Gull Dinghy Sailing

A beginners guide to planning a trip in sheltered (but tidal) waters.

2012-01-22T18:39:00.002Z

I haven’t sailed much recently and when I have been out I've been practising with my new Lightning dinghy. Today's conditions at West Oxford Sailing Club where very gusty indeed. I launched Calculus and sailed only a few hundred yards before I was literally blown out of the boat! I was so exhausted after my swim that I decided to call it a day. Instead I've been using the afternoon to plan some day trips for the spring. For those of you that have never sailed on the sea or planned a short dinghy cruise here is a simple guide. It’s a method that works for me but please make sure you understand tides and weather as I’m no expert and I can’t give advice on these matters.

It will help to have some knowledge of how tides work and it may be best to plan your sailing on a day when neap tides are expected. The tidal range of neap tides is less and the current does not flow as quickly. It may also be a good idea to plan your first cruise inside a harbour or river as the current tends to flow up-river on the flood and down-river on the ebb making for simple trip planning. Whatever the conditions it will be important to note down the times of high and low water. You must also choose a launch site that suits your plans as some ramps or only accessible at certain states of tide. Visit - http://www.boatlaunch.co.uk/ for a full list of the UK's launch sites and accessibility issues.

Navigation is not as difficult for dinghy sailors as it is for those who sail larger boats. We have the luxury of a very shallow draft and are not as restricted as keel boats. It is also not as important to worry about getting lost when sailing within the safety of a harbour or river estuary. However, we should never set to sea without a plan of tides, weather and suitable charts. Charts can be expensive and most charts are useless on a small dinghy. I only use charts that I can tape to the hatch of the rear locker. See these images from a previous post - http://gulldinghysailing.blogspot.com/2008/10/solent-2008.html .For sailing in places like Langstone or Chichester harbour in a shallow draft dinghy like the Gull it may even be useful to use an OS map. My method is to visit http://www.visitmyharbour.com/ , find the area I wish to sail and copy the "free - not for navigation chart". These charts are NOT FOR NAVIGATION! That’s all I'm going to say on the matter. You can pay for the proper charts that are identical or you can cut the small visible sections of the sample chart from the website and stick them together using Photoshop or Paint. I won't say what I do but I will once again remind you that for dinghy sailing in sheltered waters basic charts of the area are more than adequate. Whatever your method, it will be necessary to print the chart off on to A4 paper and have it laminated as it will get wet!

Once I have the chart on my computer I open it in the "paint" programme and add the GPS way points. These are the little yellow arrows that can be seen in the sample above. Once I'm out on the water I can see at a glance where certain way points are and I can then dial them up on my wrist mounted GPS. This way I always know where I am and where I’m going. On longer journeys along the Solent I always mark my position on the chart every 10 - 15 minutes with a grease pencil. This is very important as you will need to know where you are if your GPS goes down or visibility drops.

Make sure you have oars or an outboard. If the wind drops and you don't have alternative propulsion you will go where the tide is going and not necessarily where you want to go! Also have an anchor and warp ready to drop in an emergency. Flares are important on coastal trips but I only have a whistle for small sheltered harbours. Handheld radios are excessive, in my opinion, and they require you to have a licence. Take a mobile phone in a waterproof case and let someone know where you are and what time you expect to be back. If you launch from a harbour or marina where you have to pay a small fee for the privilege, you will find that the harbour master will become aware of your intentions and will keep an eye out for you.

It all sounds a bit daunting to the uninitiated but it really is worth doing. I tend to do these trips alone on weekdays as the launch sites are usually empty and most places are much quieter. I carefully study the weather to make sure conditions are suitable and I generally avoid spring tides as it makes launching and landing more of a consideration and rowing requires a lot more effort. This guide is for sheltered harbours or estuaries only. Coastal trips require a lot more planning and equipment. If sailing on a reservoir can be likened to sailing inside a big bath tub then sailing in a natural harbour is like sailing in a bath that is being drained for a few hours then filled again alternatively. It’s not very difficult unless you go down the plug hole and out into the open sea! I do this from time to time..........intentionally, of coarse!

As you can see from the chart, I am planning a short day trip in Langstone harbour. I’ve never sailed there before but it seems like an easy sail for a nice springtime day. I'll let you know how I get on.

Gull Camping Weekend 2012.

2012-01-05T18:06:00.001Z

After the huge success that was the camping and cruising weekend 2011 we are pleased to announce the dates for 2012. We will be back at Rutland on the 24th/25th and 26th of August 2012. Rutland is a great central venue with a decent campsite but feel free to stay in a local B&B or hotel. You may decide to join us for a day or two or all three. As usual, there will be no set schedule just come along and join in the sailing as and when you can. Everybody is welcome to come along!

Also, if you can suggest any day sails in a location near you, please let us know and we may get a group of Gull sailors together.

Contact me for more info - chrisabela(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk

Or call me on 07796990219

For info on Rutland water - http://www.anglianwater.co.uk/leisure/what-to-do/watersports/

Gulls..... where we're at.

2011-12-29T21:43:00.000Z

A few years ago it struck me that the Gulls were in danger of extinction. There was no website and effectively no class association and apart from contacting the makers, there was no real way of contacting other Gull sailors. I had been to a couple of Gull open meetings. At that time there were 2 a year, a Nationals and the Inlands at Horning and through going to these events I met a few other Gullists. Back in the Autumn of 2004 a few of us decided to meet at Ullswater to do some simple cruising. After a breezy sail to Howtown where we cobbled together a simple lunch whilst sitting on the rocky shore under an angry sky, we set sail again back to Watermillock in some very strong winds. Despite our potential watery demise I became totally taken with the Gull and realised that I would have to do my best to promote the boat.

I started by posting a simple website that was, in my own opinion, poor. There was a photo gallery, a for sale page and a link to the forum that we still use now. But other than that it was not really up to much and I removed it after about a year. I wasn't aware of the concept of the 'blog' at the time but eventually I decided that a blog would be a good (and free) way of providing a Gull presence on the internet. The blog has gone from being a simple way for me to post some action pictures to becoming a rallying point for Gull sailors everywhere. Through the blog we have amassed a large following of sailors who we now even see on the water and at last it seems as if the Gull is a boat that will survive well into the 21st century and beyond! There are also a few other Gull blogs springing up which is great news for our online presence (you can visit these blogs by clicking on the links to the right of this page). I can recommend keeping a blog as it is a great way of storing your pics and memories online where they can't be accidentally erased from your own computer. But for those of you that would like to post pictures and articles without the effort of designing a blog we always welcome them here at Gull Dinghy Sailing. You can send any pictures or articles to me at chrisabela(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk.

We have had a particularly good season in 2011 with several visits to Rutland including a long weekend of camping there and a great trip to Ullswater. Rutland seems to be the perfect venue as it is in a good inland and central location, free from the challenge of tides but not free from wind. But there are lots of other locations that we need to explore. Perfect Gull sailing locations include - South Coast; Poole harbour, Langstone Harbour, Chichester harbour. Inland locations (other than Rutland) include; The Broads, Derwent Water, Windermere, Ullswater, Coniston and Lake Bala in Wales. East coast rivers such as the Deben and Blackwater. And there are countless other places to sail. I would like very much to explore new locations in 2012 and it would be great if you could join me. So please suggest some locations and potential dates so that we can promote them on this blog. Also, Santa brought me a new GPS unit that I need to try so let's go somewhere new! It would also be great to have another camping weekend so please let us know what dates would suit you best. Another suggestion would be joining the DCA for their Holy Island cruise. It's certainly one that I would like to do if I can fit it in - http://dinghycruising.org.uk/holy-island-rally-2011 - The date of this event for 2012 is yet to be announced.

So, please get involved. Send us your pictures or even start your own blog. Let us know where you would like to sail and maybe we can get a group (or flock) of Gulls on the water. Get in touch with us here or visit the forum.

Kittiwake's New Inwales

2011-12-27T15:16:00.000Z

Just when we thought Paul Bailey's Mark I "Kittiwake" couldn't get any better we receive news that he has been back in the workshop making modifications that are not only practical but look very good indeed.

In Paul's own words.........I successfully made a set of toe straps with the webbing you sent me (thanks again) using an old sewing machine with upholstery thread some stainless D rings from EBay and brass eyes as fixing points. I used them on my last cruise in November, they worked really well. However, it was then my suspicions that the gunwales were far too thin for comfortable hiking was confirmed (yes ... numb arse). So I started thinking of how to do some inwale modifications with limited affect on the work I'd done last winter. After spending weeks varnishing I didn't want to take any more off than I had to!

My first thoughts were to fit inwales the full length but this would mean removing the stern gusset (I'd fitted it never expecting to take it off again so it's well fixed!) so my next thought was fitting them so they were fatter mid-ships and taper out towards the bow and stern. This seemed a good idea until I priced the wood! I was looking at £150ish plus the cost of router bits etc. Then I came across some teak hand rails, you can get them from a single grab at about 200mm to a six grab at 1600mm and at £33 each a much better idea financially - http://www.kjhowells.com/3202A.

They turned up a few days later. I wanted to still have a tapering effect so the maximum width is where I will sit most of the time, so I've cut them down at each end. I then rigged up a steamer from a gas fired BBQ, a camping kettle, some washing machine hose and a length of old waste pipe. After a little fitting and bending and bending and fitting this is what I got (see photo). I've bolted them through with stainless bolts and glued as well as supported the underside with a couple of strengtheners. The holes have been plugged with some oak plugs, then a good few coats of Deks Olje and here we are (photo 2). I think they look really good and can't wait to try them out. Not only good for hiking but great for lashing the tiller, fixing dry bags or fenders etc and you can even use them as grab rails!

My next task now I've released the sails from the grips of the Christmas wrapping paper is to fit some reefing down hauls, topping lift and modify the gaff to allow the mainsail to be hoisted separately.

Can't wait to see the next set of modifications. As for me, I'm struggling just to find the time to stick the bailers back in to my boat!

Top picture, Inwales being fitted. 2nd picture, Teak inwales installed and varnished. 3rd picture, Homemade steamer. Bottom picture, Toe straps.

If you have made any mods to your Gull recently please let us know about it here at Gull towers.

Seven Waves Video

2011-12-22T22:11:00.000Z

You can now view the new and improved version of the "Seven Waves" Gull video on YouTube by clicking on this link - http://youtu.be/4LBRWEeVz7A.

Have a very merry Christmas and we will see you on the water in 2012.

New Boat Cover

2011-12-19T13:01:00.000Z

I don't know if it's just me but it seems that most things I buy these days are either the wrong size/colour, broken/faulty, lost in transit/late or just of inferior quality. On the very rare occasion when something is right I feel that it deserves a mention. I've now wrapped Aurora in her new overboom cover. The cover was made and delivered on time by the very helpful staff at Rain and Sun - http://www.rainandsun.co.uk/ .The cover is made from breathable 'Hydralite' which to me looks a lot stronger than polycotton. Hydralite covers are currently on offer and one for a Gull will cost only £111 (flat) and £119 (overboom). Remarkable value for money! So if you are looking for a new dinghy cover I would strongly recommend rain and sun.

What's in a name?

2011-12-15T18:20:00.003Z

Herge, inventor of the world famous adventures of Tin Tin (and Snowy the dog), was once criticised by maritime experts. They said that the ship "Aurora", that features in The Shooting Star, would never sail let alone cope with the kind of seas that Tin Tin and his dipsomaniac chum Captain Haddock would have to endure to make it to the Arctic. Herge was unable to travel to the docks to draw ships during the second world war as his home country of Belgium was occupied by the Nazis and he would have almost certainly been accused of being a spy if found sketching at the coast. "Aurora" was drawn from his imagination and not based on any real Arctic exploration ship. The criticism of "Aurora" precipitated an obsession in Herge who went on to research every aspect of the technical elements in all his future comics. In Destination Moon/Explorers on the Moon Herge employed scientists to help research every detail of a manned trip to the moon. It was not until the real moon landings almost 20 years later that the world realised just how accurate Herge's predictions were.

My Gull dinghy is named after the ship in The Shooting Star and like Captain Haddock's "Aurora" she certainly had her faults when she was new. In fact it took me over a year to have her problems ironed out. She's 8 years old now and has been repaired, beefed up in places and generally improved on. Like Herge, I enjoy researching the small details and I will continue to do so until my boat is perfect. Unlike Herge I won't be going on any moon adventures. Although I am hoping you will be joining me for some fine sailing in some new locations next year and I'm sure we will all be improving and perfecting our vessels in the meantime.

Have a good Christmas and some excellent sailing in 2012.

Calculus, my new Lightning dinghy is named after the hard of hearing professor from the Tintin books. Don't worry it's only for racing!

Paul's New Sails

2011-11-21T20:49:00.000Z

Those of you thinking of investing in some new sails for next season should read Paul Bailey's article. He seems to be delighted with his but guides us through the complex process of choosing and ordering new sails.

I’ve had Kittiwake about 14 months now and from the start always thought that I would need new sails at some stage as the old ones were getting tatty, stained and had a few holes here and there. So after some good late summer/early autumn sailing I bit the bullet and started making some enquires.

After asking around and doing some Internet searches I narrowed the potential suppliers down to four: R&J, Dolphin, Arun and Batt. I sent them all a duplicate email setting out my requirements expecting to have to make a decision based on price. I was surprised at the outcome.

· R&J were the best in terms of response time, a good price but a very long lead time of six months. Not sure why, could be large order book but I was not prepared to wait.

· Arun were very quick to respond saying that they would ring me that weekend to discuss.

· Dolphin did not respond until prompted. They then asked a question or two that I replied to the same day, since then .........no response.

· Batt did not respond at all!

Arun, good to their word, phoned me that weekend. Gerry for Rockall sails (a subsidiary of Arun) phoned me, discussed some details, gave me some good advice and a price and then left me under no pressure what so ever to make up my own mind by saying ‘you know where we are, give me a call if you want to place the order’. Well I hate sales pressure (or even sails pressure) and so this left me feeling very positive about Arun. Two weeks later after confirming a few more details including getting samples of the coloured sail material, the order was placed with Arun.

Well, three weeks later I phoned to see how they were getting on to find the sails were ready. Gerry had quoted approx two weeks but this did not take into account having to order the material as I wanted a colour they did not stock, so a three week delivery was great.

I got the sails on Friday - 3 weeks and two days after placing the order. First impressions: They came loosely packed in a short fat bag with three batons, inside the bag is a long sail bag allowing the sails to be rolled and stored without folding, which is good.

I only own one set of sails so I’m no expert, but now realise the old ones have had it! I can only judge the sails on aesthetics as they are now wrapped up in Xmas paper! But I did manage to get them out and do a full inspection. They look great; sunwing classic tan with white stitching is a great contrast. The colour was a hard choice to make which is why I had samples sent but I'm very happy with the choice. A light tan that has a slight marbling effect making the cloth look old even when it’s new.

The stitching looks consistent and is finished well. I had a set of reefing points fitted. I expected a row of eyes but not only got a row of eyes but reinforced points at each end as well so the sail is as strong when reefed as when fully set.

The jib has bronze Jib hanks fitted with nice protectors around the luff wire and is equally well finished.

Apart from the fact that the new sails are so much stiffer than the old ones I have noticed that the jib is lower cut and the old main must have shrunk over the years as the new one is about 0.5m2 bigger overall. As I said earlier I’m no expert and have limited things to compare them to, that aside I’m very happy with the new sails.

