Sharon from CBL is really going for it - not only has she set herself the challenge of overcoming a fear of water and learning to sail - she is also going to run a blog about her experiences.
This could be tricky if I make any mistakes, or rather , when I make mistakes, that I wouldn't include in my blog but what's the betting.........
The link is on the right hand side and also here
http://ladydrascomber.blogspot.co.uk/
Good luck to her - soon have her helming a Lugger......
Cornish Shrimper - Daislebee
Thursday, 12 February 2015
Monday, 9 February 2015
First Time for everything
About a year ago Sharon, from Churchouse Boats, casually asked me if I could teach her to sail. "Oh yes of course" said I, not for one minute thinking she was serious.
Well with Stewart B as a father in law - you'd have thought the solution was obvious and then I thought back to the time I tried to teach my youngest son to drive and swiftly handed over to a driving school and could understand where she was coming from.
Well, during the stint on the CBL boat show stand at London, earlier in the month, she worked on me and when I mentioned that I was visiting the boat to check on her the following week Sharon decided she would come down for a look as well.
So it was on a very cold but bright and sunny Friday morning that we rendezvoused at Chichester marina. When I say cold, there was ice on the water that broke as we motored out of the berth with Sharon at the helm, resplendent in her new wet weather gear.
The helming started with "My side...Your side" translated to Port and Starboard. We were soon down at the lock - another first for Sharon and out into the harbour. There was no wind but with the sun it actually felt quite warm as we motored down the Itchenor Reach.
She was soon identifying Port and Starboard marks, getting to grips with cardinal marks, tidal flow, neaps and springs as well as taking business calls.
Sharon had her first go at "ferry gliding" and successfully put us alongside the Harbour Masters pontoon gently enough to save an egg from breaking.
After a visit to the office we set off again and found a buoy for lunch in the top end of the Bosham Reach.
A gentle motor back to the marina and Daislebee was safe in her berth with neither her or Sharon any the worse for the experience... in fact next time apparently it;s up with the sails...not bad for someone who has never been on a small boat before.
Well with Stewart B as a father in law - you'd have thought the solution was obvious and then I thought back to the time I tried to teach my youngest son to drive and swiftly handed over to a driving school and could understand where she was coming from.
Well, during the stint on the CBL boat show stand at London, earlier in the month, she worked on me and when I mentioned that I was visiting the boat to check on her the following week Sharon decided she would come down for a look as well.
So it was on a very cold but bright and sunny Friday morning that we rendezvoused at Chichester marina. When I say cold, there was ice on the water that broke as we motored out of the berth with Sharon at the helm, resplendent in her new wet weather gear.
 |
| A sheet of ice extends across to the main fairway |
The helming started with "My side...Your side" translated to Port and Starboard. We were soon down at the lock - another first for Sharon and out into the harbour. There was no wind but with the sun it actually felt quite warm as we motored down the Itchenor Reach.
She was soon identifying Port and Starboard marks, getting to grips with cardinal marks, tidal flow, neaps and springs as well as taking business calls.
Sharon had her first go at "ferry gliding" and successfully put us alongside the Harbour Masters pontoon gently enough to save an egg from breaking.
 |
| The proud Skipper |
A gentle motor back to the marina and Daislebee was safe in her berth with neither her or Sharon any the worse for the experience... in fact next time apparently it;s up with the sails...not bad for someone who has never been on a small boat before.
Wednesday, 4 February 2015
Churchouse Boats - Drascombe stand at London Boat Show
Some months ago Sharon from CBL jokingly asked if I fancied helping out on the Boat Show stand if Simon went to the Düsseldorf Boat Show. I said yes and thought no more about it until just before Christmas when she reminded me at the CYC dinner in November.
So there I was on the stand for a couple of days helping out. It was great fun. Many visitors had stories to tell, dreams to share and it was lovely to be able to share them.
There were many genuine interests in buying a Drascombe or parts for one. The trial sail idea went quite well with many people expressing an interest in a test that will hopefully lead to some sales.
Tony Wood joined us for the Thursday and added to the fun with his unique character and humour.
The evenings were fun. Sharon introduced me to people from other companies like Jeckells and Anglia Yachts and we shared many laughs over a pint or two.
My sympathy for sales people was raised however - I could hear myself repeating the same patter over and over again - and nothing quite prepares your feet and legs for the very thin carpet they use at the show......
Saturday was the busiest and we had good morning but I had to leave at lunchtime to get to Birmingham for an appointment.
So there I was on the stand for a couple of days helping out. It was great fun. Many visitors had stories to tell, dreams to share and it was lovely to be able to share them.
There were many genuine interests in buying a Drascombe or parts for one. The trial sail idea went quite well with many people expressing an interest in a test that will hopefully lead to some sales.
Tony Wood joined us for the Thursday and added to the fun with his unique character and humour.
The evenings were fun. Sharon introduced me to people from other companies like Jeckells and Anglia Yachts and we shared many laughs over a pint or two.
My sympathy for sales people was raised however - I could hear myself repeating the same patter over and over again - and nothing quite prepares your feet and legs for the very thin carpet they use at the show......
Saturday was the busiest and we had good morning but I had to leave at lunchtime to get to Birmingham for an appointment.
Monday, 10 November 2014
Drascombe Dinner 7th November 2014
The annual autumn dinner took place at Chichester Yacht Club and was attended by over 50 people.
A special presentation took place to Roger and Anita Whiffen, with a speech made by Stewart Brown, where they were presented with a photo album put together from friends pictures, covering the many years of their association with sailing their Drascombe Coaster "Little Dipper".
Douglas Hopwood was presented with the Hans Vandermissen Trophy recognising his contribution to Drascombes and sailing achievements (which you read about by clicking on this link)
Adrian Kneller was awarded the "Don't follow me...I'll follow you" award in recognition of his unplanned visit to Christchurch, well nearly....
and we had a sample of the season ahead with plans for rallies at Chichester over the two May Bank Holidays as well as the August Bank Holiday.
A special presentation took place to Roger and Anita Whiffen, with a speech made by Stewart Brown, where they were presented with a photo album put together from friends pictures, covering the many years of their association with sailing their Drascombe Coaster "Little Dipper".
Douglas Hopwood was presented with the Hans Vandermissen Trophy recognising his contribution to Drascombes and sailing achievements (which you read about by clicking on this link)
Adrian Kneller was awarded the "Don't follow me...I'll follow you" award in recognition of his unplanned visit to Christchurch, well nearly....
and we had a sample of the season ahead with plans for rallies at Chichester over the two May Bank Holidays as well as the August Bank Holiday.
Review of the season
What a great summer !!!
Lots of sailing and far too much beer consumed.
Stats:-
30 nights aboard
445 miles covered.
Not as many nights/miles as some previous seasons but considering I am working full time now, as well as running a small business I am very pleased to have found the time to get so much time on the boat.
High points
Visiting the top of the Yar was lovely as was the peace and quiet of Studland Bay after a particularly rough crossing
Memorable moments (not necessarily for those directly involved)
The Bostonova method of launching
Lots of sailing and far too much beer consumed.
Stats:-
30 nights aboard
445 miles covered.
Not as many nights/miles as some previous seasons but considering I am working full time now, as well as running a small business I am very pleased to have found the time to get so much time on the boat.
High points
Visiting the top of the Yar was lovely as was the peace and quiet of Studland Bay after a particularly rough crossing
Memorable moments (not necessarily for those directly involved)
The Bostonova method of launching
Adrian's L plate moment - or otherwise titled - ' Quick visit to Christchurch'
Adrian and John's unique method of emptying a pub at closing time
and many more ......
here's to next season - planning under way as we speak.
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