rivers – Page 4 – A Broadsman

Olorenshaw & Hinde

So, back to the 1960’s – Peter Olorenshaw had disposed of ‘Corsair’ quite soon after acquiring her, and she was on the bank at Brundall. In truth, she was having an ignominious time of it.

Peter Olorenshaw is credited however with reducing the sail gear by lowering the peak slightly, and fitting an inboard engine. A Vire 6hp, with a hotch-potch arrangement of different height cockpit seats to accommodate this.

Whilst the engine itself is long gone, there is a remaining legacy, namely the ‘slot’ for the gear change lever in one of the cockpit lids.

The Campbells had swapped her for a fairly new White Boat (No. 79 – The Old Lady), seen here in 2010;

In 1964 – brothers John & Peter Olorenshaw registered as a owners of Norfolk dinghy, essentially each time ‘Corsair’ found herself moved on, for a smaller boat!

The Norfolk Dinghy was originally conceived by Herbert Woods, legendary Broadsman and boatbuilder from Potter Heigham. The prototype is actually No. 2, that’s another story!! The first Norfolk dinghies were built in 1931, costing approximately £65. It’s rumoured they were an alternative to the International 14, which at that time cost 150 guineas. The Norfolks were mostly built pre-war.

For the Olorenshaws, their dinghy was built in a period where that class was slowing down. In fact from 1951 to 1968, only 9 new boats were built. In the pre-war days, averages of 6 or 7 new dinghies a year wasn’t uncommon! The Olorenshaw brothers only kept their Norfolk from 1964 until 1977.

Sorry – I’m supposed to be writing about my boat. But if you want some fantastic photographs of Norfolk Dinghies, please visit my friend Sandy’s page; https://sandymillerphotography.pixieset.com/norfolkdinghies/?fbclid=IwAR0L9aGkQDIYVF1ZGSzbtTLx_YtI7AqqnwBVA6iWT9BvEYKklAZtDtuY-eQ

Prior to the Olorenshaw’s passing ‘Corsair’ on to her next owner, (she was sold in 1969). Her next owner was in fact, across the Atlantic!

As a young man, Stephen Hinde had taken 6 months’ work in a department store in Detroit, Michigan, which lead to him being in a position to purchase ‘Corsair’. Although he first covered approximately 12,000 miles on Greyhound buses, travelling around America.

Once back in the UK, Stephen was mulling over which river cruiser to purchase – prospective craft being either ‘Corsair’ or ‘White Wings’ (S/N 1)

So yes. ‘Corsair’ was purchased at Brundall (Brooms Boats) there being a family connection between the Brooms, and the Olorenshaws. Her new owner Stephen Hinde. His family interestingly, also were business owners in Norwich. His great grandfather founded ‘Bonds’ department store, now part of the John Lewis chain.

If you are interested, some history of Bonds is available here; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonds_of_Norwich

His grandfather Ernest Bond also owned the wherry ‘Lorna Doon’;

Wherry Lorna Doon – presumed onboard, Robert Bond & possibly his sons Ernest & William.

Again – ‘Corsair’ had secured the attentions of a devoted owner, thankfully with the means to keep her well. Stephen’s first impression was that a lovely boat, but in the wrong place!!

I have been lucky enough to correspond with Stephen, and having met both he and his wife Janice at their home – and as such I was able to piece together more of ‘Corsair’s’ history.

At this time, Stephen was a member of the river cruiser class committee, so it made sense for ‘Corsair’ to be kept at Wroxham broad, with her own buoy near the public beach. Hence on the 29^th June, 1969 he undertook his maiden cruise, sailing ‘Corsair’ from Brundall to the northern rivers.

I am fortunate enough to have in my possession several photographs of Stephen’s ownership. He not only sailed ‘Corsair’ actively within the river cruiser class, but also achieved some success, winning the ‘Rogue Tankard’ one Barton regatta. He also competed in the 1970 3 rivers race, with the Bakelite plaque now kept in my desk drawer.

