|
Magazine Articles for 1998 -
retained
COMMODORE'S REVIEW OF 1998 Our activities this year have been dominated by celebrations to mark the Seal Silver Jubilee. After the AGM in January we held a reception at Earls Court, which was attended by over eighty members and their guests, including founder members of the Association. Each member received a booklet commemorating the first 25 years of the Association, which had been produced by our President, Denis Fastnedge, who also presented us with a new trophy. Banner The Silver Jubilee Banner left Bill Parker's yard at Boston in April and was carried by a relay of members' yachts around the coast. After circling the Isle of Wight it joined the twenty boats on the Jubilee cruise from Weymouth and arrived in the river Exe for the national rally on 25th July. Seventy members and their guests, including John and Pat Baker, enjoyed a memorable evening at the Topsham Sailing Club. Murlo Primrose presented us with a trophy in memory of her late husband Angus Primrose. Membership Comparisons with previous years:-
Events In spite of the generally unsettled weather this summer the Committee managed to choose fine weekends for most of the rallies. As a consequence we were able to run a full programme of events which I am delighted to see members supported in record numbers. Our thanks go to the rally organisers who at times had to show considerable initiative in finding space for all the boats that attended the rallies. Outlook There is little doubt that the Silver Jubilee year has been a great success. I wish to thank those who contributed to this success by organising or taking part in the many activities that took place. I hope you have all enjoyed our twenty fifth anniversary celebrations and that you find the next twenty-five years equally rewarding. Martin HoptonParker 27 'Shemar' A Visit to the CoastGuard During our visit to the West Country on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary Rally of the Seal Sailing Association, Jan and Graham from Heart of Glass and Mary and I from Farrago took the opportunity, while in Brixham, to visit the Coastguard Station. We had been told that they were very welcoming to visiting Yachtsmen and this proved to be the case. We were met at the door by one of the officers who took us straight to the Operations Room where we met the other officers on duty. That day there was four of them, the senior officer was on leave. Most of the staff had Service backgrounds, although one lady, a Dane (with no trace of an accent), had been a trawler skipper! Firstly, we were shown the very large wall chart that detailed the areas of the sea for which they and their neighbouring stations had responsibility, extending from Portland to Lands End and including the French coast and the Channel Islands. The chant also marked the facilities at their disposal including Lifeboats, Inshore Rescue craft, helicopters, sub-stations, cliff rescue teams etc. The room had a number of work stations each with telephone switching facilities, marine VHF with control systems for the many aerials, computer terminals and no doubt many more pieces of equipment that I am unable to recall. There was a Met. desk - Brixham also being a Met station supplying weather information from Berry Head to the Met Centre. The conditions at Berry Head are recorded hourly. We were shown another terminal with the latest software that was used to help with searches at sea. The computer is fed with the current weather and type of object being sought (a life raft will drift faster than a man in the water or a yacht), the position and many other bits of information. With its own built-in tidal information it then calculates the expected drift and suggests the areas to be searched. We saw the direction finding equipment, and our guide explained how it had been used recently when two German ladies sailing across the Atlantic had radioed for assistance to guide them into the Dart, their position being given as at the river mouth. A local fishing boat offered to help but could not find the yacht. The RDF equipment was then used and the ladies were located in the middle of Tor Bay! Lastly we were shown the computer which will handle the new GMDSS system. Our guide explained that he was not yet up to speed with this and so it still remains a mystery to me how it will affect the yachtsman. At this point our guide said that an alarm that we could hear was a 99999 call and he had to leave us to assist his two colleagues who were then in the room. The emergency was a child being blown out to sea on an airbed from a local beach. Initially the local Inshore Lifeboat was called, on channels 16 and 0, but after what seemed like several minutes it was clear that they were going to get no answer. It was then decided to make