That's all for 2018!
It's been a great season. We've been quite far and made some fantastic friends. See you all in 2019!
Friday 26 October 2018
Monday 20 August 2018
Secrets of the Walker Knotmaster!
Well some time last year, some complete nincompoop, who probably has no business going anywhere near any sailing vessel, managed to reverse Annabella over the trailing line linking the Walker Knotmaster register to the rotator - the first one being the bit with the dials and the latter the bit that goes in the water and goes around and is - or as in this case only partially - connected by string.
Fortunately it didn't stop the engine and one resourceful crew member was able to tempt it off the prop shaft later with a suitably long boat hook from a suitably floating pontoon. Always make it your business to keep at least one of the three around.
What should have been a winter job, to renew the line between connector was kicked along in the long grass until it became a summer job, and finally undertaken at the top of the season. Fortunately during that time the opportunity hd been taken to equip the boat with both a spare Knotmaster complete and a couple of spare lines and rotators - all from the usual source of course.
There is not a lot of information on these devices available.
Which is partly because Messrs Walker of 38 Oxford Street in Birmingham were somewhat sparing in what they gave away. There is great mythology around them though, and the you can hear the clatter of pipes being set down by the bearded folklorists who explain the absolute important of the length of the line to calibration of the device.
So it turns out that we were in possession of approximately 33% of all known Knotmaster documentation - which is shown above. Note the importance placed on the correct length of line - clearly important knowledge suitable only for several steps up the pay grade from them what does the line attaching. Thank you to some un-seen help from the dusty corners of a rather obscure forum - the other 66% of the known knotmaster instructions were literally pieced together.
It turns out that there are two settings for the knomaster - a 30' rode - if the register is less than 10' above the sea, and 60' if not. Also that the spare rode had been clearly passed through the hands of a different crowd at Oxford Street Birmingham, because it marked at 30' from the register connection.
Now apparently the only mystery that remained, was how to disassemble the nose cone ot the rotator.
How the tight lipped author of the brown paper label would have laughed! it was prodded and poked, twisted and turned and threatened with a vice.
Finally it gave up it secrets - the nose cone is split into two and the forward end unscrews from the back counter clockwise - as the label says "(Left hand thread.)"
At this point you are almost there - the final summit to surmount is that the line is much to big to easily thread through either the sinker weight or the rotator nose cone. How this achieved at sea is not known - but achieved on land using adhesive tape, a piece of bent wire and some patience I will never have again.
There is nothing more to callibrate on it - it is what it is and the next step is to run it over a mile at low water and see what it reads.
(Have a Knotmaster ? Have questions about one or just want to get your hands on one of these little beauties ? Posta query below !)
Fortunately it didn't stop the engine and one resourceful crew member was able to tempt it off the prop shaft later with a suitably long boat hook from a suitably floating pontoon. Always make it your business to keep at least one of the three around.
What should have been a winter job, to renew the line between connector was kicked along in the long grass until it became a summer job, and finally undertaken at the top of the season. Fortunately during that time the opportunity hd been taken to equip the boat with both a spare Knotmaster complete and a couple of spare lines and rotators - all from the usual source of course.
There is not a lot of information on these devices available.
Which is partly because Messrs Walker of 38 Oxford Street in Birmingham were somewhat sparing in what they gave away. There is great mythology around them though, and the you can hear the clatter of pipes being set down by the bearded folklorists who explain the absolute important of the length of the line to calibration of the device.
 |
| ... the brown paper label which is 33% of the known information |
So it turns out that we were in possession of approximately 33% of all known Knotmaster documentation - which is shown above. Note the importance placed on the correct length of line - clearly important knowledge suitable only for several steps up the pay grade from them what does the line attaching. Thank you to some un-seen help from the dusty corners of a rather obscure forum - the other 66% of the known knotmaster instructions were literally pieced together.
It turns out that there are two settings for the knomaster - a 30' rode - if the register is less than 10' above the sea, and 60' if not. Also that the spare rode had been clearly passed through the hands of a different crowd at Oxford Street Birmingham, because it marked at 30' from the register connection.