Thanks Paul, I would like to add that Dolphin did sell me a very nice set of racing sails a few years back but a company I would not recommend is Jeckells. Just thought I'd stick my oar in if you will pardon the nautical pun!

Andersen Bailers Restoration and Replacement

2011-11-17T16:47:00.004Z

After sailing at Rutland a few weeks ago I noticed that for some mysterious reason both of my Andersen self bailers were bent! This must have happened when I tried to get the boat back onto the trailer with the bailers open. One of the bailers was bent beyond repair so this would need to be replaced. However, using a small hammer and a bit of gentle persuasion I was able to repair the other bailer. In order to refit the repaired bailer I would need a replacement gasket. The only way I could get hold of this part was to buy a whole service kit. This was still a lot cheaper than buying a complete new bailer and the service kit came with the parts necessary to replace the internal seal that is sandwiched inside the bailer. I have read that these seals do perish and let water into the cockpit so it made sense to replace this before re-fitting the bailer.

For comprehensive instructions on how to service a bailer see this site - http://www.raceonedesign.com/racebook/racing-guide/Rebuilding-Andersen-Bailers

But basically, this is how to do it -

1) Remove bailers from boat using screwdrivers, spanners or sockets.

2) Securing the bailer in a vice or workbench use a 2.5mm drill bit to drill through the copper rivets holding the 2 main parts of the bailer together. It helps to also screw the bailer to the workbench as this will hold it securely in place (see top picture below). Before drilling it will help to make an indent in the centre of the rivet using a hole punch. Once the rivet is drilled out it may be necessary to remove any excess copper with the hole punch.

3) After all the rivets have been removed the parts of the bailer can be pulled apart. Pay attention to the order in which the parts come apart as they will need to go back in the same order.

4) Clean all the parts with WD40, an old tooth brush and some rag.

5) Fit the new internal seal from the service kit in place and rebuild the bailer (see middle picture below).

6) There will be various ways of refitting the rivets and believe me, I tried most of them! But in the end this is what worked for me. Push the rivet in from the bottom of the bailer and hold it in place with a small bit of masking tape. Place a sturdy piece of metal underneath the bailer so that the bottom of the rivet is resting against a solid flat surface. I used a steel washer and screwed the bailer to the workbench (see picture below). Then hit the top of the rivet with a hammer until it is flat. Try not to hit the shoot, handle or plastic bit of the bailer but don't worry too much about the flange where the rivets attach as I found it very hard to damage even when I did accidentally hit it with the hammer.

7) When all six rivets are done make sure it opens and shuts. That's it!

In the bottom picture the bailer on the left is brand new and the one on the right is the refurbished one. In the next post I shall discuss just how much fun I had re-installing them underneath the boat in the middle of winter!

2011 - A Great Year For Gull Sailing

2011-11-09T19:01:00.000Z

It's getting colder and winter seems to be here now. I shall be sailing the Lightning at my new club (West Oxford) through the winter whenever the lake is not frozen. I will still be sailing the Gull whenever I can but I'm already preparing next season's Gulling. I removed my bent self bailers today. I noticed they were both bent after sailing at Rutland. I must have rolled the boat off the road trailer with them open. Anyway, one is broken beyond repair and the other has been salvaged as I managed to straighten it. I'll be replacing the bailers when I receive the new parts and I shall write about this fiddly operation in a future post.

It has been a great year for Gull sailing. Above are some pictures I've been sent by fellow Gull sailors. Please keep them coming. Your pics and write-ups keep us ticking over through the winter months. I will eventually get around to posting all of those I've been sent so far. These pictures of our recent Rutland trip where sent to me by George Curral. I'm still not sure why I was making a rabbit sign behind my own back in one of the photos. But then I'm not sure why I do a lot of the things I do.................

Ann Miles' review of the Rutland cruise

2011-10-31T21:52:00.002Z

It's great to have a different take on the day's event. This review was written by Ann for 'Haverchat', the Haversham Sailing Club journal. Ann has kindly sent us the article for the blog. The bottom 2 pictures where taken by David Hodson; A convention of Gulls at Dave's home and the miss named laying-up supper as most of us will continue sailing through the winter regardless.

GO GULLS GO!

I am an unadventurous sailor and have only rarely ventured beyond the security of the Haversham race circuit, but lately I have started fidgeting to stretch my boundaries. As those unfortunates who have tried crewing with me know, I am not especially competitive and just as often enjoy the scenery and fresh air as much as the race.

Then Gill Thompson acquired a Gull called Felicita and began to look to see what she could with it. She contacted a loose association of Gull sailors who meet to enjoy cruising together and went out crewing for a day. She returned determined to sail Felicita next time. I agreed to go with Gull 2603, but backed out at the thought of preparing her for cruising; all those slightly frayed ropes to replace, the horrors of trailing and I have no idea where the mast prop is. Gill was more focused and set to work to learn to trail and to fit out Felicita with everything that was needed. Ultimately, I agreed to crew with Gill for the day out on Rutland Water. We both spent an anxious week: I worried about my ability to sail anywhere that wasn’t Haversham and Gill worried about trailing the boat.

On Saturday 29th October, we met Chris Abela (known to many Haversham sailors as a Lightning sailor but a great fan of the Gull) [First and foremost I'm a Gull sailor! Chris]. and 4 other boats at Whitwell on Rutland Water. So it was a fleet of six who set sail together into Whitwell creek. As we struggled to get going, the keel boats, moored on the pontoon, jeered “It’s livelier out there!” When we rounded the point, the wind hit us, and yes, it was lively and it would have had me running for cover in gusty, swirly Haversham. But this wind didn’t do that, it stayed coming from the south-west at the same rate all the time. I helmed the outward leg and it was fabulous, some of my most enjoyable sailing ever. On the lovely long tacks, Gill and I settled into comfortable positions with only the slightest balancing work needed. I am ashamed to say that I followed Chris like glue as we picked our way between racing and fishing boats. Soon enough, our little fleet had dispersed and Chris hove to in order to wait. Now this was a challenge for me, either sail on alone (scary) or try to remember Steve’s efforts to teach me “Seamanship Skills” and heaving to. “I don’t do stopping” I shouted, but Gill was on the ball with “Just copy Chris” and there we were, properly hove to in lots of wind. What an achievement!

The fleet regrouped and we flew on down the South Arm of Rutland Water. The Gulls sliced through the waves and the spray flew. Just as I was beginning to feel my bottom go numb, Chris headed for our picnic spot. When I looked again, Chris and his crew Jo were engaged in a very inelegant activity which involved lying on the shore next to their boat and waving their arms. The truth was soon revealed. A kindly (ha! ha!) fisherman pointed out that we had chosen the muddiest spot on the whole of Rutland Water for our picnic. Thigh deep mud in the water and along the shoreline plus a layer of our favourite Canadian Weed meant stepping out and sinking into deep silt. To think Gill had just mentioned that we didn’t have any way of washing our hands before eating! Eventually a crowd of unsavoury mud larks settled on the bank for one of the most amusing meals ever. After a time I looked up and saw a weather front approaching rapidly and Gill decided to start the complex business of extracting the boat from mud and weed to launch.

It was Gill’s turn to helm, with increasing wind on the starboard back quarter (if you see what I mean). We sped down the lake and were just wondering how to negotiate our way round some serious looking racers when the Gull on our port caught an unfortunate gust and capsized. Gill said (very calmly, given the circumstances) “I can’t do anything to help, I can’t turn round”. We ran before the wind while I watched the capsize. Years of cautious sailing at Haversham paid off as we took a safe approach and landed on the bank to put in a reef for the remainder of the journey.

Now the wind was really screaming and the lake was very busy with windsurfers, a Contenders' race, the “Rutland Belle” pleasure steamer and us, tiny, reefed and lost! I had completely forgotten where Whitwell creek was situated! I sent Gill too far in the wrong direction which meant we had to go back up the lake and found ourselves in the middle of the Contenders, shooting at us from all directions with trapezes out – there was no way out other than a determined tack mid race. It was time to head across the rollers into Whitwell.

And what happened next? Well, all good adventure stories finish with a slap up feast –in this case, dinner at a delightful village pub in Greetham, 4 miles down the road from Rutland Water. If this is cruise sailing, I’m on board.

Oh, the capsize was recovered perfectly in the classic style and benefited from a good wash, unlike the rest of the mud soaked fleet.

Ann Miles.

Rutland Water Laying-up cruise and supper

2011-10-30T18:28:00.001Z

6 boats and 11 sailors took to the water yesterday for what would be my best sail of the year. The last day of British summer time was a truly delightful day and at times even felt warm in the sunlight. A decent breeze and some excellent sailing made for a memorable day. We set sail at about 11.15am and headed South through fleets of racing boats towards the usual lunch time spot on the beach near the golf course. Jo and I headed of first in order to clear some of the congestion on the slipway. Ann and Gill came charging along behind us. When we got out into the middle of the lake Jo and I went hove-to in order to let the others catch up and I desperately needed a cup of coffee as I hadn't had a break since getting up at 7am. It wasn't too long after finishing our drink that the others caught up and we got going again. After a couple of hours of beating into the Southerly wind we turned into the beach. Those of you who where there that day will never forget what you saw next.......Chris Yardley was already safely ashore when Jo and I headed for our selected patch of foreshore. The water level at Rutland is currently so low that stepping into the water really means stepping into the silt at the bottom of the lake. It was a little like quick sand. It took us ages to extract ourselves from the gloop. We crawled on our hands and knees through 100 yards of pure mud. I felt like actor Tim Robbins trying to escape from Shawshank Prison in the film of the same name....you know the scene. We where soon joined by Ann and Gill in their Anglo Marine Spirit, Dave and Miles of Dorchester sailing club in their Porter's Spirit and George Currell with Marian as crew in the Mark III. The other Dave in his Spirit had returned to Whitwell Creek to pick up Susie who was joining us for her first ever sail at 1pm.

After we had lunch Jo and I knew we had some work to do to retrieve our Gull and get sailing again. I decided to send Jo with Chris Y to keep "aurora" as light as possible so that I could extract her from the weed and mud. I made it back to the boat on my hands and knees, set the jib to pull me away from the shore and enlisted the help of an oar used as a pole to push me off. Sailing without a crew in a boat full to the gunnels of mud meant I had to work my passage. I settled into the pattern of - lookout for other boats, scoop clean water into the boat, clean off mud, open bailers to release muddy water, lose sponge overboard, and practice man overboard drill to retrieve sponge. I repeated this procedure about 4 times until I decided to just enjoy the sail as I could no longer see the sponge when it went overboard as the wind and waves were building as the forecast said they would. In fact the conditions where now perfect for some fast downwind sailing. I had noticed that Chris and Jo had headed up to the shelter of the sailing club to avoid gybing in the middle of a fleet of racing keelboats. George and Marian had opted for a fast and direct sail home. Ann and Gill had landed by Normanton church to reef their mainsail whilst I had turned into an Xtreme sports junky, desperately trying to get "aurora" to plane. When she did start planning she didn't want to stop. I sailed her right past Dave and Miles who had just executed a superb and speedy recovery from a total inversion capsize, passed the creek and on along the northern arm of the reservoir. At one point two gents in a Javelin where trying to catch-up with the Gull. When eventually they did, they enquired as to what boat I was sailing. "A Gull" came my response. "A what?" they asked again. "A Gull, you know, the first RYA recognised dinghy class" I informed them. They looked confused or shocked, I'm not sure which. The truth is that the Gull was planning at quite some speed. Even I was finding it hard to believe. Fancy not knowing what a Gull is though.......honestly.
We all landed shortly after crossing through a fleet of racing Contenders. It was a little bit like crossing the M25 on a space hopper! Safely ashore and packed away we were all invited back to Dave's house for tea followed by a very enjoyable evening meal at his local.
An excellent day, great company, great sailing, wallows in mud, planning in a Gull, good food. What more could we want?
The dark days of winter will soon be upon us but don't worry, we have already discussed some exiting new sailing locations for 2012. Do join us, I guarantee you will be hooked!

Anchor Storage - What's in your locker?

2011-10-28T16:57:00.000+01:00

I don't just keep my anchor in the stern locker. It is also where I keep all my spare dry layers and my nibbles. I also have a towel, coffee flask and my mobile phone....oh, and some spares and a lots of extra rope. As you can see from the picture my anchor is secured to the floor in the dry compartment. Most sailors will tell you that the anchor should be easily accessed. It's not easy to find space inside the cockpit of a Gull for a 5kg anchor. Why 5kg? because I know it will hold....well, it usually holds. There was this one time on Ullswater when I had to hitch a lift in another Gull to collect "aurora" when she sailed off by herself despite the over sized anchor. Recently I've got around this problem by placing a couple of rocks on to of the anchor when she is moored in shallow water but I've now got the 1m of galvanised chain that I've always promised myself. I'm fairly sure she will now hold without the need for the rockery. This small collection of crude metal objects is secured to the boat using a special 5kg danforth shaped ply panel. The panel is fixed to the block that is glassed into the floor of all Gull Sprirts (initially required for securing an outboard when not in use). The anchor, chain and rope are strapped onto the plywood panel. This set-up is so secure that I usual trail the boat up the road with the anchor in place.

There is a system when landing at a lunchtime rendezvous. 1) step out of boat in shallow water. 2) open aft hatch. 3) remove dry bag that is loaded with sarnies, coffee, towels, etc. and either place in cockpit for later or throw ashore if the distance is not too far (this bag will float if shore is further than assumed). 4) Grab hold of anchor line and tie to stem fitting. 5) drop anchor and rope into water. 6) adjust length of rope to depth of water and other conditions. 7) drop sail and store neatly in boat. 8) go and have a cuppa....you earned it!

The anchor's new chain will be christened tomorrow at Rutland water which will probably be the last Gull cruise of the season but don't worry there is plenty planned for 2012. As usual, keep an eye on this blog for info and please send pictures and reports to me at - chrisabela(at)hotmail(dot)co.uk

"Gullswater" 2011, part 3.

2011-10-26T14:56:00.002+01:00

A nice day for sunlight but a tricky day for wind. Chris Yardley sailed his trusty mark III and Paul Bailey joined us but crewed for me instead of sailing his wooden boat "Kittiwake". We had a fast but bumpy sail to Sandwick, again!, but what a stunning location I'm sure you will agree (see panoramic pic above). The sail back was fast. Paul took the helm of "aurora" allowing me the rare luxury of crewing and relaxing in the sun. We spent an hour or so tacking back and forth in the area of open water between Watermillock and Howtown. A word of caution for anyone sailing in that area at the moment - one of the orange metal hoops that marks the rocks that are just below the water on the western side of the lake seems to be missing so take care not to hole you hulls. We eventually headed back to the pontoon at Watermillock, which was a tricky process with a strong wind on the bow.

Some great sailing, great evening meals, and great company as usual. Next year we're hoping to sail on Coniston or Derwent Water, so keep an eye on this blog.