the incident a Pan Pan. A telephone call was made back to the number given by the Telephone Operator, and from this they established that the child was still in sight and was near one of the yellow speed limit buoys. The Pan Pan was transmitted for any vessels in the area that might be able to help to assist. Very soon, but what must have seemed like an age to the anxious parents, there was a response from an RAF rescue launch. With only a brief query made by raising the eyebrows and a nod from the acting senior officer, the channel 16 operator requested the launch to proceed to the area. There was then another call from a vessel, which we took to be a pleasure boat, which was near the spot. This boat was then asked to search for the child. The skipper asked for more information and was able to report within seconds that they had the 'casualty9 in sight and in moments the child had been rescued. The vessel then went into the beach and handed the child back to very relieved parents. Minutes later a telephone call from a local Coastguard, who had gone to the location, confirmed the successful conclusion to the emergency. The rescuer was duly thanked and proceeded about his business. The whole event was then explained to us from the log on the computer with the precise times, and it was less than 20 minutes from beginning to end. Although there were apologies to us for having left us to our own devices, we said that we were very grateful to have witnessed the event. The complete professionalism displayed by the staff, and how they all worked together with hardly a word spoken between them impressed me. We never did find out what the Inshore Lifeboat was doing. We were encouraged, if we had not already done so, to file our boat details with our local station. This is form CG6O I think, on which details of the type and colour of boat, life-raft etc. are given so that if they ever have to organise a search for us they know what to look for. Finally they encouraged us to advise them of our passage details the next day on our crossing of Lyme Bay back to Poole. What a wonderful service they provide! Tony Farr Open Letter From America In trying to obtain a good selection of Seal Class boats for the new Seal Web Site, and keen to include photographs from members outside of the UK, Brenda, my wife, contacted Marvin Kowalewski who lives in New Hatfield, New York. Marvin was generous to send a large number of photographs, some of which you can see on the Album page of the Web Site. As a side issue, this contact has resulted in an 'email' friendship being struck with much correspondence flowing across the Atlantic; but that's another story. One of the original emails from Marvin was so technical and showed such continuing enthusiasm for his Parker 27 'Happy Seal', purchased in 1988, that I asked if he would like me to publish it in the Newsletter. The following is the result. I have included the pictures but the rest is Marv's own words…….. 05-03-98 Dear Brenda and Don I thank you for the letter regarding photos of "Happy Seal". I an enclosing some pictures for your consideration. My Parker 27 has been extensively modified for comfort and ease of handling. Since I have been fortunate enough to fit a good road trailer to the boat, I have moved it to Florida for cruising the coast and the islands called The Florida Keys.
I have installed Harken roller furling with dual luff for racing and cruising. This unit is lighter than the Roto Furl but that is the only advantage since the Roto system works easier.
All my sails are Spectra Mylar and very light weight--I can carry the main sail in one hand and the headsail in another. These have proven themselves over 6 years to be a wonderful modification. My main is cut to have a high roach with thin full battens in two places and trail battens in two places. The main is very fast and trims wonderfidly with no stretch. I have two headsails. One for racing and another for cruising. Both are 150's but the cruising headsail is heavier mylar and stays on as the working sail. I am not an experienced racer but report that the Parker has been an excellent racer when tried.
I have installed a marine radio, a GPS, Tiller Pilot, and a CD player. I often take a small TV in case we get tired of reading. Because of battery drain, I have changed to 120 AH batteries and have installed an adjustable charging system which allows fully controlled, rapid battery charging. I had to remove and replace the "sense" regulator on the alternator in order to allow the charging system to be remotely adjusted. Other minor changes such as dish racks, hidden wet hanging lines, towel bars add to comfort. I have changed the head to one that is more seaworthy. It has a bronze base--the Parker installed head was not adequate and developed leaks.
