Correspondence and Emails Contacts

Hon Secretary David Houlton 2 Pippin Close, Lymington Hants SO41 3TP Tel: 01590 610762 Email: [email protected]

Class Captain Michael Lindsey Quailmoor, Whitmore Lane Issue No. 03 2008 • Website: www.contessa26.net • Email: [email protected] Woodlands, Nr Wimbourne Dorset BH21 8LS Tel: 01202 828894 Email: [email protected]

Brokerage and Treasurer Chris Allen From the 25, Burnham Wood, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 7UD 01-329-232449 I should start by wishing you all a very Happy New Year; let’s hope we have Email: [email protected] more settled weather this year than last! We have had a bumper submission

Email enquiries of articles for this edition – so a very big thank you to all the contributors. If Jo Mooring-Aldridge you haven’t made it this time we will certainly include you in the next edition. 21 Ambleside Road Lymington SO41 3QS Tel: 01590 678212 We have had a reasonably active year as you will see from the articles that Our Neighbours Email: [email protected] appear in this edition. The regions have held various activities – lots of racing The Percuil River is a small tributary running had to throw a piece of biscuit to the side of Web Master at the Royal Yorkshire Sailing Club in Bridlington and the prospect of even Paul Wells between steep wooded banks into the Fal one bird and then while it was busy gobbling it Sycamore, The IT Centre, more boats, a gathering on the East Coast organised by John Castell with the estuary. Sixty years ago a boat yard was up we would throw the other bird a piece of York Science Park hope of more events this year. An autumn rally in the Solent for the Southern York YO10 5DG established at Percuil and soon small and biscuit. They had no idea of taking turns. Often Tel: 01904 567670 Group and a dinner in prospect on 1st March for the Yorkshire Group and on medium sized sailing boats were enjoying the we were able to use the pen’s curiosity to Email: [email protected] 11th April for the West Country. We are also planning a Spring Solent Rally emerging popularity of sailing. Percuil Sailing tempt her round to the other side of the boat and a Cross Channel Rally in the Summer for the South. Club was formed and generations of young to receive her share of the biscuits. When they sailors have been introduced to dinghy and had finished tea they would continue The AGM was a great success this year with 35 members attending – one up larger boat sailing. swimming around for quite some time in the on last year. We had a good meal in excellent company. Proceedings were hope of getting more food and would tap the enhanced by a quiz run by Jo Mooring-Aldridge and Fiona Rogers followed In 1968 our Commodore bought Contessa of with their beaks and gently hiss. They were by a presentation on the origins and development of the 26. This went down Percuil at the London Boat Show and she was quite surprised when I mimicked the noise. POWERED well despite slanderous slides of the Editor dropping something sailed down to Percuil and has been moored After turning away from us they continued BY KEMP unmentionable in his coffee – namely his teeth for those not present!! on a private mooring opposite the boat yard their gentle afternoon’s progression up the since then. My wife and I bought her in 1988 river, although the pen kept turning round to CRUISING OR One of the main topics discussed was trying to hold the AGM earlier and soon after I retired and we have enjoyed day see if there was any more food to be had. RACING have activities that last over the weekend so as to make it more attractive for sailing her until the end of this last season. CONTACT US people to come from further afield. About the middle of this period there were two FOR A QUOTE About sixteen years ago we returned in the or three years when we had no visits from the The next AGM will therefore be held on Saturday 13th September in the mid afternoon to the mooring, brewed tea and first pair of swans. Then what we took to be a www.kempsails.com Lymington Town Sailing Club - preceded by the usual dinner at the same began to eat a Cornish Fairing or two. It was second pair repeated the tea time visits and tel: 01929 554308 sort of cost as last year. After dinner the AGM will take place and we will try very quiet and we thought we heard a branch would even hopefully turn up for lunch. and obtain the services of a speaker. We will also hold the Autumn Solent gently touching the hull. The tapping increased Neither of the second pair of birds was ringed. Rally over the same weekend and I have booked spaces on the new Dan Bran and was followed by a gentle hissing noise. Apart from our swans we were always on the Designed & produced by pontoon so all the boats can be together – including those hopefully based in Looking over the dodgers we found two very look out for the kingfisher’s brilliant flash of Lymington. This is also the first weekend of the Southampton Boat Show so elegant swans were asking for an invitation to blue under the over hanging branches or the this is yet a further attraction for those who would like to come. I hope all tea. The fairings were quite strongly flavoured male even perching on a nearby boat’s this activity will encourage more of you to attend. Some of us can offer and we wondered how our new vegetarian crosstrees. The egrets came north to the creek accommodation either in our homes or on the boats to help keep the cost friends would react. Our worries were in recent years and gave us a continental feel down and I am sure we will be able to offer a sail for those that would like to groundless. For the next two weeks of our of white elegance. As always the liquid calls of have a taste of the Solent sea air. So please put this date in your diaries now holiday the cob and pen would set out from a the curlews swirled down the creek as they and let’s hope we can have a record turnout. small inlet a mile away and majestically paddle flew by. Day sailing is very rewarding when across to our side of the creek. The larger cob there is such great enjoyment to be had on the The IT Centre | York Science Park I do hope you enjoy this newsletter; please let me have your comments and was usually in front but the pen would mooring too. York University | York | YO10 5DG ideas and in particular articles for the next one to be published in August! sometimes wander off on her own. She was Tel 01904 567670 soon called to order by her mate. When they www.sycamore-uk.com Fair winds for 2008 were both on the same side of the boat we RICHARD WILKINSON – Contessa of Percuil Email [email protected] DAVID HOULTON, Elinor