Gullswater part 2

2011-10-16T19:55:00.001+01:00

The strangeness of strangers. What is wrong with some people! Last night I thought I'd sold a boat to a man who answered an ad I'd placed on the web. No, not the Gull, don't worry, I have others and I need to get rid of one or two. Anyway, this gentleman........this man says he will take my boat so I offered to let him sail it in my club's open meeting today. He turned up sailed the boat in 3 races and, as I was coming ashore from doing my rescue boat duties, said "I've decided the boat is not for me". As you might imagine, I was a bit taken aback. I'd let him sail my boat in 3 races on the understanding that he had bought it. What makes me really angry is finding a chunk missing from the gelcoat on the transom, damage to the rudder and, he couldn't even be bothered to put the cover on properly. What a *^@!!! Yeah, you know who you are!

Breathe Chris......count to five....1...2...3...4...5..and relax. Ok...Good. Anyway, don't worry folks. Gull sailors don't behave in that way. Our week at Ullswater was the complete opposite to the day I describe above. Once again we met old freinds and made new ones in the pursuit of Gull sailing Nirvana. Tuesday's sail on Ullswater was a fantastic one. Jo (lovely lady and as of Monday, fiancee of Chris Abela) and I were joined by Chris Yardley (very nice guy) and Bill Myles (very nice guy) for a truely awesome sail from Watermillock to Sandwick in a perfect and steady f5 wind from the South. I hope the pictures above can convey in some way how great a sail we had and what great company! The sail back was lovely, Jo and I sailed very close to the rocky outcrop in the "bend" of the Lake near Howtown. Looking up at the trees whilst gliding along at sea level is one of the great sailing memories I will have with me forever. As is the moment from the day before when I got down on one shaking knee and nervously proposed to the woman I've already been living with for the past 14 years! Well, you never know, she may well have been sick of me by now!
The sail was followed by a great evening meal at the Pooley Bridge Inn where we were joind by Chris Y (great guy), Pat Lovel (smashing bloke), Bill (really nice man) and his wife Christine (lovely lady) and my future outlaws, or inlaws.....yes, inlaws, that's it (no, they are great too!).

Part 3 to follow.

Pictures from top: Bill sails towards us in his Gull Spirit, who has right of way?, We enjoyed watching Chris Yardley cleaning the flora and forna from his foredeck whilst lunching at Sandwick, Bill Myles sailing quickly, Me feeling smug - a great day's sailing and she said yes!, Drifting downwind whilst admiring the rock formations, The rock that Jo collected!

Gullswater (part 1.5)

2011-10-14T18:39:00.000+01:00

Just a few pictures I've been sent by Paul Bailey, Lord and Master of Kittiwake. Part 2 of our Ullswater trip will follow shortly.

By the way, don't forget, all are welcome to join us at Rutland on Saturday the 29th of October. A simple cruise to a lunch rendezvous followed by a Laying-up meal at the local pub....so, plenty of food!

Gullswater 2011 - Part 1

2011-10-10T18:40:00.000+01:00

October 2nd. We where joined by Paul Bailey and his mate Doug for a quick and gusty trip to the rocky outcrop near Howtown. Sailing to windward was hard work and an area of very strong wind had developed where the valley cuts through the fells down to Howtown making landing there impossible. Paul's recently restored Mark I handled the conditions well but the planned landing at Sandwick bay was just too much in these tricky autumnal conditions. Whilst travelling back to Watermillock we got up enough downwind speed in the Gull Spirit to have both of the Anderson bailers working well. That's a first!

More to follow soon.

Kittiwake Update

2011-09-22T17:14:00.000+01:00

Thanks to all of you who have sent me updates of your sailing this season. I shall get around to posting all of your pictures within the next few weeks. Keep them coming!

Firstly, some news from the North.

Fully restored and back on the water Paul's wonderful wooden Gull "Kittiwake" can be seen here once again under sail on Derwent Water. I hope these pictures can inspire potential Gull sailors to invest a small amount of time and money in restoring one of the many wooden Gulls that often turn up in the classifieds for a few hundred pounds. You can read about the restoration of Kittiwake here - http://gulldinghysailing.blogspot.com/2011/02/restoration-of-kittiwake-part-1_05.html

In Pauls own words; "I had the best days sailing to date today on Derwent Water, I reckon I've now done about 19 hours total so still learning (allot). I haven't been out since the spring due to the weather plus other hobbies such as biking and climbing and walking etc. But mainly because the lakes are so much nicer in the spring and autumn (far from the maddening crowd of summer). Derwent is a fickle lake for the wind but today a good steady 7-10 knots just right for a beginner. Last time we had about 4 knots gusting to 15, nearly capsized twice and ended up limping back to Nichol End half swamped! Not a good way to build the confidence".

Far from the maddening crowd indeed. That is exactly why you should try to join us in Ullswater for the 1st week of October and with the early autumn this year the Lakeland scenery is guaranteed to be stunning. For info you can call me on 07796990219.

Alchemical Sailing

2011-09-13T22:09:00.002+01:00

Costin has certainly been enjoying some good Gull sailing recently. With reefed main he managed to come a very respectable 3rd in the strong winds that accompanied the recent Hurst Castle Sailing Club regatta. He's been enjoying some other sailing too as you can see on his blog along with some very cute pictures of hedgehogs. http://alchemicaltransformation.blogspot.com/

The Good Old Days

2011-09-05T14:39:00.003+01:00

Although I was not sailing Gulls back in the early 60's (a decade before I was born), reading the 1963 Gull Class Owner's Association Handbook fills me with nostalgia for an age when people got together and devoted themselves to doing things properly. And, what an active fleet the Gull class had.

The first Gulls appeared on the market in 1957 and the class took off immediately. Renowned dinghy designer Ian Proctor, who developed the Gull for Gordon Pollard of Small Craft was the first to place an order for the boat. When not being raced sail number 1, know as "Jolly Roger", served as a press boat as the following extract in Ian's own words tells us:

My Wife and I took her to Torbay, where I was reporting on the Dragon [big fancy racing keelboat. Sailed to this day by people who take themselves far too seriously. Chris.] championships for the Daily Telegraph, and we used her as a press boat; in the final race it was blowing enough for a Dragon to snap her mast and afterwards one of the competitors sent me a cartoon showing Dragons plunging through the ocean, with ripped sails and collapsing masts, while the Gull sailed serenely through the wreckage.

Ian also sailed his Gull across the Solent to Cowes to report on the round the Island race. Now I can see why "aurora" can handle those waters so well when I sail her out into the Solent myself from time to time.

So influential was the Gull's class committee that they managed to persuade the Royal Yachting Association to accept the Gull as the first recognised RYA dinghy class. Throughout the 60's and 70's the Gull went from strength to strength. I'm aware that there are still some Gulls in North America but the Handbook tells us that the Canadian Gull Association was formed in 1963 and this would also undertake admin for Gulls south of the border in America.

The 1963 Gull handbook is a wonderful document as many of you who have received a soft copy will agree. From the simple blue cover, information inside that hints at a very active fleet, Class rules, black and white period photos, through to the charming 1960's advertisements towards the back.

I don't know where it went wrong for the Gull Class Association. I only started to get involved in 2004. At the time we had an annual Inland Championship held at Horning Sailing Club and a Nationals. The Nationals that I attended where held at my home club of Dorchester on Thames, Bewl Valley Sailing Club and Herne Bay on the North Kent coast. All of these events where great fun. More recently we have held cruising events in the Norfolk broads. But ,in reality, the GCOA has ceased to exist. Unlike the Halcyon days of the 20th century people don't seem to have the time or desire to attend events and join committees.

Such is my passion for the Gull dinghy that in the autumn of 2008 I decided to start this blog and as a result I've come to realise that there is still a loose but huge following for the Gull. And as long as people show some interest in this versatile and tough little boat I shall be here to record that somewhere out there someone is grinning as they sail to windward with the spray hitting the jib and the sunlight dancing off the waves.

Huge thanks to Stephen Foote who unearthed this document. It will be looked after and helps us in our never ending task of preserving the Gull.

A copy of the GCOA handbook (1963) can be made available to people who sign up to the mailing list.

Contact me on - chrisabela(at)hotmail(dot)com

I also have a copy of the Anglo Marine Gull Spirit handbook. The latest handbook is available from Hartley Lamintes (current makers of the boat) but, to my mind, is more generic and less Gull specific.

Cutting Edge Racing Machine

2011-08-29T19:52:00.001+01:00

Its been a couple of years since I raced my Gull "aurora". Recently I've been heavily into racing a more purpose built vessel. I've been so obsessed with this pass time and, as I'm such a regular attendant on the open circuit, I ordered a brand new boat earlier this year. My old one was good enough to help me win an open at my home club of Dorchester in September 2010 but after being involved in an RTA she was looking a bit shabby.

Time to dispel some myths; don't ever believe that old boats of any class are not competitive (I had my new boat for 9 months and never achieved the same results as I did with the old one). Newer boats are lighter therefore faster? (I know that I weigh more than the boat ever will. It's where I put that weight that matters). Modern components and materials are better? (If better means frustrating, unreliable boat bought from a frustratingly unreliable boat builder.....). The boat in question has been sold and I'm now left licking my wounds and feeling sorry for that particular class association that I feel may suffer as a result of the new boats that are being built.

I'm still in the market for a fast single-hander so that I may begin a fresh open circuit campaign in 2012 and I'm going to try a Streaker as I think it might suit my sailing style. In the meantime I've got my hands on a 20 year old boat of the class I discuss above and despite her being very leaky and with a completely knackered sail I raced her to victory in yesterday's handicap race at DSC.....proves my point that older is not necessarily any slower. Don't believe the hype given to you at boat shows people, if you love your old boat she will be the perfect craft for you.

What's all this go to do with Gulls? I hear you ask. Well, hoping to save the old stop-gap racing boat and it's knackered old sail for the last few opens that I will sadly attend with that class, I thought I should give the Gull a race, it had been a long time since we raced together. I dusted off her beautifully cut Dolphin racing sails and headed to DSC for the usual bank holiday pursuit race. For those of you new to pursuit racing it works like this, 1) Turn up at the start line in your Gull 10 minutes before the next boat because she is so slow that you get a huge head start. 2) Shoot of up the lake at a crazy speed shouting to the Laser sailors on the shore who have not even launched their boats yet "you won't catch me". 3) The faster boats are started at timed intervals according to their handicap so that in theory all boats should finish neck and neck after 1 hour if sailed by the same standard of sailor. Sounds fair? well it is, and I won. So there! My slow, heavily built, cruising Gull dinghy beat all those faster, sleaker boats.

The point is that I did not need a fast, expensive, modern racing boat to have such good fun and to win a race. Aurora is a solid, reliable and, as it transpires, competitive little boat and I love sailing her against faster boats. I should do it more often.

Cruising Falmouth Harbour With Keith Saville

2011-08-19T14:41:00.002+01:00

Keith Saville tells us about sailing in the beautiful Falmouth Harbour.....

This year I am keeping my Gull Spirit 2634 in the field next to Restronguet Sailing Club which has a steepish concrete ramp down onto a shingle beach. Its fine if the tide is in when you come back but if it is low water then it is a bit of a pull up a stony foreshore single handed, especially at my age and fitness level! Dinghies can be kept here from a week to a full year with car parking on site if required. I did notice during Falmouth Week that people were camping in the field next to the owners house but I'm not sure if this is a permanent arrangement but there are other camp sites not too far away. Dinghies can also be launched from two concrete ramps in Mylor Marina but the trailers must be parked in the 'valley' that leads up from the marina.

Sailing inside the sheltered Harbour has lots of options. There is deep water all the way up past the King Harry chain ferry and moored ships to Smugglers Cottage where cream teas are available! You can carry on past here all the way up to Malpas where there is a pub and then on to the centre of Truro when there is sufficient water. Creeks than can be sailed into when there is sufficient water are St Just Creek, Mylor Creek and Restronguet Creek with Penryn River and Percuil River (St Mawes) accessable at all times. St Mawes has a sandy beach inside the breakwater and has shops and toilets. Loe Beach has a cafe and toilets just off the beach.

In the last couple of months when I have been out sailing the wind always seems to have come from the North West and gusty with it. I have planed under full sail on a broad reach all the way from the north end of the harbour at Turnaware Point to the entrance of St Mawes Harbour with the waves building up as I progressed! The return trip was much slower and wetter requiring a lot of manual bailing as I have no self bailers! [they never seem to work on a Gull Spirit anyway!]

I have also made several trips across to Helford and up past Helford Passage to Frenchman's Creek. Its about 4 miles entrance to entrance and I pick my weather forecast very carefully before I set off! Just to the south of the entrance is Gillan Creek with a small shop and at high tide you can sail up to the top of the creek. At Helford Passage there is a pub to starboard with another pub to port along with the sailing club nearby. Frenchman's Creek can only be accessed at high water as it is silted up, similarly with Port Navas Creek. Given sufficient water you can sail all the way up to Gweek.

On Black Rock at the entrance to Falmouth Harbour you tend to get seals sunning themselves and out in the bay I have had a basking shark cross my bows a few boat lengths in front and I have also seen a small pod of dolphins a few hundred yards off to starboard.

I hope that the above is of some interest.

It is most definitely of interest. I went walking in the area a few years ago and I remember thinking that this was perfect Gull sailing country. Please let us know if you've also had such wonderful sailing this season. Send cruise reports and pictures to me.

Gull Resurrections

2011-08-12T20:18:00.001+01:00

I am hoping that these two wooden Gulls will take to the water again. The blue boat has been rescued from the scrap heap at Dorchester Sailing Club by a young family that plan to restore her and relaunch her in the future. The cream coloured boat was donated to our own Chris Yardley. She had been dry stored in the roof of a garage in Oxfordshire since she was last sailed in the early 1970's (before I was born!). She is in wonderful condition and we extend our gratitude to the Foote family for donating her to us.

Rutland Water Camping Weekend (part 3)

2011-08-02T17:15:00.001+01:00

Sunday

An altogether different day’s sailing. Gillian joined the rest of us for a second attempt at our lunch rendezvous near the golf course. We made slow but steady progress in the light winds and hot sunshine. Dick and Linda left us at about half way as they had a long drive ahead of them. But Chris Yardley, Costin, Eddie, Gillian and Jo and I finally made it to the usual muddy beach where we anchored before finding a suitable log to sit on. Lunch was followed by a gentle downwind sail back. Jo took the helm of aurora so that I could get comfortable, bask in the sunshine and enjoy the scenery. It was one of those wonderfully rare occasions when I can allow myself a chance to relax. And, it seems that in late June summer had finally arrived.

Costin's Hatch Cover

2011-07-21T18:25:00.000+01:00

Costin has sent me these pictures of his new hatch lid. This cover, to replace the one lost at Rutland, was made by Porter Brothers who still have the original "Spirit" molds. The straps are a modification that should prove more reliable than the old fasteners originally fitted to Anglo Marine boats.

Rutland Water Camping Weekend (part 2)

2011-07-17T19:34:00.000+01:00

It transpires that his mainsheet had separated from the boom and he had lost control. He did manage to make it onto the lee shore to sort it all out. By this time Dick and Linda had returned to base to reef their mainsail. As their setup will not allow them to do this underway. Eddie kept plugging on to windward under all plain sail in a valiant effort to defy the elements. Jo and I furled our jib and reefed our main and made a slow but steady progress South. Chris Yardley was seen in the distance heading back to Whitwell. He had somehow managed to drop his mainsail and fly his jib as a storm sail. Too cool, this guy from Norfolk!

Now there where only the 2 Spirits and 1 Calypso left trying to get to our lunch rendezvous. But somewhere passed Rutland sailing club we looked round and saw no sight of Costin. We wrongly assumed he must have headed back as the going was very testing.