Now apparently the only mystery that remained, was how to disassemble the nose cone ot the rotator.
How the tight lipped author of the brown paper label would have laughed! it was prodded and poked, twisted and turned and threatened with a vice.
Finally it gave up it secrets - the nose cone is split into two and the forward end unscrews from the back counter clockwise - as the label says "(Left hand thread.)"
 |
| A left hand thread |
At this point you are almost there - the final summit to surmount is that the line is much to big to easily thread through either the sinker weight or the rotator nose cone. How this achieved at sea is not known - but achieved on land using adhesive tape, a piece of bent wire and some patience I will never have again.
There is nothing more to callibrate on it - it is what it is and the next step is to run it over a mile at low water and see what it reads.
(Have a Knotmaster ? Have questions about one or just want to get your hands on one of these little beauties ? Posta query below !)
Friday 3 August 2018
Anabella is for sale
She's carried us around the four corners of Irish Sea, looked after us though thick and thin, hell and high water, never let us down and how do we repay her ?
In fairness we've looked after her, done a long ton of upgrades and shes a safe, clean boat that's properly ready to take a new crew on a new adventure.
Boatshed have all the details at
https://northwales.boatshed.com/westerly_renown-boat-252452.html
or of course we can answer any questions here. Its genuinely a bit sad to write this, but there's the horizon and we just want to go a bit further over it...
Yes - Annabella is for sale
In fairness we've looked after her, done a long ton of upgrades and shes a safe, clean boat that's properly ready to take a new crew on a new adventure.
Boatshed have all the details at
https://northwales.boatshed.com/westerly_renown-boat-252452.html
or of course we can answer any questions here. Its genuinely a bit sad to write this, but there's the horizon and we just want to go a bit further over it...
Friday 29 June 2018
Kirkcudbright - a run ashore
I feel sorry for Friday.
Thursday was the hottest day in Kirkcudbright since 1893.
Friday was the hottest day since Thursday.
Kirkcudbright is a fine Scottish town with a strong tradition of the visual art and particularly painting, for which the artists colony was well known. Perfect to explore with our old art school chum.
Also turns out to have a number of very well appointed hostelries.
Sunday 24 June 2018
The kit bag scene again - how to manage the manifest
We finally hit on a way of managing the last crucial stage of stockpiling and loading up all the stuff we'll need - and there is a surprising amount even for a short trip.
It is literally impossible to walk by and hasn't failed us so far.
Monday 28 May 2018
Inside the Skerries lagoon
unless you happen to have the expert guidance of CM to help you, of course.
So many thanks for literally taking our sailing to a special place.
Friday 27 April 2018
Back in the water !
Thankyou to everyine who worked so hard - and those that continue to do so:
We're back on our mooring as of 26 April !
We're back on our mooring as of 26 April !
Tuesday 24 April 2018
Monday 16 April 2018
Fancy sailing on Annabella ?
Following on from the success of our passage from Holyhead to the Scillies in 2017, this year were planning another cruise between 25 June and 06 July this year.
This will be a slightly different format, as we hope to do it in 3 x day passages, the first of which will be from Holyhead to the Isle of Man, the second around Man, and the third will take us up to the south of the Solway firth, where we will rendezvous with some entertaining friends. (Then obviously coming back)
We are planning around one week to suit the weather and tides, and can overnight, crack on or linger at any point. There is the option of diverting to Ireland or around North Wales if we have spare time and the inclination.
We are looking for two experienced sailors to make up our crew to four,
Food on board, fuel, mooring dues etc are all included - although it would be ungracious to spurn any unsolicited contributions. If required, we can collect from Manchester airport , or you could fly to Dublin and get the ferry to Holyhead !
***
We're sailing for good company, good food, a bit of adventure and some fun. You would be expected to supply a sense of humour in working order, acquiescence to modern jazz and a basic knowledge of the theory of gas kettles. Message us here.