Drying out at Florida Keys The pictures that I am sending show the different modifications. I can write about how these things are built for the newsletter. The Membership appears very knowledegable so a picture should do. If you need further explanations, I can email. I hope that the enclosed gives you a picture of what is done in the USA with this fine boat. For your information, there is a Parker 21 someplace on the east coast--I've lost track of it after it was sold. Fair winds to you all. Marv Kowalewski Don Harvey By Don Harvey Publicity Officer SSA 'Zest' 1998 is a special year for the Seal Sailing Association as it is 25 years since its formation. The building of Seal boats predates this by three years as it was in 1970 that John and Pat Baker began building a 22 foot lifting keel boat designed by Angus Primrose. Mrs Murlo Primrose still owns and sails Seal 22 number 0, named appropriately, 'SEAL' From 1970 to 1981 Baker boats built over 500 Seal boats (22s, Sinbads, 28s, 850s, designed by Angus Primrose, and the MiniSeal, Mini Tourer and Super Seal 26s, designed by Ron Holland), before withdrawing from boat production. In 1981, the building of the Super Seal 26 was taken over by G.W. Parker and Son of Boston Lincs and this company went on to build a further twelve 26s before modifying the design to be the Parker 27 of which 49 were built. In 1990, Bill Parker carried out further modifications the design to produce the Parker 275. Parker Boats (now name Parker Lift Keel Yachts Ltd.) went on to design and build the Parker 21, 31 and 325. In 1995, the Parker 325 was voted Yacht of the Year by the RYA and BMIF. To mark this Silver Jubilee Year, there will be a cruise from Boston, the location of the Parker company to the river Exe where John Baker built the Seal boats. The cruise will be in the form of a relay with boats flying a commemorative flag. The final phase will be a cruise in company starting Weymouth on the 18/19th July. This fleet will be joined at the Exe by Seals coming in from the East. It is hoped as many members as possible will gather at the Topsham Sailing Club on Saturday the 25th July for a celebration dinner. Relay of the Jubilee Banner from Boston to The Exe By - Walter Brown, As with all things to do with the sea our plans remain highly weather dependent. However the broad timetable is as follows:-
Accompanying the Banner will be a simple log book in which all participating yachts are encouraged to enter brief details of their part in this event, together with any interesting stories, photographs and or sketches they may wish to record. Finally, the National Committee wish to thank all those members who have expressed both their interest and support in this endeavour and hope that all involved will find the project to be fun, rewarding and memorable. Remember it is never too late to take part, at least until our Commodore has run the Banner to the top of "Shemar’s" mast on the final stage of the passage going up the Exe on the 25th of July. The following article was taken from the latest SSA Newsletter as it provides an opportunity for additional point of interest (see below the article) The Association's Committee held its Spring meeting this year in the library of the Royal Harwich Yacht Club at Woolverstone and members were thus almost on the doorstep for our Get-Together at the Butt & Oyster, Pin Mill on March 28th. Local members were very pleased to have the Commodore, the Vice-Commodore and the majority of the Committee Members at our table.Plans had been made for a change in the seating arrangements to accommodate more than our usual maximum of 34 places and at one time the applications numbered 43. Sadly six members had to cancel during the last week due to ill health of themselves or family but this did mean that the staff of the Butt & Oyster were able, with just a little "squeezing", to seat the remaining 37 diners around our traditional long table. The instructions to Brenda Mainwaring for "the same menu as we always have" makes life much easier for the organiser so that's what we had and as always the catering was generous and most enjoyable. The staff looked after us very well. During the evening Martin Hopton made reference to the retirement of George Howard after about nine years as Area Organiser and hoped that a successor would soon be forthcoming. George is still waiting for the rush of volunteers but will obviously be very happy to offer assistance in the future if required, especially in the onerous duty of arranging the menu at Pin Mill. Presentation of the East Anglia Trophy for 1997 had to be postponed because the recipients were unable to attend this occasion. Walter Brown updated us on the proposed arrangements for the relay transporting of the 25th Anniversary Pennant from Boston to the River Exe and invited further volunteers to take part in this celebration. Members wishing to take part should advise Walter as soon as possible and details of participation will be circulated shortly. We hope that members of Committee enjoyed their visit to our traditional East Anglian convivial evening. George Howard East Anglia Area Officer
An additional event took place at this meeting, and that was the presentation of one of two engraved mugs to the past and present builders of the Seal class yachts to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the SSA. The photograph below shows Bill Parker, the current builder, receiving his mug from Martin Hopton, the Commodore. Also in the photograph on the right is Brenda Harvey, the Secretary of the SSA. Click on thumbnails to enlarge
To complete the duo, here is a picture of John Baker, the first builder, taken at the AGM, held at the 1998 boat show at Earl's Court. John will receive his Mug at the commemorative dinner at Topsham Sailing Club in August.