L-R; Rogue, Corsair (in the lead) Swallow & Barracuda – Wroxham c.1965

During this time, ‘Corsair’ was over-wintered at John Clabburn’s yard; ‘Dawncraft, where it was necessary to replace some of the original sapele planking, even at this comparatively early stage in her life.

Also in 1970, he took ‘Corsair’ down Yarmouth harbour, just so she could sniff at the salt water – something to my knowledge which wasn’t repeated for her until 2012, where she was berthed at the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club for their regatta on Lake Lothing.

Stephen had fitted an accessory which I understand is entirely bespoke to ‘Corsair’, and I’m not aware this has not been repeated by another Broads yacht before or since!

On the cabin roof, in the aftermost port corner, there is a shaped wooden holder, which receives a chromed spotlight. This was to enable night-time sailing! It too, is retained and lives in the forward cabin drawer under the starboard bunk.

Given the context of Stephen’s work (he was part of the family business, Bonds department store) it is evident that the search light was actively used, particularly as Saturday was a working day for him. He specifically recounted its’ use on a midnight navigation of Meadow Dyke, one summers’ evening – eventually mooring under the familiar silhouette of Horsey Mill.

During 1974, after Stephen had married – another Broads yacht caught his eye – s/n 101 ‘Loyalist’, a larger fully varnished Broads yacht that had been built for estuary/coastal work in addition to Broads sailing. He’d bought ‘Loyalist’ whilst still owning ‘Corsair’, and no doubt needed to focus his energies on the new…

RCC S/N101 – Loyalist. Built by Ernest Woods, as an estuary / inland cruiser. A beautiful and powerful boat.

As such, after a busy 6 years of racing and cruising, which included taking ‘Corsair’ to every single head of navigation on the Broads, Stephen put her into a boat auction at Potter Heigham. He recounted to me that the price achieved was somewhat lower than he’d hoped, and as such he removed certain equipment from her itinerary. Much later (42 years in fact) I was able to reunite ‘Corsair’ with certain items, including a fitted winter cover, still bearing the legend “Jeckells Sailmakers, Wroxham).

I’m going to finish now, with two my my favourite photographs of Stephen’s ownership. They show a young man, with his dog – enjoying the boat.

Which is exactly what me and the dogs are now going to do now.

On the trail of A.L. Braithwaite.

Broads boats rarely take you to the M25. Yet, here I am. My ancient Land Rover rattles and drones away as I’m buffeted by passing lorries.

I hate the M25. Neither me or the Land Rover are designed for the M25.

Put yourself in a skip. Fill it with some wasps, a strong smell of burning Oil and a diesel generator. That’s life in a Series on a motorway. Oh, and kick the skip off a cliff, whilst inside for authenticity.

The Land Rover – outside the church of St. Christopher – ‘Go your way and go in safety’

(you need divine intervention in an elderly Land Rover!!)

I’m heading to Hampshire, and I’m about 100 miles away. My destination will be a small village tucked away just outside the western end of the Solent. It’s here, at Milford on Sea that A.L. Braithwaite, designer at Chumley & Hawke spent his final years.

He came to Horning in 1930, and set up at C&H. His designs for the hire-fleet were mostly drawn in the 1930’s and included ‘Clippers’, The Brown Elf & Imp classes, Viking and Privateer. All corresponded with the metacentric shelf principle, and to my knowledge most survive. Certainly all 6 Clippers made it, which is unusual, I only know of one other hire boat class which has survived extant, the legendary ‘Sabrina’s’.

From tracing A.L Braithwaites ancestry – I had learnt that his grave is located at ‘All Saints’ in Milford. I also knew his probate had revealed his final estate, in Milford on Sea.

So – I arrive at Milford, it’s hot. I’m hot. It’s been loud, at a steady 50mph.

But. I’m here to collect a series of artifacts that belonged to A.L Braithwaite. Yes. Somehow two weeks ago, having arrived here, I found the grave, which I photographed. Then to be honest I just contemplated things.

A.L. Braithwaite & J.M Braithwaite – at rest.

I thanked him. I thanked him for having the insight to draw such pretty boats, and I hoped that he knew how much pleasure his boats had given people. Not just me, but the previous owners of ‘Corsair’ as well. She was, and is held very dear in the hearts of those lucky enough to own her.

