John Passmore Like an old 60’s comedian coming out of retirement, I have returned to sailing to discover that the world has changed. The Environment has taken over. I’m sure it’s a good thing. In fact, as we shall see later, I am going to be doing my bit when it comes to putting an end to … Read more
Here’s a picture of my old Rival 32, Largo, in a lock somewhere on the North coast of Brittany, I should imagine. If you look very carefully, you will see the lovely gold line along the rubbing strake. I always thought it looked like solid gold – which it was… well not actually solid gold … Read more
There is really no point in writing this blog if I’m not honest with you. In fact, if you look up the symptoms of ADD, you will find that compulsive honesty is one of them (even though it might not be the best policy sometimes). And there is something that I have to get off … Read more
How’s this for a creepy Halloween: I had just arrived in Studland Bay after a brisk sail from Weymouth. The sun had gone down and dusk closed in with the speed that always takes me by surprise at this time of year. Never mind, the anchor was set fast and I was standing in the companionway … Read more
A 38ft steel cutter with a purpose-built workshop and a watermaker – and a solid fuel stove… and some means of getting the dinghy out of the way… We’ve all got the ideal boat. I found mine while going to a family wedding in Australia. The owner had done much of the fit-out himself – … Read more
It’s more than three months since I first saw Samsara. I went up North Wales on the train and, after checking into the cheapest B&B (the whole place smelled of stale milk) I walked down to the marina for a preview. A preview is always a good idea. You don’t want the vendor to witness … Read more
Harry Potter’s wand chose Harry Potter. Everyone knows this. So, is it beyond the reach of imagination to suppose that the boat chooses the skipper? Because to some of us, boats are not like cars or washing machines. Boats are not things. If you don’t believe that a boat enters enter into a partnership with … Read more
If you buy an old boat, the chances are you are going to buy an old anchor. I happen to think it’s something to get excited about – the fact that my “new” boat, Samsara, is 44 years old. At that age, a boat is ageing gracefully and improving in those important ways that people … Read more
Well that’s settled then: The new propeller is going under water. I wanted to keep it on the saloon table as a conversation piece but Paul the engineer started talking about stepped key material and I lost my enthusiasm for argument. However, you must agree that the new prop is a thing of beauty: A … Read more
The final payment had just about cleared. There was not a mark on the gelcoat and the first barnacle had yet to think about testing the antifouling. With a certain ceremony, the new owner removed the colour-coordinated cover from the wheel, spun it experimentally – and then swore as it bounced back and attempted to snap … Read more