We plugged away at it and eventually got to the small muddy beach near the golf course where I could warm myself with a mug of coffee and a sarny. The only survivors of this epic windward slog where Jo and I and Eddie in his Calypso.

After a short lunch stop the sail back was a slightly different affair. It could be that the wind had dropped off slightly, or it could be that I've become too used to sailing my, very hairy downwind, Lightning dinghy recently but the Gull felt steady and relaxing on the downwind return trip. So much so that Jo and I shook out the reef half way home and made it back in less than 45 minutes.

On returning we learnt that Chris Yardley had sailed back slowly with his differently rigged Mirror and Dick and Linda had reefed and sailed comfortably in the area near the creek. Eddie's sail was fast but un-eventful Costin's story was different however. He had capsized near the sailing club and his centreboard had shot back up inside it's case. This made the boat impossible to right from the fully inverted position it was in. A passing rib from the sailing club came to his assistance and I believe he was towed back to whitwell. Unfortunately, the hatch cover belonging to the dry compartment somehow came adrift and is now believed to be covering Davy jones' locker at the bottom of the lake. Costin himself is not missing any parts (Apart from a pink Croc shoe). it may even be said that he has gained a passion and skill for Gull sailing in that one short journey that makes us proud to have him in the international fraternity of Gullists.

Later that evening we were joined by Jo’s parents for another great meal in the local pub where we all had the chance to regroup and debrief.

To be continued....................

Top 2 Pictures by Edward Garrett. From the top - Chris and Jo in "aurora", Mysterious whirlpool, Sailors and landlubbers in discussion, Eddie under full sail, Crostin and is lonely Croc.

More News From Michigan

2011-07-11T19:00:00.000+01:00

From Mark and Benny in the state of Michigan...........

Hello Chris, I was on the blog and Gull sailing homepage, and I am enjoying it very much. My son and I sailed a bit this weekend, and I saw on the homepage that I could maybe add something via an e-mail to you that fellow Gull owners might enjoy. We had some good inland lake breezes, so we took her out for a bit, and we also snapped a few pictures. My son Benny is the actual owner, the Gull was rescued from the side of a highway, and I gave it to him as a Christmas present ( after a restoration job in our garage.) So, we used the info from the manual you e-mailed me, and got things in fair working order. The sails are a bit blown out, but usable nonetheless. I realize the pictures are not what I originally wanted up, as I had hoped for a distance shot of us on board under full sail. Soon we will get some taken, and send those. So, for now, across the pond in Michigan, on a small inland lake, the Gull lives and breathes, after a long 7 years of neglect, sitting outside in cold Michigan winters.......Chow,

Mark and Benny

It still fascinates me to learn that there are Gulls in America!

Chris Yardley's Pictures From Rutland

2011-07-06T20:37:00.000+01:00

Camping Weekend - Part 1

2011-07-03T17:33:00.005+01:00

Friday

Jo and I arrived at about midday and went for a walk near Normanton church. We returned later to meet Costin and Irene. Costin and I went for a quick sail in Costin's smart green Spirit. We needed to check the rig and make sure everything was in order. Costin adjusted to his boat within minutes and soon let me ashore so he could continue alone and experience single-handing his Gull. Shortly after he returned to take Irene for a quick sail out beyond Whitwell Creek and into the more open waters of the lake.

Saturday

It seemed to rain all night and on waking at about 8am the wind sounded heavy through the material of the tent. I unzipped and stepped out into an overcast and gusty day. The Gull fleet took to the lake at about 11am. It was windy, very windy! All 5 boats set off together but we would soon meet out different fates as we all tried in our own way to battle against the elements. Chris Yardley charged off in his usual confident and understated way. He was sailing his Mirror dinghy as he had found some issues with his Gull before leaving home. Rear Admiral Sir Richard Case (Dick) and Lady Linda Case also punched confidently into the waves and spray in their MkIII. Costin, sailing single-handed and Eddie in his Gull Calypso also sailing alone where followed by myself and Jo.

It was a very hard sail to say the least. Huge waves, in lake terms, meant that Jo had to bail after every tack of the hellish beat to windward and I was having to spill gusts from the mainsail constantly. Before long we noticed that Costin was having some problems so we tacked back round to see what was wrong.
to be continued.......

Photos from Top, Eddie sailing his Calypso. Reefed mainsail and furled jib, aurora still sails at speed. Chris and Costin ready for a shake-down sail on Friday evening. Costin, single-handed and reefed in the strong winds of Saturday. A view of Rutland water from the campsite.

To read Costin's experience, visit his blog - http://alchemicaltransformation.blogspot.com/

Rutland Video

2011-06-27T19:20:00.001+01:00

Just back from a great weekend of camping and Gull sailing at Rutland. We had a great turnout and took lots of pictures. A full report will follow but for now, here's a video of Aurora sailing to windward in the very strong winds of Saturday morning.

Gulls Across The Pond

2011-06-22T22:14:00.000+01:00

No, not an idea for a cruise across the Atlantic. This post is to prove that Gulls do exist stateside and I think you will all agree that she is a very pretty example of our class. This picture is from Mark D of Michigan, USA.

And now I must plead to you readers of this blog to send me pictures of your boats, sailing logs, racing results or anything that may inspire Gull sailors to take to the water or other sailors to take to Gulls. So remember whether it be a photo like Marks or a 3 part article on boat restoration they will all be posted on the blog. Send pictures and text to the usual email - chrisabela(at)hotmail(dot)com

Gullswater 2011 - 3rd to 8th October.

2011-06-11T18:14:00.000+01:00

Back by popular demand. We will be sailing up at Ullswater again this Autumn. I will be there from the 3rd to the 8th of October. I will be basing myself at the Ullswater camping and caravan site and marina. All Gull sailors are welcome to join us but you will need to arrange your own accommodation from the many campsites and B&Bs in the area.

Also, don't forget the Gull sailing weekend at Rutland from the 24th of June. Details are below.

The picture above was taken on one of our historic "Gullswater" events way back in 2005.

I wish I was this chilled out...............

2011-06-07T23:15:00.001+01:00

.......is what I was thinking as I stepped back onto Phil's river cruiser as we continued to motor up the Thames near Marlow this afternoon. I first spotted this character from a distance by the trail of smoke from the chimney that poked through the roof of the plywood cabin he had built onto his aluminium outrigger canoe.

I was lucky enough to exchange a few words with this gent as he paddled through Hurley lock. The new fangled, modern, push button lock had jammed and we spent about half an hour trying to figure out the problem. I had to ring the environment agency emergency line and go through the whole push 1, push 2, push 3 (push off! that's what I say) routine of the modern helpline to human interface scenario while the berk who was coming up river and was responsible for braking the damn thing told us he would wait in his boat while we sorted it. Let's be honest, we take to the water to relax but we rarely can. The guy in the canoe however was the real deal. I asked him where he came from and he told me he had come from the source of the Thames. He had been at sea (river) for 8 days. I asked him if his rig was from a Mirror and he told me he didn't know. To him it was just a kite to pull him down wind, sourced on EBay. He seemed to feel like he needed to justify why he was gently drifting downwind the length of the Thames as he paddled off with his stew cooking away in his tiny cabin. He didn't need to. I was with him spiritually as I stepped back on to our Gin Palace and headed for the globalisation that is Marlow High street.

I haven't been able to stop asking myself the question, why don't I take a Gull down the Thames. After all it has been on my doorstep, so to speak, all my life and in the right kind of vessel, i.e. one that isn't powered by fossil fuels, the river would be a great place to escape to. At least until the lock machinery jams again.

Rutland Water Camping Weekend.........soon!

2011-05-06T20:09:00.004+01:00

The camping weekend at Rutland is only a few short weeks away. The response has been great and there will be quite a few of us there over the weekend. It's not too late for you to join us. All the booking details are in the previous post (below). I've not been sailing the Gull much myself recently as I've been busy with work, Lightning racing and I'm off on my holidays next week but I'm looking forward to catching up at Rutland and may even have a trip to my favourite launch site at Bucklers Hard before then. We are also planning a trip to Ullswater in October. I shall post more details of that trip soon. In the meantime, if any of you have been doing any Gull sailing and would like to have some pictures or maybe a report posted on this blog please forward them to me at the usual email address. In the meantime, here are some pictures from Rutland last October and one of Jo sleeping on the job. See you at the Gull weekend in June!

Rutland Water Camping Weekend 24th - 26th June

2011-04-05T13:47:00.001+01:00

Come and join us for the Gull dinghy cruising and camping weekend in June. I now have some further details.

We will be at the Whitwell sailing centre on Rutland water from Friday the 24th of June. You may choose to camp or simply join us for the sailing on the Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Camping will cost £10 per night but tents must be packed away after sailing on the Sunday as there is no camping allowed at Whitwell on the Sunday night. You may also choose to find a local B+B or hotel.

To book your pitch please call Whitwell Water Sports Centre on 01780460154. http://www.anglianwater.co.uk/leisure/what-to-do/watersports/

Please state that you are with the Gull Class when you book.

Please let me know by phone or email once you have booked so I can look out for you during the weekend.

Rutland - March 12th 2011

2011-03-14T10:49:00.012Z

I woke up with a sore throat that I knew would develop into a stinking cold. But I was sure I would get the day's sailing out of the way first. So we headed up to Rutland and arrived at 9am. We were soon joined by Dave with his Gull Spirit and fellow Lightning sailor, Gillian Thompson who has recently acquired a Gull. Gillian arrived sans boat and was invited to sail with Dave. Chris Yardley also came along again with his Mirror as his Gull is still currently inaccessible. We launched from Whitwell in perfect sunshine and a strong breeze and sailed a windward coarse down to the southern shore of the lake for lunch. Jo, who had parked herself on my new GRP thwart (see below) reported that it was sturdy and every bit as comfortable as the old wooden one. The other modifications that I've done over the winter also worked well. The oars are now stowed under the foredeck, webbing pouches from the army surplus store hold water bottle, rowlocks and camera under the thwart and a large mesh bag keeps all the halyard ends tidy against the starboard bulkhead. We had a quick sail back and landed against the pontoon at about 2pm. Another successful sail. But my cold did kick-in hard the next day!

Restoration of Kittiwake - Final Part

2011-03-08T21:49:00.003Z

In the final part of the project Paul describes how Kittiwake is finished ahead of schedule.

Part 4 Rigging and first voyage.

During the weeks doing coat after coat of paint I started looking at the rigging, all the running lines were in need of replacing, the stays will need to be replaced soon but will have to stay for now. There was no kicking strap and the main sheets were set up in the centre of the boom with a mixture of tufnol and plastic blocks. I wanted to change this setup back to the more traditional setup.

So I started a shopping list, I wanted to reuse the old tufnol blocks so looking around, found that classic marine do new tufnol blocks as well as very nice looking buff rope. So a couple of blocks for the kicking strap a few meters of buff rope, a few brass cleats, a load of new bronze shackles and a few hundred pounds later I had a box full of bits ready to finish the rigging and get her ready for water.

First voyage was planned for Feb ½ term I managed to beat that by a week and put her back in the water from Nichol End on Derwent water on Saturday 12/2/11. We gave her a good load test, a friend and I plus both our daughters made for a great chilled out day.

So has it been worth it? My quick calculations add up to about £400 for the restoration (if I did a proper tally its probably nearer £600 with all the odd bits of wood, glue, brushes and brush cleaner).

So far I've had numerous compliments, both from the guys at Nichol End and also passers by, not I might add for my sailing ability which is still improving. ‘Nicest Gull I’ve ever seen’ – however that was from a guy who thought she was a mirror at first. Even so, I think she looks quite good.

I'll keep you up to date with our exploits over the next few months.

Paul & Ellie.

RYA Dinghy Show 2011

2011-03-05T20:33:00.000Z

Just this minute back from the dinghy show. It's good to see the latest Gull. I'm informed by the guys at Hartley's that they will be re-tooling the moulds and making some changes to the Gull in the next few months but exactly what that means I just can't say. In the meantime here is a picture of the current awfully named "Calypso"........nice boat though!

RYA Dinghy show

2011-02-26T18:29:00.001Z

This year's dinghy show will soon be upon us. The show will be held on the 5th and 6th of March at Alexander Palace, London. Visitors to the show will be able to inspect the latest Gull at the Hartley's stand. I shall be there on the Saturday and if you would like to meet up you can call my mobile - 07796990219. You will also be able to pick up a copy of the new Gull handbook (see pic). Hope to see you there.

RYA dinghy show link.

Rutland Water Cruise 12th March 2011

2011-02-21T23:16:00.001Z

Start the season early. Come and join us at Rutland Water on Saturday 12th of March and sail in company. Email me for details and my contact phone number. Hope to see you there, Chris.

chrisabela(at)hotmail.co.uk

Restoration of Kittiwake (part 3)

2011-02-19T23:24:00.002Z

Ever heard the well known phrase "it's like watching paint dry"? Well, Paul describes just how much of that he's been doing in part 3 of his restoration project.....

Part 3, painting and varnishing and more repairs 14/11/10 - 20/12/10 about 5 weeks.
Due to weathering on the wood I was fairly sure the majority of the hull would have to be painted but I could see what looked like a sound wood line along the top of the hull. I decided to leave a strip of wood that I would varnish. To give a nice clean line I glued some mahogany strips along the side. I also wanted to reinforce the rear seat as it was a little flexible as the ply has been repaired so I also added some more strips on here and screwed them through the ply into the underside strips. I also replaced all the brass screws that I could, most were badly corroded as she'd been in the sea at some stage in her life. Now she was ready for paint.But what paint? I wasn't going to cut corners here but after reading up decided that epoxy based paint might be too stiff for an old wooden hull. International paints toplac is not a paint that is designed for permanent submersion but as I can't see her being in the water for more than 8 - 10 hours I think It's good enough for that. For the varnish I settled for Deks Olje 1 & 2 because of the good penetration and ease of repair.Shopping list: Paint all 750ml - 2 x grey Yacht primer. 1 x white precote. 1 x red precote. 1 x rustic red toplac. 1 x ivory toplac. Varnish all 1 ltr 2x deks' part 1. 2 x deks' part 2. The wife was right, this was starting to cost!So reading the instructions on the tin this was going to take a while! 4 x primer 2 undercoat 1 x 50:50 mix and 2 x top coat, that's 9 days per colour, never mind the varnish which is 1 coat of penetration plus 6 top coats, so 7 days for the underside and another 7 for the inside. Almost forgot, the inside has some white. That's another 9 days. I started painting/varnishing one coat per day on 11 Nov and finished 5 weeks later. A little time consuming but worth every minute, well I think it was, you decide..........................I might be slightly bias plus I'm still suffering withdrawal symptoms from lack of paint fumes.

More next week, Paul.

Restoration of Kittiwake (part 2)

2011-02-12T20:44:00.001Z

In part 2 Paul and Ellie tell us how they stripped the varnish and carried out repairs to their wooden Gull, Kittiwake....

After removing the seats, centre board and metal work I started stripping the varnish, first with a paint scraper - that got all the loose stuff off, then with an orbital sander - that was going to take too long, next with just a wood chisel - that was going to cause too much damage, next with belt sander - bad idea! too much dust, not enough boat left! So finally I found the best way, a blow torch and a wood chisel, heat the varnish once then go straight back over while removing it with the chisel, be quick or you start burning wood.

