first was a vessel 117 years old – a Whitewing, a local class boat. Her hull looked in a precarious condition, however, the planking looked ‘good’. The advert spoke of a ‘group ownership’ or of a single benefactor to complete…

As I say, true willingness is essential!

117 year old White Wing Nona…

The details…

Are you the one to do it?

The next looked less of a challenge and is a lovely sleek looking thing. The long double-ender was originally built as a gentleman’s launch. In time she had clearly gained a rig: the ‘irons’ are still fitted.

Lovely looking thing…

The vessel was built by Camper & Nicholson, but no date was given on her details. Of all the vessels I saw at the two yards, this one seemed the most likely to find a buyer. She’d certainly repay an expense, surely…

The  details…

Now, up and down the coast many of you can probably find similar craft in very similar states of disrepair or neglect. It is something I get ‘bothered’ about and generally come away full of sadness. It is the same for wooden and GRP craft. All were once loved and cosseted. Age has wearied them, but for many much life remains.

I know an owner of a Finesse 24 who obtained the ownership of his little sloop for the nominal sum of £500 – admittedly, he has accepted the undertaking of a little over £2000 of repair work, and that will probably grow… But, for a around £3000 he will gain a superb coastal cruiser, safe enough to wander the east coast and provide a ‘home’ for the summer (as I do on Whimbrel!)

There are a myriad of GRP craft sitting on yard hard standings which with a dose of elbow grease would scrub up. Defects can be fixed.

What has to be remembered is that for a small outlay a first time cruiser owner could get afloat for a relatively small cost, if the heart strings can be pulled … instead of paying out 1000’s of pounds sterling for a modern expensively built vessel with supposedly superior pedigree.

I’ve looked at modern 24-footers, their costs are frightening and their supposed spacious interiors are nothing of the sort in comparison to my Finesse 24 … I wouldn’t touch ’em with a barge pole…

My continuing ‘Prostate Story’…

See for earlier blogs: http://nickardley.com/ditch-crawler-sails-onward-radio-therapy-done-with-freshly-antifouled-we-chased-barges-on-the-medway-2019-match/

Time ran on nicely as we pottered around the rivers Blackwater, Colne and subsidiary creeks, but in the back of my mind was my looming appointment for the first post radio therapy check up.

We had a few days at home – a 20/20 cricket match at the Oval with ‘the boy’, a blood test and a ‘family do’ all fortuitously coinciding. Returning to the boat we continued to potter before ‘high-tailing’ to Southend Hospital from Bradwell Marina (Handy having a car u there!) for my appointment.

After a longish wait … 30 minutes … I was in.

Less than five minutes later, after answering questions about loo visits, pooh problems and other stuff – like telling the youngish lady that everything was still working – I was out, clutching a fresh blood test form. Around my head buzzed the news that my PSA count has fallen to virtually ZERO.

Christobel heaved then cried. I was somewhat choked…

Very good news indeed…

I go for a further test in a little over three months.

Since then we left the sheltered waters of Essex’s middle rivers and made passage for Pin Mill with the weather fair…

Departing a little after four in the morning (a few days ago) we had a quiet motor-sail, with barely a mile under sail alone for the 27 mile trip.

Yes folks. Diesel was burnt!

We’re now pottering in the Walton Backwaters …

Today we sailed up into Oakley Creek and viewed many seals – it doesn’t matter how many times one sees them the allure never fades. The colony was seen basking way off in the distance round the inside of Garnham’s Island.

Sailing up Oakley Creek … note the coaster up at wharf.

Seals in Oakley Creek.

Leaving the seals we sailed into the Walton Channel, initially to anchor, but a squally period set us heading further up to find a vacant buoy. We found these to be numerous … and picked one under the west saltings edge.

Sailing into the Walton Channel across the top…

Once moored, I had tome to look around. To our amazement a group of dinghies of mixed classes came sailing out, tacking and gybing round two buoys local to us…

A series of ‘dinghy’ pictures follow…

Boisterous conditions can be seen!

Up, up and away…

Oooooops!