This will be a slightly different format, as we hope to do it in 3 x day passages, the first of which will be from Holyhead to the Isle of Man, the second around Man, and the third will take us up to the south of the Solway firth, where we will rendezvous with some entertaining friends. (Then obviously coming back)
We are looking for two experienced sailors to make up our crew to four,
Food on board, fuel, mooring dues etc are all included - although it would be ungracious to spurn any unsolicited contributions. If required, we can collect from Manchester airport , or you could fly to Dublin and get the ferry to Holyhead !
***
We're sailing for good company, good food, a bit of adventure and some fun. You would be expected to supply a sense of humour in working order, acquiescence to modern jazz and a basic knowledge of the theory of gas kettles. Message us here.
Sunday 15 April 2018
Our new teak and holly cabin sole - tragedy and comedy in 8 Acts
A few months ago, at the end of last season, I gave up a sailable day to visit my friend's new acquisition. I will admit that I was a little cheesed off, as good weather was scarce at that end of the season, but I had gone in exactly the wrong direction and found myself sitting on a boat which was slightly larger than Annabella, slightly newer, perhaps slightly posher. Unfortunately in all other respects, it failed inspire myself at least - in much the same way that the Austin Allegro would not have been a classic car if had been the only car ever built. If there was only one way in which she outshone 'Bella, it was heshiney stripey teak and holly floor. As I drove home, through the glens and the fens, through the high mountain passes, jungles and the arid wastelands, I though one thing, "...gonna get me some of that stripey flooring"
*
Well, it turns out there is only one source of supply in the UK (and also France - i did check) and that stripey flooring is breathtakingly expensive. The eye watering cost is also my fault in some small part, having got my head round making a major investment, I decided to go for the real thing rather than the laminate, and for a reasonable thickness - in this case 13mm - a decision which would pay off in spades rather later in the process . It was also readily apparent that measuring it right would take on the kind of importance only dimly hinted at by the words "fucking crucial".
*
So started a period of literally 2 months of measuring, templating, fitting and measuring again. Happily this also coincided with the input and support from the guys at ChopShop - who specialise in CNC machining and, now also councilling.
*
( Act 1 ) The first template was made using Proplex, which is a double skin board product, rather like corrugated cardboard, available from builders merchants and often used in construction for protecting floor finishes etc. It has the advantages of being cheap and dimensionally stable in cold and moist atmospheres. It can also be cut easily with scissors, possibly rather in the same way one can trim wall paper into an awkward corner. Happily, no photographs of this remain. Although the surface of the material is black it can be marked up in pencil and a comprehensive set of measurements were taken.
*
( Act 2 ) Back at base the problem was how to transfer to something meaningful. Luckily, I have access to computer aided design (CAD) software and a large format printer. The methodology was to start a CAD drawing with a large area of 10 x 10 mm grid. the measurements of the Proplex template were carefully measured off and those hand annotations incorporated.
What are the chances of that coming out perfect first time - well greater than that for a start. It kind of nearly worked so with a bit of pulling pushing we had a paper template. Actually we had two, because the width of the cabin sole exceeded the width of the printer, but no problem. We stuck them down, cut them up, marked them up and had us a new template.
(Act 3 ) Back again to base with what I hoped were better measurements, and to adjust our drawing. At least one thing had became obvious - it would be better to lift the table bases and fix them through the new cabin sole. After updating the drawing I was able to email it to ChopShop who used it to produced the first of our "proper" templates from 5 mm mdf , using a computer controlled flat bed router / cutter big enough to take a 8 x 4' sheet. The mdf sheet was cheap and easy to modify, but would be dimensionally stable in the humidity on board and resist mechanical stretching.
I admit to hoping that this would be a good fit first time, but the mark up shows the problems, principally from the distortion of the paper template by moisture and stretching both on board and in the printing process. Once again good sense from Chop Shop prevailed, as they insisted on another template rather than go for the final cut .
*
(Act 4) So I had to alter the drawing and sit on my hands - the guys were pushed out with work so I missed out one weekend and so had to wait two weeks for the next version of the template to be produced.
When I did, it was very nearly perfect.