The stripping stage was interspersed with a few other obvious jobs I could see to do. Two reasons: 1) because I get distracted easily and 2) because stripping takes days......and days..........and days..........and a few more days.

I had to clean all the brass, I decided early on I’d try and save as much as possible, two reasons for this as well: 1) The wife had already suggested that the boat might have been free but I was still going to spend a fortune (what gave her that idea!) 2) I can’t abide to see things get thrown away that are perfectly good. So all the brass/bronze was going to be cleaned, polished and lacquered.

The other obvious thing at this stage was a very badly warped boom and the transom that was parting company from its other half. So gentle persuasion was the name of the game........this quickly turned into brute force. The boom was clamped in a twist opposite to the warp for about two weeks......no joy! So I made a steamer from a drain pipe some washing machine hose and an old camping kettle on a gas stove. Apart from coming un-glued at both ends this worked quite well, the un-gluing was not a problem as both ends needed some repairs doing as the wood was split. The transom just needed big clamps lots of glue and a few new screws to hold it back together.

Another thing that needed to be done was a few repairs to the ply, mainly on the foredeck, rear seat and both bulkheads. What I needed was a way to force glue back under the other skin of ply so with a little pressure the skin could be stuck down. After a quick scan of my garage and the kitchen I came up with a glue injection system that is made up of an old kids Nurofen syringe and an adapter to blow up a football. The adapter was glued into the syringe with Araldite as a blunt needle, the adaptor has a 2mm outside diameter so fits snug into a 2mm hole. Drill holes every 10-20mm in the outer skin of the ply, charge the syringe with good wood glue (Cascamite is great as its water proof and you can mess with the ratio) then force the glue into the holes until it starts appearing from another hole. On a horizontal surface you can just weight the ply down with something on top of a layer of cling film. On a vertical surface I screwed some waste ply on top of the cling film right through the outer skin into the old ply to make a sandwich. Once it’s dry unscrew, take of the cling film, fill as required and sand it all back. Makes a good sound repair and saves all but the worst de-laminated ply.

Then back to a few more weeks of stripping and sanding.............and thinking about what paint and varnish to use. But that's another story [that you can read about in the next installment].

The Restoration of Kittiwake (part 1)

2011-02-05T15:27:00.005Z

I'm not very good at woodwork so you will never see me attempt the kind of restoration of a wooden dinghy, any restoration of a wooden dinghy for that matter, that Paul Bailey describes below. But I do like to see wooden Gulls returned to their former glory and more importantly returned to the water. In Paul's first installment he tells us how he came across his Mark I, Kittiwake......

The story started last summer, actually it’s been in the back of my mind for 20 years since I left the Navy. However this summer finally stirred me into action.

I’d been wanting to learn to sail for a while, living in the lakes I’ve done it all, climbing (rock and ice), walking, road and mountain biking, a little canoeing - but never sailing so it’s my last great challenge, well until something else comes along (actually it has but it involves sailing and Munroe’s so I’ll save that for another day) So after a holiday to the broads in August, Ellie (my 10 year old) and I had a few lessons at Nichol End on Derwent water.

Well......... one September night I was looking on Apollo Duck, thinking about what I would buy if I had any money, but with no intention of buying anything just yet. When I saw an advert for a mk1 Gull, free to a good home, in need of some TLC. Well not knowing what a Gull was I started doing some research, found the Gull website, the forum and this blog. So liking what I saw I sent a message to Louise and Doug who had advertised on Apollo duck and also posted on the forum.

Two days later I’d driven 200 miles and was the proud owner of a rather worn looking but sound 1960ish, sail number 557, Mk1 wooden gull; (any update on the date or previous owners would be good). Before I had even picked her up I’d decided on Kittiwake as a name (what else can you call a Gull?) Black Headed, Great Black Backed, Herring etc all just didn’t sound right.

As you can see she has lost quite a lot of varnish due to being stored outside unused for 5 years. Louise and Doug who had owned her for a while had moved from the coast (Edinburgh, I think) to Selkirk right in the middle of the Borders and miles from any water so she’d sat for a good few years and the frost and sun had taken its toll. She needed to undergo a severe drying out programme. I am eternally grateful to Louise and Doug for giving her to us as it’s been a great winter having a new challenge. In the weeks to come I’ll tell you the story of her refurbishment and the major learning curve I’ve been on.

Then if all goes well I’ll post the stories of her re-launch and if I can actually remember what I learnt last summer. Then maybe some stories of adventures in the highlands.

The crew are Ellie, Max and Jack, Ellie is helping (until she gets bored, which is after 30 mins most days) Max and Jack just want to play which is not much help when I'm stripping varnish with a blow torch, they singe too easily!

Part 2 to follow.

The Coming Season

2011-01-21T19:21:00.002Z

I've finally got "aurora" back from the boat builder (you can read about her modifications below) and, with the milder weather of late, it is time to think of the coming season. Over the winter months I've had lots of emails from Gull sailors who have told me of their experiences sailing in Chichester harbour. Most of you seem to think that this is a perfect place to sail the Gull. I agree. I've sailed there myself a number of times and it would be a perfect venue for a summer cruise so please let me know of any dates that you would prefer.
To get us started however, I would like to suggest another trip to Rutland on Saturday the 12th of March. I shall keep this date free and advertise it on the blog. If you would like to know more you can contact me by email at chrisabela(at)hotmail.co.uk .And finally, don't forget the RYA dinghy show at Alexander Palace. I will be there on Saturday the 5th of March and I'll have my mobile phone with me on the day.

Looking forward to seeing you all soon, Chris.

New GRP thwart

2011-01-20T13:04:00.005Z

Aurora has been away with Les Bran of Bran Fibre repairs to have a new thwart built. Not being a purest and finally having had enough of the ply thwart on the boat, although it certainly looked nice, I became a bit disillusioned with having to maintain it especially when I could not get the varnish to go off in the cold weather. For less than £200 Les was able to use the old thwart to make a mould for the new fibre glass one which is a work of art and every bit as strong as the old ply thwart but maintenance free. Les will be keeping the mould in case other Gull Spirit sailors decide have one made. I also still have the ply original that I shall keep for prosperity. If you would like more info visit Bran Fibre's website for Les's contact details - http://www.branfibre.co.uk/contact.shtml

Recent Activity

2010-12-27T20:53:00.003Z

Well.....there hasn't been much. Although I was delighted to see that the snow was beginning to melt on my way into work this morning. Obviously there hasn't been much sailing but there has been a lot of "virtual" activity. The mailing list is nearly into triple figures and this blog has regular visits by sailing enthusiasts from every continent. I greatly appreciate the compliments and as always I'm very keen to find out what you've all been doing. For example, below is an email from Lee Finch who has been sailing his beautiful, I think you will agree, mark IIIa on Langstone Harbour. What a lucky man to have such wonderful cruising waters on his doorstep. Anyway, if you're currently enjoying a Christmas dram by the fire, be sure and toast to the day we can meet for a sail in the spring. Perhaps another trip to Rutland might help us work off the seasonal excess.

Hi Chris,

sorry for the delayed reaction in sending you these attached photos, but your recent e-mail reminded me. They were taken way back when the weather was still fine, and show my youngest son Liam and I sailing my latest mk3a 'Alacrity' in our usual spot in Langstone Harbour Portsmouth. The wind was gusting to Force 5 on that day, but due to the protection of the land around the bay, the sea state always remains calm, unless the wind is from the North.

Looking forward to better weather,

Happy new year,

Lee Finch

New Dinghy Cruising Book

2010-12-13T15:47:00.004Z

Those of you that are in to cruising Gulls will probably be aware of Margaret Dye's book "Dinghy Cruising". The updated version explains how she re-discovered the Gull as a more than capable cruising boat for extended voyaging and camping on board.
There is now also another book available on the subject by Paul Constantine. "Practical Dinghy Cruiser" is available as an e-book from http://www.moonshinepublications.co.uk/ and, I believe, will soon also be available as paper book. I've yet to read it myself but I'm hoping to soon and I may even review it for the blog.

Winter

2010-12-06T13:30:00.005Z

The darkest days of winter are upon us again and this winter shows every sign of being as depressing as the last. I did manage to sail at Dorchester yesterday. I took part in an ice breaker race which meant that we had to, quite literally, break the ice before we sailed. Sailing was excellent fun. Trying to navigate the course whilst dodging the ice that drifted into different areas on each lap was a challenge. I sailed my Lightning rather than the Gull as "aurora" is at Branfibre near Banbury having a new thwart built. More about that in a future post. So, very little Gull sailing at the moment. If you have sailed your boat and would like to tell us what you've been up to then please contact me at the usual email.

Gull in Hot Pursuit!

2010-10-25T18:40:00.004+01:00

Champion Gull sailor Ruth Edwards has sent us this wonderful picture of her boat in action. And, there is also an offer of a trip to Girton Sailing Club. If you would like to take part in some fairly non-competitive racing in 2011 perhaps Girton might be the ideal location. Let me know. Here’s Ruth’s email:

Hi Chris,
Thought you might like to see 1842 in action at Girton Sailing Club a few weeks ago on a VERY windy day. It was one of the five pursuit race days held each year, and although we finally finished in, rather than on, the water, we won the trophy! (Last man standing!)The photographer was Steve Johnson, one of our club members.
The occasion was the John Bower Trophy on the 29th August. There were two pursuit races: in the first, six set out, three retired; in the second, two set out (one unofficially, as he wasn't at the start!) and one finished - albeit in the water as we capsized just before the end of the race. Someone said the wind touched force 7 at one point - but 1842 kept going thoughout both races. (The third was abandoned!!!). If you ever want a Gull meeting, you'll all be very welcome at Girton, it's nicely in the midlands, only 8 miles from the A1, and a very friendly club, (each year we host a day for Streakers, and a weekend for Miracles, and are very happy to accommodate such meetings. Plenty of camping and food available).
A huge "thank you" to helm Paul Leafe - we sail his Ent or my Gull depending on wind conditions!! - and especially to the safety boat teams that day.
Thanks for the site and blog,
Best wishes,
Ruth.

George's Rutland Pictures

2010-10-24T13:12:00.004+01:00

Some excellent pictures from George Currell. Taken at Rutland (see previous post). Top, a moody scene at our lunch rendezvous. Middle, Dave hangs onto his hat. Bottom, The view from George's boat.

1 Compass, 4 Gulls, 6 Sailors and 300 Optimists.

2010-10-09T20:53:00.004+01:00

Apparently, 300 Optimists where on the water at Rutland but it is a plenty big enough lake for us all!
I was concerned to have received several emails from Gull sailors that had to drop out for one reason or another but I hoped some would turn up as I left for Rutland early on Saturday morning. The weather was not quite as promised. In fact the sun did not wear his/her hat once all day. Within half an hour of my arrival I was delighted to meet Dave (Gull 2620) who had travelled for 7 minutes from his home to be with us and shortly after John Bloor (Gull 2651), who had travelled for 3 hours to join us from way up North. And Finally George Currell and his good mate and able crew, Steve, in their beautifully prepared MkIII (2291). In the words of Dougal from TV’s Father Ted “A great bunch of lads!”.
We hit the water after 11am and sailed down towards the southern end of the horseshoe shaped lake, towards a vast fleet of Oppies. This is when we were fed the information that there were some 300 or so of these tiny craft ahead of us. It was suggested to us by the crew of a safety boat that maybe we should sail up the other end of the lake to avoid upsetting the racing. Yeah, ok will do..............nobody tells a Gull where to sail! We carried on well passed the racing fleets in a decent breeze without causing any bother. Down to the bottom of the lake to a safe anchorage for the customary Gull sailor’s lunch on a damp patch of grass under a heavy sky with some fresh banter (just the way we like it!).
A nice beat to Whitewell in the afternoon took us back passed the Oppie masses, passed the strange Rutland Whirlpools and back into the mouth of the creek where we were hailed by Pat Lovell. Pat joined us without his boat for an hour or so after we had landed.
All in all a cracking end of season sail. It’s great to get a trip in before winter sets in. I’m sure however, that we could sail at Rutland in the colder months if we are kitted out for it. As usual, drop me an email if you fancy it. Whenever it is though, I’m sure we will see more Gulls at the next meet!
Oh, and the compass was to replace the one that I broke last time I sailed here. Expensive little things aren’t they?

Pictures from the top - expensive little thing, Steve and George, John, Dave (a great bunch of lads), The 300 Oppies that we did not disturb.

Planing Gulls

2010-10-03T15:55:00.003+01:00

Planing in a Gull is certainly possible. I was amazed at the speed Dave Ellins was travelling at earlier today at Dorchester Sailing Club. Sailing Gull Spirit 2679 as his Laser is currently out of action, Dave looked comfortable even whilst planing. The rest of us in Lasers and Lightnings where finding the strong winds very hard work.

I would love some new deck shoes but.....

2010-09-30T18:57:00.008+01:00

.....I'm not willing to advertise products on this blog. I've had a few emails recently asking if I would like to promote certain businesses. One was from a very big name in the world of finance that do a lot to "sponsor" yachting and promote our sport. When I asked "What's in it for me" they said "you should be proud to help our organisation and that should be a reward in itself" (or words to that effect). I also had an email asking if I would like some clothes to trial and then review on the blog. Well all this is flattering but this is purely done for the love of sailing and to promote what we all know is the best dinghy to ever be sailed on the waters of the earth.
The keener readers will have noticed by now however, that there is indeed an new advert for Hartley Boats in the left hand column of this page. I was delighted to receive a call from Richard Hartley earlier. He called, I think, simply to thank me for my hard work at promoting the Gull, a boat that he is very fond of and proud to now be building alongside the other boats in his arsenal. He also explained how these small boats are selling well and that the latest sail number is 2842. By my estimation this means he must be producing about 10-12 new boats a year. That is actually quite a healthy number and if you are the owner of one of these boats I would really like to hear from you. I've seen a few of these Calypso Gulls at shows and they really are a great little boat (awful name though!) and Richard tells me that he plans to make them even better when he re-tools the moulds (http://gulldinghysailing.blogspot.com/2010/03/things-are-looking-up.html). What that means I'm not sure but I'm certain it will be a good thing and maybe the Gull could be renamed. I would like to see it simply called the Mark VI.
So, with all this positive news, I've decided to place my first advert on this site for Hartley's and no I've not been offered a free boat but he is a very helpful man and he does build some very nice boats. He did offer a couple of bottles of wine for those of us that will be at Rutland water on the 9th and do you know what? even I'm open to bribery sometimes. Hope to see some of you there for some sailing and a glass of Pinot. Oh and Richard, if your buying, mines a bitter.

Rutland Saturday 9th October

2010-09-17T19:28:00.003+01:00

There should be about 6 or 7 boats judging by the response to my emails. We will be meeting at the Whitwell Watersports Centre at about 9am for launching at 10am. The address is - Whitwell, Oakham, Leicestershire, LE15 8BL .The charge is about £10 for parking and launching.

Please email me for further details and my mobile number.

chrisabela(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk

Everybody is welcome. Hope to see you there.