On the mud

And in the saltings…

A close encounter…

Tomorrow we plan to anchor Whimbrel in the shallows off Stone Point around two hours before low water, careen the ‘ol girl and scrub her bottom: I have seen weed growing happily on the rudder out of reach below the waterline. From experience we both knew what was coming. The Mate, Christobel, is so looking forward to it…

The call of a laundry can be heard from our washing bag, so later tomorrow will see us in Titchmarsh Marina.

That last picture ‘A close encounter…’ resonates with my thoughts currently. Part, a blessed joy in having got through this last year with a psa level first at 13.6 and now ‘0’, and of relief, an overwhelming relief, at where I am now …

But for the Grace of God go I.

My thoughts are with those who I know are currently undergoing treatment. For one ‘old boy’ his prognosis isn’t good, but for another it should be.

Favourable journey’s chaps…

This time last year was an extremely hard time for me, Christobel, ‘the boy’, as well as for my family and friends. That is all history now…

I was reminded of it all (as if one needed to be) upon meeting a boat at Brightlingsea with a nice couple aboard. They’d once ‘stopped me’ whilst I was sailing about in my dinghy in Stangate Creek. After ranging alongside we had a long chat about my various books … later I had a request by email for this and that.

Any way, I told them I’d been ‘quiet’ for a while dealing with prostate cancer – sadly, the lady’s brother has also got the disease. Unfortunately, she said, he’d not reacted to ‘pee’ problems and didn’t do so until aches in his hips appeared. The chap is undergoing treatment, but the prognosis isn’t good.

There by the Grace of God go I…

I set out this summer to have a bit of a ball, helped by my willing Mate Christobel, one in ‘letting’ the summer go (again) and in giving up her berth to various family and friends whilst they enjoyed some sailing too. Family are all done – one more friend, an Old Leigh Boy residing in New Zealand over for a long visit, is booked for late August.

Cousin Roger and youngest brother, Andrew, romping towards the Swin Spitway in June…

Two good sailing companions sailed with me aboard on a ‘delivery’ trip to Bradwell – essentially a ‘Jolly Boys’ outing with stops at Queenborough and Brightlingsea on the way. We had fun.

Christobel met us and took both boys to the station at Southminster where they began a long and arduous bus trip to Shenfield due to track works!

With the middle part of the week to ourselves we decided to ‘pop’ up to Colchester. We’ve sailed up and away many times, but never stopped…

Arriving in Colchester…

Whimbrel can be seen in the distance beyond the ‘light vessel’ berthed outside of a motor cruiser at the floating pontoon alongside King Edward Quay.

We enjoyed a wander into Colchester transiting the Hythe ‘village’ – fascinating and the main street is loaded with ‘Tudor’ buildings still very much in use.

Hythe – a little gem…

Leaving Colchester we sailed down river to Brightlingsea to join up with eleven other Finesse craft for ‘our’ annual rally. This was the best in numbers since the rally was inaugurated eight years ago.

Rally boats alongside the Heritage Pontoon, Brightlingsea.

The following weekend saw us sailing into Maldon to help celebrate the official launch of the Sea-change Sailing Trust barge, Blue Mermaid’s official launch – see earlier blog.

Cocky sprits seen from the ‘bargemen’s’ church on the hill above Maldon’s Hythe…

In a period before the planned take-over of Whimbrel by my sister and two lovely friends we had time round outside Tollesbury, within Lawling Creek and round in the rivers Crouch and Roach, enjoying generally good sailing weather – some diesel had to be used…

Running towards Burnham…

Christobel went home the day before my next crew joined … she was on (our) church cleaning duty and had also volunteered to assist at a community fayre! A visit to a London exhibition and three day jaunt ‘up north’ visiting her old town of Royal Leamington Spa (much changed) and going onto Stratford to see a Shakespeare play, kept her occupied…

My trip with my sister Theresa and friends Hannah and Steve took us to Brightlingsea, Pin Mill (& Suffolk Yacht Harbour), Harwich, the Walton Backwaters, West Mersea and the return to Bradwell…

Sunrise on way up to Pin Mill…

Playing with the cruising chute – Naze into Harwich Harbour…

On a glorious grey day sail from Harwich to West Mersea…

A couple of hours after that week’s crew had departed, my dear wife returned, laden with fresh stores…

My dear wife, Christobel, happily at the helm…

A few days at home approached when I’d re-met the boating couple in Brightlingsea: it was a reminder.

