Jan Harber
Well-Known Member
I can confirm that the double-ended centreboarder Blue Shoal (built by Souters of Cowes in 1950) was indeed owned by my dad, Jack Coote, from about 1960 to 1980, during which time she was based at Paglesham. After changing hands several more times she was laid up at Halls yard, Walton on the Naze where she was neglected for 10 years before being rescued in 2009 by Brian Ward, who lovingly restored her and kept her at Orwell YC.
A few years ago she changed hands again but is still based at Orwell YC. Like Brian, her latest owner has done lots of work on her, including re-decking at Robertsons. She has always had a leaking problem through the garboard strakes and what with all the rain we've had over the weekend she had obviously taken on quite a bit of water and (not for the first time in her life) was low on her marks.
However, I have just been told that she is OK and being scrubbed before coming out for the winter.
I believe the photo that has been posted on the original thread is mine, taken at Wrabness in 2011, it appeared in my article on Blue Shoal's history published by Classic Boat in 2014.
A few years ago she changed hands again but is still based at Orwell YC. Like Brian, her latest owner has done lots of work on her, including re-decking at Robertsons. She has always had a leaking problem through the garboard strakes and what with all the rain we've had over the weekend she had obviously taken on quite a bit of water and (not for the first time in her life) was low on her marks.
However, I have just been told that she is OK and being scrubbed before coming out for the winter.
I believe the photo that has been posted on the original thread is mine, taken at Wrabness in 2011, it appeared in my article on Blue Shoal's history published by Classic Boat in 2014.