1 NEWS FROM TREASURER’S AND THE REGIONS AGM SUMMARY BROKERAGE NOTES Our finances remain in good shape and there will be no increase in subscriptions once again. SCOTLAND Subscriptions are due on 1st February 2008 Nothing much to report as all our boats are (unless members joined after 1st Nov 2007 in ashore at various stages of maintenance or which case subscriptions are not due again until upgrading. Hoping to add another Contessa April 2009). It would help if subscriptions were to our fleet next year. Tystie is planning a trip paid by Bankers Order to: Lloyds Bank plc, to Whitby next summer, time permitting. Newport, IOW, Sort Code 30-95-99 – Account No: 07471138- “ Class”. If paying by YORKSHIRE cheque then please send to myself – cheque 2007 was a great year for the class at the payable to “Contessa 26 Class “ (address on Royal Yorkshire club. The fleet increased the website). from 3 at the start of the season to 9 in time for the clubs 150th regatta in August. 2008 We still have a supply of ties available @ £8.00 looks set to be another good year with (inc. p&p) and have invested in a new supply of several skippers seeking to buy and race at flags. There are 2 flags available at the old price the club. of £13 (inc.p&p) after these are gone the new price is £22.50 (inc. p&p) . Sorry these have gone The Contessa's are holding their annual up but the last time we ordered was in 2001! dinner on the 1st March and all Contessa 26 Inset: Flo and Jo on Sulali owners (and crew) are welcome, contact Since taking over the Brokerage from Liz I have [email protected]. been waiting for someone to want to sell their The AGM took place after the dinner held at Red had been the first of 8 Contessas to FIRST SAIL IN A CONTESSA 26 boat but nothing has happened. I have had a 2008 Regatta dates are 9th - 16th Aug 2008. the Royal Lymington Yacht Club on 10th finish the Round the Island Race – albeit by a number of calls from people wanting to buy a November. The Minutes have been posted whisker - and Jeremy Rogers presented the Trophy (Flo took part in the Autumn Rally at the Folly Me-Mo and through the conversations Contessa 26 so there is demand and price is not EAST COAST on the website but for ease of reference a to Ben Pugh. Inn as crew to Jo Mooring-Aldridge - Editor) glimpsed at the impressive voyages of the always an issue. If anyone hears of a 26 for sale John Castell tells me he is working up a summary of the main points discussed and Lindsey couple. And so I returned onto Jo’s please point them in my direction. programme for the coming season so no decisions made is included below: David then proposed that the AGM should be How many times in your life do you get invited lovely Sulali with plenty to compare and doubt there will be more to report in the brought forward next year in order to improve to sail onboard a Contessa 26? - Otherwise contrast. CHRIS ALLEN - Treasurer and Brokerage. next edition. Michael Lindsey opened proceedings by thanking attendance and particularly to try and encourage acclaimed as one of the top British classic all the members of the Committee for their hard more members from outside the Southern Region ? Over a warm meal the little Co 26 family SOUTH work during the course of the year - in particular to attend. It was proposed that this should be shared countless tales and it was clear that An Autumn Rally was held on 22nd Liz Wisdish for her continued efforts in running held in September to coincide with the For sure, the boat hopper that I am, I was not none would swap their boats for any other in WEBSITE NEWS September at the Folly Inn (up the Medina the Brokerage and Paul Wells for all his work with Southampton Boat Show and that the Solent going to let this one pass by. I had told Jo I the world. Yes, you had to make do with a cosy from Cowes). Eleven boats attended which the Website and Newsletter. The Officers of the Autumn Rally should be held over the same was a novice. That did not seem to phase her and somewhat less comfortable interior. And was much more than anticipated. After Committee were then re-elected unanimously. weekend. Efforts would also be obtained to in the least and straight off from the all had over the years put more money in the taking wine on the pontoon in glorious persuade an interesting speaker to talk on some Lymington pontoon, she put me on the tiller boat than they had originally paid for it, weather, all (over 30 bodies) crossed to the Liz had quite understandably decided to retire relevant subject at no cost - other than singing with instructions to motor-sail close to changing everything that needed replacing Folly Inn for supper and a jolly time was had from running the brokerage – not least because for supper! It was agreed that this should go starboard to let the ferry get past! And off she over time. But all were unanimous: this one by all. Boats dispersed the next morning and they had sold their 26 and were now the proud ahead on a trial basis for next year. The weekend went forward to rig the spinnaker… Amazing, was a stylish boat they would only relinquish had a cracking sale back to their home ports. owners of a 32. Chris Allen had very kindly selected is 13th-14th September and more details the girl’s used to sail Sulali on her own, so off when the time to hang the sea boots would There is a separate article in the newsletter volunteered to run the brokerage as well as are in the Editorial. she goes left right and centre with a big grin come. from a crew member. continuing to be the Treasurer. on her face sorting all the bits and pieces. No The site goes from strength to strength, the David also suggested that the Newsletter should fuss, just get on with it and happy days! Sailing Sulali back to Lymington was lively with forum in particular being used by more and more We will be attempting to organise a David Houlton mentioned the very successful in future be published twice a year in January and 25 knots on the nose, two wet girls and a dog members and potential members to solve Spring Rally at Cowes over the weekend dinner held in March by the West Country July. There were problems in obtaining sufficient We reached Cowes in no time at all, and as we that knows how to tack. Bless Jo-Jo, she does problems or share information. 3rd-4th May as well as the Autumn members. He also covered the activities of the material and also it was felt that it could become got to the top of the Medina, the rally was not sheet in, but the infallible four legged crew Rally. We will also try again to run a Scottish, Yorkshire, East Coast and South of a burden for Paul Wells who was using his already going strong. Organiser David Houlton does alter side, tail wagging! Regional involvement has increased too and if Cross Channel Rally to Cherbourg in the England Groups. There had been a great deal of company staff to produce the newsletter without had forewarned the harbour master of 6 boats. your region isn't covered yet, and you are willing Summer starting on 4th July - perhaps exposure for the 26 in the Yachting Press during charge. This was agreed with the proviso that if And victim of his own success, we were one The love of Co 26 was definitely contagious. to act as a focal point please send me something combining it with a similar rally in the the course of the year, mainly due to the efforts there was an overwhelming amount of material short of a dozen! I was hoping to get And for me one Class Association member and I will put it up on the site. West Country if we have enough takers of Jo Mooring-Aldridge. This can do nothing but then a third publication should be considered. acquainted with these wonderful sailboats over summed it up nicely: ‘I chose this boat for me, – so look out on the website. good particularly adding a bit of value to the the weekend, and so I did. I was amazed at not because I was a good sailor, but because If you have bits to sell or even a boat then contact Class overall! He felt that the concept of Chris Allen then went through the Accounts how superbly welcoming everyone was, having she was.’ Chris Allen and he will put your ad in the SOUTH WEST developing regional areas was progressing well; which were in a healthy state and a message was me onboard for a good look around. brokerage slot, it works, I sold my old sails The Annual South West dinner is to be held he suggested that at least one member of the read out from Paul Wells showing that the Jo, thank you so much for this really special through the site, your unwanted item is likely to on Saturday 12th April; the venue is yet to be Committee should attend an event in each area website was generally being well used. So off I hopped for a tour of Red Dragon sailed week-end and everyone in the fleet for making be someone else's God send! decided upon but this will be posted on the on an annual basis to obtain feedback from by two kind-hearted siblings, who had raced this an even more memorable rally. website as soon as it has been decided upon. members. David then mentioned the Cross Channel Rally her to victory in the Round the Island race this PAUL WELLS, Tessa Co259, Webmaster All are welcome to attend. which we would try to run again next year. year. Then I was given a warm welcome aboard FLO - on board Sulali [email protected]

2 3 keeping a course of 210 degrees, not a whisker off. By the second night with only two hours of stunted sleep since the beginning of the trip, I was becoming too exhausted to continue. The numbers on the compass were becoming blurred, my ears aching from the sound of the noisy little Yanmar engine. I decided I simply had to stop the boat, lash the tiller to one side, turn the engine off and go to bed. So that’s exactly what I did, sleeping like a stone in a field, for two glorious hours, the boat drifting with its lights on like a Christmas tree. I groggily woke up, refueled and pushed on through a monochrome night, brightly illuminated by a full moon.

This pattern of helming continued for the entire voyage until I was so tired that I could not actually function without an hour’s sleep. The wind never really came, and when it did, it was just like a fox; there for a minute, and then hidden around the crest of a roller, off towards a faraway coast. Night became day, as I watched full cycles of the moon and the sun overhead. As the sun went below the horizon to presumably illuminate my hometown, the moon would rise on the opposite side of the globe, brightly washing out all but the strongest stars. As it tracked across the night sky, I’d get my short sleep at last, and it would have hardly moved.