Back in early June, I’d got a blood test pre-booked in readiness for a visit to hospital to see the prostate cancer specialist. The sample has been taken and my appointment awaits during the coming week. Am I worried, a little yes, I’d be lying to say I’m not. Whatever, I plan to continue enjoying life, love and the world about me…

The sun sets on main treatment phase…

So, as the sun sets on my main treatment phase (hopefully), I am reminding all men who haven’t had a prostate test, don’t leave it until pains elsewhere drive you towards a surgery. Be proactive. I was and had had the disease for several unknown years…

Earlier this year Christobel and I received an invitation to attend the official launch of the Sea-change Sailing Trust’s new Thames spritsail barge, Blue Mermaid. The barge is a ‘faithful’ replica of the original sunk by a magnetic mine during WW2. Her remains sit somewhere near the old position of the West Hook Middle Buoy n the Swin. Soon, with the help of the Port of London Authority, a diver will retrieve a fragment of that vessel which will be preserved and kept aboard the new barge in memory of the crew who perished.

The Blue Mermaid viewed from West Mersea…

Yesterday, whilst ambling back to the waterfront in West Mersea, I spotted the new barge majestically sailing out past Sales Point over on the Bradwell Shore. For me it was a moment of magic: although the barge has been sailing for a couple of months – working up – I had not seen her in such guise.

My old family home, the Thames spritsail barge May Flower, was sailing in the Swin close by the Blue Mermaid when she was blown up. May Flower’s crew sailed round the area looking for survivors … for this reason, I have long held an affinity to the Blue Mermaid Project and, more importantly, for the work of the Sea-change Trust.

So, a little over a week ago now, on a delightful July morning we sailed into Maldon and berthed at one of the local yards.

The stern of the Blue Mermaid and bow of the Reminder, true sisters… 

I captured a view of the Blue Mermaid’s stern with the bow of the Reminder outboard … identical sisters separated by around ninety years. Later I walked past, along Maldon’s Hythe, for a look … the mate and some apprentices were hard at work making things spic and span – one burnishing the binnacle!

The Blue Mermaid’s topsail set for the ceremony…

Walking towards the Hythe on the day, the sight of the Blue Mermaid’s topsail set proudly aloft among  the cocky sprits of her sisters brought a lump to my throat. This was truly an very historic occasion. Although there has been one other barge built in recent years, she was specifically for use as a home and yacht – Defiance – a reincarnation of a Medway river barge (less a metre removed from her aft end to comply with ‘yacht’ rules). Another is the Snark. The classification of these two remains a mystery to me … it appears they’re ‘not’ barges, but yacht barges, a term not often used these days.

The Blue Mermaid’s topsail, by the way, has been sponsored by the Maldon Little Ship Club in a ten year sponsorship – a mighty impressive deed.

Trust supporters in conversation…

On the Hythe, people milled, chatting, admiring and toasting the fine vessel.

All aboard!

At some predetermined point, it fell to Chair of Trustees, Hilary Halajko, to propose the vessel’s blessing – the man of God who was supposed to have attended was apparently unavailable to to sickness…

There were thanks to supporters … sponsors … for kind deeds and everyone for coming along was followed by distribution of bouquets to various – Catherine Dines represented the Heritage Marine Yard (Downs Road) in the absence of Jim. Hilary herself wasn’t forgotten too!

Hilary Halajko making her speach.

A ‘talk’ was given too … but lost me when the line ran into similarities with Gordonstone School … absolutely nothing to do with the ethos and reasons behind ‘Sea-change’!

Speeches over, the vessel was suitably toasted, and a buffet was opened for people to partake of refreshment. This was all hosted by the Maldon Little Ship Club led by Commodore Stubbs. The buffet was the ‘baby’ of his wife Cally, an enthusiastic crew member of a barge herself.

