Keith 66
Well-known member
I remember going up to Fenchurch street with Dad on the train to get charts from Potters, In Southend the chandlers were Shoreline, Davis's & Boatacs, plus Mikes boatyard down the old town. All gone now.
Came into the ray on Sunday & was struck how empty the Southend shore is of boats today, two small yachts off TEYC & a good few up at Essex & LSC moorings, the rest empty. The yards & clubs full of dead or dying boats.
As for the boatbuilders, I started in the trade in the late 70's, In our local area there was a lot of work, Thames marine, Prouts, Jaguar yachts then the repair yards all busy. All virtually gone. Waterfront development Or should i call it Chavification? The recreational craft directive directly caused many small boatbuilders out but they were going to go anyway.
The Rya didnt help with its insistence of kids learning in single handed boats, they took the fun out of learning to sail, after all who wants to learn to sailwhile being shouted at by an adult in a flubber?
Came into the ray on Sunday & was struck how empty the Southend shore is of boats today, two small yachts off TEYC & a good few up at Essex & LSC moorings, the rest empty. The yards & clubs full of dead or dying boats.
As for the boatbuilders, I started in the trade in the late 70's, In our local area there was a lot of work, Thames marine, Prouts, Jaguar yachts then the repair yards all busy. All virtually gone. Waterfront development Or should i call it Chavification? The recreational craft directive directly caused many small boatbuilders out but they were going to go anyway.
The Rya didnt help with its insistence of kids learning in single handed boats, they took the fun out of learning to sail, after all who wants to learn to sailwhile being shouted at by an adult in a flubber?