The Bank Holiday Weekend

[Mike]

With the glorious weather we had today, I am curious as to what our English members have planned this weekend. It may sound a daft question but I really do wonder sometimes whether there are any other frustrated sailors out there who would rather be on the water than dreaming about it.

If any members are on the water this weekend, I'd really appreciate a morale boost with some photos of what they've been up to.

Hope you are all having a real good holiday weekend. Me, I'm still plodding away out back, dreaming about the things to come. :approval:

Best wishes

[pjl83]

I'm a frustrated fisherman with no dinghy. :bonk:

I will be out all day fishing from the shore on monday. and I shall be out for a couple of hours this morning. So no boating for me, but a good few hours at the waters edge will do me just fine ;)

[Mike]

... and I shall be out for a couple of hours this morning.We will both be sitting glued to our TV screens by 1255 at the latest, today, Paul, as we await the outcome at Monaco. I was convinced Brawn were looking at third and fourth or thereabouts while watching qualifying three. Where on earth did our man pull that pole position from. Wasn't it amazing?

So no boating for me, but a good few hours at the waters edge will do me just fine ;)Now that I do envy you, especially on the Isle of Wight. People pay good money to go and sit by that particular 'water's edge' and, having been there, I can understand why. You are a very lucky man, Paul. :surrender2:

Thanks for sharing that with me. I wish you well with the fishing. All I ever pulled in from the shore was seaweed! I take my hat off to those who fish from shore regularly and actually pull in fish.

[pjl83]

We will both be sitting glued to our TV screens by 1255 at the latest, today, Paul, as we await the outcome at Monaco. I was convinced Brawn were looking at third and fourth or thereabouts while watching qualifying three. Where on earth did our man pull that pole position from. Wasn't it amazing?

Too right Mike. That's why I only went for a couple of hours ;) I made Kelly jump yesterday. I have been known to get a little excited at sport and my loud shout of "Yes! Get in!" when JB's time came on the screen with the big number 1 beside it almost gave her a heart attack :rofl:


I wish you well with the fishing. All I ever pulled in from the shore was seaweed! I take my hat off to those who fish from shore regularly and actually pull in fish.

haha. I know that feeling. The rods nodding, then pulls over and seems to be holding lots of weight. As it breaks the surface of the water you finally see your catch! A big lump of weed. :gettin angry:

I used to fish the lakes and rivers around Nottingham, but once I moved down here the sea was just too tempting. I have been lucky enough to pull in a few fish. My best so far being a 5lb bass. Not bad for 18 months at it. Still - the big one is due anytime lol :award:

[Mike]

Too right Mike. That's why I only went for a couple of hours ;) I made Kelly jump yesterday. I have been known to get a little excited at sport and my loud shout of "Yes! Get in!" when JB's time came on the screen with the big number 1 beside it almost gave her a heart attack :rofl:Fortunately, Jeannette was at work at the time but the neighbours no doubt heard me shout much the same thing. No worries, though, as they already think I am completely insane, what with the big shelter sitting out there with nothing more in it than Jeannette's washing! That will be changing very soon but the first build is of two little dinghies, which will have them scratching their heads wondering why the big shelter. Heh heh. :) Just wait 'til they see me lay down the bottom of a Rendezvous. That'll make 'em sit up and watch at their curtains.

That, incidentally, is a very English thing. My mother was at it all day long. Gets right up my nose to be honest. Live and let live, I say. I don't much care what neighbours are doing so long as they leave me alone and mind their own business.

haha. I know that feeling. The rods nodding, then pulls over and seems to be holding lots of weight. As it breaks the surface of the water you finally see your catch! A big lump of weed.That's it, Paul. I gave up after several attempts. You bring up weed and lose your bait at the same time. Very frustrating. :(

I used to fish the lakes and rivers around Nottingham, but once I moved down here the sea was just too tempting. I have been lucky enough to pull in a few fish. My best so far being a 5lb bass. Not bad for 18 months at it. Still - the big one is due anytime lol :award:Not bad? A 5lb sea bass is more than just not bad. It's a darned good catch in my book. Lovely grub too - don't tell me you threw it back in? Just wait 'til you can sit out there in your boat. I am confident your record will be well and truly broken. :approval:

[And speaking of records, a late addition to the above is that our man, Jenson Button, has now notched up his first win at Monaco, thus the so-called 'Jewel In The Crown' belongs to Brawn GP and JB. I rolled up when Jenson, overcome with his win, parked his car in 'park fermez' instead of with the others on the podium and had to run to the prize-giving ceremony, waving on foot to the crowd for the full length of pit straight. Good on him!

