Message for Brian Ingram – recontact me: your email contact details aren’t connecting back to you…

best wishes,

Nick

Do you remember my blog back in the summer about ‘the deadly snake that wants to bite’? If not read…

If so, and a man of fifty or over, have you been tested yet?

More men are dying of prostate cancer than women of breast cancer, and in the press you’ll not hear a single beep.

See: http://nickardley.com/ditch-crawlers-warning-to-all-men-prostate-cancer-the-deadly-snake-that-wants-to-bite/

It is no laughing matter for many GP surgeries are not in the business of warning men about this danger or, even, sending men for a prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests. NHS England recommend or wish to instate routine testing from the age of fifty (Ref: BBC Radio 4 interview NHS England and John Humphreys). This being so, why aren’t ‘they’ ordered to comply. The initial test is an inexpensive blood test. Long term costs of a late diagnosis are severe, to NHS and to life expectancy…

I wish I’d dreamt of asking earlier…

Whimbrel snapped recently by Dick Smith, up Benfleet Creek…

Once I began my course of medication in the form of hormone tablets, we got away for an uninterrupted few weeks in August before I took my brother (over from Canada) and my sister for a few days sailing (the siblings’ sail)  – actually a dash to Pin Mill and back via the Swale.

Since then, I have kept active, lost a little weight and generally had a ‘good’ time with my dear wife Christobel (Who will tell me off: ‘I’m the Mate’ she’ll say!). Sailing was curtailed during the hectic days of June and July, it being snatched between appointments at hospital. The autumn has been sublime and we had several weekends away during September and other days sailing on the tide together and I’ve had a few more. I still harbour a desire to sneak away for a night or two over on the River Medway, but weather will dictate that – my youngest brother wants to come!

All along, in the back of my mind has been the knowledge that the next visit to see ‘my’ oncologist loomed.

So, today was the day of my oncologist visit. The good news is that my PSA level has fallen from 13.6 to 2. The oncologist was very pleased.

He said,‘Your cancer has been arrested…’ And, in a rapid almost one sided discussion gave me (us) the ramifications of the next stage … due to start at the beginning of March.

This will be Brachyherapy first, followed by five weeks of external beam radio therapy – seven weeks in all – all over by Easter 2019!

So, I should be fit and well to help my good Mate get Whimbrel’s bottom tickled up and the anti-fouling done during May!

Currently, the good news is that other than an enormous heavy tiredness at times, I haven’t experienced any noticeable side effects … yes I was asked by the oncologist how our marital relationship was going … the Mate quipped, ‘He’s alright in that department, it’s his single cell brain I’m worried about…’

Laughing, the Doc said, ‘That’s good…’

Tiredness … sometimes I will be ‘sent to the bedroom’ by Christobel, but often sleep is far away, but the rest works … other times, I have gone out for up to three hours. (P.S. – it’s better when ‘she’ comes with me…)

My dear sweet sister kindly photographed me asleep on Whimbrel, after being ‘sent to bed’ during our siblings’ cruise … she took my glasses off afterwards!

So, I keep on taking the tablets, stay fit, stay positive and keep smiling…

Now, wives and partners of your men-folk: be pro-active. Withhold all favours until your man gets his test booked.

A number of men I know have done so – many had heightened PSA levels with fairly long term ‘peeing’ problems they’d been ignoring (I had none of this). All of them have been given the all clear regarding prostate cancer, but several have other issues to be treated.

So, do your families a favour and do something positive, please…

On our way back from Cornwall last week we stopped off for a couple of days at Dorchester … but our arrival was interrupted by a small detour into Topsham. Why? Well, the spritsail barge Vigilant sits by the town’s wharf being rebuilt.

The Vigilant, the subject of a lovely little book, ‘Sailorman’ by E. G. Martin and published in 1933, came down from Essex (St Osyth) where she had ‘festered for some years becoming more and more dilapidated as time rolled by. Then came a saviour from Topsham … and, away she went under her own engine with shuttering boards fixed over the leaky bits…

The starboard bow of the  Vigilant looking all but completed…

I photographed her on a visit a few years ago when the gear hung onto temporary fixings whilst side planking and frames were being renewed. Then, the hull had open areas awaiting new planks. Now she has apparently had all that finished. However, much still needs doing.

Here are some pictures.

Port bow, looking down side.

Port side of the Vigilant.

I then moved round the starboard side, the side to which she sits against the quay. I was immediately struck by the strange curvature to her body: this was, and should be, a shapely barge. She looks horribly hogged.

A gaze down the starboard side of the Vigilant.

