The adventures of the folkboat Shoestring

Arguing with the system!

2009-10-22T20:44:00.000+01:00

Hello, updating the blog after we had trouble accessing it. Sadly I think we have lost all our images! I'm sure we will get them back on soon!

Sorry.

Now on facebook!

2009-04-28T20:19:00.001+01:00

We've set up a page on Facebook for Shoestring: Come and join us here!

Sailing updates!

2009-04-25T15:51:00.004+01:00

Caught up reef lines are rare but a pain to free without lowering the main!

Sorry for lack of updates! Must try harder, especially now I've done a nice shiny new website for Shoestring!

First sail of the season went out in March. We took Michael's Mum and Dad up river to Lawrenny and back. Quite fun, fair wind and was made a bit more dramatic by a shackle on the jib giving out sending the Jig flying from the forward stay and whipping ropes behind it. -All sorted out and fixed now!

Second sail was slower but equally fun. We went out last week down river this time to Milford Haven. Wind was hardly a Force 1, so progress was mostly motor-sailing or dead slow. But we weren't in a rush so it was enjoyable to just potter along. We still managed to break a cleat behind the starboard winch, the screws had rusted away so it simply snapped off under a very light load.

A seal swimming in near the LNG terminal came over to say hello and show off that with the lack of wind he could move faster.

We turned at Milford Haven to head up river -and down wind towards the mouth of the Pembroke River, The Pennar Gut, which together with being out of the main channel of the Haven is also a nice quiet spot to anchor.

We had lunch there at anchor then with no wind at all started to head back to Neyland.

Michael "posing" at the helm. He has been told off over lack of his life jacket!

Waiting for the new season

2009-02-06T19:51:00.002Z

King is waiting for the 2009 sailing season to star, hopefully we'll get a chance to get her back up to scratch for the spring and summer.

Restoring the boards

2009-01-26T16:10:00.000Z

We took Shoestring's floor home with us just after Christmas so it could be stripped back and restored. The varnish had been re-painted several times and was looking a bit tired.

Luckily to help with this, we found an orbital sander in Tescos for £7.80, it did a great job! The floor looks like new, just the varnish to add before we re-fit it.

Next it is time to tackle the cockpit restoration and cabin sides!

National Small Boat Register

2009-01-04T08:44:00.004Z

The Ntional Maritime Museum Cornwall has launched it's new database which it has been developing over the last few years. This is a register of all those boats (under 40ft LOA) which deserve to be preserved by individuals, organisations, trusts or museums.

Our very own Shoestring has been added to list as an example of a traditional family cruiser with local history. Her NSBR Registration Number is 1508.

The National Small Boat Register is a fascinating read, you can search for many small interesting vessels and learn a bit about them, it also offers a great way to ensure these smaller boats are saved for future generations.

You access the NMMC database here

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T00:01:00.003Z

In 2009, two Irish cobblers, saw Shoestring on the stand at the London Boat Show, and purchased her. She was in commission around Kilmore Quay in Ireland from 1970 onwards, once her tour as the showboat had finished.

So now 40 years later, she's still in use, and gathered a following of previous owners, adults and children who have learned to sail on her.

So happy new year from Shoestring, the best little ship in the sea.

Shoestring: Bits and bobs all over the place.

2008-12-18T23:41:00.004Z

Well, Winter season well and truly upon us, I've still not sailed since September!

So far maintenance has included:

Scrubbing all the interior surfaces of mould from poor ventilation
Cleaning all the sails & putting them in our loft to dry out
Removing all soft furnishings
Top up oil in the Engine
Check over hull and sides
Repair two more leaks in the roof!
Strip and re-assemble the Taylors cooker
Move the chart-plotter above deck (on a removable mounting)
Remove the spray-hood (I've decided for now it looks better without)

She still needs her underside scrubbed and anti-fouled, but I am going to wait until the spring for that, possibly summer, and also arrange an engine service. Two new jib sheets will be on the shopping list too.

Sadly I think our Genoa has had it, the lock-pins seem to have ceased up completely, I'll take it along to a sail-makers for advice when I get paid next.

I'm planning on a day-trip out over Christmas, i'll let you know how it goes.

Bit slow on updates!

2008-12-18T23:34:00.003Z

Sorry not done much sailing or maintenance recently! I've been hectic with work! Have a look over the archives from this year, (menu on the right), or visit my personal site: www.tony-malone.com, while I get this blog ready for the 2009 season.

A new boom tent

2008-10-08T22:21:00.000+01:00

Bit of a clumsy design sketch. (I should hide the fact I am a professional designer!), but after improvising a bit over the summer and as we've got a new sprayhood being made up I've just asked for a boom-tent to be made up for us that will fit around our lazy-jacks.

Blooming expensive this yachting lark!

This Thursday...

2008-09-30T09:00:00.000+01:00

We start our move down to wales. Hopefully finishing on Sunday morning in time for a day sail. As we mentioned before we're moving to Pembrokeshire part-time, after simply deciding it is a wonderful place. (And we get more use out of Shoestring) The photo above is of the view from the livingroom window and below is looking up the garden at the Cow Shed. All getting very excited now!

Great new website

2008-09-28T18:44:00.002+01:00

I can't remember where I found this site, but I've got hooked in a slightly geeky way to watching shipping traffic around the UK coast.

It is an online AIS repeater, showing the movements of ships carrying AIS transmitters.

In absence of the funds to buy an AIS radar for Shoestring just yet, I'll see how this works on the Milford Haven on my laptop as a yard-stick test.

Have a look at www.shipais.com

Grumpy skippers

2008-09-24T22:47:00.003+01:00

I've finally got around to watching Three Men in Another Boat, starring Griff Rhys Jones, Dara O'Brian and Rory McGrath.

Its a great comedy-documentary about their adventure on Griff's classic yacht, Undina. as it sails from London to Cowes to join, Jospehine, Undina's sister ship.

As I watched Griff explaining nautical terms and sailing conventions to his inexperienced crew I saw many similarities in how I had been this summer with my 'new' crew.

'No, not like that', 'Yes I CAN see that big ship', 'Mind that BOUY!' and many other such essential Skipper shouting phrases that I realise Griff and I have in common.

Grumpy and stressed skippers aside, there was lots of lovely sailing sequences an amusing fly-by from the Dover Coastguard and a good look over what Griff's lovely yacht can do.

Undina is 'almost' lovely enough to turn my head from Shoestring, MW found it rather funny when Dara, comparing Undina to a newer Beneteau, said how cramped she was, if he'd only ever been on a wooden folkboat, Undia would have looked like a palace!

I have to agree with Griff's sentiment. 'Proper boats' are made from wood, the new ones with bathrooms, double cabins and kitchens are more like 'plastic shower cubicles with a pole attached'. -But still, all yachts are lovely!

You ca still catch Three Men in Another Boat on BBC iplayer for a few days.

Lack of news...

2008-09-17T11:06:00.002+01:00

Mum in the forepeak, note the new Solva Pottery mugs. :0)

Since our last trip down to Shoestring, at the end of August, i've simply not had time to post any entries! Sorry!

We had a quick weekend away, with Mum and Shaun. Got in a good 1/2 day sail, and then explored more of Pembrokeshire. Shaun loved his surfing lesson with me on Broad Haven.

Still more leaks popping up in Shoestring's cabin roof... I may take drastic measures and epoxy everything!

Oddly, after our last post on feeling like 'Semi-Locals', and odder still since nearly a month has past from our last visit. Everything is going to change!

From the 1st October we're moving to Pembrokeshire! We're renting a wonderful converted barn in the Preseli mountains, only a half hour drive from Shoestring!

This also means that we'll be also living in London, as we both have work commitments, so our aim is to have a one week in London and one week in Pembrokeshire basis.

While in Wales, MW will be working on his handmade bicycle wheels -www.michael-ward.net and i'll be continuing to develop my design projects.

It also means we can fit more sailing in!

Semi-locals ?

2008-08-22T03:23:00.000+01:00

I always felt pangs of dread as I left Pembrokeshire to return to London. That dread that it was back to day-to-day London life...

While away Ju90 commented that we were not 'tourists' but Semi-locals... now thats a nice idea, and quite true. We've been and will be down there so much that it makes sense for us to think of ourselves as semi-locals. After all, we have an address, a 'floating' cottage, friends and genuine love of the area.

Being a part-time local gives us a sense of belonging and not just visiting. In fact having Shoestring then becomes just like a second home, albeit a small wooden one that leaks in from the roof the rain. So no need to find excuses to go 'away for the weekend' it is simply 'working from home for the week'.

Not quite sure what this wittering on is about either. But anyway it made me feel better. :0)

Historic logs

2008-08-18T05:22:00.000+01:00

Thanks to Hannah Robinson and her mother Maggie for the kind extracts from the log-book of Mr H.J. Robinson -a former Shoestring co-owner with Dr Ellis.

Posted below are a couple of entries from the log-book, you may need to click on them to enlarge them to read.

May 15, 1983

Welsh Cakes!

2008-08-14T09:02:00.000+01:00

On our second trip to Wales I found this delicacy in Morrisons of all places. Now I realise they are available all over wales by many large bakery brands.

I have to say the best ones we've found have always been fresh ones from smaller bakeries, in particular the bakery on the corner of 'Y Welsh' and 'Ropewalk' in Fishgaurd have the most amazing ones we've tasted.

Welshcakes are small round cakes a bit like scones and eaten with or without jam or butter, we prefer without.

We now find ourselves bringing back a few boxes of them each time we return from wales for friends and family.

I've included a quick recipe from the BBC website below incase anyone feels like having a go.

Ingredients
225g/8oz self-raising flour, sieved
110g/4oz (preferably Welsh) salted butter
1 egg
handful of sultanas
milk, if needed
85g/3oz caster sugar
extra butter, for greasing

Method
1. Rub the fat into the sieved flour to make breadcrumbs. Add the sugar, dried fruit and then the egg. Mix to combine, then form a ball of dough, using a splash of milk if needed.
2. Roll out the pastry until it is a 5mm/¼in thick and cut into rounds with a 7.5-10cm/3-4in fluted cutter.
3. You now need a bakestone or a heavy iron griddle. Rub it with butter and wipe the excess away. Put it on to a direct heat and wait until it heats up, place the Welsh cakes on the griddle, turning once. They need about 2-3 minutes each side. Each side needs to be caramel brown before turning although some people I know like them almost burnt.
4. Remove from the pan and dust with caster sugar while still warm. Some people leave out the dried fruit, and split them when cool and sandwich them together with jam.