Rubens Barrichello made it a Brawn one-two, overcoming tyre graining and loose seat belts, with a notable drive into second place. Good to see the Ferraris back with third and fourth. Poor old Hamilton had a frustrating weekend, though I find it hard somehow to feel in any way sympathetic. He's finding out what it's like in a car that is not at the top, whereas last year the boot was on the other foot.]

Best wishes

[pjl83]

A 5lb sea bass is more than just not bad. It's a darned good catch in my book. Lovely grub too - don't tell me you threw it back in? Just wait 'til you can sit out there in your boat. I am confident your record will be well and truly broken. :approval:

He didn't swim another stroke after hitting the beach. and yes - sea bass is a lovely eating fish. The mackeral are now starting to show, and as I didn't catch one last year I am eager to sample a fresh one ;) I don't freeze anything. I just keep the ones that I know I'll eat the next day. I have thrown many keeper size fish back. The sport is the main reason I fish and bringing home the odd fresh meal is just a bonus for me :toast:


I rolled up when Jenson, overcome with his win, parked his car in 'park fermez' instead of with the others on the podium and had to run to the prize-giving ceremony, waving on foot to the crowd for the full length of pit straight. Good on him!

That was great to see ;) What a guy!


Poor old Hamilton had a frustrating weekend, though I find it hard somehow to feel in any way sympathetic. He's finding out what it's like in a car that is not at the top, whereas last year the boot was on the other foot.

I think it's a real shame that a slight arrogance has crept in to his personality. The first couple of seasons he was brimming with understandable confidence and it was refreshing to see but it seems to have gone a step furthe this season. Maybe his lap times would go down slightly if it weren't for the drag effect created by those diamonds on his helmet. :rolleyes:

[Mike]

He didn't swim another stroke after hitting the beach. and yes - sea bass is a lovely eating fish. The mackerel are now starting to show, and as I didn't catch one last year I am eager to sample a fresh one ;) I don't freeze anything. I just keep the ones that I know I'll eat the next day. I have thrown many keeper size fish back. The sport is the main reason I fish and bringing home the odd fresh meal is just a bonus for me :toast:Good man! I have tried mackerel and was not too impressed. It seems to be popular but I found the one I ate rather oily. Now sea bass, wrapped with seasoning in tin foil and slow barbecued. Yum!

That was great to see ;) What a guy!Wasn't it just. One wonders where he gets his energy from. I could do with some of that, whatever it is! He didn't even take his helmet off to do it. Amazing.

I think it's a real shame that a slight arrogance has crept in to his personality. The first couple of seasons he was brimming with understandable confidence and it was refreshing to see but it seems to have gone a step furthe this season. Maybe his lap times would go down slightly if it weren't for the drag effect created by those diamonds on his helmet. :rolleyes:Ha ha. A 'slight arrogance'? I would go a little further than that. He has had some of the stuffing knocked out of him with being caught out fibbing. Rather less arrogant now. I can forgive him that because he is so young but it is an object lesson for many of his fans and proves the old adage about pride coming before a fall. I wish him well in the future but it looks like this season is a goner for him, though it could well be the making of him in the long run.

Meanwhile, I am thoroughly enjoying Jenson finally reaping the reward for his years of being 'out in the cold' due to a former team boss whose name I shall not utter out of respect for his infirmity. I bet he's kicking himself now, as should Flavio Briatore, who described Jenson not very long ago as nothing more than a playboy.

Michael Schumacher picked Jenson out as a potential world champion many years ago - and he was right on the Button. Heh heh. :D

[pjl83]

Michael Schumacher picked Jenson out as a potential world champion many years ago - and he was right on the Button. Heh heh. :D

Funny you should use that phrase mike. "ON The Button!" is on my list of boat names :toast:

[Mike]

I thought the phrase 'on the Button' seemed appropriate in the circumstances, Paul. As a name for a boat, it seems to me a bit too long. But each to his own, of course.