An old section of her rail – new rail is made up of two sections, one above the other…

If you study this plate below it can be seen that the stern drops away with a ‘hump’ in way of the main sheet chock area. The covering board has a join here and it looked as if movement is taking place…

Starboard aft quarter…

Vigilant’s transom…

Vigilant’s new transom has been varnished in the fashion of Marjorie’s. Looking closely at the runs into the stern post it is clear that her bottom planking needs attention. For this a drydock will be needed. The barge’s hull reminded me so much of the way the May Flower went during the last decade or so of her life. (For those that don’t know – my childhood home)

Temporary bolts could be seen at both the fore and aft ends fastening new frames to planking needing renewal.

The project has an information board to ‘educate’ those that come to stop and stare: a spritsail barge was a rarity in these waters even in the days of trade. What hit me was the huge mistake over the Vigilant’s displacement. The barge was built by Orvis & Fuller of Ipswich in 1904 and is 74 NRT. She would have loaded 150 – 170 tons. Her light displacement will be around 140 – 150 tons, yet the information board records her as being only 4 tons!

Vigilant’s information board.

There wasn’t anyone around during my visit so I couldn’t challenge this displacement … or to discuss such things as ‘plans’ for her future. I do know that the crew of EDME are reported to have given an undertaking to show the owners how to sail her when completed … the basis of this only being hearsay!

I wish them well: a private rebuild is rare these days.

While my wife and I were down in Cornwall on holiday – a NO BOATS holiday – I just happened to fall through the gates of the Rhoda Mary Shipyard down stream in Truro.

Now, the Rhoda Mary is a vessel I was quite intimate with as a youngster: with my older sibling, I would play around in her hull … probably without ‘mothers’ knowledge … the vessel had been hulked on the Hoo mud flats on the River Medway some years before.

My father aboard the Rhoda Mary in 1951. (Pic – Ardley family archive)

One of the ship’s anchors was removed and was used for one of the spritsail barge May Flower’s moorings (my chidlhood home). The anchor is now ‘lost’ for it is out on the mud flats off Callows Wharf up the top end of Milfordhope Creek. It’ll be sitting deep below lots of cord grass now…

My father also had some timber out of the old ship for use on May Flower!

The Rhoda Mary Trust was set up some years ago with the intention of providing a sail training vessel for Cornwall … plan were made to dig out the remains of the vessel on Hoo mud flats and rebuild her. The Rhoda Mary is the last of the ‘Cornish’ fruit schooners – fast vessels that brought fresh (citrus) fruit to England. To my mind she should be left in peace … a new vessel is the real answer: it is the rig and how it is used in the manner of her historical context which can be preserved.

The yard is the planned place … will it happen. Who really knows. Money will sit at the core.

Anyway, my good wife had a book to hand, so all was well!

A general view of the shipyard with a new vessel under construction.

Alongside the quay, where one day the current build project will soon be floating, rested an earlier vessel from the master builder Like Powell – the lynch-pin of this enterprise. The vessel, a small pilot cutter, Agnes, is something that is fulfilling to look at. She just hums with power and purpose – she twinkled in the light of an appearing sun…

The Agnes…

I took various shots to fulfill my desire to record: my chances of seeing her again are slight!

View from the bow.

Her ‘stern sheets’…

Deck view…

Now, my visit was to see the new vessel under construction up on the yards large open space – much filled with seasoning timber. The vessel is a faithful copy of a vessel built in 1852 – the Vincent. The new vessel has been named as the Pellew after a famous frigate captain, Edward Pellew who was a resident of Flushing (Cornwall).

Bottom of access and wood stack around the Pellew’s bow.

Mounting a set of stairs after being unable to find anyone ‘below’ I stepped upon the decks of this fine new build. Ones breath is taken away by the sheer size (not as big as a Thames barge…) and for me, the beauty of the workmanship going on. It hits you full on.

A look aft before stepping aboard…

A look forward too…

A radio was playing some kind of ‘modern’ music – a phenomenal ‘ghetto blaster’ – I called several times. No response. I could hear work going on below in at least two places. After a final call – I knocked. Ah, simple. One bit of noise stopped and a face appeared. This turned out to be shipwright Ned.

Explaining my desire to look over this fine new build, Ned, said, ‘…use that ladder … be careful and enjoy.’ at which he left me to my own devices. There follows a raft of views from below…

In main cabin looking aft towards door to ‘cuddy’…

In the aft cabin (cuddy?) I came upon a worker hard at it within the port bunk cubicle … her face appeared full of surprise … then got straight back to work!

Looking through forward cabin area into fo’c’sle 

Intermediate space between fore and  main areas with mast step.

Main cabin with some battens setting out ‘furniture’…

At this point I returned to the deck and took a closer look… The finish to bulwark capping, hatches and other areas essentially completed was seen to be superb. This is clearly not just a re-creation, but a work of art.