*
(Act 5 ) In fact I made one very minor change and we were set for the final cut, and we ordered up the real material, which was couriered diagonally across the country surprisingly quickly. Careful to the last, the guys called me up just to check - "stripey side up ?"
*
(Act 6) Back now in my possession, feeling pretty confident and looking pretty good. This really is pretty good material (hence the price) but once it goes down I'm not expecting it up again.
Hence at least two coats of marine varnish to all sides and especially edges
For each coat, this took up most of the kitchen for most of the day, but fortunately it was over quickly - and the memory has faded.
*
(Act 7 ) Now we were ready to go:
.
At this stage it became clear what a good decision it was to spend extra on thicker material. I'm sure that thiner material would not have survived the long trip to boat yard as well or being manhandled the last 10 feet.
Mercifully, it dropped into place exactly an first time. Its held down by the table bases and is stiff enough - because of that thickness - to have not moved at all. The gap at the edge, which accommodated the fillet radius of the GRP part, is filled with silicone sealant. This isn't as strong or as sticky as Sikaflex - but I was very wary of creating a hard spot in the moulding and at least at first
wanted to follow any differential movement, not that it turned out that there was any.
*
(Act 8) Finished !
It's great under foot - especially bare feet - and has really lifted the look of the saloon.
Having the digital resources to make accurate templates was key to achieving a good looking result. Much credit also goes to the guys at Chop Shop ( http://chopshopcnc.com/ ) for there insight,input, skill, coming in early and working on a Saturday. You should definitely talk to them if you are doing a project like this.
*
Well, it turns out there is only one source of supply in the UK (and also France - i did check) and that stripey flooring is breathtakingly expensive. The eye watering cost is also my fault in some small part, having got my head round making a major investment, I decided to go for the real thing rather than the laminate, and for a reasonable thickness - in this case 13mm - a decision which would pay off in spades rather later in the process . It was also readily apparent that measuring it right would take on the kind of importance only dimly hinted at by the words "fucking crucial".
*
So started a period of literally 2 months of measuring, templating, fitting and measuring again. Happily this also coincided with the input and support from the guys at ChopShop - who specialise in CNC machining and, now also councilling.
*
( Act 1 ) The first template was made using Proplex, which is a double skin board product, rather like corrugated cardboard, available from builders merchants and often used in construction for protecting floor finishes etc. It has the advantages of being cheap and dimensionally stable in cold and moist atmospheres. It can also be cut easily with scissors, possibly rather in the same way one can trim wall paper into an awkward corner. Happily, no photographs of this remain. Although the surface of the material is black it can be marked up in pencil and a comprehensive set of measurements were taken.
*
( Act 2 ) Back at base the problem was how to transfer to something meaningful. Luckily, I have access to computer aided design (CAD) software and a large format printer. The methodology was to start a CAD drawing with a large area of 10 x 10 mm grid. the measurements of the Proplex template were carefully measured off and those hand annotations incorporated.
What are the chances of that coming out perfect first time - well greater than that for a start. It kind of nearly worked so with a bit of pulling pushing we had a paper template. Actually we had two, because the width of the cabin sole exceeded the width of the printer, but no problem. We stuck them down, cut them up, marked them up and had us a new template.
 |
| The paper template is measured off around the table base. - human feet shown for scale |
(Act 3 ) Back again to base with what I hoped were better measurements, and to adjust our drawing. At least one thing had became obvious - it would be better to lift the table bases and fix them through the new cabin sole. After updating the drawing I was able to email it to ChopShop who used it to produced the first of our "proper" templates from 5 mm mdf , using a computer controlled flat bed router / cutter big enough to take a 8 x 4' sheet. The mdf sheet was cheap and easy to modify, but would be dimensionally stable in the humidity on board and resist mechanical stretching.
 |
| mdf template version 1 - in place |
 |
| ...and marked up |
I admit to hoping that this would be a good fit first time, but the mark up shows the problems, principally from the distortion of the paper template by moisture and stretching both on board and in the printing process. Once again good sense from Chop Shop prevailed, as they insisted on another template rather than go for the final cut .
