Cruising and news

2011

This year has not been without its problems. After the passage out from Cheshire in March one of Verity's engines decided on early retirement. This caused a delay to the availability of Verity for training. The removal of an engine from Verity is not a simple matter. For one thing the hatch in the wheelhouse roof has to come off. This means cutting through the outer skin on the wheelhouse top to reveal the hatch and lifting it out when it is not raining. By appointment with Conwy Marina the boat is taken to the hoist. I think that the one ton engine had put on weight in its late age so the Marina one ton hoist was pleased when the engine was lowered onto the waiting trailer. The return craning would have to be with the more powerful Deganwy hoist.

After too long and some hicups a replacement engine was sourced and returned to its place in Verity. One effect of the engine repair time was the opportunity to do many jobs which had been on the 'To do' list.

Training courses were resumed and the season was carried on into November. As I write there may well be further courses to come because Verity will remain in Conwy for the winter.

The 'Coastal Skipper' course in the middle of November was split into two and the first two days were taken on 12th and 13th November. In very pleasant weather we sailed out of Conwy about 9.30am and eventually completed the day after some night hours navigation exercises. We spent the night in Port Dinorwic and left about 8.30am.

Swellies

The passage to Menai was made in sunshine and light winds. Having passed through the Swellies the contrast in conditions was amazing. By Menai landing stage the Straits were in turmoil with seriously high waves (wind against tide). A local fishing boats was having an uncomfortable passage but Verity appeared to be relishing the excitement of shrugging off the waves and charged on passed Beaumaris. That part of the course was completed with marina training and picking up moorings back in Conwy.

2010

Winter is over - returning to Conwy

On 25th March 2010 Verity was ready (just) for the return passage to Conwy. The documentation and fees for the passage from Acton Bridge on the River Weaver to Eastham on the Manchester Ship Canal had been obtained. We set off about 10.45am and were passing through Dutton Lock at 11am. We sailed through Cheshire and out onto the Ship Canal at Marsh Lock stopping for lunch at the South African Restaurant beside the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum. We had clearance to carry onto Eastham Lock at 3.20pm, the earliest that the afternoon tide would allow. The passage down the Mersey and passed the Liver building went without incident as did the crossing from the Formby Light Buoy to Great Ormes Head. We were in Conwy for 8.45pm and picked up our swinging mooring just off Deganwy Marina.

Training begins again

The next day a yachtmaster course started under the guidance of Brian Allen of North Wales Power and Sail.

The mooring has moved

The following day we realised the mooring buoy had moved further into the river channel and have moved to a pontoon nearer the town until it is re-positioned.

Winter Refurbishment

Over the winter much maintenance work has been carried out on Verity. The list just got longer as the days flew by. The only way of striking jobs off the list was by actuially adding the jobs done each day then striking them off. The biggest investment was the re-laying of the wheelhouse decking.

Since 1969 the wheelhouse deck has seen the passage of many many feet and the outer laminate had worn away completly in places. After much deliberation I decided that the solution was to have a new surface applied by Sea-Dek of Tollesbury, Essex. During the snowy winter period the old floor panels were taken down to Essex and within a fortnight they were ready for collection as shown below.,

Also completed during the winter was the repainting of the Cummins engines and engine room. The Stuart Turner 24 volt bilge pump was reconditioned by Edges of Eaton, Nr Tarporley. This bilge pump means business and I am much happier to relie on it rather than the under powered electric bilge pumps that kept braking down.

Shipping Forecast

And now the Shipping Forecast issued by the Met Office, on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, at 1130 on Sunday 01 November 2009.

Irish Sea:
West or northwest gale 8 to storm 10, decreasing 5 to 7 later. Rough or very rough. Squally showers. Mainly moderate.

Verity left Conwy at 6am on a yachtmaster course. Later that morning the F10 warning was given. Very heavy seas were swept aside by Verity who made the safety of Conwy harbour but even there yachts were being nearly flattened by the high winds. All on board were impressed by the way Verity ignored the heavy seas and shrugged off the bow to stern waves.

Yachtmaster training took Verity from Conwy to Peel (IoM) the onwards to Malahide (EIRE) and returning to Conwy in three days.

Seal seen in Peel Harbour, IoM October 2009

Verity makes it to Malahide, Eire - October 2009

North Wales Power and Sail have a full programme of RYA courses this summer.

See the link to their website for full details or give me a ring on 07973 158948.

Verity hit again by a yacht this time

On the 3rd May 2009 Verity was peacefully at her mooring when an incoming yacht sailed across her bows colliding with the bows causing damage to the bow roller. The explanation was that the person on the helm didn't see Verity because he wasn't looking. The owner was below and will probably be on deck next time he sails into Conwy with the tide. A Conwy strong man sorted things out and straightened the roller - thanks to TLC.

Verity hit by motor cruiser

On 4th July 2008 whilst moored to her buoy off the Beacons, Conwy, Verity was struck by a motor cruiser which got into difficulties against the flood tide. The result of the collision did extensive damage to the bows of Verity and pushed the buoy up river. A MayDay was made from the cruiser and lifeboats from Conwy and Llandudno were launched (Link to RNLI Lifeboat report). Verity held onto the cruiser until help arrived. On the 1st September 2008 Verity was lifted out at Deganwy Marina and repairs were eventually agreed by the cruiser insurance people. TLC were given the job to do the repairs which have now been completed. The pictures below show the start and finish of the job.

LATEST - Verity now back on her swinging mooring on the River at Conwy