Maybe in May............

The word from Barton Turf is that Dabbling Duck will be worked on in May.  I do hope this means what it says and not that work will start at the end of May........  With the lovely weather, sailing sounds just the job. I am going down to Norfolk mid-May to put my head round the door and see what the score is....

Good news....

Winter moorings at Barton Turf

A call from the engineer at Stalham Staithe. The original engine which came with (but not in) the boat is apparently a lump of rust and beyond repair. No surprise, as there must have been some reason why it was removed in the first place.
The good news is that Mr Greenwood (said engineer) has another on a shelf in his workshop with gearbox, Dynastart and vintage control handle.  He is on the case and will re-build it and work with the boatyard to install it and fit a propeller. A nice man, who sails and knows what's what. I was lucky to meet him. I shall leave it to the experts and keep feeding the piggy-bank.
I will post news as and when.

Barton Staithe in snow..

out of the darkness....

The days are getting just a little longer as we climb out of winter's depressing greyness.  The snow was OK, but the winter months seem to get longer somehow. It's time to think about Easter and the possibility of "Dabbling Duck" resplendent in a new coat of paint and with her proper engine back in.
Time, anyway, to ring the boatyard and see if they have a date for doing the work........

This is the first year I have not prepared my own boat - the cost of staying in Norfolk waiting for the weather to be right for painting is about the same as getting it done at the yard, so it's a no-brainer.

If either of my readers is likely to be in Norfolk over the summer, don't hesitate to phone and we can arrange some sailing - engine or no engine.