The last trip out: Over night at Lawrenny Yacht Station

2008-08-12T15:30:00.001+01:00

Shoestring moored up to her buoy for the night

We had our last night in Pembrokeshire, (due both to The Rum Situation and work demands). We left our moorings in Neyland at 11am just before the high-tide, and went out for a sail. Initially we were going to sail up to Angle Bay and then turn back up river to Lawrenny, but the wind and tide was against us, so we sailed as far as the entrance to the Pembroke River and castle pond, then turned to sail up river towards the Cleddau bridge.

After pottering around under sail, Michael had a go at the helm under sail, this time without hitting any buoys, King slept as usually. We realised how much the time flies while we're sailing as four o'clock came round we turned back with hardly any wind -we even tried motor-sailing to speed up things, and headed back from Picton Point towards Lawrenny.

Michael (and new hat) at the helm.
(Shoestring is in need of a new mainsheet traveler!)

The Lawrenny yacht station is a wonderful location, but popular, we managed to get a last minute visitors buoy by calling in advance. -£10 for buoy B28 on the edge of the Cleddau and the Cresswell river mouth, a beautiful spot as you can see but requiring a bit of a paddle to get to the Yacht Station's pontoon -King's first trip in the Sevylor Canoe! (link to the review), needless to say he was nervous but very trusting and eventually enjoyed it.

Thankfully our charts are a bit more up-to-date, but you get the idea.

Once ashore we realised that the wallet was still on the dashboard of the car at Neyland! A quick, but expensive (£60) return trip in a mini-cab solved this. We didn't go in but the Lawrenny Arms pub on the old quayside has been recommended to us many times.

Me(Tony) off out in the canoe.

We rowed back to Shoestring in the canoe, after having a bit of fun trying to get King into the canoe over the edge of the pontoon. -Thankfully he had his lifejacket on so he was easier to carry. -Or at least aim and throw as it must have looked like to the people watching with great humor in surrounding yachts.

After dinner on board we had an amazing sunset at Lawrenny, we sat on the fore-deck in our woolly jumpers with a scotch and coke (YES NO RUM) and watched the still water reflecting the light from around. Then complaining as a motorboat user, just after sunset decided to show off water-skiing skills with no navigation lights and making lots of noise and lots of wash. Thankfully this ended after twenty minutes or so.

Sunset at Lawrenny, looking up the Cleddau river.

We settled in for the night, noting that Shoestring didn't move that much more than she did in the Marina. I was in the double bunk up front and had to have the forward hatch open for a while longer to look at the amazing star-fields you get in the very low light pollution skies.

Shoestring's bow, with No.1 job awaiting a tie-down for the night.

Come morning all had changed. Rain, and I mean RAIN, was falling, Shoestring's cabin roof leaked again, this time in 1 new spot too! We had a quick breakfast of toasted muffins and jam then decided to return to Neyland under engine. -Wearing every waterproof garment we had.

King relaxing on his bunk (again)

Safely docked at Neyland about 2 hours later, we both wished we had spent the night out there before in our trip. We decided to leave Shoestring at Neyland during the wet stormy weather, and drive back to Lawrenny for lunch at the (award winning) Quayside Tea Rooms, where we had a very reasonably priced lunch that was one of the best we'd had on our trip.

One of our best shots from the evening. (Before the storm hit!)

We can't wait to take Shoestring back to Lawrenny. Perhaps next time exploring by Canoe further up to Cresswell Quay (the water is too shallow for Shoestring) where there is another great pub which has the best hog roast and BBQ in Pembrokeshire on a friday night apparently. We'll investigate and report back!

Link to Lawrenny Yacht Station

Made in Solva

2008-08-11T22:22:00.005+01:00

I have to confess, for the last six months with Shoestring we've used Sainsburys Basics blue mugs... Shocking I know.

We've been on the lookout for some nice handmade mugs for ages, we both love craftsmanship in all forms, as reflected in our day jobs, and of course, having a wooden yacht.

On a visit to Solva last week we found the perfect mugs to compliment Shoestring's craft. At £9 each they were not cheap, but these beautiful blue mugs were made by Bobbie Jacobs, whom we had a long conversation with on her work as she found us four of a similar size. -The mugs are thrown and spun instead of being cast. Her work is a wonderful reflection of the area with her bright blue hues and tones setting a theme in their work. You can visit the Solva Pottery page here.

Solva is a wonderful little town, accessible for 2 hours either side of high-tide, and it's quay drying completely. It has a great, dog friendly pub: The Harbour Inn, which serves great food, next door to another great café 'Number 35' where Michael enjoyed a locally caught crab salad. (Which was caught by the café's own boat).

We had a browse through the "Window on Wales" store there, both purchasing a fine pair of Wellington Boots. Then went off to visit the local Woollen Mill.

About one mile away from the harbour is the Solva Woollen Mill, another traditional crafts-place. Their workshop forms part of their retail store where visitors can literally walk up to the looms and discuss their workings with the crafts-people there.

More than a tourist attraction the mill is a working company and offers a fine variety of rugs, blankets and throws. -Their 'Skomer' pattern is particularly nice!

Sadly, the Sock-Knitting-Machine pictured above was out of order. But made me want a Sock-Knitting-Machine of my own nonetheless.
The Woollen Mill is currently raising funds to restore its water-mill workings, some of which can be seen turning both outside and inside in the tea room area.

We've still to explore the quayside and harbour area fully, but can definitely recommend the town to visitors by car or sea. -We've not tried yet but previous owners have managed to dry Shoestring out alongside the quay wall there.

Last night at Lawrenny

2008-08-09T23:57:00.001+01:00

We spent last night moored up river at Lawrenny Yacht Station. Just a quick entry this one, until I get a chance to post fully.

The Rum situation

2008-08-09T20:00:00.001+01:00

"Running out of Rum!"

Michael just commented on our rum supply status... This must mean its nearly time to go home... :0(

If you want to keep us here, please post bottles of Rum to:

Michael & Tony, Yacht Shoestring C/o Neyland Marina, Brunel Quay, Neyland, Pembrokeshire.

Well it's worth a try!

King and friends

2008-08-07T10:00:00.000+01:00

As he seems to be the most popular crew member here's some shots of King's holiday with us in Pembrokeshire.

Broad Haven beach is still one his favorite places to look at things.

King's friend, Genie (Ju's dog) was slowly sinking into her bouyancy-aid to avoid helping with sailing.

King's favorite place while sailing in asleep on his bunk. -You may note he needs a whole bunk to himself! He does sometimes stick his head out of the companionway to check we're still there, or to complain when we change tack and heel over the other way.

PHOTOGRAPHS!

2008-08-06T20:08:00.003+01:00

Thanks to a 97pence camera card to CD service I can upload few photographs for you all. Above is Shoestring in light winds near Lawrenny. (I've now fixed the slipping boom vang.)

Here's me at the helm, this is a bit past Castle Reach on the River Cleddau, No2 Jib raised on the bow, I'll be testing the Genoa tomorrow!

Here's Julie and myself at the helm under engines after a sudden summer storm blew us all over the place. Michael was in the cabin making tea, while Ju watched. -I think this is just past Picton Point on the Cleddau.

I'll upload a few more photographs over the next few days.

Ju90 on Shoestring

2008-08-05T21:08:00.005+01:00

Last saturday we sailed out to Dale for lunch, anchoring up in great weather, we had two friends; Ju(aka ju90) and Julie with their pet Westie, Genie. I asked Ju to write a guest entry in Shoestring's log book, I've typed it up here for your reading.

Ju90 + Genie (Westie-terrier) + julie (with no cats).

Arrived 9.15. Boys arrived 9.45 -off buying more booze + a hat. Fortunately Ju had finally worked out how to get into marina loo.

Visitors denied coffee on grounds of tide + tardiness -Offered 12 diet cokes instead. Turned out the boys had not washed up, so no mugs available.

Michael looked great in the hat.

Set off to see industrial glories of West Wales from the water under motor. Tony worried about Irish Ferry, but in event had no problems spotting it. Genie eventually agreed to go into cabin, but displayed 'breed standard' of animosity eyes throughout voyage. King perfect gentleman + lived up to his breed standard by dozing all day, (mostly) trusting the boys to keep him safe.

By lunchtime in Dale, had all turned into Capn-Birdseye... a situation not improved by G+Ts/Rum and diet coke. Boys finally washed up b4 setting sail (yes really) for marina.

Perfect conditions – wind+tide both heading straight for the marina -meant we sailed back at twice the speed of the outgoing trip, sails setting perfectly + boys beaming proudly. J+J competed with each other to photograph bouys + occasionally the boys. Genie looked to see if there was any place to hide before huddling into her bouyancy-aid + shutting her eyes until berthed, after which she cheered up slightly, helped by Michael feeding her posh dog biscuits.

Michael dropped his sunglasses into the marina as he tied up -as crew he inevitably works twice as hard as the helm -but otherwise it was the perfect day.

Ju90.02.08.08

You can visit Ju's website here.

I'll be posting my 'record' of our trip to dale, once I get back and get my camera lead! We're still at Shoestring, and the weather is still wet! She's currently covered in tarp thanks to a new leak in the roof!

The wrong lead!

2008-07-30T22:05:00.003+01:00

I was just sitting down here, under our improvised boom canopy, (a tarp sheet with off cuts of rope), Rum and coke in hand, (Havana Club of course!), and thought, i'll put those great photos of us sailing, the sails up, the beautiful views of the upper reaches of the River Cleddau, of Shoestring heeling gracefully under canvas...

Got the laptop ready, got the camera out, then realised I had the wrong camera lead in my bag so can't connect the blasted thing!

I'll call into Mum tomorrow and ask her to post me a spare one... THEN i'll say how great our sailing went until we hit a sudden Force 7 with wind and hail! All fine, Julie and myself at the helm with sails down, motor on and a cup of tea in hand.

But i'll wait until I can download the photos!

Sailing!

2008-07-30T15:12:00.002+01:00

Just to say hello from sunny-wet-sunny-WINDY-sunny-wet Pembrokeshire.

Now have wifi internet working aboard so will blog more later. 2 very successful day trips out sailing under our belt, and all technical problems fixed!

Photos on their way soon!

Drinks Cabinet: Havana Club Rum

2008-07-25T13:46:00.001+01:00

My favorite! It's the best rum I've tested so far. I'd say Goslings and Appleton estate come in a close second, but each of those are "in the mood for..." drinks, where as Havana is simply an anytime rum. -Except while working or driving. Well maybe while working.