But. Enough. Whilst mulling over everything I decided to head toward A.L. Braithwaites last known address, in Milford. I knew it had been derelict for some time, and I knew that I might, might just get a photograph.

Pulling up, I noticed a phone-number for delivery, so I took a chance and rung it. Within seconds I was speaking with Simon. Simon owns A.L. Braithwaites house now, and somewhat bemused invited me down to meet him.

About an hour later, having had the thorough tour of the house and the grounds – I’d explained myself, and why I was here. Simon was thrilled. I was thrilled. Somehow a collective interest had put us in the same place at the same time.

Over 200 miles from home, I’d genuinely thought that the grave side would be the finality of my research. Somewhat grounding really. Suddenly there’s the end, and I had felt very mixed.

But. Having spoken with Simon for about 1 ½ hours now. I commented on how it was such a shame that in 2009 Joan Braithwaite had moved out of the house, and if I had been quicker, I’dve met her.

Then came a ‘source of the Nile’ moment… Simon paused, and asked me if I wanted to see inside of the Old Mill. Which we opened up.

Almost immediately I began to sift through some of A.L. Braithwaites old reference books… Some of his paintings, and incredibly a photograph of Khala Nag! To my knowledge, this is the only photograph of her left in the world.

I also found some lines drawings, and the most breath-taking of all. I found his design notebook! Including notes of his response to an R.I.N.A paper on metacentric hull theory, and some of his calculations for at least two designs. ‘Khala Nag’ and ‘Redwings’.

Here was something real, something that definitively linked me with the thought processes that lead to my boat.

There was so much! It was dumb-founding. Here I was, holding belongings of the designer of my boat. I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t to be honest.

Now, I will write fully about this. I promise. I can’t not, not really. But I’m going to finish by saying I give my heartfelt thanks to Simon and Amy Davies, without whom none of this would be possible.

It’s not often I use this word. But what I’ve found is irreplaceable. Especially given that in amongst the wreckage (literally) was the remnants of a Blakes Model.

For those of you not familiar with this. Blakes the hire boat agency used to use large scale models as advertising material in the 1930’s and 1940’s. You could report to their offices, and see a miniature version of whatever boat you’d hire.

Now, call me a lucky S.O.B. – I certainly have. The wreckage I found, which Amy had miraculously saved… It’s the Blakes model, or Builders model of a ‘Clipper’. ‘Corsair’ was built as ‘Clipper Vi’.

I now own her builders model.

Clipper – the Chumley & Hawke Blakes model.

1961 – demobbed & ‘yachted’

In 1961, there was a lot of upheaval at Chumley & Hawke. For reasons I didn’t know at the time I was in correspondence with Jamie Campbell and learning when ‘Clipper VI’ was sold off.

However I know now – and will write about in the future. I’m trying to explain my ownership, and how I learnt what I did.

C&H – Horning
Wenonah & possibly Viking

Chumley and Hawke were selling off their hire fleet of yachts. Rangers, Clippers, Privateer, Wenonah I & II, The Elfs, and Viking all up for grabs. To be fair, by the 1960’s the fleet would have been predominantly pre-war. The only yacht built post-war was ‘Corsair’, although she was built as ‘Clipper VI’;

Several local boatyards moved decisively – Martham Boats snatched up the Rangers, the Clippers and the Wenonahs. Tim Whelpton (her builder) bought the Elfs and the Imps from Chumley & Hawke, to start his own hire fleet at Upton.

The clippers certainly had enjoyed a fine history of being an exhilarating yacht to hire – featuring as the ‘cover’ boat in the yachts section of Blakes catalogues for several years. Although to be fair – all of Chumley & Hawkes fleet had been described as boats where ‘good sailing was the principle concern’. Even in 1960, Clippers were described as;

“a distinguished class of craft giving first class performance with a high degree of comfort”

‘Corsair’ is actually built slightly differently to her sisters, with an extra plank in the hull. Certainly when she was in hire, this would have given her a ‘dumpy’ appearance when compared to her sister ships.