The buffet spread…

Supporters and guests enjoying the rather tasty provisions…

Having enjoyed a few nibbles, Christobel and I went aboard the Blue Mermaid. We’ve been aboard many times over the past two years and watched all the changes from a bare steel shell to a fully fitted out and rigged sailing machine. There are still a few jobs to do … there is with any vessel, but she’s here, in use and doing the trust’s work.

From this on launch day at Toms Yard, Polruan, Cornwall…

To this…

Above deck, the barge is complete… Below, a little still needs to be done – varnishing the aft cabin companionway bulkheads for instance was noticeable. But to all intents and purposes she is finished. There follows what are essentially self explanatory pictures around the ‘ship’…

The ‘swept hold’ is home to fold away bunks – trainees, clients and extra crew.

The forward 4-berth unit to starboard.

The well appointed galley located under the aft waist deck.

To port of the galley is another 2-berth cabin.

The skipper and mate’s cabin, aft. ‘The cuddy’ – one day I hope (with sibling approval) the barge can have May Flower’s double burner cabin lamp, still a precious item of my mother’s…

A few cups gained in early barge match forays, builder’s plaque from Toms of Polruan, and notable contributors board…

As I was going ashore I spotted Don Ramsay going aboard – a key man in the workings of the Trust as administrator and head fund raiser…

Kindly Don…

I had a brief chat with the Toms Yard representative … we had chatted at the Blue Mermaid’s launch and at her safe arrival in Maldon. She was essentially ‘gob-smacked’ by the huge changes from the bare hull built at the family yard … yes, I think we all are!

‘Toms’ and Richard Titchener, Chief Executive Officer and Skipper chatting…

A very long time ago back in 2005 I wrote in my book, The May Flower a barging Childhood, published in 2007, at the end of chapter 1, detailing ‘where’ barges are now and the future, whilst discussing the fact that modern yachts are built with the rigs of their forbears whether it be a Bemudian of gaff and finished by saying:

‘if the future barge is a new steel one, the most important aspect is its rig and how it is used.’

The Sea-change Sailing Trust has built an ethos working with young people who are falling through the net, people with dementia, schools, sailability and provision of a seafaring training. This is all coupled with plans to carry a cargo, but the main aim is to achieve aims against the elements of tide and wind under sail … on the way a youngster who fails to understand the need for mathematics will learn chart work and along the way discover mathematics…

The Trust is to be commended…

How many of you walk past moored craft in a harbour and DON’T look around at the craft around you?

I suspect, not many and like me you pass an eye over them, quizzically or otherwise.

The point I would like to make is that one sees an awful lot of craft, traditional especially, where a lot of work has been carried out. Varnishing for instance where the wood has been stripped back, sanded and varnish applied. Maybe two, three or even four coats. The applier (owner in the main) looks back with a satisfied smile and walks away, complimenting himself on a job well done.

Then, how often do you see ripped, badly fitting covers, or no cover at all over varnished wood?

P.S. Badly fitting covers was written about last autumn… See: http://nickardley.com/ditch-crawler-goes-west/

Whimbrel’s set of covers…

Yes, well!

With respect to varnish, yachting magazines go into the number of coats required on bare wood at great length, from time to time. My maxim rests at around eight to ten as a minimum … less means redoing the following season!

When there are a number of small areas stripped back it is easy to loose track – I’ve done it and following season found just a few coats on ‘an area’ forgotten about with a ‘peeling’ coating…

I pencil the coat number against areas stripped back up to ‘9’ here!

Cabin sides could be protected, of course, but it is an unusual sight in summer and is usually when a boat is under a winter cover. I have seen ‘all over’ covers though, and cabin side canvas protectors… Hatches and cockpits are a different matter. I leave Whimbrel’s hatch protection covers on from September to May. During autumn weekends away they get removed, for tidal sails, no.

Whimbrel’s hatch covers.

This one caught my eye recently…

Another well fitting cover…

So often an owner will expend huge effort in stripping, say a hatch, cabin sides and other areas such as rubbing strakes. Below are two examples of such efforts going to waste … in fact the work requires to be carried out all over again!