Havana Club is a brand of rum, made in Santa Cruz del Norte, Cuba. The brand was established by José Arechabala in 1878. After the Cuban Revolution of 1959, the distillery and company was nationalized by the Cuban government.

Today it is still 50% owned by the Cuban government and exported by Pernod.

It's flavour is nothing like the chemical tones of a Captain Morgans. It's got a nice spice and caramel taste, which when mixed with coke does not over-power and retains it's nice light flavour.

This one I actually have two bottles of onboard, one in the drinks cabinet, and the other hiding in the bilge -for after any visitors have cleared us out. -Thats becoming a bit frequent actually, but it's always in good company so doesn't matter.

I'm going to have to try some other drinks over the next few weeks, maybe a Gin or Scotch. We're also real-ale fan's but fitting an ale-tank and tap on board maybe a bit too far... or is it?

-----
Bit more expensive this one, usually around £16.99 a bottle, available almost anywhere.

Tideway sailing

2008-07-24T22:27:00.003+01:00

Last Sunday we met with Ju and Julie for an afternoon of dinghy sailing at Surrey Quays' Tideway Sail-ability center. Its a small and very welcoming sailing club with an emphasis on sailing with disabled people.

Out for fun on the dinghys was Shaun (helm), Michael (1st mate), Anne (new crew) and Myself (Skipper), together with Ju and Julie who are members of the club. King and Mum came along to watch. -King as always busied himself being a celebrity and demanding attention from everyone.

My experience in dinghy sailing was limited to my first sailing lessons in toppers, so 'down-sizing' looked like a fun option. Their boats are designed to be sailed with everything in reach and a joy-stick helm. -Being used to a Tiller it confused me completely.

After we had an initial talk through the sail controls and a quick sail-bending session, we were let loose. Within meters from leaving the pontoon we came from quite blustery to no wind at all. Sailing was reduced to snail pace. I did manage to heal once though, briefly.

Anne and I was challenged by Julie to a race around the buoys. After accepting, in very minimal wind, I waited a few minutes and then said "Let me know when you want to start". About ten minutes later we had drifted our first lap. Pleased to report we won, it was close and took a good half hour to get back to the pontoon, 50meters away.

After sailing we all headed off to a post-sail-pint at the Wibbly-Wobbly-Bar further down on Greenland Dock. -Great food, and even King was welcomed; he fell asleep in the middle of the floor.

Friday night, (tomorrow), we're off for two weeks at Shoestring to get some SAILING done on her, Ju and Julie are coming down for a week, so we'll show them some REAL sailing... hopefully, weather reports say 1mph winds! I'll try to post some articles on here later once we've got ourselves sorted at the Marina's wifi.

Finished! -well almost!

2008-07-15T14:52:00.001+01:00

At last! We've finished the re-painting... all right there is some varnishing to do on the newly stripped hatches, some woodwork to do on the cockpit and of course we have one side deck that needs the caulking finishing.... but it's 99.9% done!

We went down Thursday night, after a long drive arriving at Neyland at 4am! King and MW unpacked while I made sure the yacht was warm and beds were made.

Friday we had a bit of a relax, going out to Solva for lunch in the car, then a run on Broad Haven beach for King. -We bought him a pet life jacket from Mrs Hayne's at the Brunnel Chandlery. Then relaxed for the night.

Saturday was up early to finish painting. Port, starboard and aft decks now done, cabin roof and fore-deck re-painted for a bit extra protection and the hatches in the front and rear decks were stripped then coated in dark silkens varnish. I've also installed two moisture traps to reduce condensation while we're away, i'll let you know how that goes.

We finished the work off on Sunday morning, before driving down to Dale for a pub lunch and local ale.

Sunday after noon also saw a welcome visitor saying hello from the Yacht Omega, also moored at Neyland, and readers of this blog. -Hello!

We've bought the materials to strip and re-varnish the cockpit at somepoint, but all that can wait until we've done some sailing! Two weeks time we're down for two weeks holiday!

I did bring a camera with me but of course forgot to take any photos of the finished look -i'll get these next time. - We now have wifi aboard from OceanWave.

Just as we were packing two disasters hit, King cut his leg -now healing well, and the bilge pump electrics decided to drop out. I think the second battery is either fused internally or VERY flat for some reason, so I'm chancing no pumps for two weeks until we get there to sort it out!

The greatest ship on the sea.

2008-06-25T09:48:00.000+01:00

Shoestring at Anchor outside Dunmore East harbour from Dominic

Since starting this site I've had some lovely emails from previous owners of Shoestring. Dominic whom I purchased her from sent me some photos and instructions on various aspects, and now reads this blog to check on her progress.

I've also had emails from Dr Ellis, who co-ownder her in 1980s with Dr Robinson, who's wife and daughter have been kind enough to send me some photocopies of her old ships logs.

Recently I've had Colin and Martin Hunt email in with stories of their exploits sailing on Shoestring and how much they admired her and are glad to see her still going.

Fortunately everyone approves of the new colour scheme and restoration work. -Note to all, still have the traditional Shoestring leaks in cabin roof! (Right above my bunk!)

It's great to get emails in from people whom sailed on her or owned her. Its something you don't get with a new yacht. There must be hundreds of little ships like Shoestring with their own histories and stories. Its probably my imagination but being a wooden yacht, and a Folkboat for that matter does lend itself to the belief that she's more unique than other boats.

Thank you to everyone that emailed in with your photos and stories. Please do keep in touch and please email more photographs if you have some. -I'll have to organise a 'get-together' cruise.

Best, Tony.

Last weekend

2008-06-24T15:07:00.001+01:00

After too many work commitments got in the way we missed entering the Seafair! -I'll wait till the 2010 one now.

MW was working so I took the 'relief' crew. Amy and Nick. I also took King along as first dog. He loved the yacht, water, swans and generally anything that moved!

We arrived Friday evening to a warm-ish night, Amy and I made a point of finishing off a bottle of Sailor Jerry's that was in the cabinet. I also hooked up the battery chargers to the mains with our new cables.

Amy spoiling King.

Saturday morning we woke to rain and mist. We drove off to Dale for breakfast and then took King to his first time at the beach. He loved it! Trying to run and kick around, eventually pulling me into the sea with him.

Nick inspecting the ship

Nick arrived later on Saturday with his friend, we had dinner in Milford Haven then bed. Sunday, great weather; a quick look around the seafair, taking King to Broad Haven beach again, then the drive home.

King taking me for a paddle at Broad Haven beach.

A nice weekend really! -Still need to finish the painting and re-fitting but never mind there's always another weekend!

King joins the crew!

2008-06-08T11:00:00.001+01:00

Meet King, the newest and friendliest member of Shoestring's crew!

King is a retired racing Greyhound from the Romford Trust for Retired Greyhounds, a division of the National Retired Greyhound Trust. He was well looked after and raced under the name of Bowmers King from 2001 until October 2007. He'll be visiting the yacht soon with his bed in tow to place between the cabin bunks on the floor, and during day time sailing he'll be keeping lookout in the cockpit. (Or sleeping on a bunk.)

The short video above is of a race at Walthamstow dog-track, King, (then Bowmers King) finished 4th in the race, and he is the one wearing a red coat with a number 1 on it. Despite coming fifth here, he won many races in first and second place in his long racing career. After spending more time racing than most other dogs this in no way affects his performance as a domestic pet, except he just wants to play and sleep all day! . Greyhounds make wonderful pets and apart from two to three long walks they mostly sleep all day.

If you are looking for a new dog at anytime, a greyhound may well be worth considering. There are many excellent books available together with a wealth of information on the internet.

Pirates and cakes: last weekend in Wales

2008-05-29T00:30:00.000+01:00

There be Pirates here!

We (Mum, Shaun. their pet dog, Coco and Myself) got down to Neyland last Friday morning at 4am, Shaun had not slept the whole way so was tired and grumpy. Nonetheless we decided to take Shoestring out on the morning high-tide.

Coco liked relaxing in the cockpit.

We untied and left her moorings very easily, edging out of the marina slowly, rounding the sharp bend at the entrance. Around this time the speed Log decided to give up and continually display 0Knots for the remainder of the trip... something else to fix...

We took her up river to Lawrenny under engine and a stuck mainsail -the batons got jammed in the lazy jack lines and refused to budge so we carried on. It was Shaun's first trip out on the yacht and at only five years old he took it very well getting quite excited and wanting to help with everything. Coco tied on her lead down below slept most of the time.

Shaun at the helm

Shaun proved to be a natural at steering and helm control as we passed quietly up river. We turned around and came back in after an hour so as not to get caught out by the tidal sill.

Docking was more fun, this time whacking the bow on the side of the pontoon, but no damage done.

This was before Shaun fell in after getting out the Canoe.

The rest of Friday was spent at the marina, where we had Lunch at the Brunel Café and took Shaun out for a paddle in the canoe tender, with other yacht owners asking where we got it and how we found it. We also drove out to Dale for lunch at a cafe there over looking the bay.

Paddling in the new Hudson canoe 'tender'

Saturday was spent driving in the car exploring Pembrokeshire a little, with nice warm weather on our side we went to Fishguard, a lovely little town where I picked up a 'Welsh Wool Jumper' and bought Shaun a model sailing yacht. Mum found a bakery where they had just made a fresh batch of welsh cakes, -they are much better when warm and fresh!

Fishguard lower harbour

We decided to explore nearby Solva, another little harbour, and former finishing village, now a bit of a tourist trap, but still a charming colourful village with brightly coloured buildings. One of the most senic places I've been I think.

Solva at low-tide.

Driving back to Shoestring, we also discovered Newgale Beach, a wonderful long expanse of sand with amazing views of Skomer and Ramsey islands.

Sunday and Monday the weather turned nasty, with wind, rain and cold hitting in from the North East.

We left for the LONG drive home, as always I don't like leaving Shoestring, and can't wait to get back, both to finish the refurbishment works on the deck, and to also get her out for a sail!!!

Drinks Cabinet: Appleton estate rum V/X

2008-05-27T23:17:00.005+01:00

Back to the Rum again... The bottle makes this one appealing from the start. I tried this with diet coke an hour ago, and I'm on the third glass already! It's great, very different from my other favorite, Havana Club, this has a more sugary taste.

It also seems a little stronger than other rums, but not as a distraction from the flavour. Much more deeply spiced than others we have tested but without the chemical taste that effects some of the other supermarket rums such as Captain Morgans. It actually makes me want to buy another bottle of Goslings rum as a comparison. -Thats a good excuse. Plus, I am testing this one at home, and as everyone knows all rums taste better sitting under the stars in the cockpit of a yacht at anchor, so i'll have to test them all over again...