As I approached Spain, the only indication I was approaching civilisation was rubbish in the sea, my trip... I was too scared to cross The Bay of activity. The small chop soon became the and that my mobile received coverage 40nm out. Biscay, in October. infamously long and slow Atlantic rollers. I started In fact, one would never have known the country to become agitated by helming all the time, but existed, as it was not until nightfall that I could Constellation and I - Several days later, with encouraging words from thankfully rest came at 9am, with a slight yet actually see coastal lights - my navigation had friends, I decided to hop around to Camaret and steady breeze. I ‘cat napped’ (technically termed not landed us in Boston!. Rounding Cabo Prior, I wait. I hired the services of a professional weather ‘polyphasic sleep’) waking up at 20 minute was escorted by dolphins for the last 10 miles, routing company to help me out with a weather intervals for checks, Constellation finally sailing before tracking a straight line into La Corunna. window, so at least I could be confident in that herself. This lasted for around two hours, before The dolphins darted through the waves and under ACROSS THE BAY area. I waited for five days, but the weather was the wind died out, and I was back at the helm. the hull at such an immense speed. I noticed that fickle. I moved into Brest, just for something to do, Lashing the tiller down was useless, with the if I turned all the lights off, you could see the and on arrival was given the go ahead for the waves always changing the boats course. I had a phosphorescent plankton trails under- water, following day for Biscay. I raced around to finish sneaking suspicion I was up for a very long and as the dolphins sped up and broke through preparations, and motored out of the Rade De tiring passage to La Corunna, Spain. the surface. OF BISCAY 2007 Brest the following morning at 5am - doing 8 knots with the tide. A reasonable wind in a As night fell, so did waves of fog. I was absolutely I docked ‘French style’ on arrival - this style can be Jo has asked me to write a little something launch Constellation 6 weeks later. With friends mounted a costly wind vane (I sold my cameras to favourable direction prevailed, and off I went, terrified. Not minutes before two large tankers had characterised by smoking a Gitane, and not about my voyage, which is currently taking place from Australia and Germany, I set sail for pay for it), and sailed through the North Sea towards a rather distant port, healthily scared, but edged passed me, and here I was with nearly zero bothering with the fenders or ropes. I had no aboard my lovely Contessa 26. I am writing this Hamburg, on August 4th. We sailed and sailed, Canal, and down through the North Sea, officially secretly confident I was going to arrive safely in visibility, and no radar or AIS. I helmed standing cigarette, but doggedly I lay Constellation along from the port quarter berth, a gentle breeze and and then in Belgium, my crew left me high and beginning my trip on the 17th of September. sunny Spain. up, keeping all my senses in top gear, listening, side the pontoon, and secured her from the dock. the sun are creating another stunning day, in dry. So I decided to proceed on through the Dutch Weeks before I had run out of gas (British gas looking and hoping. Eventually the fog lifted, and With such a small boat, it’s not hard to hold her La Corunna, Spain. canals, having no self-steering and a hard time in bottles!) and had not eaten warm food for a long Winds became increasingly light, and I decided I the relief was beyond expression, as my body alongside one-handed. the North Sea. I eventually made it to Amsterdam, time - so after Calais, I redirect to Dover, so I could would christen the voyage with a motor sail to relaxed after being incredibly on edge for the last For those that don’t know what I am doing, or where I ran out of money, yet again. I met many refill the tanks. The next day, I moved on to leave land as soon as possible. Unfortunately I was several hours. So here I am in La Corunna. Once again, I have who I am, I will quickly bring you up to date. I am lovely live-aboards who fed me, and helped in all Fecamp, and then Cherbourg. A few days later it not quick enough, getting caught up in heavy tide run out of money... I am trying to raise funds, and a 26 year old Australian, who bought sailing vessel sorts of ways to get me back on my way. was off to Guernsey for a few nights at anchor, around the Point Du Raz. Frustratingly I went If it was not the fog fraying my nerves, it was the continue across the Atlantic this year. I hope to ‘Constellation in 2006, quite sporadically, with the and then Lezardrieux, France. I encountered very nowhere for a good four hours, yet by 8am the lack of wind, keeping me stuck at the tiller, like my leave at the beginning of December - fair winds or idea that I would sail single handed to Australia. I decided (again, rather sporadically) that I would thick and scary fog on entrance, at which point my next morning, having helmed all night for lack of imprisoned windvane should have been. I avoided reef early! After many months of work and toil, in faraway forget Hamburg, and start my voyage to Australia, GPS failed! I navigated on paper and compass, wind to power the self-steering, I finally made it to sleep by reducing the clothes I was wearing to Germany, I finally managed to move aboard in even though I was broke, and it would have made safely arriving up river, mooring on a buoy. My the continental shelf. I had been wary off the shelf make myself cold and drinking coffee from a May of this year, the boat being on the hard in more sense to go back to Germany and work, as next port was Trebeurden and then LAber Wrach, since leaving Brest, approaching it with a grim thermos. Other times I would stand up, NICK JAFFE – Constellation Bursledon, England. I worked locally in a bar (as all originally planned. I was enjoying sailing so much, having had a bumpy passage of much sea sickness frown on my face. I need not have worried in the suspending myself by clutching a guardrail in each For further news on Nick’s progress go to his good Australians do!) and managed to finally I simply could not stop. I was consumed. So I and discomfort. In LAber Wrach I had given up on end, but there was definitely an increase in wave hand to stay awake. This went on for hours, website www.bigoceans.com - Editor