Mid Season Tinkering

2010-09-06T20:50:00.004+01:00

A couple of jobs needed doing on Aurora. So, on the first sunny day all month I decided to fit the new axle I had just received from West Mersea. My trailer is a West Mersea 220 with 10” wheels. It’s a fabulous piece of kit. I bought it with Aurora seven years ago and I also use it to trail my Lightning dinghy. Both boats sit on 220 launch trolleys so that they can be swapped over in seconds. The 10” wheels means it’s kind on bearings, which is good as it does a lot of miles. I’ve clamped a spare wheel to the trailer so that I don’t have to keep putting it in the boot of the car. Carrying a spare is a legal requirement when trailing.
The trailer has been completely trouble free. But I recently noticed a crack where the axle is joined to the A-frame. I called West Mersea who immediately sent out a replacement (about £120 with postage). It took less than an hour to remove the old axle (four bolts), remove the wheels and place them on the new axle and fit the new axle to the trailer.
I’ve also wanted to fit a bag in the well under the foredeck. The Musto 10 litre dry bag fits in this space perfectly and I’ve attached a strap to the starboard buoyancy tank so that the bag can be easily clipped to, and un-clipped from, the boat. This means I won’t have to go swimming after my flask and lunch box when I next capsize.
Pics – Top: split in axle mounting. Bottom: Old axle removed from trailer and new axle in foreground, New axle fitted and spare wheel clamped to trailer, Under foredeck, under foredeck with bag fitted.

The Adventures of Jon Bloor

2010-08-29T23:33:00.004+01:00

Fellow Gull Spirit sailor Jon Bloor has made a couple of very exciting trips recently. In his own words.....
The first one was Northumberland last October - primarily a trip for my Mother-in-Law's 60th, but I decided to take Larus up as well as I had wanted to sail in Northumberland for a while and never made it to the DCA rally. Quite a long way to trail the boat (200 miles each way from us) but it all went smoothly. We stayed in Craster, which has an old herring fishing harbour (still used by the local fisherman) with high stone walls and a narrow entrance channel. The bottom is mainly sand though so you can launch a light dinghy or recover it at pretty much any state of tide. The weather was very rough the first few days, but when it eased off we did manage to get out for a sail. Not many places to go so we were really just sailing around. We also sailed from Holy Island (Lindisfarne) which was a totally different proposition. The harbour master refused to take any payment for using the slip as it was out of season, but despite the dodgy weather the sailing area over the sands and in the Ouze was nicely sheltered and not too rough. We were the only boat on the water apart from fishing boats. The sailing is incredibly atmospheric - we sailed over high water and had a good opportunity to explore the creeks and covered sands. This is a fantastic dinghy cruising area and I would like to come back one day with the DCA rally. The Farne Islands offshore look very tempting - although the Gull may be a bit on the small side for this kind of trip and an outboard would be essential due to the strength of the tides. I also managed to join the DCA rally from Moels to Rhyll in May (on a blazing hot day) - about a 30 mile round trip. The winds were a bit fluky, but we had a nice close reach into a F4 on the way across and enough wind to ghost up the Welsh coast with the tide as far as Rhyll. The wind dropped off on the return unfortunately and we had to motor (or be towed in my case) to get back without being swept up the Dee on the flood tide (which is one of the problems with this trip as the flood sets strongly across the banks at the mouth of the Dee). You can see on the GPS plot where we stopped to arrange the tow and lower the sails and how far we were swept up the estuary in this short period of time. A long day (launch at 6am recover at 8pm) but an excellent trip. I presume it will be reviewed in the next DCA bulletin.

Norfolk Cruise 2010

2010-08-20T18:35:00.003+01:00

Very gusty conditions prevented us from doing any proper sailing and when we did take to the water we found that the Broads were so busy with hired pleasure cruisers that it would have been easier to sail the M25. We did have a nice sail down to Ranworth on the Wednesday and thanks to Bill in his lovely motor cruiser, Charlie's Consort, for towing our two Gull Spirits all the way back to Horning. We owe you a drink!

Inlands Cancelled.

2010-08-06T23:00:00.004+01:00

Regretfully, due to circumstances beyond my control this year's Gull Inland championship has been cancelled. Huge apologies for the last minute cancellation. I will try my best to arrange a racing open for 2011 and I welcome any suggestions you may have on this. Please continue to check here for coming events.
A few of us will be meeting at Horning on August 16th, 17th and 18th for some informal cruising. Please contact me if you would like to join us.
Once again, Sorry for any confusion. Regards, Chris.

Rutland.

2010-07-31T18:13:00.006+01:00

Well, we finally made it to Rutland and despite the forecast there was a nice amount of wind. Launching from Whitwell, Chris Y (in his Mirror dinghy), Pat Lovell, and myself then sailed south towards Normanton church. Built in 1826, the church was protected by a stone pier when the reservoir was flooded. It now sticks out eerily into the lake. On past the sailing club and down towards the deserted (apart from cyclists and the golfers on the golf course!) southern shore for lunch on a very muddy beach. Half of which ended up inside Aurora for the return journey.

Having not been to Rutland before I assumed that it would be a slightly bigger lake to sail on but it is actually a lot more than that. There's lots to see here and the facilities are beautifully looked after. It's a great place for Gullists to meet as it is fairly central and being non-tidal and inland it would be a safe place for winter sailing.

The next trip to Rutland will be on the Saturday 9th of October and everyone is welcome. Contact me for details.

Horning Inlands 2010

2010-07-27T22:06:00.004+01:00

Ladies and gents, Don't forget the Gull Class Association's inlands at Horning Sailing Club on the 14th and 15th of August. If you are interested in coming I will be able to give you details of camping e.t.c. There may even be free camping! You don't have to be a member of the association, you only need a Gull. This has always been a great non-competitive and sociable event. Please let me know if you are interested in coming as it would be great to let Horning know what kind of numbers we may have. Kind Regards, Chris. http://www.horningsc.co.uk/

Gulls on YouTube

2010-07-15T14:30:00.002+01:00

Visit You Tube to view some video clips from other Gull sailors.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcGxaD-Y_jI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihRaY91HOPI&feature=related
h http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6bn4AiAr1E ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX0rvWbNy1U

Rutland 23rd July...I MEAN 29th ! ! ! ! ! !

2010-07-13T19:25:00.005+01:00

If you would like to join us for a day sail at Rutland on Friday 29th of July, weather permitting as we had to cancel last time due to lack of wind, please email me chrisabela(at)hotmail.co.uk for details.

Sorry, previously I mentioned the 23rd but I meant the 29th.

Beer

2010-06-04T20:07:00.009+01:00

The place in Devon and not the refreshing beverage, was the final destination of our short few days of chilling out in Dorset and Devon. We did not take the Gull but we where delighted at the chance meeting of Rod and his crew launching their immaculate, recently acquired, Gull Spirit from the shingle beach. It seems that everywhere I go these days I invariably bump into fellow Gull sailors (on my last trip to the Solent I passed another Gull on the water and was spotted by a Gull sailor out walking on the Isle of Wight!) Honestly, I'm not stalking you people, you are just there all the time sailing your Gulls on the lakes, rivers and coastline of Britain. It's great to see that most Gulls are still being used and it seems that plenty more are currently being built........good!

Some of you may be aware of the sad passing this week of the legendary dinghy sailor Frank Dye. Most small boat sailors will be aware of his voyages. I met him on a couple of occasions and I was pleased to find that he was a modest, perhaps shy, man who always down-played his achievements. I'm glad I did not sail with him as I think some of his trips may even be considered irresponsible. But, it cannot be denied that he was and will continue to be a huge influence on dinghy sailors. If however, you are unaware of his adventures you may like to follow the link below to view a full length documentary of his 1964 voyage across the North Atlantic in his Wayfarer (the big sister of our very own Gulls).
http://www.uswayfarer.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=39

Bucklers Hard to Cowes...............

2010-05-27T18:57:00.012+01:00

................and back via the Bramble Bank. I didn't really have a plan when I set to sea on Tuesday 25th May. I did know however, that low water at Bucklers Hard would occur in the late afternoon meaning I would not be able to land "Aurora" until after 6pm. This meant that there was no need to rise too early and I knew that I would have to sail a little later into the afternoon than usual. I arrived at the harbour master's office to pay my dues at about 11am and told him that I would not be back till 7pm. He advised me that I might be locked in after 9pm which was his home time. This was fine as I had no intention of sailing the Gull in the Solent at dusk.
I launched at 12pm and sailed in a nice light breeze and warm sunshine down to Lepe. I passed a fellow Gull sailor within the first mile of my trip, a lady sailing a mark III single handed without a jib. She waved at me which made me feel a little less alone in my tiny boat.
When I reached Lepe I made my usual assessment of the conditions in the Solent. I occasionally reach the bottom of the river and decide to venture no further out to sea as there is often too little wind to stem the tides and safely cross the Solent's busy shipping lanes. But the conditions today were perfect, about f3 with fair visibility and calm seas. The decision was to cross to the Isle of Wight then head west for a short while and have a quick look at the secluded bay just outside Gurnard. After this and remembering that I had time to kill before being able to retrieve the boat I thought it would be nice to tie up to a buoy at Cowes and eat lunch whilst basking in the warm sun.
I was enjoying myself and I knew that the f3-4 wind would carry me back home despite the contrary tide that would be heading north east soon. So on leaving Cowes and still having time to kill I headed out across the main body of the Solent towards the Bramble Bank, an area of shingle that is submerged most of the time. This was a bracing sail with a huge swell running across the huge area of open water. Sailing such a small vessel in this area of sea makes you feel like you are on an epic journey! After clearing the Bramble Bank I turned to port to bring the wind behind me for a fast run back along the mainland coast to Lepe. It was anything but fast. Within a few minutes of turning west I noticed that the wind had started to die. So in very light winds I headed towards the shipping lane at about 2-3 mph I made it across before any vast container ships came my way. I was glad to be back in the shallow waters near Calshott where the current is not as strong but it was against this current that I finally had to row as the wind had died altogether. I rowed for about 2 hours! travelling at speed-over-ground of about 1mph.
It was hard work and I began to prepare myself for being at sea after dark. I got my head torch and extra layers of clothing ready from the locker. I also located my mobile phone in case I needed to call the harbour master at Lepe who may decide to alert the coast guard if I did not return by 7pm. The first major obstacle was to round the Lepe Spit buoy. My GPS told me that this was 2 miles distant and at 5pm this meant I would not round it until 7pm. Also, rounding it would mean having to stem a stronger current in the deeper water. So I made the decision to cut across the top of Lepe Spit (a narrow shingle spit that extends about 3/4 of a mile out to sea). This was a concern as even at high water Lepe Spit always seems shallow. When I eventually got there at about 7pm and only an hour or so after low water. I raised the centre board and rudder completely, shipped the oars and used the slight puff of north easterly wind to to carry me over the shallow ground at about 2 miles an hour.
After crossing the spit I could breath a huge sigh of relief as I knew the flooding tide would take me up the beaulieu River to Bucklers Hard. I was concerned that it might take another couple hours to get back to the slip if the wind was going to stay this light. However, it did fill in a bit and I had a gentle evening sail back up to Bucklers Hard and eventually landed the boat just after 8pm. I had to rush to get the boat packed up for my 9 o'clock gate curfew. In fact, I just made it out the gate and pulled over into a lay by to make sure I hadn't left the boat inadequately strapped to it's trailer in my haste to leave when the harbour master came passed and waved at me on his way home.
I had sailed for about 8 hours only stopping for about 20 minutes. I'd travelled 30 miles (over ground) according to the GPS and I estimated that I'd rowed about 4 miles altogether. I was exhausted as I fired up the car to drive home.

pics - Top, fellow Gull sailor on the river. Middle, Gurnard Ledge buoy. Bottom, Just about to cross the shipping channel before the long row home.

Rutland Daysail 18th April 2010

2010-04-07T15:30:00.004+01:00

If you are thinking of joining us, we will be launching at 1030 from Whitwell. See this link: http://www.anglianwater.co.uk/leisure/what-to-see/water-parks/rutland/

You can email me for my mobile number if you would like to contact me nearer the time.

Camera attached to mast.

2010-04-01T16:01:00.006+01:00

In his programme "Cycling the Americas" (BBC 1), cyclist Mark Beaumont rides from Alaska to the very tip of South America whilst filming his trip using a handheld camera and a camera strapped to his handlebars. Watching this truly inspirational programme convinced me to spend a couple of hours with my camera strapped to the mast of Aurora. Click on the images attached to view the resulting video clips. It was a very easy operation, simply fit a cheap waterproof camera to one of those tiny tripods (mine was free with a photography magazine) and tape the tripod to the mast using lots of electrical tape. The benefit of this is that the camera can be swiveled around on the tripod socket screw. In one of the clips you can see the beginning of the hail storm that made me head for dry land. I will say however, that I'm not happy being on front of the camera so if anybody else would like to come and model for me do please let me know. Mark Beaumont's inspirational documentary can be viewed for the next few days on the BBC iPlayer. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00rl1sn

Rutland Daysail 18th April

2010-03-22T20:10:00.002Z

A few of us are going to be sailing our Gulls at Rutland on Sunday the 18th of April. This should prove to be a nice easy day sail (weather permitting). If you would like to join us please contact me on chrisabela(at)hotmail.co.uk http://www.rutlandwater.org.uk/maps.html

Gull Inland Championships 2010

2010-03-14T18:32:00.005Z

These are to be held at Horning Sailing Club on 14th/15th of August. http://www.horningsc.co.uk/

This event is an excellent way to get involved in racing your Gull. You will be allowed to race single-handed or with a crew. Racing is fun and, when compared to other classes, fairly non-competitive. It's a great way to experience racing against other Gulls for those who are used to handicap/menagerie racing. For further details you may contact me by email - chrisabela(at)hotmail.co.uk

Hope to see you there.

Things Are looking Up!

2010-03-07T15:50:00.007Z

It was great to talk to Richard Hartley of Hartley Laminates at the Dinghy Show yesterday. I didn't realise quite how enthusiastic he was about the Gull. I was especially pleased to hear that he believes he will make and sell nearly 20 new Gulls this year. He also intends to produce a small book on how to sail the Gull. He showed me one that he made for the Wayfarer and it looks very professional and waterproof to boot! The boat on the stand looked very good and very well made, I would not hesitate to order one if, heaven forbid, something should happen to Aurora (not so sure about a yellow one though!). It's also great to hear that he intends to re-tool the moulds for the Gull this year. So things are definitely looking up.
Another great thing about the dinghy show is bumping into old friends and talking to newcomers who discover the Gull for the first time and are smitten from the outset. Discouraging however, are the people who come to the stand ask lots of questions about the boat and on receiving my honest and impartial reply look at me as if to say "you would say that wouldn't you". To all those people a few bullet points to consider:
1) I do not work for Hartley Laminates and I don't receive a commission
2) I do not work for the class association (currently non-existent, more about that in a minute)
3) I'm often stood at the Hartley's stand to see if anybody is interested or needs some advice but I am just a show visitor like everybody else
4) If I don't think the Gull is for you I will tell you
5) The Gull can be pulled up and down slipways
single handed by anybody but be realistic, some slipways are so steep that you need a team of sailors just to pull an Oppie up and down them.