Both pictures make me sad…

The point about coating numbers is clearly made in the following example. The varnish or similar protective/decorative coating was applied and has not been re-applied at the intervals advised by coating manufacturer. net result – a mess!

Case of insufficient coats…

In the following example an owner has been busy applying additional coats of varnish to wood that had been stripped back. The vessel, a Finesse 24, had been for sale in a Swale-side yard for a number of years. During that time she’s been ashore, but fully covered. Wrapped to her waterline almost! I found her recently soon after her sale to her new owner.

The chap, a lovely Irishman, told me the previous owner had stripped down the cabin sides and sheerstrake some years ago. He’d clearly applied sufficient varnish, albeit she was covered – from memory the boat has been out of water for at least seven years. I learnt too that the old owner even gave the woodwork an additional coat as part of the ‘sale’ deal…

For Finesse aficionados, the boat, Quo Vadis, is staying local for time being…

The boat’s new owner has been adding further coats in between completing hull preps for painting. I received a message a few days ago saying full coats of undercoat were in hand…

A lot of work is involved with stripping back and prepping – here an owner kept his boat fully covered…

Oh, and to finish. I recently sailed into Faversham with my dear wife Christobel: we like going there, but essentially to pick up a new cover for Whimbrel’s mainsail. The new sails are bulkier than our old ones and have a greater covering need … so thank you Wilkinson Sails … my sketch was bang on and your interpretation fits like a glove!

A new sail cover that does what it is supposed to do…

Whimbrel’s tender, Twitch, is twenty-five years old this year … her woodwork has been regularly varnished and when not in use the dinghy is covered: she cost quite a lot of money and unprotected she would have long had her day…

Dinghies too need caring for!

My sincere apologies to the owners of the craft used to illustrate my blog … please take the hint!

My previous post had a little film clip of me sailing on the morning of my last radio therapy session – the hospital staff were very impressed!

Link: http://nickardley.com/ditch-crawler-sails-into-last-radio-therapy-session/

On the morning my end session was due, I wasn’t sure whether to be excited or thankful. I think every emotion would fit: it’s been a testing time in many ways. Christobel has been an absolute brick, the ‘boy’ too… I have to admit, I consumed more hooch during the process than normal for a six week period, but what the hell!

Many friends, contacts and family members have also been of supreme help in boosting morale and ‘speaking’ soothing words … thank you all.

Strangely it was only during the last couple of weeks that I really felt weakened by it all. It had become increasingly difficult to complete more than a 5 mile walk. Our ‘normal’ hour long walk had become a trial, eventually with me suffering a complete loss of energy half way through on several occasions necessitating rest!

Over breakfast we spotted that one of the pair of blue tits nesting in the new box I made in the autumn seemed to busier than just feeding ‘the mate’. Clearly the young were beginning to hatch. Wow, what a sign – new life! I managed to snap the bird, resting briefly on the nest box perch.

A momentarily resting blue tit…

It was a quick breakfast: I’d already decided upon a sail. My good shipmate and dear wife, Christobel, was going to take the morning out. A walk and catch up with friends at our church’s coffee morning – which we usually pass ‘through’ on a Wednesday walk of around 5 miles…

It was a glorious morning, sparkling sun glistening on the water and a light south-easterly. I motor-sailed out, knowing I’d probably enjoy a run in under head sail into the mooring later, and set off long and short tacking down the Ray channel until far enough east not to be concerned about depth.

Terns had arrived from distant parts since last out … always a joy to see.

Eventually, I reached The Crowstone and put the boat about for a run along the Chalkwell and Leigh Shore. It was so lovely … I so wished that my shipmate was afloat with me … later she’d wished it too!

Running, goose winged, from The Crowstone.

Time soon ran on too, but towards the top of the tide, the wind freshened a little. Some distance from the creek’s entrance the mainsail was stowed, fenders tied and I sipped some tea as the boat glided over the early ebb, inwards… The mooring soon approached. At the right moment, a hop forward, down head sail, back aft and the dear boat slipped gracefully into her berth.