For a little tender like TB, imagination runs riot, especially when you consider the design name. What does a 'tender behind' mean to you? I suppose you could call one 'Ouch!' or 'Ooer!'. Either would fit well painted on her sides. As you know, I plan to call ours 'Saw Bum' but even that seems to me a bit lengthy. This is, after all, a small - though gorgeous - boat.

I trust the name 'Kelly' is on that list, mate. That's one that would fit admirably and surely would butter up the good lady in question.

Regards

[Andrew L]

Had a very enjoyable time rowing the newly restored 1907 Cemaes Lifeboat "Charles Henry Ashley" on Sunday. We will have the centre-board sorted soon so the sails can be raised and we'll see what she can do then.

[Mike]

Now that would be a most enjoyable way to spend a day on the water, Andrew, even if it meant expending a lot of energy in rowing. I take it you are a member of the Bull Bay Rowing Club? This superb boat is clearly no lightweight and I can only say I am in awe that she was rowed to sea with the intention of saving lives in peril. What brave men the original crews must have been.

Below is a photo of the newly restored "Charles Henry Ashley" and a link is here (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/videos-pics/videos/news-videos/2009/04/30/historic-restoration-of-cemaes-lifeboat-55578-23512739/) to watch a video of her launch - or, more accurately, her placement on the harbour floor in readiness for the tide to wet her bottom.


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What a lovely boat. :JC_banger: £110,000.00 seems a hell of a lot of moolah for her restoration though, especially when she has no motor. What do you do when the rest of the oarsmen decide they would rather stay in bed? Ha ha! :rofl:

Best wishes

[Andrew L]

Mike
The routine operation of the boat (rowing, sailing, maintenance etc) is being placed in the hands of the newly formed Cemaes Boat Club (Clwb Cychod Cemaes Charles Henry Ashley or Charles Henry Ashley Cemaes Boat Club in full!). There is great local interest and pride in the boat with upwards of 100 people already interested in rowing it. The plan is to use it (and other boats) to train the young people of the area in general seamanship as well as rowing and sailing. As publicity officer for the club I'll try and post as much info as possible. She has been beautifully restored and when see the size of her timbers you will understand the cost (and realise how she could withstand rough seas).

[Mike]

Oh yes, Andrew, I did say she is a heavy boat and can imagine what work has gone into her rebuild. Her age is evidence of her original strength of course. And the photos of her are testament to the quality of the work done. Nonetheless, £110,000.00 is a great deal of money in my book. I imagine she's worth every penny, and then some.

I particularly applaud the idea of using her for the training and edification of youngsters. There should be more of this sort of project going on. It is, I feel, an investment in the future of this country - and a very wise investment too. In my younger days, I spent some time up in Scotland on an Outward Bound course which included sail training on a square rigger. As I recall, she was called the 'Prince Louis', but I'm not certain. We had to scramble up and over her rigging every morning - a piece of cake when compared to the ice cold showers we were required to have at 'sparrow's fart' while ashore. That water was tapped straight off a mountain stream. Talk about grown men screaming! It's funny to look back on but was not so funny at the time, I assure you. :smilie_help:

Please feel free to promote the project on this website with links to the Club's site/s as appropriate. And the more photos you can post of her the better as far as I am concerned.

Thanks for sharing this information with us here. :approval:

Best wishes

[Andrew L]

For anyone on Anglesey tomorrow (Sunday 31st) we should be taking out the Charles Henry Ashley about 14:30 for a row 'around the bay' in Cemaes.

[Mike]

And, if anyone is able to make it, please take your camera along and post some shots on here. Wish I could be with you Andrew. Have a great afternoon rowing that beauty. :approval:

[pjl83]

Thats a lovely looking boat. I'll be sure to have a closer look if I'm ever over your way! ;)

[Andrew L]

I'll post some pics of her in action as soon as I have some. Trouble with rowing her - you don't get to see her! We had a good session taking her right into Lifeboat Bay and right up close to her original launching slip. On board was a grandson of one of the last service crews. Being there, in realy what were mild conditions but still rolling the boat, showed what great courage and strength those men had. Incidently today was the first men only crew - we normaly have 2-3 women rowers in the crew.

As advance warning, we will be at the 'Old Gaffers' event in Holyhead on 5/6 September. She qualifies as a Gaff rig.