4 5 Motoring up the Menai Straits Irish Sea

the preset waypoints to crash through the inshore Sailing across my first real ‘Sea’ proved rather After getting the boat sorted out we decided to Ploughboy Dreamer route. For 200m or more Ploughboy's was uneventful milestone and the navigation was sail around the corner to Howth. It was a glorious buried in wave after wave as we passed through fairly straight forward and motored most of the afternoon with a fresh wind and plenty of the overfalls. This was the first real test of the way across. Approaching the entrance of the sunshine, only disappointment was we had boat (and me!) in heavy weather and at least the River Liffy we contacted the harbourmaster and nobody to race against. Once in Howth marina Ireland Autumn Cruise 2006 boat felt reassuringly safe and steady as a rock. motored up to Poolpeg YC arriving at 9pm in we did have a bit of trouble finding the Marina time for a quick shower and our first real Irish Berth... The Marina said it was pontoon N1 so we Friday 29th September Once through Puffin Sound we motored across to avoid it getting caught around the top of the After a bracing reach across Holyhead bay we Guinness. followed the well signed pontoons around the With a handful of conflicting internet weather Red Wharf bay to Moefre, where we picked up a Rotostay roller reefing. There was no option but finally tied up in the marina at 8.20 pm, and Maina A, B, C ... G, H, I... all round the Marina forecasts in the glove compartment, my crew Tom visitor mooring around 11.15am for lunch. With to drop the spinnaker halyard I had gallantly headed quickly to Holyhead SC for dinner and a we go ...H,I,J ... nearly there now ...K,L,M right and Tim squeezed into the car for the trip from time to spare before heading westward to Carmel spent put up only an hour earlier. Our gloom was few beers. round the back of the Marina now...Help, seemed Manchester to the Menai Straits with the trailer , I decided to try out my new Fibrelight raised by finally being under full sail as we sped to be running out of water ... X,Y, Z ???? Dead full of gear in tow for the inaugural voyage in Mastladders and run-up the new spinnaker past Point Lynas and picked up speed to 6K SOG Sunday 1st October, Westward end. Tight turns in a crowded marina in front of CO107 Ploughboy Dreamer (1965ish) which I had halyard. Unwisely I ignored Tom's advice of as we headed down to Middle Mouse with the to Ireland, Forecast SSE F4-5, the clubhouse with gnarly piles on one side and purchased 12 months earlier. After crawling “would this not be easier in the Marina ?” ...At boat well heeling and set in a groove despite the turning cyclonic NW the depth showing less than 1m is not my idea of through the traffic jams on the A55, blown the deck height with two safety lines attached to the rainy squalls which swept in. Passing through the Despite some intruders trying to get on our boat a nice arrival but we managed not to embarrass dinghy up outside the Gazelle pub on the Straits harness I felt quite safe and it ‘seemed’ like there inside of West Mouse the sea is squeezed during the night, “Oops, sorry wrong boat ourselves. and made the than three trips to the boat with was little swell; however 30 foot up the I through a small channel creating a swirling tidal mate”... yeah right. We had a good nights sleep our gear it was around midnight when we finally felt like I was being bashed and swung around race where we saw several small dolphins. but were up at 5.00am ready to motor from the Where the hell is pontoon N1? We tie up and settled down for the night after finishing the last the mast like a pinball.... Taking inspiration of marina around 6.00am after logging our passage decide to walk up the Marina Office, where we of the wine and a few beers. It was the first time I Ellen McArthur I finally managed to get the Past West Mouse, approaching Carmel head we with Holyhead Coastguard (this caused much eventually find Grumpy Nick (we were told that's had slept more than two onboard and I’m glad spinnaker halyard through the top block and but prepared for a bumpy ride as we were well ahead hilarity with my improvised phonetic alphabet - his name!) who walked us down to pontoon N1 the last crew member dropped out otherwise it once back on deck I discovered that one of my of recommended slack tide. Safety lines were which I was then made to practice all the way ... found nicely between pontoons A and B; there would have been very intimate during the able crew had by return sent the spare forestay attached, the engine started and the large 150% to Dublin). Dublin - Looking up the Liffy to Dublin City must be some Irish logic in that! planned weeks trip to the Isle of Man and Ireland. halyard up to the top of the mast. Too tired to genoa reduced as I expected the wind would pick retrieve it and provide more entertainment to up from the SSE as we left the lee shelter of the Passing the Skerries, dawn broke grey and Monday – Trip up the mast and to Tuesday Saturday 30th September those watching on the shoreline I decided to call Anglesey north coast and entered Holyhead Bay. overcast and we reefed the main. A bit too late Howth We left Howth early, with a slight headache Waking up at 6.00am to a still crisp morning and it a day and I promised to myself to listen to The SOG on the GPS slowly increased as we raced for comfort really as the boat was tossed around Monday morning broke to an overcast sky and a shared amongst the crew in time to catch a beautiful views over the Welsh mountains from Tom's advice in future! towards Carmel head... 6... 7 ...8 ... and finally in the swell and overfalls. nice fresh wind; great for drying out the clothes beautiful sunrise. Our intention was to sail North the mooring we slipped the mooring just after 9K. I've been around Carmel Head before and over the boom. up to Carlingford Lough. Unfortunately when we 7am, coffees in one hand as the sun started its Feeling bruised we departed Moefre for Holyhead expected some rough water but even I was We passed through the southern end of the TSS go the 7.00am weather forecast it was clear that rise. With little wind we motored down the after lunch in warm sunshine and a SSE F3-4 surprised to see the wind sweeping flume to avoid the Seacat's and other ferries we could After breakfast, I decided it was time to attempt SW gales would be coming in after 24 hours, Straits on the ebb up to Puffin Island .... no sign allowing us to finally roll out the Genoa and get horizontally off the tops off 2 m standing waves. see heading backwards and forwards, their another trip up the mast to fix the spinnaker and with NW gales following later in the week. If we of the S, SE F3-4 occasionally 5 forecast which sailing, an activity which would have been easy if Putting a brave face on it and explaining that as movements reassuringly confirming that we were bring the spare forestay down only this time with continued to Carlingford we could be stuck on had been forecast! the spinnaker halyard had been set-up correctly expected it would be a little rough we followed at least heading in the right direction. the boat securely attached to the pontoon. continued on next page...