Anyway. Yes, in 1961 both ‘Clipper VI’ and ‘Privateer were sold privately. I can write about ‘Privateer’ another time, and will do I promise!

The Campbell family purchased ‘Clipper VI’, as they were warned off ‘Privateer’, which I understand was something they regretted, in terms of size. Meanwhile, ‘Corsair’ was whisked to Wroxham, where Leslie Landamore and Raymond Jeckells were tasked with making her ‘suitable for racing in private ownership’.

The budget was £500, which I understand those two nearly doubled! But, here she is, newly ‘yachted’ at Landamore’s shed in Wroxham;

At that time, her condition was mixed. Her original planking is Sapele, a poor substitute for Mahogany, and apparently even in the 1960’s there were problems with rot. Broken timbers also featured. Being in hire clearly came with lots of bumps and bashes! Chumley and Hawke had actually fitted some galvanised steel frames as sisters… (!) These hung around until 2018, where they were cut out by my irate boatbuilder – during the rebuild. (I’ll write about that later).

Her original round cabin ports had been cut and changed to ovals with hopper windows. This echos the arrangement on ‘Evening Flight’, a much larger river cruiser – which incidentally is now owned by Jamie Campbell.

The porthole surrounds were fabricated and chromed courtesy of a local Rolls Royce dealership!

67 years on, all the chrome still looks fantastic.

The conversion was obviously looked on favourably, as the Campbells were asked if she was glassfibre as they took her downriver for the first time. I have some photographs of their first sail, and some others.

First sail ‘a yacht’
Black Horse Broad
BH broad II
The Campbell family
‘Corsair’ & ‘Rogue’ – Wroxham Broad 1960’s
Tea with RCC ‘Bryony’ & ‘Goldfish’

‘Corsair’ then moved to the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club – where she lived for some years during the 1960’s. It’s clear that during this time, she was a family boat. Just look at her condition from the photo with the riverside picnic!

Although, I have heard a rumour that the bodywork apprentices at Mann Egerton (a large coachbuilders) where often tasked with the painting and varnishing of ‘Corsair’, so no surprises that she looked gleaming.

Jamie Campbell actually won the first cruiser race he ever sailed in ‘Corsair’ in 1962. Although he does claim that as a 12 year old he had ‘no clue what I was doing’ – and was instructed to steer a straight course!!

You’ll also see a nice Lapstrake dinghy astern of ‘Corsair’ in the family portrait, this is still Jamie’s today.

Her racing career with the Campbells was… chequered! In 1964, at Oulton week regatta they over-cooked it slightly, as Jamie recounted; “We moored at Leo Robinson’s yard for Oulton weeks, and I can remember seeing the mast ‘snowdropping’ – it was inevitable it was going to break for at least 100yards. Lowering the stump wasn’t easy against the lead counterweight!!”

In the end, the stump was cut short, and ‘Corsair’ was motored back to Wroxham with a venerable Seagull outboard. She got a new mast and a set of runners.

‘Corsair’ – 1964 with broken mast & Seagull outboard – Leo Robinson’s boatyard, Oulton Broad.

The Campbell family kept her for a comparatively short duration, compared to later owners. They swapped ‘Corsair’ for a nearly new ‘White Boat’ (Yare & Bure One Design) halfdecker with Peter Olorenshaw. Peter and his brother John were directors of the Norwich Motor Company, based on Prince of Wales road, so doubtless competitors of Mr Campbell at Mann Egerton (albeit friendly).

Sadly – Peter Olorenshaw died in 1990, and a conversation with his widow Elizabeth just elicited the information that they didn’t own the boat for very long at all. ‘Corsair’ was ignominiously placed on the bank at Brundall – in a boat auction.

So still a yacht – but as yet her future was uncertain.

I’ve written quite alot, so I’ll leave the stem repair for next time, when I’m able to introduce her next owner.

Cruise 2008 – finale & postscript.

Day 8.

So – Monday 25th. The final day of our 1st cruise…

We started with minor hangovers (compared to yesterday!). Also, similarly to yesterday we were forced to make some further adjustments to the bobstay. We wanted chain, but also a rigging screw to tension said chain!