I'll stop now or be accused of running a 'Folkboats and Rum' website again, which is probably true. So I'll leave the last words to Sainsburys who have a nice little editorial about Appleton Estate on their website:

Appleton Estate has been producing Jamaican rum since 1749. Located in the Nassau Valley, the estate sits in the valley’s fertile fields in the parish of St. Elizabeth, where the valley gets afternoon rain together with warm sunshine, providing the optimum conditions for growing sugar cane.

Sugar cane’s thought to have originated in Papau New Guinea, and Christopher Columbus introduced it to the West Indies in 1493. Sugar cane’s a member of the ‘grass’ family and each variety results in a different rum flavour. The cane grown at the Appleton Estate tends to produce rums that have fruity and buttery notes.

Rum making on the Appleton Estate
Appleton Estate takes a handcrafted approach and uses many controls at every step of rum making, from the selection of the sugar cane, the yeast used in fermentation, its unique distillation methods, through to the ageing, hand-blending and bottling of their rum. Each step is carefully monitored to ensure consistency and quality throughout.

Fermenting
The molasses extracted from the cane are fermented for 36 hours by adding water and yeast. Appleton’s uses spring water from the estate that has been naturally filtered by limestone formations.

The fermented liquid is then distilled to strip the alcohol from the water. This stage uses either a pot still or a continuous still to heat the liquid and draw off the vapour that is then condensed back to a liquid. This resultant liquid is referred to as ‘water white’ because of its crystal clear colour.

Ageing
The rum is then aged in large wooden barrels, almost always oak, and often once-used bourbon barrels. As the rum ages in wood, the sharp flavour begins to mellow as the air permeates the oak, the space it leaves behind through evaporation is known as ‘the angels’ share’. The rum takes on colour from the barrel and this is where the flavour develops.

The art of blending
The final step in the rum-making process is the blending. This is a real art where the blender selects rums that will be used in a particular blend based on the type and style of rum that it contains, and these are blended together. A sugar cane crop, like grapes, can vary from year to year depending on the weather, so to ensure the quality and consistency of a blend, the Master Blender and her team blend all Appleton Estate rum according to a secret formula.

Full version here
www.appletonrum.com
----
Around £14.99 per bottle.

Bilge scrubbing

2008-05-27T08:00:00.000+01:00

Last time we were there was some white goop floating the bilge... I think this means that bilge scrubbing and painting may be on the way. I suspect this is a deceptively easy job, but one that I don't really fancy doing yet... I'll let you know how we get on.

Drinks Cabinet: Bells' Whiskey

2008-05-25T10:00:00.000+01:00

It's not a Rum! I hear you cry. Yes I know we're breaking with tradition here, and it is entirely the First Officer's fault.

Someone made him have whiskey a few weeks ago and he wanted more... I personally find it slightly 'smokey' tasting and have never been struck on the stuff.

Bells is a good solid brand with a good reputation, 'M' reports that it is not quite as good as the one he had a few days ago, which he can't remember the name of. Its great with coke, lemonade, water or neat.

Whiskey is a good solid nautical tipple, and found in many yachts around the world. So I really should have a bottle around on board somewhere...

You can get it almost anywhere and a 75cl bottle should cost around £10

Folkboats and Rum... updates to the links section

2008-05-23T09:49:00.002+01:00

We've added a few more links to the recommended sites page, mostly to other bloggers out there, with either Folkboats or simply great sailing blogs.

An amusing side effect of this is the descriptions made when linking to other sites, one of the new links has us down as "The adventures of Shoestring" (Folkboats and Rum).

I'd be ashamed but its true. :0)

Away the weekend

2008-05-22T16:00:00.000+01:00

I'm off to Shoestring this weekend, leaving tonight (Thursday) and returning Monday morning. If the weather is there we'll be finishing the aft-deck painting and maybe a trip up river to Lawrenny to spend Saturday night.

Michael's working on Saturday so it will be my Mum and Shaun visiting again. I'll post some photos of the trip and painting works when I get back.

Jester

2008-05-22T12:01:00.000+01:00

Perhaps the most celebrated Folkboat so far, Jester, a folkboat heavily adapted by World War II hero Blondie Hasler. Jester had a carvel-planked Folkboat hull with an unusual deck arrangement with no cockpit or companionway and a single-masted junk rig.

Jester was the test-bed for many of Hasler's ideas such as the development of windvane self-steering gear. Jester could also be steered from below decks via a whipstaff. All sail handling could be performed from a central hatch without going on deck.

Blondie Hasler sailed Jester in the 1960 and 1964 single-handed transatlantic races and in every following single-handed transatlantic race with her second owner, Michael Richey.

During the 1988 race, Jester was abandoned at sea after damage during a storm. A duplicate of the original Jester was built with cold-molded construction to continue the tradition of her participation.

There is now also the Jester Challenge, a self-supported single handed race in yachts around Jester's size and displacement. Information on the 2008 Challenge can be found on their website.

Review: Standard Horizon c180 chartplotter

2008-05-21T16:45:00.001+01:00

We purchased and installed this excellent little chart plotter on one of our first projects on Shoestring, we chose this one for three important reasons, 1) Cost, at just £314.99 it met our budget but also had more advance features such as AIS expandability and compatible with Cmap Max cartography cartridges. 2) It was easy to install and had a very clear and easy operating system, and lastly, 3) It is a good size with a not so small screen. -Perfect for a Folkboat's navigation area.

We opted for the external GPS unit, in the understanding that gaining a signal through a wooden cabin roof would be optimistic, however this was not the case, and I now get a full signal with the GPS receiver unit simply sitting on a shelf.

Using it at first is quite daunting, -to the point that at present I still accidentally put way-points in, and also struggle to delete them, but I am sure with time I can get the hang of this.

It has a very useful tracking feature and combined with the CMap Max information such as aerial photography and port information it makes a great makeshift pilot guide if needed.

On the whole a very well made quality product, one that is making me look at more Standard Horizon products in the future. Well worth the money.

Folkboats sailing in Christchurch Bay, UK

2008-05-20T05:00:00.000+01:00

I came across this on YouTube, some great action shots of Folkboats racing in South England.

Sevylor Hudson KCC360: Our new yacht tender.

2008-05-19T08:30:00.000+01:00

After spending literally weeks looking at yacht tenders, dingies, even small optimist sailing boats we could use a yacht tender, we eventually settled on the Sevylor Hudson KCC360, an inflatable canoe.

The reasons for this are simple:

Easier to handle under paddle/oar than a tender
We both have experience of kayaking and canoing
Stability, as opposed to a normal tender, this design offer a lot more stability in rougher weather.
We can use it for a different water sport while away from the yacht.

Coming from a background of canoing with plastic hard hull kayaks I was resistant to the idea of an inflatable hull, but considering this as a yacht tender inflatables are really the standard, we went to Decathlon in Surrey Quays, London as our past experience there was generally good. After looking at options this model impressed me, not just for overall size and solidity but also for its folded size.

We bought it was a package paying £319.99 for the canoe and a buy one get one free on a set of collapsible paddles and two buoyancy aids. Bringing the total to £475, an extra £40 on the alternative on a 'conventional' yacht tender. Plus an additional £4.96 for a foot pump.

I got home and opened the box, included with the canoe is a good quality storage bag, repair kit, and pressure gauge. Fully inflated it is just over 5 meters long and around one meter wide. It is capable of seating three adults comfortably in the fitted chairs with back-rests. With one or two passengers it has ample storage space for any provisions or cargo. They even sell an out-board bracket as an optional extra if we wanted.

Getting in and out, from pontoon or yacht is quite simple and stable in the marina, we're yet to try it in rougher seas and waves, but I don't anticipate any problems.

Underway I was surprised by the speed and maneuvering, for a large canoe it handles very light and with two paddlers we easily managed a good 5-6 knots down stream. We're still experimenting with paddling techniques, the maker's recommendation is for two kayak paddles, but we also found using half paddles as oars very reasonable and efficient.

Overall we're both quite pleased with the purchase, and will see how we get on with it this year, i'll be adding "T/O Shoestring" (Tender Of..) in vinyl soon.

What I like most is we're also using it away from the yacht, with short canoe trips on the River Medway at Upnor or picnics along the Regent's Canal in London. I'll post some more images here as we get them, together with any more notes on using these as yacht tenders.

Where did the site go?

2008-05-18T22:19:00.002+01:00

Seem to have had a glitch somewhere that knocked the site out for most of Sunday!

Sorry about that, no idea what went wrong, hopefully it won't happen again!

Book review: To the Baltic with Bob by Griff Rhys Jones

2008-05-17T14:30:00.000+01:00

One of 'those' books that you pick up and can't put down. I like Griff Rhys Jones as a Television presenter, his series Restoration was fabulous and despite missing it myself his 2 part 'Three Men in Another Boat' television documentary featuring his classic yacht, Undina, i'm told is quite good.

As an author I feel he sometimes lacks a bit of atmosphere, but makes up for it in comedy. To the Baltic with Bob is a story of a real voyage in 2003 just after the near completion of Undina's overhaul (minus the chrome). It follow his crew's mood, attitude and sense through out the trip exploring both how to handle a (small?) 45ft yacht, shipping channels, landfalls and foreigners while trying to keep everybody, if not happy then at least amicable.

The book is available in hard or paperback. A recommended read for either crews with awkward Skippers, or Skippers with awkward crews.

Planning for the Isles of Scilly

2008-05-16T09:55:00.002+01:00

On the 11th August, we are planning to set sail to the Isle of Scilly for our summer break. There I've said it publicly, no going back now!

I've always been fascinated by these islands, not just with the romantic scenery but also the challenges presented in getting there. We stayed near Mousehole and Penzance last year on a camping holiday, and seeing the pretty boats in harbour and the Scillonian ferry leaving is where the idea for this years trip came from.

It will be a bit of a challenge, both in terms of planning, pilotage and navigation, but also in sailing, handling and anchoring. This is perhaps the longest voyage Shoestring has undertook for a while, and also the longest voyage I would have undertook as skipper.

I'll be using this site both for planning and recording of the voyage, so please keep checking back for details.

In preparation for the trip I've acquired a few extra pieces of equipment for Shoestring: a Second Anchor and rode, handheld VHF in case of emergencies and of course charts, pilot guides and other books.