6 7 Continuing Exploits of Shamaal II

This summer we continued our northward hops. time, but still lumpy on the nose. Kept going and along. Nasty bit came when we had to cross at an We managed to meet our goal of sailing out of presto, the seas got less ridiculous and we did angle to the whole thing and nip around the Lisbon and getting to Spain. With the two little indeed start to tack up the coast. A real wind headland into Bayonna bay. We were told by the ones aboard (there was a PBO piece on this but funnel there it seems. big boats later with anemometers that there were dating from last year’s trip) we try to make day sails gusts of F9. Well, we survived. or at worst one 24 hr stretch. Problem obviously is We then hopped up the coast. There are a few with watch keeping and during the daytime very nice places, Viana do Costello being one We came into the Puerto Deportivo of Bayonna looking after the two children – exhausting! (absolutely splendid old town and tiny harbour), which is absolutely huge. Pouring rain, two rather but many rather dreary stretches and a lack of sick children, a howling gale outside, and the Well, we ran straight into horrendously strong places to put in. not a great cruising area, must complete *****”“”!!!! At the marina refused to let north winds as soon as we left Lisbon. Quite be said. us stay, saying it was all full. It clearly wasn’t, there different to the previous year when I think we’d were dozens of free spaces, although they were just been lucky. Mind you even the locals were We then had a real adventure in the Rio Minho owned/rented by someone in each case apparently. Clockwise from top left: Spinnaker race against dolphins across Red Wharf, Following wind to Holyhead, shaking their heads in despair. They had a big race which separates Spain and Portugal. The chart we Amazing! The space we had was rented Dawn over Howth, Dawn view from my swinging morring week on at Cascais so the prices were up, the place had seemed all out, the depths were quite permanently but there’d been no boat there for 2 was full of racers and bossy people in huge RIBs different, the rock everything hinged on seemed to years, the neighbour told us. the East coast of Ireland for the week, facing the Wednesday decided to allow us a bit of a lie in and never and at one point we were smashing through the behave differently to the one in the pilot book, and prospect of having to get a ferry or a plane back. On our return leg back to the Menai Strait Carmel woke us up. chop, against the wind, the children seasick, and the wind was blistering – white water everywhere, We had a good old set to with those marineros. I Despite the attraction of more Guinness, it was Head proved a bit disappointing as we timed it to being instructed to take a huge detour around the although perfectly sheltered from the waves. We did feel like administering a good whack of our time for a change of plan, so we decided to too well !...it was like a mill pond despite the With the falling rain and the forecast predicting race area in order to reach the anchorage near had two wonderful days at anchor off the little dinghy oar at one point, must confess, but change course and run back to Holyhead before fresh wind. Once past Point Lynas, with fine gales for the next two days we decided to call it a Cascais - fun! island fort, picnicked there, lit a fire inside the restrained myself just! The chap on the the bad weather hit. At least we would be sailing settled weather and with a steady following wind day and take the boat back to the mooring at the castle walls and cooked, etc. neighbouring boat who witnessed all this was an this time instead of motoring. we decided it was time to finally test out that Gazelle and bring the trip to an end. Ploughboy Even more fun when we then got stuck in the angel. He was so ashamed that he went in his car spinnaker halyard so out came the spinnaker and Dreamer and I had crossed our first Sea and it anchorage and Cascais for one week because of After that we were off to Bayonna. A good day sail to the Club Nautico Real which around the corner The sailing to Holyhead was great fun. In a big up she went. Flying more like a large cruising was an adventure spent in great company; the damaged northerlies. We made one attempt distance and a forecast for SW4 – a rare treat on in the bay to see if they had space. They did – grey sea with the Genoa poled out and a chute we made a good 6K SOG across Red Wharf although as we drove back to Manchester Tim and got as far as the cape out there (can’t this trip! We set off, flying along, but the wind actually they didn’t but like proper seamen they preventer on the main, it was exciting downwind and had a speed race with a friendly bunch of made a comprehensive list of all the lessons learnt remember name off top of my head) and took a kept up and up and the following waves got made space – and they welcomed us. We spent sailing. dolphins.Back in the Menai Strait we rafted up and ‘to do’ jobs while they were fresh in our proper drubbing, water just pouring all over deck, bigger and bigger. Before we knew it we had a several great days there. The club restaurant/bar is outside two other boats at Menai Bridge. It was minds. A list so long it has kept me happily busy bow buried in waves, etc., we were told later it good ol’ gale on our hands. Totally unforecasted. something to be seen… Approaching Holyhead Bay in the dark, the seas too late for dinner at the Liverpool Arms so we working through it for the last 12 months. was gale winds there. Anyway, we turned back to There were big boats going a lot faster than us got bigger and bigger. Running down towards settled for a few pints and a meal at the Menai Cascais and limped in pretty gratefully, never mind downwind, everyone surfing like crazy on the We then finally had a little quiet time at the top of the breakwater head, we advised Tim who was Bridge Tandoori. Turning into bed just after On September 14th 2007, Tim and I with one the price. waves. Waves started to break and our Shamaal II, the rio where there’s an island with a rather helming not to look around..... the swell always midnight, we gently woken at 8.00 am to find other crew will again set out for a 5 day cruise steering by wind vane still, was cork-screwing strange off-limits institution of some sort on it - looks much scary looking over the stern. ourselves adrift in Menai Strait. Fortunately we which will hopefully take us to Ireland and the An old salt at Cascais told us though that this cape terribly at one point. We had a number of very then it was lay up time in Vigo – good value and Most importantly we made the Yacht Club before were adrift AND still rafted to the 40ft+ yacht on Isle of Man. was notorious (many boats damaged out there) near broaches. Maybe too much sail (we had only seems pretty professional. last orders and while they had stopped serving the inside of us who motored away from the Pier but that if you pressed on for 5 miles you’d get foresail for the entire trip, but probably should food they kindly allowed us to order a takeaway to allow the inside yacht and the large University through the worst and be able to start sailing. have reduced it more quickly). By the end we were pizza and a greasy kebab. oceanography Prince Madog out! They obviously ANDREW THOMPSON – Ploughboy Dreamer So we tried again a couple days later. Less bad this down to a handkerchief jib and still rocketing SEBASTIAN SMITH - Shamaal II

8 9 for Old Harry to head home. At this point my disregard of tides was punished. Tacking and sailing at 4 knots against the tide revealed after 30 minutes that I was just marking time – running up the down escalator. Too stubborn to admit defeat by ‘putting up the metal sail’ (starting up the Yanmar 1GM) I noticed several other making into Poole from a wider angle on beam reach. So I did give in and use the motor – but only to get out into the bay where I also could enjoy a lovely early summer evening beam reach into Poole channel safely South of the tip of Hook Sands on an ebb tide. Lesson learnt: take account of the tide!