This was achieved by beaching ‘Corsair’ bows-on at the edge of Salhouse broad. The water came just over the skipper’s neatly folded trousers legs (!) But. The task was completed with far less shouting, splashing and conflicting ‘advice’ than at Gay’s Staithe the previous day.

It was almost like being sober improved our motor-skills. Weird.

We then motored to Black Horse Broad, and positioned ourselves alongside MH, to steel ourselves for a quick blast around the broad itself. Sailing on Black Horse would be a first for me, little did I know it was where ‘Corsair’ had her first sail under new ownership, back in 1961.

It was a fantastic sail! We’d reefed, and set the repaired jib. Theo managed to take some photographs of us as well;

One thing I had learnt, was that to get the best out of ‘Corsair’ was not to be shy of reefing. If you keep her rig balanced, she’ll sail in almost anything.

During our sail, we spotted RCC S/N 72 – ‘Brit’, a very beautiful clinker river cruiser. Her increased size, and beam meant she was handling the weather slightly better than us.

However, more importantly, by sailing on Black Horse, it had meant that on this cruise, bar Bridge Broad (Belaugh Broad), we had sailed on every navigable broad on the Northern Rivers!! Quite pleased with that.

However, the need to return to civil life forced us to motor back to Oby Dyke, and to put ‘Corsair’ away for a few days.

So yes. The first cruise of ‘Corsair’ was brilliant, if at times somewhat ‘full on’ – we stayed out late, we drank too much, we generally enjoyed ourselves.

Success!

And what does the cabin look like, after 4 blokes have lived onboard for over a week…

Theo provided one final illustration, and then we were back to the car. I’d given up on drawing the maps, because frankly they were crap compared to his efforts.

Black Horse broad – spot the jib repair & chain bobstay!

Postscript – 2008.

To write a summary of the cruise is always difficult. Mainly because lots of things happen, and once it’s all over, you are left with too much to choose from. Overall I am tinged with regret that the cruise is over, but once again really elated (exhausted) to have done it.

However. This year, if I were to point out my worst moment, I would say it was when the bobstay broke on Saturday afternoon, when we attempted to race ‘Corsair’ for the first time in my ownership. My disappointment came more to with how pleased I was, with everything. Then BANG. Rig failure.

The best moment however, well. Where do I start?

There is the thoroughly stormy sail across Hickling Broad where with a triple reefed main and storm jib I suspected I had reached the limits of ‘Corsair’. I was wrong.

I could choose the delightful light air sail we had Sunday evening, on Salhouse broad where we were relaxed and happy doing what every bunch of friends should be;

Simply messing about in boats.

Until 2009.

Joe

Cruise 2008 – Days 6 & 7

Day 6.

Well, having spent an enjoyable night in the White Horse, today we were forced to make a particularly early run from Upton to Ludham Bridge. I helmed, whilst cowering behind the awning as it pelted with rain. The engineer & first mate were quite sensible, they stayed in bed!! (Swines).

We had big plans for the lunchtime, as after motoring to Irstead we were due to start our illustrious racing career. Alas, it was definitely memorable (!), but for all the wrong reasons!!

First race, we rigged and got onto the Broad in perfect conditions. We ‘jockeyed’ around in the fleet, until we spied the red flag. No life-jackets onboard meant we were forced to abandon, before we’d even started! Heyho…

At this juncture, CD & JW appears on ‘MH’, and things did become slightly ‘hazy’…

There was an equally abortive evening race, which saw ‘Corsair’ start (quite well), and round some of the course when our bowsprit suffered a mischief. The bobstay (stainless steel wire) snapped cleanly at one end (and it was a flat calm, look at the photos!!). Although a temporary stay was rigged, we returned to Gay’s Staithe.

Rigging a new bowsprit was ‘interesting’ – we went for chain. It was rigged using a variety of the crew in various positions, all trying to bend the bowsprit into the right place, and get the chain to stretch! Eventually we used a nearby Tinker Tramp inflatable dinghy. After an hour and a half, it was fitted.