General view looking aft.

General view looking forward.

One of the cabin tops nearing completion awaiting its ‘furniture’…

This hatchway seemed to hint at the ability to load stuff through … I wasn’t able to ask about this! It clearly looks as if a ‘lid’ is to be fitted.

A less ‘yachty’ hatchway…

The rudder trunk…

I had to drag myself back to ground level, so mesmerised was I by what was being seen. I had a wander around the hull past the work bench areas with their ready to hand stacks of =off-cuts ready for that little job as things progress to a finishing stage.

The aft end of the Pellew.

Work bench area … not sure what the ladies on the team think about the calendar!

Mast and another spar in final shaping.

Rough-cut pieces ready for final shaping to make up gaff and boom jaws.

Further view of the mast. It is of massive section.

Reluctantly I made my way to the car and my waiting wife. She was fine: she’d brought a book along, knowing what I intended! As I drove out of the yard gates, I cast a wistful look out of the side window, picturing the Pellew afloat, mast at a cocky angle, sails bent on ready for her first passage…

Before my visit I had become aware that Luke Powell and his partner Joanna had purchased a ‘famous’ east coast boat, the Whitstable smack Stormy Petrel which had for many years – around sixty – been owned by Dick Norris. Dick had, as we all will, got old and had reluctantly sold his beloved vessel. Stormy Petrel was once owned by the renowned bargeman and sailor, Bob Roberts. Bob had her during the latter part of the 1940s selling her in the 1950s. Stormy Petrel transported family and belongings to Pin Mill when Bob decamped ‘north’.

So, this famed little ship will ‘go west’, perhaps never to return.

Some years ago I met the ‘Petrel‘ tacking in a stiff breeze up Pinup Reach just below Gillingham where Dick Norris had kept her for probably all his ownership. Dick knew my parents well from the 1950s onward, meeting out on the water – the May Flower and Stormy Petrel – both things of a past age.

Stormy Petrel reefed down and going well…

Stormy Petrel tacking … note the long foot to the foresail.

The Stormy Petrel is currently at Faversham at Chamber’s Wharf near Alan Staley’s yard.

In brief, Luke Powell has had an interesting life. Born in Suffolk he ended up in the Greek Isles before eventually pitching up in Faversham (Kent), worked on Thames spritsail barges before he trained as a shipwright.

Look after this piece of Kentish history in Cornwall, Luke: we’ll all miss her up here…

For more info see: http://thefalmouthpilotcutter.co.uk/the-rhoda-mary-ship-yard/

and,  http://www.rhoda-mary.co.uk/

From time to time holidays are taken without Whimbrel being the link-pin of our lives … we went to Cornwall and have now returned, refreshed and ready for autumn … winter and the freshness of the 2019 spring…

Now down in Cornwall, on a ‘no-boats’ holiday, it is exceedingly difficult not to stumble upon a stretch of the sea in one’s travels. The place ‘reeks’ of traditional craft – almost as much as Essex and Kent. But one of the things I noticed was the varying way in which owner’s of craft appeared to ‘bother’ about their charges. This is often seen in the way things are done, or not done…

Cover and sail security seems to be a common thread among boat owners – they are either well looked after or not. Dodgers too! Roller head sails are another matter of concern to most, to others, left to chance, it seems. Whatever the season, these all need attention, but if winterising, then greater attention surely is needed.

All looks well here … but a closer look at the ‘tarpaulins’ on the lugger would suggest covers need seeing to or renewing…

Whilst winding along a cliff-side road near Truro, I spotted a number of craft laid bow to the beach through the trees. Some were in a ‘dilapidated’ state … another had a cover full of water and looked to have been that way for some time. Not good!

Can’t work out why this picture capsized … hasn’t spilt the water though!

Below is a vessel with a well fitting cover ensuring rain water is put where it belongs – in the sea!

Above are serried ranks of dinghies at a coastal sailing club – a common sight anywhere within the United Kingdom of GB & NI, but what I noticed were craft with newer well fitted covers and others clearly on the way out as it were. Dinghies cost a lot of money, a cover is expensive too, but it is designed to protect the investment…

The other thing I noted was a number of craft with loose or torn dodgers – in winter these should either be removed or the securing examined and defects rectified. Dodgers cost money too!

Damaged dodgers … boat looked sad too!

I seem to remember that this sad sight was seen in Porthleven, but it is a common sight. Many owners ensure that the sheets roll round the sail at least once and a little. Many others also secure with a lashing for safe measure. Others leave a bit of the sail ‘set’ … this is not good! Clearly this sail was either left incorrectly rolled or had too few turns on the furling drum to ensure fully rolled. Insurance companies consider a rolled head sail as being ‘set’ and will not insure…

A common sight with a rolled head sail…

Have a look round your own locality and see for yourselves how things are done – rightly or wrongly!