[Andrew L]

Just found this http://www.shipspotting.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=912669 I'm nearest bow port side!

[pjl83]

Nice shot. You get a better apreciation of size once you see it like that with the crew inside. She is a lovely boat. The restoration team have done a top job on her. Was it done by paid professionals or volunteers?

[Mike]

Ripper photo, Andrew. How can I seek permission to copy it? Any idea?

A question occurred to me while studying it: why is the third oar from the bow so much longer than the others? I would have thought the longer oars would be at the bow or stern seats because the rower is sitting higher and rows over a higher part of the gunwhale. It seems to me the shortest oars should be somewhere amidships. I am not an expert rower of course but it seemed odd to me.

Anyway, a super photo of a really beautiful old girl. Smashing.

Best wishes

[Clip]

I would agree the size is well represented in this photo, she looks a lot larger. I can see bucks (pounds) going into her restoration, really well done, and smart rowing.

Went rowing this weekend myself, then it rained and got cold (8C). Never got her mast up.
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[Andrew L]

Not sure about reproducing the photo, I found the link on www.shipais.com.
All the oars are the same length but at the moment we do not have any thimbles fitted so it is up to the oarsmen to make sure they are in the correct position! I will have some close up pictures later today and I will post them tonight.

[Mike]

Went rowing this weekend myself, then it rained and got cold (8C). Never got her mast up.Damn! The weather in your part of the world seems a good bit worse than here, Clip. Makes one wonder why we Brits are so famous for complaining about weather when I read your reports.

The coble looks great now she's back on the water. Hope you get some fairer weather so as to sail her again. Have you thought about emigrating or do you like it cold and wet? ;)

Regards

Mike :captain:


Not sure about reproducing the photo, I found the link on www.shipais.com (http://www.shipais.com).
All the oars are the same length but at the moment we do not have any thimbles fitted so it is up to the oarsmen to make sure they are in the correct position! I will have some close up pictures later today and I will post them tonight.Thanks, Andrew. I won't worry about seeking permission if you intend to post some pics yourself. She really does look great in that shot and I agree with our mates that one gets a far better perspective of her size with your team of stout rowers aboard.

If the oars are all the same length, I guess the rowers in the bow and stern would end up with a little less leverage than those midships. What is she like to row? The closest thing I've done was to row a whaler. That was what I would describe as 'heavy' and I ended up with a fair few blisters. :(

Regards

[Andrew L]

Pics now uploaded on to my Album (http://backyardboatbuilding.org.uk/forums/album.php?albumid=16).

Andrew

[Mike]

Fantastic shots, Andrew, and most welcome here. Thanks for sharing them with us. :approval:

As a matter of interest, if you took these yourself can you tell me what camera you are using please?

Best wishes

[pjl83]

nice shots ;)

I'll say it again........ she really is a lovely boat! :)

[Andrew L]

I took the vertical shot with a Canon EOS 1Ds (unfortunately not mine :sad2:) and a friend took the others with her Canon EOS 450D.

She probably won't be out this weekend but I will know more tonight. I hope to publish a Google Calendar soon that will have possible rowing dates on it for anyone want to see her at sea. Currently she is on tidal mooring in Cemaes Harbour but will probably spend the winter at the Holyhead Lifeboat station where she will be on display.

[Mike]

Thanks for the camera info, Andrew. I knew it had to be a professional camera costing a lot of dosh. Checked it out and found it was up in the £4-5,000.00 range. Wow! That's some camera. Superb photos though.

Preparing for my build blogs, I just switched my camera to a Nikon but only one in the same price range as your friend's EOS 450D. Frankly, I wouldn't have a clue where to start with some of the features on it so I will probably be using it in the point and shoot mode.

After seeing these shots, I am pleased to have it confirmed that it's worthwhile investing in a decent camera. I've been using an elderly digicam that was state of the art when I bought it - with a whole 2 Megapixels. I never did get that one to produce a really good photo. Always blurry and in need of doctoring before printing. My first efforts with the Nikon have been great. Can't wait to use it in earnest on some nice boats to post here.

By all means, do put up your rowing calendar here if you like. I will try to get over to see her one day myself, preferably from the seaward side. I am not volunteering to row her, though. Looks like a lot of fun but would probably do me in. Ha ha.

Best wishes