Planning
The route currently looks like this:

Day 1 - Neyland to Dale anchorage
Day 2 - Dale to Lundy Island ( I may decided to skip this depending on weather)
Day 3 - Lundy to Padstow
Day 4 - Padstow to St Ives
(Possibly collecting a friend for the trip)
Day 5 - St Ives to Scilly (Hugh Town)
Day 6 to 10 - Exploring Scilly
Day 11 - Scilly to St Ives
Day 12 - St Ives to Dale (optimistic distance maybe)
Day 13 - Dale to Neyland

I'm also looking at Penzance and Mousehole as a bolt-hole in case the weather for the Scilly trip is not in our favour.

Pilot guides and charts:
Full reviews of these will follow on later entires on this site.

Imray C7, C58 and C60
A closer detailed Admiralty chart. (Still looking into this)
West country pilot, 2008, £24.99 (Amazon £17.95)
A sailors guide to the Isle of Scilly, Sent via the author direct in Scilly (thank you!)

Sea Fair, The Captain's Handbook

2008-05-15T08:32:00.000+01:00

Yesterday my copy of the Captain's Handbook for the Sea Fair arrived. It's getting nearer so ensuring the re-fitting and training on Shoestring is finished is getting more important!

In the guide is the information and details on the events being organised and also the "how, who and when" information for Skippers and also timetables and charts for the events.

Shoestring will fall into the Classic Bermudian fleet. Below is the timetable for her appearances, a few are marked as Shoestring only, this is where she will need to break from the fleet for a short while to collect or drop off crew.

Wednesday 18th June

15.00 to 22.30, Opening events at Milford Haven.

Thursday 19th June

Sailing from Milford Haven to Sandy Haven.
Along Pembroke River to Pembroke.

Friday 20th June

Free day of Sail, possibly anchoring at Lawrenny overnight.

Saturday 21st June

Lawrenny to Pembroke Dock and Neyland.
Collecting visitors from Neyland Marina. (Shoestring only)
Festivities in Neyland.

Sunday 22nd June

Race from Neyland to Angle for lunchtime.
Angle to Neyland return to drop off a visitor. (Shoestring only)
Neyland to Dale and rejoin the fleet to anchor overnight.

Monday 23rd June

Race from Dale to Skomer island and back.
Anchor overnight in Dale

Tuesday 24th June

Free day of sailing, ending overnight in Milford Dock.
Afternoon and evening, Closing ceremonies at Milford Dock.

Wednedsay 25th June

Milford Dock to Neyland Marina. (Shoestring only)

A very busy, but very fun few days, if your in the area, please do say hello, Shoestring will be wearing her full ceremonial flags for the events, except the races, where hopefully she'll be speeding along.

Book review: The Folkboat Story by Dieter Loibner

2008-05-14T16:34:00.000+01:00

I saw this mentioned and referred to several times wherever Folkboats were mentioned on the internet, so decided to order a copy.

Despite the uninspiring cover, the book is fascinating, more than a good detailed history of the design and the class, but also a concise and interesting resource for Folkboat culture. With everything from the voyage of Anne Gash the grandmother who sailed around the work in her Folkboat Ilma, to the heroic Blonde Hastler and his experiments in the modified Folkboat Jester.

It slightly biased perhaps towards the Wooden Clinker built boats, nothing wrong with that, as it constructively discuss the conversion of the folkboat from wooden hulls to a glass fiber one, with an interesting commentary on the building techniques and styles.

My favorite section is on the 'lure of the Folkboat', which looks at the versatility of the yachts, and how they are used by their owners. In fact a good sentiment set by the title is that it talks as much about the people involved with Folkboats, from designers and builders to sailors, racers and owners. This is part of the key to the success of this design, it inspires safety, reliability, honesty and simplicity in sailing, which draws such a diverse cross-section of people towards it.

Full of black and white photos and illustrations and very well written, this one of those books that has a direct comparison out side of sailing, with titles such as those around 'cult motorcars such as the Mini and the Beatle. -Both designed in similar times and to similar briefs.

One amusing line is that, to be a true Folkboat you have no inboard engine and no life-rails around the edge, so thats Shoestring's pedigree gone if that is ever enforced.

In the UK Amazon.co.uk seems to be the best place to get hold of a copy of The , prices do vary but I purchased my copy for £17.95 in hardback.

The dodgers in place

2008-05-14T10:31:00.000+01:00

A few weeks ago I did a feature on here about re-painting the canvas dodgers where the name had cracked and faded over time. We decided to attach them last weekend, they'll have to come off again as we finish the painting but it already looks much better. I also attached the new life-buoy to replace the aging yellow one, moving it from the rear above the rudder off to the port-side hand rails.

Fun at low tide

2008-05-13T12:14:00.000+01:00

A quick photo of Michael pushing the trolley up the pontoon ramp at Neyland on a low-tide. Inside it is not only our tender -a post about that soon, but paddles, clothes, food, water and the like. In my defense I was carrying the camera and the dry-bag... :0)

New colours

2008-05-13T08:53:00.003+01:00

As mentioned previously we've had a few (read: too many) leaks in the decks, so we needed to re-paint the canvas decking. We decided that although the grey decks had a 'smart' look, we would lighten them up a bit with a cream, we settled on a colour called 'Cornish Cream' in the SandTex range of paints with a waterproof seal. -Although not a yacht or marine paint, it came highly recommended from many people as a canvas deck paint.

So just as a reminder, this is what the boat used to look like. We've still got the rear decks to do, the white cabin sides need repainting (keeping them white), and we are going to be stripping and varnishing the fore and rear deck hatches. We'll do this weekend after next.

I hope you all like the new colours! We feel it gives a more 'classic-wooden-yacht' feel with more exposed wood and varnish. The cabin top beam (with small forward facing window) was a last minute choice in the paint scheme but one that really sets the whole finish off I think. Please feel free to leave any comments below on the new colours.

Home again

2008-05-12T08:42:00.003+01:00

Just home from another weekend spent in Neyland. Very productive, and expect to see some photographs added later on.

We fixed on the newly re-painted dodgers, striped back some of the white paint to bare wood then vanished, then we re-painted her decks. (HUGE CHANGE!)

You'll see later on we've got a lot left to do, but a very productive weekend. We spent the whole car journey back to London (280 miles) discussing if we should move her closer to home. Except then we'll miss out on the lovely sailing area, the islands and trips to Scilly, Lundy, and North Cornwall that the Milford Haven offers.

More later.

Drinks cabinet: Lambs Navy Rum

2008-04-18T10:37:00.003+01:00

One more from the cabinet. I have to admit, I was hesitant with this one, seeing it more as "an old man's drink" so the first sip was not completely neutral.

However, I was pleasantly surprised that it tasted quite good, in fact much better than the recent bottle of Captain Morgan's we finished off last week. It has a more 'raw' flavour than some of the other Rums we've tried.

Lambs started officially in 1865 and became more visible after Alfred Lamb established his cellars alongside the river Thames in 1849, the windjammers still had to out run the pirates to deliver the precious spirit to London. On the 10th and 11th May 1941, Alfred Lamb & Son were bombed out of their London permission on Great Tower Street, White, Keeling Rum Merchants were also bombed out of theirs during the Blitz that summer. So this rum blend has proven the tests of both the Navy and the many years since it started.

Thinking ahead, this is a rum that will feature occasionally in a smaller bottle in Shoestring's cabinet, mostly I'm ashamed to say due to the 'image of the brand'. Afterall, Havana Club is far more trendy, (but a bit more expensive).

Rating: 7/10 Price: £11.99 70cl average
Available from almost everywhere

Too much work so little free time

2008-04-09T20:10:00.002+01:00

Bit quiet on here at the moment as we've all been busy with work, nevermind, give it a few weeks and i'll be vanishing off to Neyland for a weeks sailing and maintenance.

I've found some great articles on Folkboats out there on the electro-web so i'll send some links to these here soon.

Over 200 ships at the SeaFair

2008-04-01T10:29:00.004+01:00

La Recouvrance, one of several classic tall ships set to participate in the event.

MARITIME FESTIVAL PASSES KEY MILESTONE

Milford Haven Port Authority has announced that its Seafair Haven festival has now attracted the interest of over 200 traditional and classic craft, that will visit the county between 18 - 25 June.

Taking place as the major attraction in the Authority’s year-long celebration of its 50th Anniversary, the event will be unlike any other currently hosted in the UK. On-water flotillas and shore-side events will combine in a week-long event that will welcome visiting sailors and spectators from all over Europe.

Mirroring the atmosphere and success of similar maritime festivals in France, the Port Authority will play host to a variety of traditional and classic vessels, in a celebration of Pembrokeshire’s maritime heritage and famed Haven Waterway.

Highlights of the week include the visits of five Tall Ships including the Earl of Pembroke, Jeannie Johnston, Kaskelot and La Recouvrance– all of which will be offering the opportunity of sailing trips on the Haven.

Not to mention that our very Shoestring will be playing a small part in the proceedings.

A number of Waterway communities are also heavily involved in ensuring the success of the festival, with over ten host ports planning a variety of on-shore events during the week. From live music and entertainment to the sampling of traditional Pembrokeshire produce, visiting flotillas and spectators will be welcomed by villages that line the shores of the Haven.

In contrast to the traditional craft, mid-week will also see the arrival and overnight stay of boats competing in the 2008 Round Britain Offshore Power Boat Race – a spectacular high-speed event of International fame.

Click here for more details on the SeaFair.

Updates

2008-03-30T21:38:00.002+01:00

MW though the companionway (where its warm)

We've just updated some of the other pages on this site, notably the "about Shoestring" pages
with a bit more information and some technical details about the Folkboat design. You can read this page by clicking "about Shoestring" from the menu on the right.

As free as the wind?

2008-03-28T10:57:00.002Z

I was reading an article at Cruising on the Thames about the costs associated with owning an inland water-ways boat. Its interesting to compare this to our own costs for a 'coastal' boat.

Below is approximately what we currently spend a year (quite literally a shoestring budget)

For our 27(ish) ft Folkboat:

£1440 Mooring costs (8 meters)
£115 Insurance (Third party only)
£500 Servicing and repairs budget
£150 Fuel (for inboard diesel)
£1000 One off equipment (GPS, new sail, etc.)
£250 Lift out/in and anti-fouling

Total annual budget: £3,455

There are of course other costs, petrol to and from Neyland, visiting dues if we stay in another marina for harbour while cruising, books, pilot guides and charts, food and drink, clothing and other smaller costs that are hard to account for.

On the whole the largest dent in our shoestring budget is the marina, yes we could move somewhere cheaper or switch to a swing mooring somewhere, but we are simply happier to swallow the extra expense for what we get in return. (Hot showers and friendly neighbors.)

This will give us, minus petrol costs for the car (around £80 return from London to Neyland and back), a good years worth of sailing, with an average of 4-5 days each month spent with our little yacht and the odd 1 or 2 week cruise.