It was an enjoyable spin around Cornwall with my wife, Christobel. We had a marvelous time … but it was nice to get home … drop down to out little mud creek and check our Whimbrel out! I look forward to a sail this week.

And, as most of you are aware, Whimbrel’s head sails are hanked…

The Queenborough Harbour Trust began putting on a traditional boat festival some seasons ago. Last year (2017) there was on the whole a very successful event, albeit that a ‘raft’ of yachts did not pitch up. My understanding was that some 2, 500 people visited over the weekend. enjoying  host of yachts, the spritsail barge Cambria and a number of little tugs including the Kent, a relic of Knights once majestic fleet. These latter vessels I do not consider to be ‘traditional’ in the yachting sense, however they deserve their place.

This year it was very different at the 2018 festival.

As a forerunner to the festival, in a way, I’d read on the Medway and Swale Boating Asssociation web site a paper written by the current chair, Brian Corbett, about the Medway & Swale basin holding a large part of the national reserve of maritime heritage afloat and much more along its shores…

http://msba.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/RIVER-MEDWAY-WORLD-HERITAGE-CENTRE.pdf

Bow of Finesse 21 Ivy May and Finesse 24 Whimbrel

But first…

We set off from our moorings on Canvey Island, Essex, in Whimbrel on Thursday on a glorious early afternoon to ensure we were across the Thames as the forecast for Friday was a little confusing. The weather was absolutely benign with a reasonable westerly blowing down the estuary. It was a ‘get over there run’ with a little engine power to break the back of the spring tide in Sea Reach. Engine silenced, we whooshed past Grain Fort some twenty minutes before high water, crossing on the inside…

Passing inside Grain Fort…

A deep tack took us to Swale Ness and after a very short length of time it was obvious that to make our ‘westing’ the diesel would be needed: it doesn’t do one’s soul good when the next tack begins to track you down from whence you’ve just come … reaching Tailness the engine was once again silenced and we forged over the ebb to anchor down the west shore along Greenborough Marsh.

The late afternoon gave way to a night to remember – we were one of around five craft anchored there.

I popped off in the dinghy whilst cooking supper …

A glorious sky over Greenborough…

Supper over, I again pottered off for a little sail in the Twitch the tender, while Christobel cleared away. After a short but enjoyable potter listening to the goings on along the mud edges I returned to light the riding light and let the world know where we were should it come crashing up Stangate!

The soft glow of the cabin’s oil lamps flickered across the barely ruffled surface…

During the late evening numerous stars shone down upon us and across the sky and from around five hot air balloons, orange glows which every now and then flickered out, passed over adding to the enchantment. And, along the mud edge waders squabbled over territory before the a quiet descended…

The morning was rather different. The boat was rocking and rolling to a northerly induced wind over tide popple. With breakfast over we decided to set off early for Queenborough.

Tacking out of Stangate…

Near Blackstakes with deck awash at times we hit a bit of a wave … Christobel said it was the first time she’d had spray this summer…

It hit me too, which is most unusual: I usually duck behind her…

Then, passing Queenborough Spit we dumped the jib and sailed on under mainsail until well inside the harbour. A cheerful call back from ‘Sheppey One’ told us to pick up one of two buoys, which we duly did. The weather changed as we sailed in from the spit buoy. The sky, so grey and threatening, had broken and a ‘summer’ blue returned and with it heat!

With bags of time on our hands we went off ashore and enjoyed a walk out to the Morrison’s complex beyond Rushenden. It is a pleasant walk if you take the first right hand turn after the rail bridge, opposite the CoOp … and follow the pathway along the old creek. There is a pub up there and other outlets…

At Queenborough changes are afoot. On the way in I’d seen that the old commercial mooring buoys had gone and new trots were in the process of being laid. Alongside the walkway to the All Tide Landing, a floating crane barge was sat upon the mud flats. Men were busy dropping in piles and connecting securing brackets. A recent ‘notice’ had told of this. Finger pontoons are due to be fitted too on the flats on the northern side.

Walkway piling…

Returning to Whimbrel we watched as the ‘first’ of the weekends craft arrived.

The bawley, Doris.

Soothsayer, a Hilliard  30′ aft cockpit 8 tonner TM, sloop.

Soothsayer berthing alongside another majestic vessel. the Amaris.