Picking up the mooring single-handed was far simpler and more successful than the previous night’s worries envisioned and a beer in the Lake the way to Lymington. On arrival, confident in Sailing Yard Club rounded off the day perfectly. Judy’s determination to get that final reduction, To say we were proud and happy new owners is we walked along the visitor’s pontoon toward understating the facts! The folks at Lake Yard Out Skirmish and she said to me “Oh look at her! made us very welcome and July and August saw Many readers may recall the new experience of She’s beautiful! Just give him the agreed price”! us cramming in as much sailing as we possibly getting their first boat out of the water for winter. could, using the yard’s water taxi services or our Taking Skirmish up the river Stour on a big spring Ownership own dinghy to get ourselves aboard and ashore. flood tide to Ridge Wharf near Wareham for her So, paperwork complete, funds transferred and a At this point we should reflect on the other major winter haul out generated mixed emotions as I small fortune spent in the yacht chandlers found factor in choosing Skirmish was that I wanted to wanted to extend the sailing season but also was me with my mustered crew Mike Smith and improve my sailing skills. Whilst I had been lucky keen to give her a good check over and refurbish Vernon Young at Lymington Yacht Haven ready to log several miles they have never been as as much as possible ready for the 2008 season. for the sail to Poole – Skirmish’s new home. She skipper and only occasionally as mate. I had SKIRMISH - our first yacht had in fact been kept in Poole some 5 years experienced one channel crossing, several Now with he mast stepped down and stored, and before, this was in a way a return home. interesting passages in the Solent and the West the cabin clutter removed weekends are and will Selection attention and energy was diverted to smaller found a few via brokers and discovered both the Country as well as a week as crew on Gipsy Moth be spent working thru the over-ambitious to-do After a chequered sailing history and as the yachts and trailer sailors. After considering and UK Contessa 26 Owner’s Association brokerage The weather was not good. Mike’s opening line IV in Phuket in December 2006. Incidentally we list that grew during the summer and autumn. culmination of a long desire to own a boat and viewing a few trailer-able yachts it became clear pages and the USA/Canada site. There were some was “The first time I made this passage was in had a Greek family flotilla sailing holiday in the The tiller ad washboards are at home in the sail regularly we finally took the plunge and that the main shortcoming was going to be for sale directly, privately and amongst these we 1951”. To give Mike full credit he left the decision South Ionian which was a great time enjoyed by garden shed getting stripped ready for re- purchased Skirmish, a Contessa 26 built in 1973, accommodation below; we wanted to be able to spotted Skirmish for sale in Lymington – only 35 whether to go entirely to me as skipper (and all the family. This had given me the confidence varnishing. Sheets and halyards are all washed, from her previous owner in Lymington. at least weekend the family on board in summer minutes drive from home. owner!). I had spent hours studying tide tables, to sail as skipper as well as bringing home the dried and hanging up. A few cursory soirées at – two adults and two fast growing teenagers. In tidal streams and charts – and was especially wary significance of tides – it was so much easier not removing the anti-fouling (reputedly four coats…) This was the result of almost two years trying to our hearts we also knew that the launching and Purchase of the notorious Hurst point over-falls. Armed to have to take tides and currents into account. have disheartened me into finding other things o select the ‘right yacht’ and, as advised by many recovery of such a yacht from slipways could soon The buying process was straight forward: I viewed with a handheld GPS loaded with waypoints we do. The next major projects are replacing owners and fellow sailors, we knew Skirmish was become a chore and the purchase may have Skirmish in early June 2007. The owner clearly set off into a strong head wind and heavy Upon return I tackled something that would be standing rigging (definitely over 10 years old for us as soon as we saw her. become a white elephant blocking the driveway. had genuine reasons for selling and very kindly showers. Motoring through Hurst over-falls both daunting and exciting; sailing Skirmish could be loser to twenty!); and a makeover for When we viewed larger yachts the took me for a short (foresail only!) sail out of (without – I have subsequently followed single-handed. After a poor nights sleep, cycling the marked deck (to paint or not to paint that is The build up to buying Skirmish was fun, was a big favorite for all the obvious reasons, not Lymington and back to her mooring in the the previous owner’s advice of always motor- through all eventualities and how to handle the question!); plus of course all the usual: frustrating and an education. Living in the New least her beautiful lines and legendary handling. channel on a warm summer’s evening. As he sailing with main up) we caught some very them, I set off from Poole armed with more engine serviced, topsides polished or repainted, Forest meant that viewing yachts for sale in the offered me the helm I instantly felt this was the interesting seas – despite all best laid tidal checklists than were healthy. The weather was guardrail replaced, mast cleaned an serviced, Solent and adjacent waters was relatively easy. One sunny morning found me at a boat yard on boat for us and could visualise family and friends calculations! Vern and I clipped on to hoist the perfect F3-4 sunny and warm. As soon as I bilges cleaned (to pant or…). I am sure you all Advice was free, abundant and often conflicting. the Hamble looking at yachts for sale in the 24- enjoying her. All through the long search for a main sail and had some valuable early experience slipped the mooring all my nerves and concerns know the feeling? We can recall the heady rush when the emotional 28ft range when I noticed a beautifully restored yacht I had been generously assisted by Mike of how Skirmish would behave in a big sea. The melted away. I had never felt so relaxed or calm (not financial!) decision was made to purchase – (or cared for) yacht in a crane cradle waiting to Smith of Parkstone Yacht Club, Poole, father of rain then really did set in for what was going to whilst enjoying every aspect of a trip. It can take It gives us something to look forward to through there are still files full of various boat details, go back in the water. She was gleaming and one of my best friends from college days, Mike is become one of those ‘tougher passages’. The up to an hour t exit Poole harbour which I the winter weekdays. Just like those special shortlists and decision criteria that were meant to being able to see her complete hull shape out of a veteran sailor and races his X One Design at reduced visibility tested our navigation and Mike thought would become irksome but so far it has moments in the summer when the mooring at help narrow us down to a logical conclusion: the water captured my attention: the longer fin Poole regularly. As well as choice of boat Mike’s helmed the majority of the way – I was extremely proved to be a very useful period to get settled dusk comes alive with the sound of sea birds, the Tiller or wheel? Shower? Four berths or six? , her lines, rig, and her deck rising advice on all the associated business of moorings, grateful for his presence and experience on board down, confirm the actual weather and be sure all yard at Ridge Wharf – packed with drying out Outright ownership or shared? characteristically to the cockpit companionway all insurance, surveys, maintenance and sailing was what was a completely strange yacht to us. is in place and working on the boat. Once in the boats – has a special relaxing atmosphere – made her look like a ‘proper little ship’. I asked invaluable. Although Mike did not view Skirmish Channel I headed for Swanage and after nosing despite the list of things to do! After several viewings and ‘near misses’ with what she was to be told “a Contessa 26 – they’re he was quick to approve of a Contessa 26. We eventually reached Dorset Lake Yard at into the bay at that town I could see a few yachts boats of 30-38ft LOA my wife Judy came up with very good, well-built boats, but extremely Hamworthy in Poole and moored Skirmish up to enjoying a fine sail out in the open water of Poole Roll on spring and summer when plans currently a wonderfully pragmatic suggestion: “Why don’t cramped below.” After some negotiation, more viewings and her new home. Along the way we had discussed Bay. I joined them and started experimenting, in include a sail to Fowey and back in August and we get something that you can sail single- telephone discussions with the owner a deal was what upgrades and work Skirmish may need but warm weather with only shorts and a lifejacket who knows we might even have the gumption to handed? That way if you want to sail and your That was it! This particular boat was not for sale struck. The final viewing was with my wife Judy – agreed that apart from largely cosmetic work on, and Skirmish was fantastic. Several practice enter the Round The Island Race! crew cannot you will still benefit from being able but we were soon on the web and re-scanning an experienced negotiator – and we planned how (running rigging, deck paint/clean) she was in gybes and tacks later I had a long run goose- to use the boat.” This was an enlightenment and back issues of sailing magazines for Co26s! We to get the price down a little more in the car on great shape and a good purchase. winged (just for the hell of it!) I turned and made Brad Osman - Skirmish