As far as I'm aware, the Gull Class Association secretary is in-communique, therefore I have asked Hartley's to liaise with me and if nobody feels they would rather do it, I'm hoping, to start the class up again. It's not something I've ever wanted to do but it's something that needs to be done. I know lots of you don't want to be in the class association and don't see the need but everyone I've spoken to about Gulls is so passionate about them that it is necessary to have an organisation in place to ensure the boats continue to be built. I don't believe that £5 a year membership fee is breaking the bank for most people. For this money, we can have an official website, a regular newsletter, a Gull sailors directory and a few other things besides. I know lots of you read this blog so please drop me a line to let me know what you think and whether you would like to be added to a mailing list. my email chrisabela(at)hotmail.(co).(uk)

RYA Dinghy Show 2010 - London March 6th and 7th

2010-02-22T19:59:00.005Z

I'm hoping to be there on the Saturday. If anybody would like to meet up email me for my mobile number. Hopefully, Hartley Laminates will have a Gull on their stand as the Gull Class Association seems to have finally died. But for those who are interested, watch this space as some of us are planning to take over and resurrect it. More about that soon.............

http://www.rya.org.uk/programmes/dinghyshow/Pages/RYAVolvoDinghyShow2010.aspx

The Big Thaw.......

2010-01-24T14:56:00.005Z

......has come and I'm back on the water again! Not in the Gull, although I'm hoping to cruise Aurora at Rutland soon or maybe a trip along the Deben, if anybody is interested drop me an email. Dorchester was not a Gull-free zone, however, as a pleasant gentleman called Mark sailed his Gull Calypso in the morning race. I always get excited when I see the Gull insignia, even on our little lake, as it reminds me of all those wonderful adventures of the last few years....

Also, I've changed the look of the blog and made the fonts bigger as we are all getting a little bit older now.

White Out

2010-01-09T11:01:00.012Z

All sailing has been cancelled at my club this weekend as the ice is a couple of inches thick. I doubt many Gulls have taken to the water in the last couple of weeks. I'd intended to make a return to some sailing by now as my injured hand doesn't quite hurt as much as it did a few weeks ago. But I suppose not being able to sail means I can rest it a bit more. We were planning to drive down to Holland on Monday for a few days break just north of Rotterdam on the coast. Obviously, we won't be doing that now.....We may try to get there again in the spring as it looks like a wonderful part of the world. Which makes us think, could we take the Gull and do a bit of sailing? I'd love to hear from anybody who has towed a dinghy on the continent. Where did you launch the boat? where did you keep it at night? and how "dinghy friendly" were the waters you sailed in? Also, if you have been brave/mad enough to have sailed your Gull in the last couple of weeks, please let us know about it. Looking forward to gentle breezes and sunny days, roll on April and the big thaw............ pic:- Dorchester sailing club.

Gull Class Cruise 2010

2009-12-14T18:15:00.003Z

If anybody is interested in joining us for the Gull cruise in 2010, some dates have been suggested. Horning sailing club have pencilled us in for the usual weekend of racing (August 14th/15th) with the possibility of a couple of days cruising directly after. Alternatively, it may be decided to have a 5 day cruise in June or July. This event is always great fun (see the review of the 2008 cruise - http://gulldinghysailing.blogspot.com/2008/11/norfolk-cruise-08-full-report-part-1.html) and I would recommend it to experienced and inexperienced sailors alike.
As soon as some dates have been finalised I'll post them here. If you would like to know a bit more please contact me.

Rutland and other places

2009-11-29T16:48:00.007Z

I didn't make it to Rutland last weekend as I've been resting my right hand that I sprained a couple of weeks ago. Chris and Pat went but didn't sail as the wind was, by all accounts, too strong. They did enjoy a walk and meal at a local hostelry and I wish I'd joined them. But stepping back from sailing in the last couple of weeks has made me consider things for next year. I think it's possible to get a bit too involved sometimes and that's when you can't see the wood for the trees (or the water for the waves...). This year, if I'm honest, has been more about racing my Lightning than cruising in Aurora. That's not to say that I haven't had a few good trips, because I have, but I've not really done anything new or sailed any new grounds. I've also, because I'm silly, tried to help with committee duties at my club. Why, because somebody needs to do these things so that we can all go sailing. But, and here is the Epiphany, that somebody is not going to be me anymore. I just don't have the patience needed for committees. I find myself wanting to actually do SOMETHING! and not just talk about doing something. And when you actually do do something it is never right. So my mission statement for next year is to sail my Gull more because the Gull, for me, is about cruising. Cruising in my own time and on days that I choose, not worrying about results, not having to run it past a committee just to get the damn thing done. I'm so into this sailing lark that I'm the first to put my hand up and help but the thing is that I find myself up against people that love to help but don't really sail. And here is a huge problem, you can also find yourself becoming someone who does not really sail. This doesn't mean that I've not sailed this year, in fact I've sailed an awful lot (I even managed to race the lightning today in strong winds and despite my injured hand) but I haven't really sailed. Confused? let me explain; when I took up sailing I dreamt of lonely creaks and winding rivers leading to the open sea, just me and my vessel, away from it all, targets, results, committee's......distractions! That's what has happened, I've become distracted, I don't remember the last time I sailed somewhere new, it's been a while since I spread out a chart on the floor with a cup of tea as the rain lashed against the windows on a bleak winter evening so that I could make plans for the spring and worst of all, I don't remember the last time I felt that I was doing something just for me. So, all being well, I shall have some new cruising grounds to report on next year and hopefully re-kindle that warm glow that I get when pulling Aurora back up the slip as the sun is setting, knowing that I made it safely back just before the rain comes. . . . . . .

Reefing

2009-11-15T18:55:00.004Z

Aurora is fitted with a furling jib. This is not to be confused with the reefing jib systems fitted to yachts. You can’t progressively reef when you have a furling system. It is all or nothing. But this is not a problem when the boat’s jib is as small as it is on the Gull. In a blow the first thing to do is pull on the furling line and get rid of the jib as the boat will perform to windward almost as well without it (don’t forget to raise the centreboard slightly). The boat then becomes instantly more manageable.
When the wind gets a lot stronger, and this depends on your point of view, it may well be time to reef the main. As I’m a fairly heavy helmsman and I find the Gull a delight to handle, even in heavy winds, I usually leave this till quite late. But as the saying goes “It is time to reef when you first think about doing so”. Aurora is fitted with slab reefing. The process is best described in the stages that follow:
1, Make sure topping lift is ready to take the weight of the boom (yes this is why I fit one when cruising, it stops the boom and sail from crashing down when you need to reef in a hurry).
2, Ease main halyard (At this stage expect boom and sail to come crashing down if you don’t have a topping lift!)
3, Now you can pull the fore and aft reefing lines bringing the bottom of the sail down onto the boom.
4, Pull on the halyard to raise the sail again.
5, You now need to tidy up the reefing lines and tie the reef points around the boom (just to tidy up all the loose sail)
And that’s it. I can have my mainsail reefed in about 20 seconds whilst sailing single handed with the wind behind me. This doesn’t take much practice, it’s very easy. Once the sail is reefed I will get sailing again and tie the reef points when it is safe to do so.
If you are sailing to windward it might be better to heave to with the jib backed and the tiller lashed to windward (I keep a small length of shock chord ready for this purpose) and the mainsail flapping. This should keep the boat steady with minimal leeway while you go forward and reef.
The picture above shows the reefed main tied along the boom and the fore and aft reefing lines coiled away. The jib is also furled.

Rogues Gallery !

2009-10-23T21:55:00.007+01:00

Chris Yardley's picture of Pat, myself and Chris with Pat's boat at Sandwick bay on the 25th of September. As well as our trip to Rutland (see previous post) I'm hoping to do a few winter day sails in the Solent and I may join the DCA for some of their proposed trips. It would be great to see some other Gulls out on the water.

Comment from Chris Yardley "Three reprobates at one of the nicest (boat) places in the north. I am not sure they should have been allowed to lower the tone of the place but they do look happy, perhaps its because they have just had one of the best beats up Ullswater in the memory of any of them. Surprisingly lovely weather since the summer had been so poor up there - what luck - but typical of gull determination and optimism (the previous year had been squally and the rain so hard that it flattened the waves (f6 - gusting f8) and caused a 'mist' about 3ft high as it bounced off the lake surface)"

Rutland Water Day Sail

2009-10-15T17:05:00.004+01:00

We are currently trying to plan a day's cruise at Rutland water on the 21st November. It's a good location as it is in the middle of the country so I'm hoping to see a few more people. If you are interested please contact me. There are 3 possible boats so far! For a map of Rutland water follow this link - http://www.rutlandwater.org.uk/maps.html

Ullswater - Pat's pictures

2009-10-05T13:38:00.004+01:00

On the way back from Norfolk Island I was hailed by Pat who was walking from Howtown to Glenridding along the Eastern shore of Ullswater. These pictures where taken by Pat who was stood on a rocky outcrop about 60ft above the lake.

Gullswater 09

2009-09-28T14:14:00.010+01:00

Another fantastic trip to Ullswater. It was great to get back there as I've been exploring Winderemere instead recently but I'm sure Ullswater must be the prettiest place to sail in the whole of Britain. I was joined by Chris Yardley and Pat Lovell and we had some great sailing. On Tuesday Chris joined me in Aurora for a fast sail to Howtown and back in strong winds. On Wednesday Pat, Chris and I sailed our own boats to a Lunch rendezvous at Sandwick Bay. On Thursday I sailed on my own to Norfolk Island at the bottom end of the Lake, a round trip of more than twenty miles with some strong winds around Sandwick. On Friday Chris, Pat and I sailed to Sandwick again. On Saturday however, with our boats packed away, we walked from our campsite to the Aira Force waterfall along the Fells and through beautiful forests. A distance of about 3-4 miles each way. Pat's dog - Max, was glad that he could join us on the trip as the views of the lake and the surrounding mountains are stunning. We will be sailing on Conniston next year so please try and join us.

Pics from top: Looking towards Glenridding, A view through the window in my jib, About to set sail at Watermillock, Ullswater at dusk, Pat close hauled in his Spirit - 2694.

p.s. Just received some great pictures of the trip from Pat. I'll post them on here in the next couple of weeks.

Gull Spotting

2009-08-31T19:07:00.007+01:00

I was amused by a recent post on the forum (http://www.go-sail.co.uk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1075) where the author, who likes to look out for Gull dinghies when visiting the coast, suggests that "Gull Spotting" may be a registered illness. I'm inclined to agree.
I've just this minute got back from delivering my Lightning dinghy to a Lymington based boat builder who is going to repair the damage done to the transom of said boat. On Saturday I was on my way to the Lightning Nationals at Pittsford reservoir when I was "rear ended" on a roundabout leaving the M40. The back end of the boat was a mess but we made it to the venue and the other sailors helped me to bodge it together and make it watertight so that I could get on the water. I spent the next hour or so planing at ridicules speeds then capsizing then planing then capsizing until I realised that the wind was just too much for enjoyable sailing. Still, despite such extensive damage, a bit of plastic padding, some very strong gaffer tape and the good will of other dinghy sailors was all that was needed to get me back on the water. The boat is now at John Claridge's in Lymington.
Determined to not just waste our bank holiday towing boats around Jo and I went for a walk along the sea wall between Hurst and Lymington. It was here that we spotted our first Gull, a pink (yes pink!) Spirit with sail number 2788. That started me off, I was then to be found walking along by the sailing club looking for Gulls and there where many. As we made it towards the slip, where an old GRP Gull was launching I overheard a man conversing with his partner "that's a Gull there and that....well, that's a mark 3.....". I stopped to chat with him for a few minutes. He was also a Gull sailor that seemed to enjoy Gull spotting. So, if it is a registered illness then it is defiantly a highly contagious one!

Gull Inlands and Cruise, Norfolk Broads.

2009-08-24T20:31:00.010+01:00

I've just received these pictures from Keith Buckler. They where taken during the Open last weekend. The racing was very difficult on the Saturday as strong winds battered Black Horse Broad and my flu virus finally got the better of me causing Jo and I to retire. Those who could stayed on for the two day cruise and by looking at the photos it would seem that they sailed in lighter winds. For a look at all of Keiths pictures follow this link; pics by Keith Buckler

Anchor Rope Storage

2009-08-21T15:18:00.001+01:00

This article by Jon Bloor can now be viewed on gulldinghy.org http://gulldinghy.org.uk/tech.html

Racing Rules Of Sailing

2009-08-10T08:48:00.007+01:00

I am by no means an expert in this field but like most people I was advised that a basic understanding of these rules would be all I would need to progress from pottering about to being a bit more competitive with my sport. Most of us go through a slight personality change when we get out on the lake for a Sunday afternoon race. It's human nature to want to do well but I like to think that most people I sail against, and I'm including myself in this, use rules primarily as a means to avoid collision with other boats. There are two kinds of racing sailor. Firstly, and this accounts for probably 99% of us, there are the "sailors". Good sailors who know how to sail their boats, manage to stay calm (most of the time), and do not go out of their way to intimidate other crews. Then there are the tacticians, 1% of sailors, a small minority but they can make their presence felt! They can't sail very well so they use the rules, often bluffing, to try to get ahead and they can be frankly quite rude. It doesn't matter what club you join, what class of boat you sail, the law of averages dictates that you will come across a few of these people during the course of your sailing career. They would make better chess players than sailors but I doubt they would find other people to play against as they are often simply bullies.

I guess my message here is this, don't let them put you off, remember that you do not have to be a rules expert or even a good sailor to take part in a race (they don't own the water) and the cliche "it's the taking part that counts" is especially true for dinghy racing. My own attitude? Well, I find it very annoying that at the end of a very testing week at work I have to be subjected to the bad manners of certain individuals but I must try to ignore these marine-bound bullies as I can only imagine that they are not enjoying themselves as much as the rest of us and much to my amusement it seems that they never do very well in races anyway.

Please enjoy your sailing, none of us here are pros, we do it just for fun.

Lake District 2009

2009-07-28T18:14:00.003+01:00

I shall be trailing Aurora up to the lakes on Tuesday 22nd of September for 5 days of cruising. I'll probably base myself at the beautiful Low Wray campsite at the top end of Windermere. It has it's own launch site and dinghy parking. But for the last couple of years I've not managed to sail on my favourite lake, Ullswater. So I will probably trail the boat over the mountain pass to have at least one day there. Anybody who fancies meeting up to sail on the lakes between Tuesday the 22nd and Sunday the 27th is welcome to contact me via email - chrisabela(at)hotmail.co.uk or using the forum http://www.go-sail.co.uk/forums/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=62

The Decline of Dinghy Sailing

2009-07-22T13:07:00.004+01:00

It seems increasingly evident to me that the sport of dinghy sailing, more specifically, dinghy cruising is in decline. Certainly, boats that are more "cruising" orientated have been replaced in popularity by racing models. The Laser 13, a fantastically well built cruising dinghy is now a distant memory. Heron dinghies (very similar to the Gull) are only made in FRP which is a much lighter construction than GRP and will not stand up to cruising. The Wanderer and Wayfarer are still available but have been changed significantly so that they appeal more to racers than cruisers. Our own little Gull? well she's still available and has been changed a bit since the Gull Spirit was produced. She's not quite as nice in her Calypso guise but still seems OK.