The Amaris is a one off built at Sutton Boat Builders at Great Wakering in Essex. She was designed by A. P. Bayzand of Wooton, Isle of Wight. She measures 32′ by 9′ 6″ with a draft of 3′ 6″ and 6′ 6″ with her centre plate down. She’s a ’10-tonner’ in Thames measure parlance. Her owner is a proud man indeed … sadly his wife is not a sailor, something all too common. However, she had dispatched owner and crew (a Finesse 24 owner) away with a ‘freezer’ full of pre-cooked grub. The boat had sailed round from Pagglesham that morning…

Afternoon tea Aboard Whimbrel.

Domesticity aboard Amaris…

The ex Knights tug Kent.

View across Soothsayer taking in Doris and the little river tug Sir Hendrix.

Visitors boarding Doris on the Saturday.

The little clinker yacht Hjordis sat all alone on the inside of an empty pontoon.

One view over the main-stay of the traditional fleet…

And another…

The parsimonious numbers of visiting human beings – at one stage there seemed to be more dogs than the former – left plenty of time to wander aboard other vessels. The visitor numbers were well down on the event of last year … I wondered if ‘they’ had got wind of the fact that many of the owners who initially said that they would attend, hadn’t. The turn out was VERY POOR.

There was a busy-ish period for a little while after I’d way-laid punters on the pontoon who didn’t seem to know that ‘we’ were open … being, actually, the traditional fleet. A total of six.

Doris’s mast base with a network of rope…

Doris’s owner in deep conversation with the proud owners of Soothsayer which berths at Hundred of Hoo YC.

Sunday came round and as soon as the boat alongside us departed we were away too. A couple of sailing/boating acquaintances came aboard during the last part of the event … one leaving almost as we let go! It was nice to see them. Both agreed that it was a poor do…

Whimbrel sailing into Smallgains Creek on the eastern end of Canvey Island. We ‘dumped’ sail as our mooring reared up and slid in home…

Right: here is the moan. But firstly, I should say that we enjoyed meeting some new people, however, both of us felt that we’d ‘thrown’ an opportunity to sail round to Conyer for an overnight stay and visit to The Ship…

I felt especially saddened for the people at The Queenborough Harbour Trust. I told a member of the MSBA that if yacht owners don’t support these events then they won’t happen. And, especially in light of the recent paper published on the MSBA web site in which the proposed purpose is to activate the authorities to recognise the extent of the maritime heritage that floats on these waters, let alone that which is still evident along its edges. And to provide facilities and events ?? to assist in the maintenance of this heritage.

Now, if I was a local authority ‘big-wig’ looking out at the collection of vessels at Queenborough – less than on a normal yachting weekend – I’d say, ‘Stuff you. You can’t even support what’s on now…’

Food for thought!

Many years ago the then owner of a Finesse 27, Bonito, contacted and asked for some advice about selling his vessel … I can’t remember what I said, but the but appeared on the east coast from its old home down near Southampton. I came across her in a yard in Woodbridge and had a look around her on the outside. Some work was in hand and much more needed to be attended to.

Bonito when I came across her in Woodbridge.

The current owners have made contact … been here before … and have asked for advice, etc. The upshot is that the boat is again on the market for a bargain price – the catch is that she needs various bits of work before she can go back into the water.

I have not looked at the boat to see how she currently is so any interested person must make contact with the owners – I take no responsibility for any of the information given. The photographs below are those sent by owner’s partner.

Planking ends in way of the stem – work needed.

There are some scuffed planks, damage and other possible defects at aft end at transom. Varnish work would need to be entirely stripped off…

The following pictures ‘refused’ to be turned or stay turned when transferred…

The forward cockpit bulkhead.

Looking into the main cabin…

The forward cabin….

Between the two cabins is situated, to starboard I believe, the loo compartment and to port is a locker space. The owner’s partner (another Nick) sent me the following details…

‘Hello Nick, 

Here are some photos of Bonito, as you can see it’s quite grim, for someone who appreciates these boats to see. some rot at the front, bit at the back, inside needs doing, my partner is quite capable of doing all this but he is self employed and always has a long list of jobs to do,or else it’s the wrong weather and has numerous other boats to do.

It is advertised on Gumtree, it’s starting to cost too much keeping it in the boatyard and is even thinking of just taking the engine out etc and would have to be cut up if doesn’t sell on soon, which obviously is a travesty with it being of the rare length.

It’s on gumtree for £750 or offers,

We would be happy for you to advertise as you please on the places you mentioned, 

Kind regards,

Suzie and Nick‘

Contact is Suzanne Morris at: suzannemorris@btinternet.com

Contact telephone number: 07769 535262

The Finesse 27 is a rarity: there are as far as is known only two examples, although Shirley Platt believes they did in fact build three of them. Tugela, sail number 101, was the first. She is currently berthed up on the Ore at Orford (or was…). The Finesse 28, re-drawn by Maurice Griffiths followed, neither were built in any great number. There are around five ’28ss’ so this vessel is a rare bird.