The evening race…
‘Engineering’
It fits!

One BBQ, one bottle of Jägermeister (!), one of vodka, one of gin, eight strongbow and twelve kronenburg later, we’d made friends with most people we saw, several trees and at least one puppy.

Finally, at the midnight hour, whilst roaring drunk, we motored out into Barton Broad, where we set-off the remains of our fireworks. These fitted nicely into the ensign staff of ‘Corsair’, whooshing up into the sky, only inches above the outboard and petrol tank. (!!!)

The effects were quite spectacular. At Barton regatta, all competitors mudweight on the broad, staying on their boats for 72 hours, in a series of large rafted up enclaves. Imagine. It’s midnight. Most are asleep, many of the boats have their families aboard.

BOOOOM! WHIZZZZZZZ! BOOM! BANG! KABOOM!

Judging by the plethora of lights that started coming on in boats, and the shouting that followed, our fellow sailors were just as impressed as us with the fireworks. Navigation lights doused, we fled.

(n.b; We were young, stupid, drunk and stupid. I would not EVER repeat this)

Eventually we retired at 2am, it had been a loud and enjoyable evening.

Goodnight.

Our route.
The bobstay breaks!

Day 7.

Today started reasonably slowly… mostly due to the industrial sized hangovers we suffered from.

A quick motor to Stalham however saw us re-stocked with food, and a general consensus was reached that racing was a very bad idea. Plus it was raining and ‘orrible.

So instead, we ate restorative bacon sandwiches and decided that we would head to Salhouse Broad. Motoring down the Ant, we avoided the melee, and stopped in Horning for the most civilised practice (after last nights behaviour!) for an ice cream.

Horning to Salhouse was covered by sail, as by then most of us had recovered from the night before. Most enjoyable it was too! We gently tacked up the Bure, and drifted onto Salhouse Broad for a quiet sail on the last of the zepher like breeze available to us.

All of us went to bed early. (I didn’t even have the energy to draw a map)

Goodnight.

Evening at Salhouse.

Cruise 2008 – Days 4 & 5

Day 4.

Ouch. Today was a painful start. An inadvisable quantity of beer at the ‘Fur & Feathers’ and the existing head injury made me jaded. I was not alone – the crew made similar noises… but we couldn’t remember the Morris Dancers, so win some, lose some!

As a priority, we quanted out of our mooring spot, to escape what was possibly the most noisy inboard engine in the world! (Curse those hire-boats, which run engines incessantly for hot showers in the morning).

We motored ‘briskly’ to Wroxham, and resorted to ‘hair of the dog’ on the way, as a restorative. (It was 9:30am!)

Evidently we’d not learnt our lesson, at Wroxham we victualled 24 Strongbow, 1 bottle of red & a bottle of Vodka. We had however nabbed a nifty mooring outside a little coffee shop, and basked in the sun a while…

After some Latte & Teacakes (also restorative) we did set sail in the direction of Ranworth.

This proved the most enjoyable sail of the week thus far. We soared across Wroxham Broad where we saw ‘Chatterbox’ – a gorgeous lugsail dinghy built in 1900, and reputed to be the prototype of the Norfolk ‘Dumpling’ class. We also saw wherries ‘Ardea’ & ‘Solace’. It was starting to feel like a holiday!

The record must also state that at this point, Petty Officer Jalil (and he is Petty!) suffered life-threatening injuries. It was ‘touch and go’ for abit until emergency ice cream was administered. (!)

A whistle-stop tour of Salhouse saw us admiring a Brooke motor launch, ‘Viking’. Very rakish.

As the afternoon progress, the wind dropped, even to the extent that a reef was shaken out, although when sailing through Horning Street the passing showers did force several crew members to retire to the cabin.

Approximately 5 1/2 hours after we left Wroxham, we quanted across Ranworth Broad and moored in pole position (for the Maltsters P.H.) Tomorrow I understand that an expedition to the top of the campanile is planned.

Goodnight.

Our route
Quanting – again!

Day 5.