Also at this event, Bill Parker was presented with the pennant that was to be carried by Seal Class boats from Boston, where Parker Lift Keel Yachts are situated.
This shows Walter Brown, Vice Commodore and Sailing Secretary, together with his wife Chris and Bill Parker at the Butt and Oyster, Pin Mill. Don Harvey 'Zest' The following article is repeated from the Teignmouth Gazette of the of the 30th July, by permission of the reporter Gareth Woodgates Seal class yachts silver anniversary cruise A flotilla of 14 Seal-class yachts flying distinctive gold and black burgees sailed into Teignmouth last Thursday on the penultimate stage of a marathon coast crawl from Boston in Lincolnshire to the Exe. For it was there that the first Seal - built at John Baker's Kenton Forge workshop - was launched 25 years ago. The silver anniversary cruise in company to mark the event began at current builders Parker Yachts yard near Boston, over .400 nautical miles distant. Members of the 350-strong class association joined in - and dropped out - in relays as the flotilla passed their home ports. FLAG-WAVING It was a flag-waving exercise for the popular class of cruising yachts ranging in size from 21 to 32ft and distinguished by their lifting keels. A special large 25th anniversary flag was flown in turn by every one of the participating yachts on the cruise that ended with a presentation to original builder John Baker, guest of honour at a reception at Topsham Sailing Club on Saturday night, organised by River Exe Seal owners. 'It's like carrying the Olympic flame,' said the association's Commodore, Martin Hopton, on board his Chichester-based Seal 27, Shemar.' He and the others were all first-time visitors to the Teign. 'The pilot books and sailing guides make the entrance seem very intimidating, but it is not so difficult really, though the strength of the tide surprised us,' he judged. 'I 'think it's done deliberately to keep people away from a lovely harbour and pretty town which deserves to attract more visiting yachts, especially Seals which are designed to sit on mud banks.' His crew, oldest association member Brian Campbell-James, 82, joked: 'I'm "too decrepit to skipper, but I still appreciate all the pubs!' At the opposite end of the age range was two-year-old Kate Surplice, daughter of Ken and Sue who had sailed from Calshot, Hants. in Saffie, a Seal 21. INCREASED On Saturday the flotilla, its numbers increased by local yachts, sailed up the Exe for the party which was attended by Mrs Murlo Primrose, widow of Seal designer Angus and owner of Seal No 2, called, appropriately. Seal. John Baker, 70, of Stokeinteignhead, was presented with, an engraved silver tankard. He said: 'It was lovely to meet a lot of old friends - some of them very old indeed! - for a sentimental reunion. It is very satisfying to have created something that has enabled me to maintain a friendship with customers over many years and to know that Seals are still going strong.'
|
First, I have installed an "instant" hot water heater and a cockpit
shower. I have converted the hot-cold water system to pressure and completely
changed the plumbing system. The water pump and heater are mounted on a fold down (for
service) panel that was the former portside hanging wet area. Now, we can shower, wash
dishes and clothes using our onboard water supply. When cruising in salt water, I carry an
addidonal 10 gallons of fresh water.
I
have added a traveler and moved the main sheeting system from the cockpit floor (lots more
room and comfort). My travaler is a a radiused track bent 3.5 inches and runs along the
cabin top just ahead of the hatch cover. I made special brackets to elevate the track to
pass the hatch. My sheeting car is a Harken windward sheeting system and I could not ask
for a simpler system to trim the main. 
Finally,
I have a Cystic Copper Clad bottom on the boat. I think ft is the greatest because any
haulout is a simple brush down and hose off. Note: In the Florida Keys, the boat develops
a green hair. I use a painters trowel to remove. No barnacles appear to stick and I can do
my own cleaning.