*
(Act 4) So I had to alter the drawing and sit on my hands - the guys were pushed out with work so I missed out one weekend and so had to wait two weeks for the next version of the template to be produced.
 |
| mdf template - version 2 |
When I did, it was very nearly perfect.
*
(Act 5 ) In fact I made one very minor change and we were set for the final cut, and we ordered up the real material, which was couriered diagonally across the country surprisingly quickly. Careful to the last, the guys called me up just to check - "stripey side up ?"
*
(Act 6) Back now in my possession, feeling pretty confident and looking pretty good. This really is pretty good material (hence the price) but once it goes down I'm not expecting it up again.
Hence at least two coats of marine varnish to all sides and especially edges
 |
| It takes up the kitchen |
For each coat, this took up most of the kitchen for most of the day, but fortunately it was over quickly - and the memory has faded.
*
(Act 7 ) Now we were ready to go:
.
At this stage it became clear what a good decision it was to spend extra on thicker material. I'm sure that thiner material would not have survived the long trip to boat yard as well or being manhandled the last 10 feet.
Mercifully, it dropped into place exactly an first time. Its held down by the table bases and is stiff enough - because of that thickness - to have not moved at all. The gap at the edge, which accommodated the fillet radius of the GRP part, is filled with silicone sealant. This isn't as strong or as sticky as Sikaflex - but I was very wary of creating a hard spot in the moulding and at least at first
wanted to follow any differential movement, not that it turned out that there was any.
*
(Act 8) Finished !
It's great under foot - especially bare feet - and has really lifted the look of the saloon.
Having the digital resources to make accurate templates was key to achieving a good looking result. Much credit also goes to the guys at Chop Shop ( http://chopshopcnc.com/ ) for there insight,input, skill, coming in early and working on a Saturday. You should definitely talk to them if you are doing a project like this.
Saturday 3 March 2018
Holyhead Marina, and all the boats in it, are lost !
For the last week or so it's been unseasonably cold in the UK, as a large and slow moving area high pressure has lingered over Europe, combining very cold arctic air in north easterly winds with clear - and freezing - nights. For that reason I have been locked east of Pennines and not able to get to North Wales or Anglesey.
May be a good thing. During Thursday, named storm "Emma" rolled up the western half of the UK with exceptionally low pressure. All the meteorology came together at Holyhead, where the circulation of the two weather systems joined, augmenting the wind speed and blowing directly down the harbour in to the marina. Very low pressure combined with spring tides added to a tumultuous sea state.
Exactly what happened next isn't clear from this distance. The lifeboat crew very wisely moved their boat in to the safety of the inner harbour. A number of boats on swinging mooring broke free as the waves height and steepness increased. Many of the marina pontoons appear to have broken loose and most of them, together with all the boats, are now either well up the lee shore or on the bottom.
Mercifully there no injuries or loss of life, but it is a heartbreaking loss for the marina operators and for those on liveaboards.
The marina advised that boats in the yard - such as Annabella - were undamaged, but with winds which were literally hurricane force, this remains to be seen.
There a lot of clearing up to do, and our good wishes to everyone effected, who has lost a boat or indeed a business. We will be doing anything we can to assist.
May be a good thing. During Thursday, named storm "Emma" rolled up the western half of the UK with exceptionally low pressure. All the meteorology came together at Holyhead, where the circulation of the two weather systems joined, augmenting the wind speed and blowing directly down the harbour in to the marina. Very low pressure combined with spring tides added to a tumultuous sea state.
Exactly what happened next isn't clear from this distance. The lifeboat crew very wisely moved their boat in to the safety of the inner harbour. A number of boats on swinging mooring broke free as the waves height and steepness increased. Many of the marina pontoons appear to have broken loose and most of them, together with all the boats, are now either well up the lee shore or on the bottom.
 |
| The aftermath of Storm Emma in Holyhead Harbour (Pictures from the North Wales Chronicle) |
Mercifully there no injuries or loss of life, but it is a heartbreaking loss for the marina operators and for those on liveaboards.
The marina advised that boats in the yard - such as Annabella - were undamaged, but with winds which were literally hurricane force, this remains to be seen.