Ah. Rain. Good, we’d only have 3 days of that so far. We sheltered under the awning waiting for the rain to ease. Presently it did, and we enjoyed a climb to the top of the church tower (St. Helens), admiring both the view and the mobile signal!

Upon our descent, the skipper exercised his judgement and delayed everyone until 11:02am, thus avoiding the deafening from the bells! (clever chap that Skipper).

St Helens
Up and up!
The bells
Spot ‘Corsair’
Spot the skipper

Tat from the gift shop duly purchased, we had a furry spider and a Fox finger puppet aboard, as we set-sail with full rig for the first time 5 days sailing! A gentle drift was interspersed with a quick spot of lumber-jacking with the gaff on unsuspecting trees, and a whistling competition on South Walsham Broad – to rustle up a breeze.

(It was whistle blowing, but that soon turned very nasty amongst the crew!)

Our day’s sailing finished with a Wagnarian scene, where we sailed through crackling lightening and rumbling thunder.

The highlight of the day was without question the surprise we had when we moored opposite Whelpton’s yard at Upton. Conversation with Tim Whelpton revealed that he could recognise ‘Corsair’, as in 1951 with careful supervision from Alfred Yaxley (Chumley & Hawke foreman) – Tim had BUILT HER. I was stood next to the man who’d built my boat.

He even asked me to retrieve a bunk drawer, before upturning it and showing his signature on it, from 1951!!!! It was a humbling experience, and I was stunned at our fortune. We hadn’t planned it, I didn’t know Tim had worked for C&H. Sometimes these things just happen. Wow.

Tim W – her builder
Clipper Vi

Now, after more Thunder and Lightening – we are sitting in the White Horse at Upton, having started the evening off with a Vodka (or 12) back at the boat (!). Theo has managed to rouse the Pub Piano into life, and is playing Scott Joplin. It lived in a lean-to, had not been tuned in a lifetime and a dozen mute keys. He’s good though.

As yet, there are no major panics about our planned racing tomorrow at a local regatta.

Goodnight.

Our route.
More rain…

Cruise 2008 – part II

The inaugral cruise continued;

Day 3

Well, isn’t it odd how often you find yourself in a pub to reminisce about the days’ sailing. The only huge disadvantage at present is that this particular pub has bloody Morris Dancers in it!!

Anyway, I disgress. Today has been eventful to say the least. We had a moonlit evening on our personal island, and awoke to a surprise – sunshine!

We played about on Barton with full sail for a while before heading to Stalham for provision. In the end, we sailed around the Punt Club pontoons, with a camera man snapping away. Some fantastic photos of ‘Corsair’ were got, with an exciting moment getting Chris the photographer back onboard!! (he survived, see illustration)

Our personal island
Going for it!!

It was here the day started to go awry… Whilst lowering the mainsail, the gaff capsized – striking me VERY hard on the head. After mooring in the basin at Stalham, with blood now flowing freely down my face, we sought medical attention.

Never have the volunteers at the Museum of the Broads been so startled, at the dishevelled, bloody faced lunatic who shuffled in. Thankfully Stalham Doctor’s surgery super-glued the cut closed, although I do have a large lump on my head.

Leaving Stalham in the company of steam launch ‘Falcon’ we motored/sailed and double quanted down the Ant. Using 2 quants to propel a vessel is a fantastic way of covering ground easily in the calm.

Eventually we motored through Ludham Bridge, and turned upstream toward Horning on the Bure.

It was here that ‘Zoe’ (hire yacht) collided with a moored motor boat who unfortunately had a VERY bad-tempered skipper (enjoy your holiday!). ‘Dorothy’ (S/N331), one of our neighbours from Oby Dyke was also seen.

This evening (Day 3) sees us tucked up in Salhouse Broad, we’ve selected an idyllic spot, nestled amongst a tree. Other local highlights include the tree-seat island, and how I managed to procure a mudweight (and rope) for £5!! It had been lost by a hire boat, recovered by an enterprising local and sold to another!

Very much in the spirit of Arthur Ransome, there is ‘Hustler 3’ tucked up onto the ‘beach’ at Salhouse tonight. All that remains is for us to drink a fair selection of Woodforde’s Ale.