It would be a shame to see her go. She is not old, dating from around 1980.

She is unique amongst the larger Finesse class of having a centre plate that fits within a keel slot. The hauling wire came up through into a steel tube bolted to the keel plate top and the winch arranged above the waterline just inside the cabin doors.

If anyone takes this vessel on, do please make contact through this site.

There is an active list of like minded owners which I currently maintain and we meet once a year for a rally on the east coast. Brightlingsea has been proposed for the 2019 venue.

See:

http://www.finesse-owners-association.co.uk/

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/finesseowners

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1518607771700636/

Note: the facebook group is a closed group and you will need to ‘apply’ to become a member. You will be asked what your interest is…

I understand that the boat is on an auction site too…

Go on…

Queenborough Harbour Trust is holding its traditional boat festival next weekend – Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th September – with many of the craft congregating on the Friday. Whimbrel is due to be there and with current weather predictions, will be.

Two pictures from a past event as vessels began to arrive. Many are berthed on the pontoon and can be visited. Others are moored close by and a motor boat will be taking people round the harbour to view these…

Visit the Queenborough Harbour Trust sites for details of activities.

Between coming home from our summer cruising and the beginning of September, I took my oldest brother (‘home’ from Canada for a few weeks) and my sister away for a flying trip up to Pin Mill and back – but that’s another story.

So, after we had seen ‘big bro’ off to the airport, my wife and I went away for a few days together – we often do this at this time of the year – the ‘going back to school’ period –  and it is a great to be away, especially for the Mate: she was a school teacher, in her past life! We departed from our moorings on Canvey Island with a light easterly breeze and soon found we needed some assistance from our diesel out in the Thames fairway to ‘crack’ the last of the flood. Once heading in a southerly direction round and across the Grain flats, Whimbrel’s sails were spread and we wafted over the young ebb on a gathering sea breeze.

Running into the Medway over a rippled sparkling surface…

Christobel, having had a trick at the helm, left me to it, feeding me tea as and when, reading and completing the Times ‘junior’ crossword. Her forte is the word square!

Relaxed sailing…

With such a nice breeze on a sunny afternoon I thought about running on up to Upnor, but we decided to continue to plan and anchor somewhere in Stangate. Ultimately we dropped the hook in Funton Creek – a nice little spot.

During the latter part of the afternoon I pottered off in the dinghy for a walk along the tidal shore of Chetney Island. I’d spotted bricks and some crumbling brickwork from the boat, albeit seen before, and wanted an updated look. The island was briefly used as a quarantine station in the late 1800s, however, it proved to be as uneffective as ‘marooning people aboard ships: it was damp and the air was alive with mosquitoes! The expensive buildings were abandoned within a year. Whether or not these remains are part of the hospital, I currently do not know.

Loose bricks and masonry chunks on Chetney’s beach.

I have heard through a contact that a survey of the island was due to be carried out to record what was left behind after the debacle … it’ll filter my way at some point, surely! Whilst walking the tide line I came across a chunk of ‘barge’. It had clearly come from the aft end of the spritsail barge Westmoreland which has resided in a lighter up Lower Halstow Creek for a few years. The lighter sank last year and the barge’s aft end ‘floated away’ leaving a trail of debris scattered around the neighbourhood. Her transom and stern frame are out there somewhere…

Section of covering board and transom knee from starboard quarter of the Westmoreland.

It was a glorious evening in the creek. The mud flats and shell ‘humps’ that fill over half of the creek at low water were alive with waders and serenaded our pre-supper tipples … later serenading us to sleep.

The sunset seemed to mark a weather change…

We awoke to a grey day with little in the way of a breeze. It wasn’t cold, but a decided chill was apparent for the first time for many weeks. Various little jobs were attended to as well as periods of reading. I also had a sail up into Bedlams Bottom until I ran out of water. It is surprising how far one can get even towards low water.

Another boat had been in the anchorage when we’d arrived and she quietly left during the morning. At the foot of Stangate a flotilla of craft arrived one by one and all moored to one anchored yacht. It was a group from the Gillingham Cruising Club. It was some raft up … but after lunch time, as the tide began to seriously make, all departed … a ‘boys’ day out!

Whimbrel from the dinghy on that grey day…

Later in the afternoon it brightened and as we’d planned to move anchorage to Sharfleet, we did this via a sail up into Lower Halstow. After grounding on the last leg towards the dock we turned and sailed away … fetching up along the mud edge under the southern shore of Burntwick Island- in the bay. A big yacht followed us in. The helm seemingly glared as ‘he’ passed, did a couple of circuits, before motoring away. ‘What was that all about?’ I said to my Mate. I was left wondering if we’d just anchored in ‘their’ charted spot…

On the way into Lower Halstow, I took a few pictures of the Westmoreland, now dried out again after around six months of twice daily soakings. Her hull is now mud coloured… What’s to happen to her: perhaps it is time to lay her to rest as no funding has been found to support a rebuild – the last of the specifically built brickies…

The sad looking Westmoreland in her floating dock…

And into Lower Halstow…

We ‘enjoyed’ a dose of rain overnight and it was still drizzling when we needed to set off for home. So, for only the second time this ‘summer’ we donned oilies, however it soon brightened into a reasonably pleasant day.