There a lot of clearing up to do, and our good wishes to everyone effected, who has lost a boat or indeed a business. We will be doing anything we can to assist.
Sunday 25 February 2018
Help - someone has sabotaged a lifejacket !
If you were paying attention to our last post you may have noticed an interesting stylistic device when it repeated that every year we tested the life jackets by inflating them and leaving at least overnight before re-checking.
Hence we can say with certainty that all the lifejackets were fit for use and in good order at the start of last season.
Well imagine the astonishment when we found that number 3 jacket was like this:
The arming head had been fired and, as you can see, the cylinder had been un-screwed and removed, making it useless. But the jacket has been perfectly re-packed and there was no sign that it would have been useless in the water.
So we don't know exactly what happened, but we do know it was during last season, as they all checked out okay at the start of 2017. My guess is that it accidently fired overnight, when the toggle snagged on something or water dripped on to the firing head. Maybe whoever was responsible was too embarrassed to own up, so carefully re-packed it, leaving a nasty little trap for someone else to fall into.
I'm fairly clear about this - they've abused our hospitality and broken the most basic and obvious rule of seamanship - they're so banned from the boat full time.
Hence we can say with certainty that all the lifejackets were fit for use and in good order at the start of last season.
Well imagine the astonishment when we found that number 3 jacket was like this:
The arming head had been fired and, as you can see, the cylinder had been un-screwed and removed, making it useless. But the jacket has been perfectly re-packed and there was no sign that it would have been useless in the water.
So we don't know exactly what happened, but we do know it was during last season, as they all checked out okay at the start of 2017. My guess is that it accidently fired overnight, when the toggle snagged on something or water dripped on to the firing head. Maybe whoever was responsible was too embarrassed to own up, so carefully re-packed it, leaving a nasty little trap for someone else to fall into.
I'm fairly clear about this - they've abused our hospitality and broken the most basic and obvious rule of seamanship - they're so banned from the boat full time.
Saturday 24 February 2018
Is that spring coming ? Its time to check the lifejackets
Is that spring in the air ?
Well, the days are getting longer even if the weather isn't any warmer.
This time of year - every year - we do an inflation test on the lifejackets to make sure they're in good order.
So every year - about this time - we inflate the bladders, and leave them overnight, just to check no holes or weakness or leaks, and the good news is - they're all still at full pressure after 48 hours.
Wait till you see what surprise we had though ! See the next post!
Well, the days are getting longer even if the weather isn't any warmer.
This time of year - every year - we do an inflation test on the lifejackets to make sure they're in good order.
 |
| A pile of four inflated life jackets |
Wait till you see what surprise we had though ! See the next post!
Thursday 15 February 2018
What to do on long winter evenings #7
Well, the workshop could be tidied up abit!
Well, I've been quite busy.
Well, I've been quite busy.
Sunday 11 February 2018
What to do on long winter evening #6
Well, whilst the snow came down outdoors, snug in the workshop, you could polish your dividers.
(not a metaphor, by the way)
This pair have come up lovely!
And for fans of Derek and Clive, I got Brasso all over my hands.
(not a metaphor, by the way)
This pair have come up lovely!
And for fans of Derek and Clive, I got Brasso all over my hands.
Thursday 8 February 2018
What to do on long winter evenings #5
Part of my recent peregrinations have involved an extended walk around central London on a particularly cold and un-pleasant Sunday afternoon. So I was pleased to discover Arthur Beale's chandlery were still open.
For those who don't know, Arthur Beales operate a rather traditional chandlery from rather restricted premises on Shaftesbury Avenue. If not actually able to go sailing, a visit will lighten the soul and warm the heart.
It is my contention that they always have something for me, and this time it turned out to be a pair of small stand up blocks for the main sheet traveller. I do also have my eye on their lovely spirit lanterns though. Long may they continue to thrive. Just to note also, they didn't ask me to do this, but the link to their web site is https://www.arthurbeale.co.uk/ .