Falcon
Falcon
Lucent
Tree-seat Island
Hustler beached

Goodnight!

The photographer’s leap!
Our route

As a postscript, re-reading the log book (2019) is making me realise how much I was learning at the time. Being aboard ‘Corsair’ was very different, being able to accommodate 4 crew and their bags, which stayed dry when it rained! Luxury!

Also – the sailing was so different, having a full crew means you can pretty much dispense with the engine, everything takes so little time. Getting the boat ready for sail or putting the awning on would take less than 10 minutes! Very different to my singled-handed sailing.

Although, the lack of a proper cooker, and certain other domestic equipment did mean it was ‘rough and ready’ accommodation. (!) Plus there is a certain element of Editor’s discretion, some memories remain unpublished!!

The beginning – purchase & realisation.

Approximately a week after I had spoken with Joe & Julia at Somerleyton, I was on my way to meet at their house. A telephone conversation, and some email traffic had resulted in my knowing certain particulars about the boat.

One, she was a wooden Broads River Cruiser, sail number 64.

Two, Joe & Julia had owned her about 20 years, but had purchased another larger River Cruiser, hence the sale.

Three. I had been expressly forbidden by my parents, and close friends to buy a larger, wooden boat.

So. One grey morning, I duly arrived at J&J’s house. ‘Come in, Come in’ was bellowed from the end of a tiled corridor. Duly, as I went in – I was passed by Julia who waved and disappeared to the Co-Op. This was my first meeting of Joe (referred to as Old Joe, to avoid confusion). Briefly we discussed the situation, my lack of money and dry cabin… Before setting out to a nearby boatyard.

Above is one of the first photographs I have of ‘Corsair’. I remember now, how surreal the day felt. Old Joe’s deft driving, chain smoking and friendly chatter meant we arrived at the boatyard before the situation had sunk in.

I was stood, looking at a beautiful, large wooden boat. And I was talking as if I could buy it. What was I doing? How could I pay?! All these thoughts were absent as I stood there, peering under her tarpaulin.

Struck by how spell-bound I was, I must admit I took a cursory look, before saying to Joe ‘she’s perfect’. At which point it was agreed we’d talk business.

Days later, having agreed the terms. I found myself sneaking back – to have a look more thoroughly. I had a River Cruiser. She was PERFECT! A sweet shear, a cabin, two bunks. A cabin. Reasonable size, pretty chrome trim, a gaff rig, a cabin (have I mentioned this).

In all honesty – I never thought I would own a yacht like this. She was (is) a beauty. Twice I just appeared, and stood there on deck or next to her. Just absorbing everything.

Bewitched by thoughts of nights afloat, sailing adventures and the like – I broke the news to friends and family. Some were more enthusiastic than others. Unfortunately a staunch friendship was tremendously damaged by the purchase of ‘Corsair’ – something which took many years to rectify.

Meanwhile, I was then faced with the prospect of making this yacht work, she had to be commissioned. My half-decker ‘Grace’ had to be sold. Many things overlooked suddenly came to light.

But. I had a river cruiser. A thought which occupied my mind as a smile played on my lips.

After about 4 months, ‘Grace’ moved onto new owners – I was incredibly sad at her departure. However, it was very apparent that Joe, Julia & myself were to become staunch friends. We started sailing on their boat, whilst I rummaged through sheds to find awnings, covers, sails, ropes, shackles, outboard motors… I was hooked.

My abiding memory of this time was the first attempts to make ‘Corsair’ take up. I rigged up a series of hosepipes to the yard standpipe, and got busy. Down in the forepeak. 3 years ashore hadn’t been kind, and every seam gaped.

I knew nothing, I know that now – but ignorance is bliss. I just watched as the water poured STRAIGHT out from underneath the hull, as I pottered about screwing things into the cabin, or deciding which locker would hold the ropes, etc. In truth, it was so bad that I kept a 1/2 oil drum underneath the boat. About every 20 minutes, I could pick this up and empty the collected water back into the boat!!

Still – I had done the most important thing I could think of…