Christobel mans the helm whilst I make coffee…

Whilst waiting for the tide and clearing the boat up, a sailing canoe came wafting up the Ray in the stiffish breeze manned by two chaps. One was sitting out and moving to the gusts … and they reminded me of the joys of mid-week sailing as a member of the retired community. We had seen several dozed craft over our few days – it was great. So many people say, ‘Oh the weather was bad … we’ve had bags of wind this year…’ (have we??) or, ‘… I couldn’t be bothered…’ I wonder sometimes…

A sailing canoe reveling in the conditions…

Our next sail was to be a group sail of three Finesse 24’s from the Island Yacht Club. Unfortunately, one skipper got himself a very nasty chest infection resulting in a course of antibiotics, so the group was reduced to two boat – no matter we were intent on a good time, weather permitting. It had been windy leading up to the weekend and another period showed late on the Sunday … we had to be home for Sunday as Christobel was due for a visit to our local eye hospital for a cataract to be removed, so all plans revolved round that need.

Being able to break clear of our moorings earlier than the other boat, we waited awhile and departed virtually together. There was a bit of a breeze, probably more than stated, but Whimbrel reveled under working sail. The other Finesse 24 was Calluna of Dorset. The cutter rigged Calluna only set her staysail forward too and we roped across the Thames more or less keeping station. For some reason, after hardening to sail directly across the Grain flats inside the Grain Tower, Calluna fell astern … even though we as usual had out dinghy, Twitch, pacifically trundling along astern.

Calluna sets sail astern of Whimbrel…

Over ‘The Grain’ towards Queenborough with a bone in her teeth…

It was a grand sail and had we left when first afloat we’d have arrived on high water, however the tide was still flowing south as we moored to an arranged mooring buoy. No sooner had we got our fenders out and Calluna slipped alongside … just in time to share our pot of tea. Calluna’s mate quickly dished out some delightful tea bread, homemade of course!

Tea finished, drinks were served aboard Whimbrel, and with offerings from our friends we had a happy 3/4 of an hour … the boatman came twice for us. I think it had something to do with my mate: she’d dished him up a scone stuffed with berry jam when dealing with fees … he said he’d only come to check and natter and sit against too ladies. Hmmmmmm!

Finesse…

Eventually we went ashore … with me looking fondly back… Picture – Rob Hardy

Now, some while ago Christobel and I had a dire meal at the Flying Dutchman, however, it was decided amongst us that we would try again for their fish and chips have been good. In the event only one of us had the fried variety – we had skate – another had a ‘burger’ disk. All was good, but I remain unconvinced.

P.S. I have to say (Paul, out in New Zealand) I did ‘force’ (it was no effort) all and sundry into the Admiral’s Arm where a good pint was enjoyed, well two actually. Yes, and a pickled egg dropped into a bag of crisps…

Following our relatively early return to the boats, we all sat around Whimbrel’s cockpit drinking coffee and sipping some sloe gin which had a lovely bouquet, courtesy of Calluna’s crew.

Sunrise on Saturday…

The forecast for Sunday had had winds of force 6+, but initially the strong stuff was for Sunday evening, nicely placed for our trip, however the period moved into Sunday morning so it was decided to head home whilst it remained good. Shame: Conyer had been the plan… I think my companion sailors were a little disappointing, as I was … but a hospital appointment can’t be missed!

On the Saturday morning while Whimbrel was being tidied after breakfast, I slipped away for a turn around the harbour in Twitch. It provided an enjoyable interlude before preparing for our departures. The wind direction across the boats dictated that we slipped first. We dropped off and I soon had the mainsail hoisted, then Genoa – we were away. Calluna soon followed.

Two fair ladies resting in Queenborough…

The breeze was quite light initially, but soon began to increase – again beyond the stated forecast – and Whimbrel had about as much sail pressure as was needed. We hit 7 knots closing Southend Pier…

The buoy known as ‘Leigh’ at the entrance to the Ray Channel was moved about 200 metres to the east recently – this has caused a few boats to run aground when they thought their ‘normal’ approach was still good. We had to slip in a couple of tacks (before tacking all way up to Smallgains Creek) to get through the narrow bit. This, incidentally is by a non-existent buoy marked on my GPS! The channel is out exactly the width of the blue shown, being to the north. There is a hump of sand which has a sharp rise from several metres and can be clearly seen if sailing close … ah the joys eh!