10 11 Clockwise from top left: Forestay plate, Shroud base, Mast foot

Left to right: Backstay Tensioner, Mast Track gate, Spinnaker pole storage twice, the first time without the headsail furler to We decided against the mast foot turning blocks built into the forward end of the boom to hold set the forestay length and then again with offered by Z-Spars as we didn’t like the look of the reefing lines, which we were told wouldn’t everything assembled. At this point we got a them. In fact one was provided for use with the hold the Spectra outhaul but would have no REPLACING RED DRAGON’S MAST surprise. Having spent the winter sat on her spinnaker halyard but was promptly replaced. problem with the 6mm braid-on-braid reefing trailer, in the few hours that Red Dragon had They are a simple plain bearing design that lines. Whilst I might try to use one to hold the Whenever we meet up with other Contessa an extended track and heel cradle to allow it to some discussion on the forum about replacing been afloat the hull had changed shape doesn’t run sweetly even when new and simply first reef whilst putting in a second, if you allow owners, I’m asked about Red Dragon’s be stored on the mast. We also added a rod the plate with a stainless steel one, but whilst the significantly. The trailer pads had been set up doesn’t bear comparison to the relatively cheap the sail to power up they slip. So I’ve had to add replacement mast. Since many Contessas seem to kicker. Including standing and running rigging the galvanising remains intact and there’s no sign of hard to prevent her rocking on the road and this blocks now available from Lewmar and Barton. a horn cleat below the winch to anchor them. be suffering from corrosion at the mast foot, a final bill was £2,710 (inc VAT). rust, I shall leave well alone. Changing it looks a had pushed the sides of the hull together, raising problem difficult to repair, changing the mast horrible job. the mast support beam. As a result if you look at We now been using the rig for two seasons and I’ve also had to add cleats for signal halyards. may become the only option. Hopefully this will At some time in the past Red Dragon’s shroud her bottle screws there’s only about 5mm of are generally very pleased with it. There are None were provided and I don’t remember them help you ask the right questions and make an bases had been moved inwards, presumably in an Z-Spars have rig dimensions for both Mk I and Mk travel left on some of them instead of being mid however a few annoying features. Whichever way ever being mentioned as an option – it didn’t informed choice. attempt to improve the sheeting angle. The II Contessas but Red Dragon didn’t match either range as intended. up I store it, the lower pin of the spinnaker pole occur to me to ask. Seasure do some miniature Contessa’s design provides a shelf (I’m sure of them. However careful measurement of the seizes after a few days. Since it’s a stainless steel blocks ideal for attaching to the spreaders and Most people assume we broke or lost the old rig, there’s a proper word for it) around the inside the existing rig and some lengthy discussions with Z- There is only a single backstay attachment at the pin moving in an alloy casting problems are to be the masthead, which are fairly cheap, but it’s but in fact the reasons for changing weren’t as hull moulding on which the deck moulding sits. Spars’ chief draughtsman Keith Callaghan masthead, so a bridle is required. Z-Spars can expected, but I’ve yet to find a lubricant or water worth thinking about before the mast is up. clear-cut as that. The mast itself was bent, not The shroud bases then pass through the deck and produced a drawing we could agree on. Having supply the required parts, but if you’re going to repellent that has any affect. Z-Spars offer poles acutely at one point, but over its entire length. It the hull ‘shelf’, transferring the shroud tension to said that, the spreaders were still overlong, (wider use a backstay tensioner the height of they the with Harken ends, which may be worth the extra. The rod kicker is useful but not as successful as was possible to pull it straight, but the tension the hull. Moving the shrouds inwards caused the than the shroud base), and had to be removed bridle needs to be considered. Ours is roughly 2m we’d hoped. Unlike the Selden gas strut, the Z- required on the port lower shroud was load to be taken solely by the deck, which was and 70mm trimmed off each one. Fortunately it’s from the deck and allows the tension to be The sail slide gate could do with considerable Spars item uses a coil spring that creaks every excessive and starting to damage the deck. There showing signs of stress. So I moved them back an easy job provided you can make a square cut, adjusted between 12% up to a maximum of 25% improvement. A section of the boltrope channel time the boom moves. If we’re sailing seriously was also corrosion around the attachment points again. Some of the original U-bolts were still in and the genoa now touches both the shroud and breaking strain. All the shrouds and stays are 5mm has been milled out to its full width, and this is we tend to remove the topping lift to prevent it for the standing rigging and at the foot. The position, but having decided to replace them all, I the spreader when hard in. I positioned the inner diameter to keep them within the compass of our blocked by a plastic rod. The rod is held in place tangling with the backstay and rely on the strut boom had a large rectangular hole cut in it to started looking for replacements. It turns out the forestay 150mm aft and 450mm lower than the rig tension gauge. The cap shrouds are at 15%. by a thumbscrew which when released allows it to support the boom, but within a very few allow the outhaul to exit, which, as it was quite ProBoat produce 8mm U-bolts with the same main one, which leaves plenty of room for the to drop down the channel out of the way and the minutes of mooring it will have been replaced. close to the kicker fitting, significantly weakened 50mm spacing, which take 5/16” rigging furling drum whilst keeping the mast fitting high Setting up the running rigging was fairly sail slides to exit through the gate. There are two When sailing in light airs using either the kicker or the boom at one of the points of highest stress. terminals nicely and have a breaking strain of enough that no additional support is needed. straightforward. Whilst you need quite a quantity snags. There is nothing preventing the rod itself topping lift to support the boom, the constant The spinnaker pole had one bent end fitting that 1.75 tons. of rope, you won’t get a bulk discount from a from coming out of the slot and I’ve nearly creaking has a tendency to drive me mad. allowed the guy to jump out at inopportune Z-Spars provide a hinged heel fitting with a chandler as they all need to be different colours if knocked it out on more than one occasion. moments and the standing rigging was so old The forestay plate was also modified. It had been removable pin, the lower plate forming a flat- not different sizes and materials, so we had Z- Secondly if the sail is dropped leaving it in the Would I go for Z-Spars again? The price that it had Talurit splices. A rigger suggested that changed already to include a Samson post, but bottomed channel with holes either side to allow Spars supply all the lines that run through the track, the first slide is about 150mm up the mast difference was significant and enough to make it might even have been the original. no attempt had been made to oppose the twist turning blocks to be fitted. The base is only just mast and boom. As it saves them providing making flaking the sail very awkward. One of this me put up with the minor niggles. The build applied to the deck by a tugging anchor chain. wide enough to cover the locating mortice on the mouse lines their prices are fairly competitive. winter’s jobs is to mill a replacement gate that quality of the mast itself looks fine. The weight of We decided to bite the bullet and change the lot. Once again the damage was visible, this time deck, so I removed the alloy casting from the Oddly cleats come fitted to the mast, but winch allows the slides to reach the bottom of the track. the mast is slightly less than the old one, whereas We chose a Z-Spars rig primarily on price as they below decks and admittedly only if you inserted base of the old mast, roughly cut away the web pads are provided as a fit-it-yourself kit. The rivets Seldén manufacture a sprung gate through which Sailspar’s suggestion and the current Seldén are considerably cheaper but also because Seldén your head into the anchor locker. So that went, to that locates it inside the mast tube, then milled are supplied, but getting hold of a sufficiently the slides can pass, but unfortunately it won’t fit extrusions are more than 50% heavier per metre. were in the process of changing to a new set of be replaced by a pair of 10mm U-bolts, one for both surfaces flat, before tapping threads into the large pop-rivet gun isn’t easy. In the event, I used a Z-Spars mast. Seldén do a dinghy and keelboat range which extrusions. The basic mast was quoted at £1,210 each forestay, with eye-nuts on the underside. foot and bolting them together. threaded inserts instead, which makes it possible includes an extrusion suitable for a Folkboat, but and the boom £230 (inc VAT), but then we Eye-nuts are not usually recommended for high to unbolt the pad from the mast and take the We chose traditional slab reefing at the mast as then you lose the nice touches like a sprung sail started adding things. We re-used our old genoa loads as they have a tendency to split, but the Standing rigging is usually supplied over length winch home for servicing. The standard cleats we already have eight lines led aft. I’ve since slide gate. All in all, Z-Spars are probably still furling gear but took the opportunity to add an Wichard ones are rated to 3.6 tonnes! Bottle- Sta-Lok ends for fitting yourself, but we chose to provided are a lot smaller than the ones fitted to discovered I can do the entire job sat on the deck providing the best package available. inner forestay to fly a working jib or storm sail. A screws then tie the deck to the galvanised plate have swage fittings instead and got a local rigger the original mast and whilst there’s plenty of with a leg either side of the mast, so I’m unlikely new spinnaker pole was required and we added built into the in the anchor locker. There’s been to set it up for us. The mast had to be raised space to cleat one rope, they won’t take two. to be swept off the deck. There are cam-cleats BEN PUGH – Red Dragon