As we really see this as 'holiday' or enjoyment time, that £3,455 per year to keep her starts to make a lot of sense, its cheaper than the equivalent in weekends away.

But what does money matter, having a yacht like Shoestring is not a fashion statement or status symbol, its a feeling that you could sail anywhere, a sense of freedom and fun.

I would also mention the last look over your shoulder and "I love my yacht" feeling, but that would just be too smug.

Drinks cabinet: Gosling's Black Seal Rum

2008-03-27T09:00:00.001Z

As the Monty Python line goes: "And now for something completely different".

Gosling's black Seal Rum is a 'Bermuda Black Rum', which got its name from the seals that adorned its bottles after world war one.

This has perhaps the least spiced flavour of all the rums reviewed so far, but this adds to its uniqueness. I have to say it seems to be the only rum that I can drink neat, -just as a sip!

Again, we tried this with diet coke so as to allow the rum's flavour to be tasted. It has a slightly camaralised taste which comes through with both the taste and aftertaste. It does seem to have a heavier feel, as opposed to say another favorite, Havana Club, and indeed its colour is also darker.

This was the first Goslings drink we tried, and looking at their website, they also offer a Gold Rum and an Old Rum. The Gold Rum is moving on to the 'must test' list, and if it is anything as good as Black Seal, then I'll be recommending that too!

I'm going to have to watch these 'Drinks Cabinet Reviews' as a number of people who are looking at this sailing blog keep commenting to me: "All your sailing involves booze at the moment." -Is this a bad thing? (After a days sail, once we eventually get the weather!) I'll be looking forward to a rum, gin or port (or two) at anchor.

Rating: 9/10 Price: £14.99 70cl
Available from Sainsburys at £14.99
www.goslingsrum.com

Sea Fair 2008 at Milford Haven

2008-03-26T06:26:00.000Z

18-22nd June 2008
Shoestring has been invited to attend the Sea Fair 2008 at Milford Haven. Sadly 'MW' is working at the Royal Opera House that weekend, (His day-job) so I'm calling on Terry, to act as first mate and we're taking Jayne and Shaun along as crew. I'll post more about our preparation for the event, and also reviews and photographs during the event nearer the time.

Preparations have started already with a full set of 'dress colours' for the yacht ordered.

For more information:
SeaFair 2008 official website
Pages from this site about the Sea Fair

(image courtesy of SeaFair organisers.)

Re-painting the canvas dodgers

2008-03-25T13:10:00.000Z

Lettering before and after

Outside of sailing, my background trainning is actually in Design and Typography. -The study of letterforms. So from day one i've wanted to give Shoestring's name a good sorting. Feeling that the irish script was not one I would choose, but appropriate for the 'look' of a folkboat I decided to stick with it, and in true shoestring fashion, re-cycle them.

They were originally acrylic screen paint painted onto canvas, as shown, I believe the name was added afterwards to the dodgers. The problem with screen acrylic is that in direct sunlight, rain and ample soakings of seawater the acrylic will crack and water will get between these cracks peeling it from the canvas backing.

Old, faded and cracked paint.

So to replace the paint work I'm using a fabric paint, the type you might use for homemade t-shirts: Textil Plus, more details on this below.

The dodgers were originally held in place with plastic cable ties, and this is how I'll put them up afterwards, its quick and long lasting. After we took them off Shoestring, (and drove the 270 miles home) I placed them in the washing machine on a 30C rinse and spin. As the idea is not to wash off the existing acrylic but rather to rinse off salt, no detergents were added. I then let these dry off overnight giving them a gentle brushing in the morning to remove any loose acrylic specks.

Then it is simply a very time consuming, but rewarding careful freehand (or with masking tape if your feeling less brave) tracing around of the outlines of the letters. This is where a flat brush comes in handy, as you can use its shape to fit around corners and letters with less accuracy. The flexible nature and high 'glue' content of the fabric paint means that you can paint-over both canvas and the old acrylic, sealing it inside.

Once the fabric paint is dry, I found a few areas needed an extra coat of paint and touch-ups so this was done. Then leave over night again for it all to fully dry.

When dried and looking how you want it, use an old bedsheet and an ironing board, set the iron to about 2/3rd of its highest setting and then give the back of the dodgers a good iron. Don't iron the side with any paint on, but give the back of that area an extra going over. The heat from the iron evaporates any water left in the paints mixture, it also melts the paint slightly into the canvas.

Port and starboard dodgers, one nearly finished.

All done and ready to re-attach. I've got to wait a few weeks drive back down to Shoestring, so i'll be folding them carefully between the old bedsheet so no brass eyelets in the canvas or creases rub across the new paint.

There is of course one or two areas where I've slipped and put a small smudge or a wobbly line, but thats part of the charm, lovely handmade wooden yacht: hand-painted signage. For around £30 I could have the lot done in computer-cut vynil and it would look perfect, but I always think its the little imperfections in things that show a crafted item. (know one else will notice anyway.)

Materials used:
Size 6 flat rexel brush - £2.99 for a set of 6 sizes
Small 15ml jar of Textil Plus in white (link) - £3.99
Water
Clean cloth
Old bed sheet
Cable ties - 99p
(masking tape optional)
Iron

Textil colours
The Textil range of fabric paints was chosen for three reasons, 1) ease of application, 2) flexibility when dry, and 3) Its water-resistant qualities.

It is also available in the shades below, 070 White was used on our navy canvas dodgers, and in one good application and 'touch-up' overcoat the white become solid. -As there is more space I might add "www.yachtshoestring.co.uk" in a smaller type-size underneath in a different colour, but that can wait a while.

I'll post updates and photos to show the durability of textile paints when being exposed to 'sailing conditions' and salt water, hopefully all good news. Please do let us know if this has helped you at all by commenting below.

The drinks cabinet

2008-03-25T06:44:00.001Z

Just a quick photo of our now famous, but rather small, drinks cabinet and a preview of some more reviews to come.

Also coming soon, over the last weekend I removed the dodgers, (the canvas panels strapped on either side of the cockpit to keep some of the wind and spray off), not only to give them a quick freshwater wash, but also to re-paint one of the most important parts of the yacht, her name! They had got rather cracked and faded since it was first added to the canvas panels in what appears to be screen printing acrylic.

I'll be posting a full, re-painting and restoration article soon with 'how-to' details.

Neyland Yacht haven on a clear march night

2008-03-24T08:46:00.001Z

A lovely moonlit (but cold) night in our home birth at Neyland Marina on the Westfield Pill. and below in day light. -Both at low-tide

Cold and wet, but a lot of fun.

2008-03-23T20:27:00.003Z

Well, still too windy (force 6-7) to take her out for a sail, but this weekend Shoestring was host to my mum, Jayne, and my baby brother, Shaun. We arrived at 11pm Thursday night after one of the worst drives to Wales i've ever done. -We left at 4pm, and spent 2 hours in traffic on the M25.

Shaun loved being in the cockpit and 'upstairs' on deck

He also found a friend. -Who kept coming over to say hello!

Friday we walked over the Cleddau bridge into Pembroke Dock, did some shopping and returned to Shoestring. We bought some filler and sealant from Mrs Hayne's chandlery to attempt to sort some of the leaks in the roof. With temperatures not much above 3C we soon got too cold to continue, but some good progress was made. I also took the opportunity to try and do some slight alterations to her rigging, mostly around the sheets to the headsails.

Shaun, excited as ever to be on a 'Boat' at last, confused completely by what a 'yacht' is, has claimed the forepeak cabin as his 'den', allowing mummy to sleep there if she has to. We spent Friday night being blown around as a good force 7 wind from the north hit.

Saturday morning with snow fluttering around and Shaun finding it hard to keep warm, still no complaints though, we went for a coffee in the Brunel Chandlery Café then packed the car for home.

Actually sailing ?

2008-03-19T19:15:00.003Z

I'm getting restless. Its nearly the end of March and the weather is still yet to become "properly spring". We're taking my Mum and 5 year old brother, Shaun, with us to Neyland tomorrow, we'll hoping that Sunday the weather will be there to take Shoestring out for a sail... yes really with sails up and everything!

We will be back on Monday/Tuesday next week so i'll make sure that photos go up this time, no doubt with a few more stories of our adventures.

You may also notice i've added a few more links in the side bar to other sailor's websites and blogs, naturally with a Folkboat slant, but ones I think are entertaining and interesting to read. If you have time please do check them out.

Review: Decathlon 'Sports' deck shoes

2008-03-19T18:32:00.002Z

Getting comfortable shoes is a challenge these days, (middle-aged pipe smoking moment) and getting ones that you can wear while soaking wet, trying to walk at odd angles and climb over teak fittings, bits of seaweed, running water, all the while ropes and sheets are trying to trip you up at every moment.

So while looking around for some new deck shoes recently I found these in Deacthlon, priced at £24.99 they seemed like good value, and they are. While durability is still being tested they are comfortable dry out quick and provide lots of grip on Shoestring's wooden decks.

While colour options (and even sizes) maybe limited this range of deckshoes using modern materials and 'odour-free' designs seem to be good value. One word of note with all Decathlon / Triboard clothing is check sizes before you buy, sometimes they do come up a little odd.

Available from Decathlon Priced at £24.99 -Decathlon stores vary in their stock (and sometimes their prices) so be sure to call in advance.

A few site updates

2008-03-17T21:20:00.003Z

We've just tweaked the site a little, hopefully improving the layout and making it easier for you to find your way around and read all about our adventures and reviews. Just added a new image for you, not sure if I've posted this one before, it's Milford-Haven Lock again, from the 'first adventure'.

Please do email or comment with any problems or comments on the new layout.

Drinks cabinet: Captain Morgans Rum

2008-03-16T18:36:00.001Z

Another Rum I hear you cry, don't worry I'm still getting around to Gin, Port and Whiskey reviews...

Captain Morgan's rum is a another spiced rum, with a slightly lighter flavour than its competitors. -I don't count previously reviewed Sailor Jerry's among this group as Sailor's is really a different breed.

Cap'n M's is a nice drink enjoyed with Coke, had neat you may find it 'goes to your head' a little to quick. This rum has a slightly more 'spiced/fruit' flavour than say Havana Club Rum, which we'll review soon too. It can taste a little plasticy when mixed with 'full' coke, but with Diet coke the rum's own flavour come through stronger, enhancing the drink.

It has to be said that with Cap'n M's you know what you are getting, a good solid 'rum' flavour that is consistent between bottles, and widely available from almost anywhere. A good staple drinks cabinet rum, which hits the spot when needed.