With just a few butterflies beginning to buzz around my innards, I settled and sorted the boat before heading back ashore and home.

Gliding home…

I was met by Christobel … it was time for a quick bite, before getting my head down for an hour or so … my mate had long stopped shepherding me to the bedroom!! The loss of energy and tiredness could only be assuaged by rest/sleep… Upon waking, a loo visit then begin drinking water to ensure a full bladder by time of appointment.

During the six weeks, I have had to ‘go’ and begin water intake all over again when the appointment has been delayed. 20 minutes was fine … 1/2 an hour, dodgy, and once when over an hour I’d held on, diving straight to the loo afterwards! Upon arrival, I was sent straight round to a different unit, expecting a delay, I stopped drinking … but, wow, I was called straight in. Nearly 10 minutes early!

The lady radiologist said as we went through, ‘You know this is your last one…’

I nodded. She gave me a big hug, saying, ‘I’ll be listening for the bell…’

Blast, I thought, as I was hoping to give it a miss!

The two on duty, a chap and lady, both of whom I’d seen many times chatted away with me as they got the ‘position’ right … me telling them of my morning sail, then, off they went.

The scanner head went round … the table jiggled … the treatment head did its two revolutions, back and forth. (Note it can’t keep going, ‘cos the power and control cables won’t allow – I’d asked that question some while before, being inquisitive…)

It was all done. Two more hugs … out to the control office … another hug from lady who had also attended on some sessions … on out to an astonished Christobel. Done, 5 minutes after my appointed time.

Ringing the bell…

That evening we went out for a meal and celebrated after a glass of something and some canapes watching the coming and goings of our blue tits…

On the Friday evening the ‘boy’ came in for a celebratory glass of ‘shampoo’…

Time moved on … on the Sunday after, I managed to nail our boy down for a sail he says he’s long been owed! I’ve told him he can come along any time, a weekend even … but his life is a busy one. It was a chilly sail, but we enjoyed a spanking sail up to the Benfleet Barrier by the Dauntless Yard, enjoying a pleasant run for home.

The ‘boy’ in charge: I was relegated to deckhand!

A long term project to obtain new u-bolts for Whimbrel’s rigging set up is approaching fruition. All three of ‘us’ Finesse owners at the Island Yacht Club are doing this. One of the others took it upon himself to find a manufacturer for they’re not of a standard length. In the mean time, I completed making pads upon which the new U-bolts will be bedded. They’re made from Iroko.

This is something other Finesse owners might be interested in … a boat, Quo Vadis, up for sale for a long time at Conyer has just found a new owner. water ingress has caused deck and deck shelf/carlin problems.

Pad making – top and bottom.

The planned and ordered u-bolts…

One afternoon, whilst ‘resting’, I corrected a second set of new charts…

Chart correcting…

Then, just a week after my last session, we put Whimbrel onto the club hard for her annual bottom clean and anti-fouling coatings. My good Mate did the bulk of the jet washing, final scraping and cleaning of the propeller … I hasten to add, my task was to redo the sheer strake and rudder varnish work and look at the bottom hull fittings. The boot top was cut into the hull paint work. The hull paintwork was touched up here and there … in between the underwater parts of the rudder needed several coats of primer too … my job too!

Christobel doing what she loves best! Note the glistening varnish above…

Above – the cutting in of boot top.

All done … Whimbrel waiting for the tide.

The boat was got back onto her mooring for one night, then we were off for a weekend – the bank holiday one at the end of May.

Over on the River Medway, it was Medway regatta weekend and the annual barge match was taking place. The Friday run across the Thames turned into a 2 hour motor sail due to lack of wind, although on the Essex side there’d been a good breeze. We were able to sail from the fort into Queenborough though!

We set off promptly on Saturday morning to sail upriver to meet the first of the barge fleet, then ‘chase’ out towards the Thames estuary. Christobel produced bacon sandwiches shortly after our departure … they were delicious.

The barge fleet approached with a clear leader, Niagara, with the Ironsides and Edith May seemingly enjoying a private competition behind. The indomitable bowsprit class Edme was close behind, working through the fleet of stay sail class and ‘coasters’. At the finish, the order was little different!

