Down the Plughole.

Port-na-storm HQ has been a hive of activity over the last few weeks but sadly none of it has been about boats or boating. The truth is we're fitting a new bathroom, the coral pink suite has been smashed into the skip and the luxurious corner bath in GRP  has been carved into pieces with a wave of the angle grinder.  This edifice of pink and chrome was a triumph of form over function being possibly the most uncomfortable bath ever made. It'll be a few weeks before its all over, so in the meantime please bear with if the transmissions are a bit irregular. 

We had a holiday in Greece a few weeks ago, so meantime here are some photos of the local life to keep you amused. 

I thought a refugee ship from North Africa had landed at the quay-side but it turns out they were just trippers. 

 Some of the local inshore fishing fleet,

This year's award for the ugliest boat on the Island goes to ........

I would have taken this one home. I love these little Greek fishing boats, they are very shapely, and very seaworthy.

 This one had been dumped in front of a Hotel to provide some local "character".

 I doubt if that engine will ever go again. 

   

Tourist boats of every description. 

The deep sea fishing fleet 

Our Hotel is up there somewhere. 

   Pass the Ouzo. 

A Last Hurrah at the Horse & Jockey

The last weekend in September graced us with some fantastic weather, and thankfully Chris Partridge had called  what could be the last HBBR meeting of the season at the Horse & Jockey at the head of The Hamble.

He reported on his trip here Rowing for Pleasure.

Its best to leave Swanwick an hour or so before high water to get the benefit f the flood, and to ensure there is enough clearance beneath the three bridges. As it was we left it a bit late. I just made it with about six inches to spare.   

Photo Tim O'Conner

Chris and Ruth Waite came along in Polly Wee about five minutes behind me, and they reported having to heel the boat over to get under the road bridge.

Tim didn't have any such problems in Zelva. He just cruised around looking very relaxed. 

The Hamble River Rowers were out for a brisk trip to the pub and came storming past. 

The HBBR contingent took a more relaxed approach. Chatting as we went.  

Photo Tim O'Conner

The return trip provided a good sail as a bit of breeze picked up here and there. The run down under the bridges was "Interesting" as the ebb was running fast and there were some big standing waves below the railway and road bridges.  Motor boats coming up-river against the flow and tide need to stick to the middle of the channel and keep the momentum on to avoid veering into the  piers but they don't seem to appreciate that the little dinghy coming down stream, needs the middle of the channel to clear the mast under the arch, has almost no steerage or brakes other than that provided by the oars, and the skipper is craning over his shoulder to see where he's going.

A few not so new nautical hails were required.

Gerrouthefeckinwayyouidiot.

Composure regained we recovered our boats and bid each a hearty farewell.