Rating: 7/10 Price: £11.99 to £12.99
Available from: Almost everywhere
www.captainmorgan.com

The calm before the storm.

2008-03-14T12:15:00.001Z

Sunday:
Sunday was lovely! We got up early, checked the mooring lines -a new hobby of mine I think...

We headed over to the Brunel Café at the marina for a latté and to seek the advice of Mrs Haynes at the chandlery, (she really does know everything about yachts), on how best to go about patching up Shoestring's scratch in the woodwork. She helped us out as ever recommending various vanishes and techniques. -£40 odd pound later we left with all we needed.

We spent the afternoon working on Shoestring, after a quick trip to Haverfordwest to get some sandpaper and shopping. The car smelt awful as we realised a container of Paraffin had leaked all over the boot!

We headed back tot he Marina, and spent a sunny afternoon re-varnishing the woodwork, while MW cleaned and polished the windows and sprayhood. - I'll post a full review of the varnishes and cleaners used soon.

After all this work, and numerous mugs of tea, we went for a walk enjoying the warm weather along the Brunel cycle route, (NCN 4). The route follows along the Westfield Pill, a former creek used for ship building, and the terminus of the long closed Great Western Railway.

We saw Otters and what we think was a Bull frog, together with many ducks, swans, and a whole variety of bird life.

We walked back deciding that we'll treat ourselves to a roast dinner at the 'Bar Restaurant' at the Marina. - Very very good food, at extremely good prices: £19.50 for 2 roast beef dinners, mountains of vegetables and 2 pints of ale.

We then headed back to Shoestring to settle down...

8pm, the barometer dropped of the scale beyond 'storm'
8.15pm, the rain and wind hit...

Shoestring shook and rolled trying to drag the pontoon with her. But all held safely. As the wind got up, boats around us also rolled and shook in the force 9-10 winds. We looked out the windows as all around us the waters swelled and swept past. -We were also on spring tide, so the Spring high-tide hit the storm tide creating one hell of a current under her. -Stern onto the wind Shoestring wanted to roll around.

Despite the wind and rolling we were quite happy, that is until the dripping started. The roof started to leak, in 8 places. Unable to stay dry inside the cabin, and the bilge pump clicking on, our sleeping bags were soaked from water dripping above the bunks. We took the decision to sleep in the car, packing our waterproofs and basics for the trip across the pontoons.

We packed bits into the car, then decided to go for a walk in the exciting storm, seeing other poor yachts in the marina side onto the wind being blown around and up against the pontoons.

We headed back to the car, deciding to move it slightly away from the waters edge and slept.

Monday morning:
We woke looking at still Force 7-8 winds, and a very high tide. -We actually had to step over around 2 foot of tide and then walk UP to the pontoons. Bits of wreckage from boats and rubbish were dotted about. Shoestring remained safely on her morning waiting for us, we wiped down the interior and gave her a quick clean.

We both had to be at work tomorrow, so we packed up and headed home, despite the dreadful weather and the leaks we had a great weekend.

I'm still worried about the bilge pump packing up and her sinking from a leak in the cabin.... Oh well, just need to have faith.

Shoestring at home

2008-03-14T11:02:00.005Z

Shoestring all safely tied up in her new home at Neyland.

Book review: Sailing around the world alone by Joshua Slocum

2008-03-13T17:21:00.000Z

In my view this is the definitive "sailing adventure book". I love this book and have read it over many times, enjoying the sense of humor and honesty of the author.

From leaving pin-tacks on deck pointed up right to 'warn' of barefooted intruders at night off South America through to hallucinations and ghosts of sailors that helped him through a storm.

It is refreshing to anyone, experienced or not, that even the greats make mistakes. He is very honest and open in his writing style, capturing that sense of adventure that any 'around the world voyage' will inspire up.

His talk of his Yacht; The Spray is very interesting as he looks at her both as Skipper and builder, taking pride in her handling and usefulness.

For anyone sailing on a "Shoestring" this story is very relevant, as the book continues you realise that the really was sailing on a shoestring budget, trading and cargo carrying around the world as his voyage continued.

A throughly recommended adventure story. My copy, again a second hand edition, includes his previous adventure: The last voyage of the Liberdade, 1890, is also a great story. New editons, without the supporting story are available on Amazon, but try to get a good secon-hand copy with the additional story for anywhere between £1 to £5 from bookshops.

A spare day in Pembrokeshire

2008-03-13T17:04:00.001Z

Saturday:
Saturday morning we slept in, MW got the Taylors paraffin cooker going to make tea, while we had cereal.

We used the showers and decided what to do for the day. We ended up deciding to retrieve the car from Milford Haven, and also get a coffee from the chandlery at Neyland. -We also stopped off to say hello to Mrs Haynes at the chandlers, who was very pleased to hear we had arrived to Neyland successfully.

We got advice from the café regarding busses to Milford Haven and set off into the town. Although there are no cash-points in Neyland you can get cash-back from the Co-Operative mini-market.

The bus to Milford Haven runs hourly, and was very reasonable at £1.50 per person. We arrived after a senic and enjoyable bus ride to collect the car.

We spent the rest of the day exploring nearby Pembroke Dock. -A town on the opposite side of the Cleddau to Neyland, but as large as Milford Haven. We prefer it as it has many more useful shops.

I spent the remainder of the day testing and adjusting the lazy jacks on the mainsail, and fixing a broken halyard.

In the evening MW made homemade beef burgers with vegetables with Welsh cakes for desert.

With still no sign of the wind or rain we had a slow evening spent onboard reading and listening to the radio.

Milford Haven to Neyland under engine.

2008-03-12T17:03:00.001Z

Friday:
We arrived mid-afternoon on Friday, with warnings of gales and storms on the way over the radio. We found around 6" of water in her bilge over the week, which was solved by switching on the bilge pump!!!

We paid a whole £54.60 for a week's mooring at Milford Marina, then waited for the 16.09 freeflow through the lock to start. Knowing gales and bad weather were forecast we decided to stay under engine down to Neyland, -with mainsail on standby incase that failed.

We radioed into get an exit slot, eventually being granted permission at 16.30, another nightmare undocking from Milford. This time we got caught by a cross wind and scratched the side of Shoestring on the pontoon. -more on that later.

So off and through the lock, clearing it we caught for a little in a cross current rocking her quite a lot, but this all cleared as we passed by the Petrol terminals, and around past the Weir Spit buoy.

Suddenly all calm, light winds, no waves to speak of, and lovely sunset sky. We quite enjoyed the short 4 mile cruise, MW taking the helm most of the way while I checked position and pilot guide for the approaches to Neyland Marina.

We were very tempted to cruise on further -maybe even sail in the wonderful weather, but after the radio warnings and listening to other ships talking about oncoming storms on the VHF we decided to head into Shoestrings new home.

Instantly we felt happier, no locks, no tankers or commercial vessels, just a few tight maneuvers around the bend, and waiting for a motorcrusier to dock ahead of us.

We found our mooring, tied up and MW put the Taylors Cooker on. -He's had fun with that this weekend.

We settled down, explored the new marina and had a drink (or two). Feeling quite happy with our first 'proper' cruise.

Sadly although I brought the camera, the battery was dead. Sorry!

Drinks cabinet: Sailor Jerry Rum

2008-03-11T15:50:00.000Z

On board Shoestring we make it our effort to keep a well stocked drinks cabinet for unexpected vistors, end of a days sail or simply to have a "I NEED A DRINK" moment. -We all have them.

So starting the series we have Sailor Jerry Rum. A blend of Caribbean spiced rum with vanilla and lime. Unlike other strong rum, this goes down very smooth.

Apparently Sailor Jerry Collins 1911-79 was apparently the most famous tattoo artist of all time. He was the first to go to Japan to learn the sacred art of tattooing back in the 20s. He set up shop in Honolulu in the 30s decorating sailors with his distinctive designs.

Sailor Jerry rum is based upon Sailor Jerry's own personal recipe he used to serve his customers.

TM's mum introduced us to this one and it was well received, earning itself a place in Shoestring's cabinet. A nice drink either neat or with Coke, however we recommend mixing it with Diet Coke, fresh Lime Juice, and ice. -no lime slice or it may get too 'fruity'. Now i've wrote this review, I need to buy a bottle.

Rating: 9/10 Price: £14.99 to £19.99
Available from: Ocado, Waitrose or local off-licenses.
www.sailorjerryrum.com

Just got back

2008-03-10T17:34:00.001Z

We had a great weekend! - Shoestring's now birthed at Neyland Marina!

Sadly we had to sleep in the car last night though because of The STORMS oh well. I'll blog a proper summary later.

The cooker and the toilet

2008-03-06T19:50:00.006Z

Our Taylors 029 cooker did start off as a total nightmare but only because we were doing it all wrong!

Find the saftey cut off valve for the paraffin and open it.

Under the burner (where the gas comes out) there is a little dish where you put some meths, ours has a little soak pad type thing but yours might be different.

Don't be stingy with the meths! It needs to burn for a while for it to heat up the paraffin and turn it to gas. We found this out the hard way.

Once your ample amount of meths has burnt out, turn the cooker knob and gas should come out, if it does you can light it with a lighter. If there is no gas its not hot enough. Alternatively you can also turn the knob just before the meths is just about to die and this should light the gas. Do not turn it on too soon as the meths goes mad and you get a huge flame.

This should now be burning with a nice blue flame that can be controlled with the knob.

When you have finished with the cooker, first turn of the safety valve and let the gas burn until its all gone, then turn off the cooker knob.

I managed to make chilli, steak and veg and a cooked breakfast. It also heated the boat up lovely with just the one burner on.

The toilet was a lot less complicated. Firstly, remember to open both of the toilet sea cocks. Once you have done your business close the lid and push it so it forms a seal. Then pump fully 10 strokes, wait 5 seconds and then do another 5. Lift the lid and if there is any water left pump until it is all gone.

Off again tonight

2008-03-06T16:47:00.004Z

We're off to Pembrokeshire tonight to stay on-board and hopefully move her to Neyland Marina tomorrow morning (6am high-tide!)

So while were away here's some photos of our lovely folkboat for you to look at.

It doesn't come out too well, but the clock is engraved with 'Shoestring'

MW asks for more tea.

The (nearly finished) refit on the navigation area. -New chartplotter installed, I've retained the older Apello GPS as a back-up. We're going to put a folding chart-table in over and under this soon.
We also had a couple of visitors stop by in the Marina to say hello.
And this was while stuck in the lock for 6 hours before the now famous pirouette.