For those who don't know, Arthur Beales operate a rather traditional chandlery from rather restricted premises on Shaftesbury Avenue. If not actually able to go sailing, a visit will lighten the soul and warm the heart.
 | |
| Choose your bottle screws from this magngificent display |
It is my contention that they always have something for me, and this time it turned out to be a pair of small stand up blocks for the main sheet traveller. I do also have my eye on their lovely spirit lanterns though. Long may they continue to thrive. Just to note also, they didn't ask me to do this, but the link to their web site is https://www.arthurbeale.co.uk/ .
Wednesday 7 February 2018
What to do on long winter evenings #3
Well I'm stuck well inland and the weather is miserable.
I've been walking about town for the last few days, which is cold and hard under foot, but my mood has been lifted by listening to Carolyn Sherlock's super pod cast from her blog at https://theboatgalley.com/ .
You may remember that she had previously helped (via the medium of her blog) sort out linking the AIS output from our Standard Horizon Gx2200e to our Garmin chart plotter at the binnacle, for which I hold her in high regard, so I highly recommend it. If nothing else, a catchy theme tune and the reminder of summer days with warm zephyrs wafting us along...
I've been walking about town for the last few days, which is cold and hard under foot, but my mood has been lifted by listening to Carolyn Sherlock's super pod cast from her blog at https://theboatgalley.com/ .
You may remember that she had previously helped (via the medium of her blog) sort out linking the AIS output from our Standard Horizon Gx2200e to our Garmin chart plotter at the binnacle, for which I hold her in high regard, so I highly recommend it. If nothing else, a catchy theme tune and the reminder of summer days with warm zephyrs wafting us along...
Sunday 28 January 2018
What to do on long winter evenings #2.
Well you could add a new dish to your boat cook book, such as this lovely Tart Tatin.
Best done in temperate latitudes though, too far south and the butter will melt...
Out of the oven, and then
...turned out, ready to eat. Yum!
Out of the oven, and then
...turned out, ready to eat. Yum!
De-gloving Incident !
I heard alarming news when I ran into one of my sailing buddies the other day!
Their partner had had a nasty de-gloving accident on their boat at the end of last season, when load suddenly came onto a rope wound around their hand. A painful accident that resulted in a lot of subsequent medical treatment, not a small amount of which was surgical.
Unfortunate and distressing - I don't know the details, but in any case would be hard to be judgemental, but two things jump out :
Firstly - wear gloves at any opportunity, but absolutely always when dealing with mooring or anchoring. We try to do this on Annabella, but it's always when the action starts to hot up that one is tempted to take short cut and give the gloves a miss. We have tried to overcome this by having a lot of rigger style work gloves in the cockpit pockets and lockers. At less than £2 each its not expensive. So far so good.
What if we had that accident at sea ? If there was any luck in the original incident it was that it happened on the pontoon, so medical attention was very prompt.However, you wouldn't have to be very far out to sea for attention to be two, three or four hours away. And off shore !
We will find out what the first aid would be + update the post as soon as we can !
Their partner had had a nasty de-gloving accident on their boat at the end of last season, when load suddenly came onto a rope wound around their hand. A painful accident that resulted in a lot of subsequent medical treatment, not a small amount of which was surgical.
Unfortunate and distressing - I don't know the details, but in any case would be hard to be judgemental, but two things jump out :
Firstly - wear gloves at any opportunity, but absolutely always when dealing with mooring or anchoring. We try to do this on Annabella, but it's always when the action starts to hot up that one is tempted to take short cut and give the gloves a miss. We have tried to overcome this by having a lot of rigger style work gloves in the cockpit pockets and lockers. At less than £2 each its not expensive. So far so good.
What if we had that accident at sea ? If there was any luck in the original incident it was that it happened on the pontoon, so medical attention was very prompt.However, you wouldn't have to be very far out to sea for attention to be two, three or four hours away. And off shore !
We will find out what the first aid would be + update the post as soon as we can !
Sunday 14 January 2018
What to do on those long winter evenings...
Can't seem to stop doing boat stuff...
New canvas cover for the wheel
...that should keep the birds off !
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