Barges in Ditch-crawler’s patch…

Out on the water a few weeks ago I came across a strange new vessel sitting at a familiar mooring position … the two did not appear to be as per the norm of many forays across the sands as the tide lifted. I have become used to seeing the lovely little barge yacht Nancy Grey sitting off Victoria Wharf, Leigh-on-Sea. She is vessel often seen about when sailing across on the Medway and Swale too…

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The Nancy Grey winging her way through the harbour at Queenbororough a few seasons ago with the then owner Nick Hann at the helm, with not a care in the world…

Alas, the sight of this good ship on my ‘winter’ sails will have await summer periods: the good ship has departed to a new owner and her base will be Faversham  a nice place too… Ironically her new owner was the one before Nick himself … back in the fold, as it were! I look forward to renewing my acquaintance, probably around the Swale, next season…

The craft on ‘Nancy’s’ mooring is another ‘barge’ which is of steel construction. Currently the vessel is not rigged, but a main mast sits in the tabernacle with hoops in place for a top mast too … sailing round and round Nick’s new ship we had a longish conversation. He plans to have her sailing within two years and with retirement beckoning for himself and his mate, a more comfortable cruising life was wanted.

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Calluna, Nick’s new barge off Victoria Wharf.

I’m told that the wheel house is to be removed – some form of ‘weather shield’ would be useful though – and he may change the colour scheme. “she’s a bit tubby” he said, “but she’s got a shower…” The ship has been in use on the French canals for a number of years. Now she’s back ‘home’ and is to be rigged out for the first time…

Good sailing Nick…

Further up Leigh Creek I came across the lovely looking wooden barge yacht Tiny Mite. She was alongside the club ship of the Leigh Motor Boat Club having been re- launched recently. Her owner has spent around a decade rebuilding the vessel. I look forward to seeing her rigged and out sailing … I have an abiding memory of her out one Boxing Day flying a huge union flag from her sprit end whilst I was out with my mate… Wonderful.

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Tiny Mite… She’ll be a picture with her masts and stays set up…

I received this information from Nick Hann today (Sunday 5th)…

Hi Nick,

Good to see you last week. I read your blog – v good.

Now I’ll fill you in!

Calluna was launched at Benfleet in 1996 – the previous owner lives in Bristol. She is a Peter Nicolls design

Calluna was launched at Benfleet in 1996 – the previous owner lives in Bristol. She is a Peter Nicolls design (so I understand) and the previous owner purchased the bare hull and fitted her out himself and I reckon he made a jolly good job of it, especially down below and with aft captains cabin makes her very comfortable.

She’s 33’ x 10’8’’ x 2’10’’ with a displacement of approx 14/16 tons. 12mm floor, 8mm topsides, 4mm deck. She’s yawl rigged (but termed a ketch by modern definitions). All sails are effectively new condition. Hydraulic wheel steering. Powered by a Perkins 42hp D3 152 with a PRM hydraulic gearbox turning a 17×15 prop.
When launched in 1996 I understand she spent approx one month on the east coast and then sailed to Calais and has been on the French canals ever since. I purchased her in May and brought her to Leigh from Vermenton via the R Yonne, R Seine, R Oise and the St Quentin canal (It’s a b—-y long way !) – I’ve put a time lapse video going through Paris on utube – the link is on the leighsailingclub.org site or search using bargeyacht on utube.
All being well I will have her rigged in the spring (picked the topmast up from Bristol last Tuesday) but I reckon it will take at least two years to get her sailing in a manner that I will be happy with!
I’ve already started modifying the leeboards as the existing method of support is in my opinion too weak and will lead to breakage in a blow.
She needs TLC on the outside but practically no work required internally’
All being well with the weather I shall be putting her on the beach in front of the Belton Way club this week – covers already purchased ready for work to start.
I fully retired at the end of April and have never been so busy!!!!!
Happy sailing
Regards
Nick
Well done Nick – great to get the full story…

 

 

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