The Gull in my opinion, and I realise how controversial this statement may be, has been let down by it's own class association. Although I pay my £7.50 subs on time each year, I am starting to do so begrudgingly as I must ask what the money is used for. In my experience with other classes subs are used to pay for regular newsletters, a stand at the Dinghy Show each year at Alexander Palace, occasional opens/cruising events and of maximum importance - a website. Websites cannot be overstated these days as a primary means of contact and research. I would ask people who view this blog to consider where they might find details of the Gull Class Association on the web or, for that matter, any other medium. This Blog and Jon's Gull website are not affiliated with the Gull class association in any way and only provide information on the boat not the Class association itself.
The truth is that for possible new members or for people considering a Gull the class association probably does not exist and if you are already a member there is very little to justify it as the services mentioned above just don't happen.
The Gull dinghy is about the only boat that fits my brief and I feel it is very important to promote. Since buying my boat in 2003 I have been firmly behind the class association and I may have stepped on a few toes (and will probably continue to) but I'm passionate about the boat and therefore, I feel compelled to write these paragraphs. I received a newsletter today from the class that mentions an open and subsequent cruising in 3 weeks time. I would love to attend but 3 weeks notice is not enough and I'm sure most people will be a bit disappointed at the lack of communication.
This brings me onto the subject of the Dinghy Cruising Association. I'm also a paid up member of this organisation and very much enjoy their quarterly magazine. It is the work of amateurs but does not suffer as a result. But I do feel that they are missing a very valuable point and have lost themselves by being set in their, slightly out of date, ways. The average age of members seems to be getting older as newer and younger members don't seem to be getting involved. They do have a website but it is rarely updated, does not have any news on it and is a waste of an important resource. I did attend a DCA rally once but it was not really for me. I felt that sailing was fairly low down on their list of priorities and a force 4 was enough to keep the fleet storm bound on the shores of Windermere (I became bored waiting for the "storm" to subside and went sailing on my own in the meantime!). The problem is that there are too many other well promoted sports that people would rather do (Sea Kayaking, Mountain Biking e.t.c.). So called "extreme sports". Well I think dinghy cruising can be pretty extreme at times and far more absorbing but the DCA isn't doing that good a job with promotion. I do think that the DCA is a wonderfully charming organisation but it will probably die off soon as it's slightly cliquey and eccentric ways probably don't encourage novices and newbies. I'm only a member for the Magazines but at £19 a year I have to ask if it's worth that for four copies.
So I mainly continue to cruise solo most of the time. Which is fine by me but would it not be nicer and safer to be at sea in company? It's more of a laugh!
But all is not lost - This year I invested in a reasonably priced Lightning 368 dinghy. I have joined the class association and I've been to several opens and I'm enjoying it immensely. The class is a lot smaller than the Gull class but a lot more productive. It has a stand at the Ally Pally show, a very good builder, many open meetings each year and a very nice newsletter.
Also, at last, my sailing club Dorchester seems to have reversed it's decline and has had a flurry of new members and is once again becoming a great place to forget work on a Sunday morning.

Sailing our small craft, for many of us, provides a wonderful chance to escape for a few hours and it's very important that we don't lose the chance to do so. Have we not lost enough in the modern world? Organising ourselves into groups is the only way to insure the health of our sport and it is so important at this moment in time that we do so properly because once we lose these associations they will be gone forever.

Calshot to Lepe

2009-07-01T16:19:00.003+01:00

Some video footage taken whilst reaching from Calshot (where the buildings can be seen in the video) to Lepe Spit buoy. Making 7 knots according to the GPS!

Bucklers Hard to Calshot

2009-06-29T21:37:00.008+01:00

I've just returned from a trip along the coast from Bucklers Hard to Calshot and back. F4 winds against the spring tide made for some big waves and tough conditions with a very tricky sail round into Southampton water for a rest at Calshot activities centre. Sailing back was a fast reach surfing down the front of the waves until reaching Lepe spit buoy where the wind died. I made it back to Bucklers Hard dead on high water. Very hard sail, I'm looking forward to my bed! Photo's, top: Lepe (could be Florida on a sunny day!), bottom: F4 with wind against tide.

Hickling Cruise 2009

2009-06-10T20:34:00.006+01:00

Entering Hickling Broad at sunset in gentle winds. Also, I can report after extended use on the Broads that the Lewmar ratchet block works well (see below).

Hickling Cruise 2009

2009-06-07T22:31:00.009+01:00

We have just got back from a few days of sailing from Hickling on the Norfolk Broads. We did as much walking as we did sailing, using Aurora as a means of transport to get to Horsey where we walked to the Coast (about 1 mile each way) and, with Chris Yardley as a guide, we had a longer walk around the stunning fenland on the Friday with a wonderful evening sail back to Hickling.

Pictures from the top: Chris Yardley on Horsey Mere, Beating to windward on Hickling Broad, Drifting up Catfield dyke,

More Pictures to follow.

Getting Ready for the Solent!

2009-05-16T18:49:00.003+01:00

I'm hoping to get back to Lepe, my favourite place, again this week - weather permitting. In the meantime here is a video from a trip made last year. This footage was taken as I was running before the wind down the Beaulieu river towards Lepe where it joins the Solent. Great sailing and wonderful scenery, wind, waves, moody skies and sea birds diving. It's a great place to be on a weekday when the rest of the world is at work!

Refitting The Thwart

2009-04-24T14:33:00.006+01:00

A lot easier than I thought but as usual when using Sikaflex (marine sealant/adhesive) it was a bit messy so plenty of rag and solvent ready to clean up with. Sikaflex is a magic product, as soon as you take the lid off it's like a rabbit from a hat, it gets everywhere- clothes, face, tools, nice newly varnished finish, everywhere but the small screw hole that it should be in! I thought it would be easier to fix the fittings back onto the thwart before fitting the thwart back onto the boat. I'm glad I did this as it saved a lot of hassle when I realised that the port side toe strap was on the wrong way round! Anyway once all this was sorted it was easy enough to get the thwart back on the boat and slowly tighten the 10 screws a little at a time until even pressure was applied across the thwart and it was securely bedded onto the Sikaflex (Sikaflex acts as a sealent but also helps to glue the thwart down). Once all this was done all I had to do was refix the jib cleats and attach the toe straps fore and aft. It all looks pretty good accept for one small area where the varnish has not taken very well. I shall keep my eye on this and re coat it if necessary one warm summers day. On the subject of re coating, this is the first time I've applied varnish to the boat and it is now six years old. The original varnish seemed in such good condition that it didn't seem to need doing but I'm glad I did because when I removed the thwart there were a couple of small hidden areas of rot right on the corners where the wood sits against the deck. I guess that water running down towards the gully underneath the thwart traps against it. I have now dried these areas, sanded them back to raw wood and coated them with West system epoxy. Once this drys it's important to thoroughly degrease the surface with warm soapy water and give it a light sanding so that the varnish adheres to it.

Anyway the thwart is back on and a job that I've avoided for the last 6 years is behind me for now and the Sikaflex is drying as I type this out. From now on I will apply a couple of coats of varnish every spring with the thwart in situ and I may remove it again in another 5 or 6 years.

One other thing I've done is to fit a Lewmar ratchet block. I've tried all the dinghy brands and they don't seem to work so I've gone for this heavy duty "yachty" type. It seems tougher and was cheaper to buy.

Photo: 1) Thwart ready to be re-installed with new toe straps attached. 2) Thwart screwed onto boat. 3) New Lewmar block. 4) Fittings back in place. Click on photo to enlarge.

Screw Hole Repairs

2009-04-21T17:51:00.005+01:00

One thing that has always bugged me about my boat is the way the screws were fitted to the thwart. When the boat was built the screws that hold the thwart down were unnecessarily over tightened so that some of them disappeared down into the wood leaving rough splintered edges and not surprisingly, letting water into the wood. Removing the thwart has allowed me to fix this problem. I stared by letting the wood dry. Then I used a counter sink tool on my cordless drill to enlarge the holes making them neater, removing the splintered wood and making them easier to fill. Then after wetting out with West epoxy, I filled the screw holes (8 in total) with an epoxy/filler mix. I used 407 low density filler as it can be sanded and looks neat. Once these holes had dried I re drilled pilot holes in the centre (a bit hit and miss as I'm going to use the original holes on the deck and they must all line up but on offering the thwart up to the boat they did!). The next thing was to fit the screws to see where they would end up, remove them and countersink into the epoxied area so that the screw heads would be flush with the surface for the first time ever! I've looked at Anglo Marine Gull Spirits and finish with these small details was always fantastic but this is just another of the "Porters" problems that I've managed to eventually put right. Am I just being fussy, I don't think so! Anyway, I've started varnishing the thwart now and the boat should be back on the water next week.

Removing The Thwart.

2009-04-18T19:29:00.006+01:00

I finally got round to this today and I'm hoping to have it restored and re fixed by next weekend. It was a pig to remove! The screws came out without too much bother, although I will have to repair some of the holes, but as the thwart was virtually glued onto the boat with Sikaflex I had to use a sharp bread knife between thwart and deck to cut it away from the boat. Anyway, it's off now and shouldn't be too bad to stick back on. The picture above shows the removed thwart and the gullies underneath. Also note the freshly varnished and re-installed centreboard!

Racing Pictures

2009-03-21T22:12:00.008Z

These pictures where found on the Yachts and Yachting website where you will also find some reviews of the Inland championships from the last few years. Click on - http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/classes/?s=42&c=27

Calypso

2009-03-08T19:52:00.005Z

Those of you that visited the Dinghy Show will have noticed the Gull Calypso on the Hartley laminates stand. Selling for £3995 (ready to sail) it is very good value for money. It seems to be as well built and simple to rig as the Spirit but less maintenance as it does not have the Spirit's wooden bits.

Refit

2009-02-18T17:44:00.007Z

I have now started to refit Aurora and will be moving her indoors to dry out for a few weeks (now that the snow seems to have finished falling). I have managed to practice my varnishing techniques on the rudder and I will be removing the centreboard this weekend and varnishing the thwart in a couple of months.
I used 3 coats of Goldspar varnish on the rudder, sanding between coats with 240 grit sandpaper and leaving to dry overnight at room temperature.

I have also had new toe straps made up to replace the garish red originals. I reused the stainless "D" rings and had them stitched onto new seat belt type webbing that I managed to source on EBay and it is identical to the original material, only it's blue. The stitching was done by a chap who has a small shop locally (John the Stitcher of Thame, Oxon) for £4. The total for the replacement toe straps came to £10. I believe Hartley Laminates charge £79!

Racing Update

2009-02-02T12:13:00.004Z

I was delighted to come first sailing Aurora in yesterdays DSC Icebreaker race. Ice Breaker being a good way of describing the freezing conditions. I nearly retired just before the start of the race as the shackle holding the main sheet to the traveller decided to come loose but I managed to screw it back using the buckle of my watchstrap just in time for the start signal!

Overboom Tents

2009-01-13T19:41:00.003Z

I am considering making an overboom tent so that I can have more extended cruises. I've ordered 1 meter of P2B breathable lightweight fabric to try as a sample (Hopefully, I won't break Jo's sewing machine in the process!). If I decide to make a tent I shall give a full write up on the blog. The fabric will need to be light but strong and waterproof. It would also be a bonus if it was breathable. P2B and other fabrics are available from Penine outdoors. http://www.pennineoutdoor.co.uk/catalogue.asp?cID=1

Norfolk Broads Cruise 2008 (part 4)

2008-12-26T19:58:00.007Z

See below for parts 1,2,3. We set off again after lunch west along the Thurne on the final leg of our odyssey. Chris, Johanna, Honor, Jo and I sailing well and really enjoyed the scenery as we headed into the late afternoon. It seemed strange that Gordon or Jane had not appeared in the dories as we glanced back along the river. Were we really sailing so fast that their 15hp outboards could not keep up with us? Watch out Ben Ainslie! We eventually stopped at Cockshoot Dyke as concern got the better of us and we waited and speculated as to what might be wrong. Soon after we heard them coming round the bend in the river. As it turned out one of the dories had broken down which meant that however late we would have to make it back by sail or oar which pleased me as I had sailed continuously all week (except for the tow under the Potter Heigham bridges) and I was determined to complete the trip under my own steam.
We set off downstream again to find an ominous site. As we sailed in ever decreasing winds through the outskirts of Horning the sky turned black and lightning could be seen not so far away. I told Jo to avoid touching the metal bits on the boat, having survived intact all week, I did not want her to get frazzled this close to home. The wind dropped ever lighter and we decided to resort to our trusty praddles. A fisherman enjoying a can of lager on the shore chastised us for cheating when he saw us paddling but I asked him if he would be happy to be sat on the water for long with 17ft of aluminium pointing skywards in a thunder storm. Eventually we all made it to the safety of Horning Sailing Club where we pulled our boats up the slip to end our cruise as the heavens opened and we all got a drenching.
I can’t remember when I last enjoyed sailing so much and I was amazed at the beautiful variety of the scenery along the route. What a place to get away from it all and what great company fellow Gull sailors are. Massive thanks to Jane and Gordon Williams for their hospitably, dedicated organisation and patience. And also a huge thank you to Gordon’s wife, Carolyn for inviting us to a charming dinner at Gordon’s home “Crabbetts”. The chocolate soufflés were delicious!
It would be wonderful to meet more Gull sailors next year. So do try and make it. I have sailed my Gull in lots of different locations and conditions but this trip will inspire me for a long time. And how much does it cost? Well, we each gave Gordon £10 for dory fuel which hardly broke the bank and the camping was free. But you can’t put a price on so much fun.

top photo by C.Yardley

Norfolk Cruise 2008 (part 3)

2008-12-17T20:27:00.006Z

see below for part 2. On Friday Jo and I towed our trailer over to Horning where Jane kindly took us in her smart new red Mini Cooper back to Womack. Honor, Chris and Johanna accepted a tow back out along Womack water to the River Thurne. However, Jo and I shouting “no surrender to fossil fuel!” realised that we could make it out under sail as the wind had shifted making it a reach rather than a beat. But the tacking would return once we were out on the open river heading west. In fact the rest of the cruise would be a beat, with the enthusiasm for tacking waning somewhere after Thurne Mouth. I would start by shouting “Ready about”. Jo would respond with “Ready!” then we would tack before hitting the reeds at the river’s edge. Later on the call and response was reduced to “Ok” with Jo’s response (when she could be bothered) “yeah”. But the sailing was tremendous with a stop at St Benet’s Abbey for tea and jammy dodgers whilst the art course crew of a passing Wherry painted the scene. Jane told us that she had seen an otter en route and I am envious as I have always wanted to see one in the wild ever since reading Gavin Maxwell’s book “Ring of Bright Water” which describes them in detail. Afterwards, the windward sail continued until we were to turn left along the Ranworth dam, another long beat to our lunchtime rendezvous and the pretty village of Ranworth where we watched the Wherry raise her sail as she left the broad the way we had entered.
We were unable to land at the dinghy staithe so Jane ferried us across the broad in her dory. We had arranged to return at 3.15pm so that we had a couple of hours to explore the area. The general consensus was to climb the 89 steps 2 ladders and 1 trap door of Ranworth church so that we could view the landscape we had journeyed through. At this point I must say that I am scared of heights so I let the others climb the very narrow spiral staircase first in case I got cold dinghy booted feet and decided to descend. However, I did manage to make it to the top and I’m glad I did as Chris Yardley is very familiar with this area and pointed out the sights as we marvelled at how clear the view was and just how far we could see across this beautiful county. When the time came to descend I did my usual trick of letting the others go first. It amazed me to see just how steep and narrow this staircase was. In fact it was more like pot holing than climbing and I thought that it would be safer to descend on my bottom rather than stand up!