I'm taking the camera again this weekend so i'll make sure we photograph and further adventures. (and give a report of the journey from Milford Haven to Neyland.

Book review: Voyaging on a small income, by Ann Hill

2008-03-05T14:43:00.000Z

This has to be one of the best books on yachts I've ever read. Actually no, not just on yachts or sailing but something more interesting. Adventure!

The book, although at a glance slightly wordy, is very well thought through, with practical advice, (we got our Taylors Paraffin cooker going after read their cooking session). This great book covers everything from, designing and building a yacht from scratch through to useful advice on anchoring, sailing, rigging and simply surviving a day to day life of adventure.

I'd happily recomend this book to anyone, we have a copy for home and to keep onboard shoestring. It is available from Amazon.com / .co.uk but also often from many secondhand book sellers. My first copy came from Any Amount of Books, in Charring Cross road London, and cost a whole £1.50.

A new copy currently costs £9.86 on Amazon.co.uk (click here for link)

The first weekend. Featuring a pirouette in Milford lock.

2008-03-04T10:51:00.001Z

After arriving late Friday night we set loaded ourselves up and walked along the pontoons at Milford Marina to Shoestring.

Our next course of action was to get the stove on, both to heat the cabin and to make a cup of tea. Packed (or stowed) eveything and then set the front bunks up for sleeping.

Saturday morning we spent going over the yacht, checking systems, equipment and all the other associated parts that make us move, stop, turn, or simply stay still.

We checked in at the Marina to sort our mooring out for the week, then decided to test the freeflow through the port's lock to head out.

Checked over once more, hanked on the headsail, uncovered the main, made ready all sheet lines and equipment. Engines on.

We radioed out for permission to depart. Granted quickly by the Pierhead control. Then had the fun of un-docking. -Shoestring, does not like reversing under engine at all!!!

Then after rounding the marina (and missing another boat moored up opposite), we headed out through the lock.

We didn't expect the tide and current to be quite so against each other, and we had a lot of fun side onto both and being thrown around.

Wind picked up quickly, and with both an unfamiliar yacht, a 'rusty' skipper, and beginner crew, I decided to head back to port after 1/2 hour. -Also a jammed mainsail.

Radioed in for permission to re-enter the lock. Granted after a tug left, so we proceeded.

Upon entering we were told there would be a 1 and a half hour wait for the next lock, no problem.

Halfway through sluicing the lock the jammed and we were stuck there until the next freeflow at 10.30ish that night.

Moored up in the lock we spoke to the Skipper of a Dive charter moored up behind us, who seemed to like the look of the old girl. (shoestring).

After a trip to Tesco, involving a climb up a very precarious ladder from the lock pontoon, and the trip back down we made dinner, and waited until the lock opening.

At last after the an out going tug, we made ready to enter the Marina. Got permission, then left, almost... Classic schoolboy error... We let off the bow mooring line, into the wind before the stern.

A pirouette performed in lock under wind and power followed, without incident, then we headed in for a thankfully uneventful mooring on our birth.

The following day we spent sorting and servicing. We drove to Neyland Yacht Haven in the morning to use the Brunel chandlery, we met Mrs Haynes there, who was both very helpful (showing us which deck cleaners to use, and advising on charts), then we used the lovely café there for a coffee and cake.

We then drove off to Haverfordwest, for the nearest DIY store to buy more paraffin and other equipment. When we returned I fitted our new Standard Horizon Chartplotter, while MW gave her a good clean and scrub down.

We spent sunday night relaxing onboard after quite a busy day, MW cooked us Steak and vegetables on the Taylors cooker, (I believe he is going to post full instructions on this soon.), and we laid down to read and rest as a small gale blew up outside pounding the deck with rain, but stopping quickly.

Monday morning we secured all the sea cocks, isolated the battery supply, and then got ready for the journey home to London. One nice surprise was that the amazing team at BoatShed Wales, had managed (with a bit of wrangling), to get us a birth at Neyland Yacht Haven. We simply need to move her there this week.

Stuff onboard

2008-02-28T22:10:00.004Z

Im going to use the cooker and toilet lots this weekend and write here exactly how they both work as we didnt find anything that really helped online to tell us how they worked.

The cooker is a Taylors 029 and the toilet is a Lavac, I dont know the model.

Shoestring

2008-02-27T16:20:00.007Z

Shoestring's Stern, thanks to Boatshed photos.

Well the 'survey' and inspection went quite well. Both 'M' (1st Mate) and I were impressed. As to were Alan and Mike at Boatshed Wales, who could not belive that they had just seen a wooden Yacht with DUST in it's bilges.

She's a pretty little folkboat, we spent sometime on her checking equipment and testing the woodowork. She has a full set of VERY recent sails, including a spinnaker -M wants to use it, I'm a little nervous of them, much prefer a slower gentle sail.

Overall our impression of her was very positive. Minor cosmetics and cleaning, few leaks in the roof, and two lines of rigging i'll have to ask the previous owner, (who has took great care of her) what they are for.

We've got the insurance ready for the official 'handover' on Friday at 9am, but we'll need to sort the berthing out on Saturday. It seems that Milford Haven Marina can't fit us in without a month on visitors rates, and the other local marina, Neyland Yacht Haven, has quite a waiting list.

My impression is that Neyland is the better Marina, it also benefits from not having a lock to negotiate but rather a low-water sill.

We're going down to her on Friday afternoon, this time with my Mother and 5 year old brother, Shaun. Staying over night on her then sorting the berth situation Saturday morning.

We've had an expensive couple of days, new sailing jackets each, a couple of charts, and a Standard Horizon CP180 Chartplotter. -We got an excellent deal on this with Marine Scene, who offer it with a CMAP MAX mega-wide chart of the UK and Atlantic coasts for a considerable discount.

They've promised to do their best to arrange a delivery before we leave on Friday afternoon for me.

Monday!

2008-02-22T16:52:00.002Z

The other half and I are going to down to see her in Milford Dock Marina for a quick check over and finish the handover paperwork. We've been wandering around shops looking (and dreaming) of all the clothing, equipment, ropes, compasses and additions we can throw at her, remembering we can't afford it all yet!

While looking around for research we found some great articles on Folkboats such as This one, on folkboat atlantic.

The Log...

2008-02-14T10:32:00.003Z

Hello.

I'm just setting this site up at the moment, but soon we'll be posting extracts from the log book from our new (old) Yacht, Shoestring.

We're not ambitious or even overly experienced sailors, but we aim to simply have some fun sailing our 26ft (8 meter) Wooden Folkboat. Our home port for the moment is Milford Haven Marina on the Pembrokeshire coast, Wales.

Come back soon as we develop this more.

Shoestring: a traditional wooden Folkboat

2008-02-01T21:28:00.005Z

Shoestring a classic wooden Folkboat. This page is a brief overview of her technical and design abilities.

As side from her current adventures and some of those with her previous owner, Dom, not much is known to us about Shoestring's history, being an "old gal" her origins, how she come from the yard in East Germany in the 70s over to the UK is unknown.

After a bit of research we know a little more, for instance on the Irish Sea Folkboat association's website, (see links section), we know that in 1987 she won the Manx Millennium Trophy for best cruising Folkboat, skippered by H. J. Robinson & R. N. W. Ellis. Other than that her full history is only known to her.

We're told her name comes from the origional owners, two irish brothers who were cobblers, hence the name Shoestring. And was originally moored at Dunmore East harbour.

The Daughter of Mr Robinson, has been in touch, and is hopefully going to try and pass on some more details about her from those days.

Built/Launched: 1969 (estimated)
Designed: 1942
Designer: Tord Sunden, Sweden
Builders: Elkboon, East Germany
Length overall: 7.6m (26'1")
Length at Waterline: 6.0m (19'8")
Beam: 2.2m (7'3")
Draft Min: 1.0m (3'3")
Draft Max: 1.2m (3'11")
Displacement: 2,150kg (4,740.8lbs)
Sail area: 214sq ft
Rig: Bermudan
Auxilary: Beta Marine inboard diesel

Equipment:
Compass
Speed, Log
Echo sounder
DSC VHF
Apello GPS (Back up)
Standard Horizon GPS Chartplotter (Cmap Max Superwide atlantic charts)
T2000 Autopilot
Clock
Barometer
Navigation, running & anchor lights
Auto and manual bilge pumps
Cone and Ball
Drinks cabinet!

Sails:
Mainsail
Storm job
Working Jib 1 (green bag)
Working Jib 2 (red bag)
Genoa
Spinnaker (with aluminum pole)

About us: The yacht Shoestring

2008-02-01T18:18:00.007Z

Shoestring is a small wooden Folkboat based on the South Wales Coast. We sail around the Milford Haven, River Cleddau, Pembrokshire islands and coast, and sometimes as far as Lundy, Cornwall and Ireland.

This site is the story of her adventures, it is part log-book, part diary and part magazine. Together with our diary pages we'll also being throwing in reviews and information on everything that is involved in keeping our little wooden yacht afloat.

Your crew are:

TM, the Skipper.
Tony is a designer and artist. Together with running Shoestring is a designer, consultant and artist. As an expert in inclusive design he often lectures in universities and colleges around the world on the social and political implications of communication design. You can see more about his work at: www.tony-malone.com

MW, First Mate.
Michael makes sure that together with sailing well, Shoestring also looks great. Often found fiddling with ship-board projects or sampling the drinks cabinet, often at the same time. He is also a freelance Stage Manager, working at both RADA and the Royal Opera House, and when he has more free time he can be found working Witcomb Cycles hand-crafting bicycles.

Jayne, Head of Galley and the Drinks Cabinet
The mother of half the crew, Jayne makes sure that together with wearing warm coats and keeping safe, that we are also well fed and stocked with tea. -Proving that MW lights the paraffin cooker. Jayne is also the Marketing Manager for a watersports and leisure company.

Shaun, Look Out
The youngest crew member, at 5 years old, Shaun attends Gorden School in Medway and is also very keen on Rugby, Cycling, Football and Swimming. He's very happy onboard, providing he can sit on deck.

Terry, Crew and acting 1st Mate when needed.
As a professional carpenter Terry's skills often get called upon with a wooden boat, however Terry is also a keen canoeist and cyclist.

Dr Ju and Julie, Crew and Acting Skipper when needed.
Ju is probably the most experienced sailor aboard, having a lot of sailing experience with various charities such as the Tideway Centre in London. Ju joins the crew occasionally as crew or as Skipper.

Contact us

2008-02-01T17:51:00.004Z

If you would like to get in contact with us, please email us at crew@yachtshoestring.co.uk

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