Edith May kept coming up on the Ironsides, overlapping and falling behind again … it was amusing to watch!

The lovely Marjorie and the powerful Adieu seem to like keeping close company…

We sailed out towards the Grain Edge buoy before turning back. Soon the fleet of eleven stately sailormen had all passed. It wouldn’t be long before the first reached the Medway No. 1 buoy and began heading for home … and I, in particular, wanted to be up near the finish line off Gillingham to see the first home!

Inside we passed close by Doris owned by a friend.

We met dozens of large yachts in an ‘inside’ race followed by dragons and squibs.

Whimbrel healing to the afternoon breeze as we rounded Darnet Ness…

What a splendid sight – the Edme in Gilligham Reach, tacking for the line…

Poppy, a gunter rigged Hunter – a pretty boat owned by two friends…

From one of the race yachts passing close by us in Saltpan Reach floated a cheery shout … ‘Nick .. you writing another book?’

‘Why,’ I called, adding, ‘Did you enjoy the others?’ An enthusiastic answer drifted back. I called out to the fast passing craft, ‘Maybe…’

‘Good!’ was all I heard. And the ‘faceless’ questioner and clearly a fan, disappeared astern.

No pressure then…

We berthed on the inner side of the Medway Yacht Club’s visitor pontoon at the suggestion of a boatman, who helped  us in…

During the later part of the afternoon, I prepared our supper of chicken with cider and cracked pepper corns> When nearly cooked it was left to soak in its juices whilst we popped ashore for a beer at the club. It was a busy place with the milling crews of yachts and the big class day boats as well as the barges – all getting set for a long evening…

Enjoying ‘afters’ – a lovely bottle of red and a selection of cheeses sent to me by a cousin. Thanks Roger & Judy x

On the Sunday we enjoyed a spanking run down river to Queenborough. It was a little breezy, but nothing ‘inside’ – we later heard that some yachts had sailed back to Essex, in quite lumpy conditions. Silly!

We popped ashore for some stores then I was pointed to the bunk for a sleep … the mate read for a while.

Later over tea, we enjoyed an entertaining afternoon watching the movements of various craft. The local 4-oared skiff was out too, and a single hovercraft appeared, swinging off the tideway and over the mud – watched by the harbour launch!

Goose winged down Long Reach … it was busy!

A relaxed Christobel…

Afternoon tea…

Part of our entertainment!

I did get to the Admiral’s Arm and enjoyed a pickled egg too…

The homeward passage on the bank holiday was pleasant and uneventful, sailing off the mooring.

So, how do I feel?

Relieved, pleased, happy, sincerely grateful for the care shown by the oncology teams, it is difficult to put into a single word. Mostly, I’m just so happy that I’ve come through this part of my treatment – a rather large part for sure – with few if any real problems. When I sit and think about all the pro’s and con’s I’d read about last summer and how frightened I was, the current position is a blessing: everything works ‘normally’, whatever that is!

Christobel said something to me during the last week which was so touching and so special. It was what one can only say is love. The ‘what’ will remain ‘what’ for it was only ours to share … bless you darling. xx

I am thankful too for all the messages of support, love and good wishes, from all and sundry – many of whom don’t really ‘know’ me. That too has been a blessing. And, today as I write after depositing some stores aboard Whimbrel, I can relate that an ‘old salt’ stopped me down the creek to ask how things were … he said that last autumn, he thought, ‘You were a gonna…’

I told him what the oncologist had said … ‘I’ll not beat about the bush, another year, two at the most, and …’ It hurts to write it, so I’ll leave it there.

But I know now that I’ve probably escaped.

In July’s edition of Yachting Monthly is a piece written by Dick Durham, a monthly columnist – read it!

Copied from July 2019 edition of  Yachting Monthly.

On the last day of my radio therapy for prostate cancer, I enjoyed a fabulous sail…

See: https://www.facebook.com/nick.ardley/videos/pcb.1089499444593655/1089457137931219/?type=3&theater

It was just the tonic needed!

See earlier posts:

Ditch-crawler moves smoothly into second half of radio therapy…