Tacking up the Ray Channel, on a good fetch at the point photographed … beyond seal

We anchored off our creek and had a light snack for a good breakfast had been enjoyed that morning. Soon after berthing Calluna came in too, nosing into her berth … a short but lovely little outing. It was good to get out with fellow Finesse owners. Thanks Rob & Barbara, from us both. We missed you Gypsy! Next June we will have another go at getting two owners who have never been to Conyer.

A view looking into ‘wooden boat corner’ from the edge of what was named as ‘Canvey Heights’ some years ago when a ‘tip’ was made into a park space.

The two jaunts were full of contrast and it is that recipe which makes up the magical joys of estuary sailing…

Some time back in July we arrived home from sailing and The Mate wheeled the dinghy trolley down the hard as I drew up in the tender. We duly floated and pulled the tender onto its trolley and set off, laughing about something or other, up the slipway. We hadn’t gone far when all of a sudden the trolley tube broke in half on one side … we managed to keep it all together for the final run into our club’s dinghy pound. It had lasted a jolly long time!

Knowing that we were planning to go back out sailing in a few days I came down the next day and made a temporary repair to a broken join with a length of tubing – it is still in use after around five outings now … there is a reason for this, as you will glean…

Some years ago I purchased a shiny new trolley made of tubular steel. It was anodised. The u-frame lasted around 18 months! Fortunately I had kept an older trolley, why I don’t really know, but its galvanised u-frame was fit for further use and I was able to fit that to the newer wheel and axle unit.

In all that tubular u-frame lasted from 1980.

Into the future…

Dinghy trolley as advertised on the Anglesey Welding and Marine Supplies web site…

I had immediately looked on line at what was available on the market and placed my bets on a unit that looked robust, but more importantly, was constructed of galvanised steel. I ordered one direct from the manufacturers: Anglesey Welding and Marine Supplies Ltd.

It cost a total of £169.99, delivered.

I was feeling quite chuffed!

Then, a saga then began to unfold…

First of all, the trolley failed to arrive on the date on the delivery information I received from the company concerned with that side of things. I spent much time in trying to contact them too. It required log ins to do with the order – info I was not party to. It was impossible … I tried telephoning the manufacturer, Anglesey Welding and Marine Supplies, to no avail.

I had had a whole day utterly wasted. I was not amused.

After leaving telephone messages and also emailing numerous times in all, with a threat to cancel the order, I finally received a terse message from the proprietor, Mr Phil Beardmore, saying there had been problems. A new delivery date appeared in my email.

The new delivery date was a couple of days before we were due to go sailing … I was up to eyeballs (with The Mate) dealing with hospital appointments with specialists during this period too and just did not need the hassle.

I contacted Anglesey Welding and Marine Supplies Ltd yet again to say that we would be going away and asked that they inform the delivery firm that the package could be left down the side of the property. Our son was briefed and he was ‘programmed’ to remove it to a place of safety.

We went away. There was and has been NO further communication from Anglesey Welding and Marine Supplies Ltd.

I have kept the paper trail…

My paper trail…

The package duly arrived on a day after we had departed…

Upon returning home from a three week period away from home I unwrapped the package. There was a problem!

This is what is advertised by Anglesey Welding and Marine Supplies Ltd…

Picture Anglesey Welding web site advertising.

This is what I got…

The dinghy trolley laid out for fitting together…

I  sent yet another email to Anglesey Welding and Marine Supplies Ltd.

I went ahead and put the trolley together, expecting to receive a set of wheels.

Preparing to fit the ‘last’ piece…

Oh dear something seems to be amiss with the trolley…

Finally after another three weeks, I lost faith in the supplier: there was still no response.

I went on line and quickly found that wheels were obtainable from various suppliers – a popular item I expect. I decided to order these from Castors-online, P&L Industrial Equipment Ltd, Manchester, M11 3ER. The wheels I found were costed at £13.70 excluding VAT, for a pair.

The post, packing and delivery amounted to the cost of one wheel, but I have a date for my wheels to be delivered!

See: https://www.castors-online.co.uk/acatalog/Boat-Launching-Trolley-Wheel-GB260.html

My wheel order…

So, Mr Phil Beardmore at Anglesey Welding, I hope you are very proud of this little tale: to me it has been an utter pain, at a time I just didn’t need it.

Thanks.

And more on this … I was contacted by two people. One had problems with the wheels sent, some while ago. Another chap has contacted – he’d read this after ordering a trailer and has now also had an incomplete delivery…

The word needs to be spread!