12 13 SOME VERY ORIGINAL AND CONTESSA 26 USEFUL ODDS AND SODS! A Mooring Light for £3.99 MODIFICATIONS Last year, when I was bringing “Contessa of Bute” back to her mooring off Port Bannatyne (Isle of Bute) after midnight one moonless SEXY STRIPES Applying the tape was easy. Stick one end night, I realised just how difficult it was to spot After all the polishing, varnishing, antifouling down, and carefully line up 2 or 3 meters at a any of the fifty or so other boats moored in the and boot topping Mischief's hull line let her time before rubbing down firmly with a soft bay, even knowing roughly where they were. down badly. Very tatty with coat after coat of cloth. The ends can be carefully trimmed to Looking for black cats in a coal mine just about thick faded gold paint, and the CO logo shape with a sharp blade (the First Aid Kit is sums it up. The only safe way to find my own looked even worse, it was like a 'painting by on the shelf next to the flares). mooring was to keep well offshore until I could numbers' nightmare! line up one of the very few shore lights with the The logo...careful measurement and a quick known position of my mooring, and then come Automotive coach line tape was the CAD session at work (lunchtime..honest) in on that line so that any boats or mooring answer....a quick trip to the car accessory shop produced a pdf drawing that went off to the buoys would show up against the shore light. and 2 rolls of 12mm gold tape at less than local sign writer with a colour sample of the £5....bargain. tape in the post. The result was a perfect As a marina is now being built in the bay, night match...and he sent me some spares...all for a traffic is likely to become busier and thought That was the easy bit. few pounds! Fitting was easy. that I ought to do something to make my boat a bit more visible, especially as its mooring is Many hours later, lots of small bits of 240 wet Mmmmm..sexy stripes, very pretty boat. close to the fairway to the new marina. The and dry, soapy water and one very soggy sore mast head anchor light wasn’t really practical as finger saw the line clean and shiny. The logo Oh and by the way, the finger with the RSI and it would require some sort of time clock or light took patience but soon all was done and not a gash is coming on nicely now thank you. sensitive switch and, as it can be a week or trace of the gold paint was left. Just be careful more between visits to the boat, I would not to go through the gel coat! JAMES ROBERTS – Mischief probably find the battery flat on my return. I also looked at stand-alone battery operated Top to bottom: Fridge, Control Panel, anchor lights but both the lights and the Starboard Cabin batteries were pretty expensive. “A Wheelie Good Idea” MOB Drills One of those end of season jobs that always A couple of hints from Contessa of Bute which I then spotted some solar powered garden used to stretch my ingenuity is flushing might help; so far, I’ve not had to use them in lights in our local B & Q and decided to see if through the tender's outboard motor with earnest, and hope never to do so: these would do the job. They consist of a PV fresh water. Trying to find a watertight cell, charging an AA battery which powers a Black Pearl container deep enough to immerse the 1. I’ve become a convert to the principle that single white LED. They also incorporate a light outboard leg, and then finding some way of wearing a lifejacket with an integral harness sensitive switch to bring them on at dusk and The first time I ever set eyes on a Contessa 26 was We later spoke to the owner and she sent me lots many women owned Contessa 26 boats, it felt securing the outboard at the right height, I is the default position; it’s then a question off at dawn. With the addition of some when I was at Gweek, on a friend’s Contessa 32. of photos, I so wanted that boat, but had to make almost inevitable, it was the boat for me. I had inevitably used to end up with some sort of of asking yourself “is it safe enough to take galvanised wire brackets and a couple of His was a fantastic boat and made my little sure that I was doing the right thing, having first seen Mantilla 5 months before and couldn’t precarious lash-up. it off?”, rather than “is it dangerous lengths of shock cord I can quickly rig one from Newbridge Navigator seem very basic, small and researched everything I could about Contessa 26’s, get her out of my head. enough to put it on?”. With that as a given, the forestay when I leave the boat. un-seaworthy. including a trip to Jeremy’s boat yard and saw a However a couple of years ago our local the hardware side is as follows:- new Contessa 32 being made - it seemed the I phoned Mantilla’s owner, and another Council decided to switch to wheelie bins for Although the light source is only the single LED, My friend was trying to encourage me to break right decision. coincidence, both she, I and Jo were all sailing off rubbish collection, and issued one free to 2. The mainsheet is clipped to the mainsheet it shines into a prismatic diffuser so the output out of the small area Solent sailing that I was the French coast, I put in an offer and it was every household. Problem solved! A wheelie traveller with a snap shackle. In the event of is surprisingly bright. There’s no way that it restricted to on the Newbridge. He told me about Part of my research led me to an article with accepted, I still hadn’t ever sailed on one, but had bin is watertight, deep enough to take even a having to recover a MOB, the idea is that would comply with the visibility requirements of 2a lovely little Contessa 26 that was up on the pictures about a lady from Lymington, sailing her heard all sorts of stories about it being a wet boat, long shaft outboard, and it has a nice flat rim the mainsheet can be quickly unclipped and the Coll Regs, but I’ve found that it’s clearly Hard, it was owned by a lady who loved it but Contessa single handed with her dog JoJo! having also heard so many good things, about its to which the outboard can be secured. The then clipped to the casualty’s harness. The visible from a couple of cables away, which was struggling to find the time for it as she was sailing abilities, about ocean crossings and Tania only modification necessary is a piece of scrap mainsheet has an 8:1 purchase which should be sufficient to advertise my presence to sailing with her partner on his boat, and worked I read that Classic Boat article over and over, and Abbi sailing round the world in one. It was fate. wood slipped under the outboard clamps to should then make it possible to haul the anyone feeling their way through the moorings and lived away as well. was totally inspired, crewing on another boat to stop the lip being crushed and to spread the casualty up to deck level, when taken at night. Brittany, I talked about it non stop, the skipper was That was part one of my love affair with the load. I also find that adding a dash of together with:- We went and had a look around the boat and fell being driven crazy with my endless musings. I had Contessa 26, which is now Called Black Pearl, and washing-up liquid to the water helps the At the end of the season it was still working in love with its beautiful lines, I so wanted that several articles with me which I pored over at every has led to my life completely changing, more flushing process. 3. The aft end of the guard rails are clipped to fine. In the longer term, I don’t know how a boat but couldn’t do anything rash, already having opportunity. about Mantilla’s next 9 month transformation to the pushpit with quick release pelican hooks garden light will stand up to a marine a boat and dinghies to spend my money on. Black Pearl, the trials and tribulations of engine There's probably some Council by-law about so that, with the guard rails unclipped, the environment but, at £3.99 each, they’re I knew of Jo already as we had mutual friends who overhauls, boat refits etc., to follow, if people are abusing wheelie bins in this manner but, in casualty only has to be hauled up to deck cheaper than the batteries for a pukka anchor A few months later when back down at Gweek, had encouraged me to contact her, to ask about interested. mitigation and as a side effect, you finish up level, rather than over the guard rails. light so it won’t hurt too much when it the owner’s partner was visiting the little the practicalities of sailing and owning a 26, the with a really clean wheelie bin. Incidentally, this ability to quickly unclip the finally expires. Contessa, and we chatted, I saw inside the boat fact that she had a Black Spaniel cross, Jeremy had guard rails (with one hand) makes it a lot for the first time and got a shock, it was so small a Black Cocker Spaniel bitch and I had a Black CHRISSIE DAVIS - Black Pearl P.S. in case you think that you’ve seen this easier to get aboard from the tender. I have some snaps of the mooring light in place and quite dark inside, but I could visualise what Cocker Spaniel dog seemed too much a Yes, we would certainly like to hear already, I sent it in to PBO and they published – the only Contessa that I’ve come across with she could be like. coincidence to ignore, along with the fact that so more – Editor it some months ago (and paid me £25!) JEREMY SNODGRASS - Contessa of Bute patio lighting!

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