absit_omen
Well-Known Member
A very sad story. A great mate of mine, John Pace, rebuilt this boat from the keel up about 15 years ago. An incredible amount of time, energy, money and love was spent on her and she has graced many a classic rally in UK and Holland.
I have enjoyed many nights drinking John Smiths and playing three card brag and many days in the rain yarning away in her wheelhouse.
Pressures of divorce etc meant she was sold for buttons in 1997 to the 'explorer' Robert Swan. Since then she appears to have gone progressively downhill until she has finally met her demise at the hand of someone not nearly in tune with her special needs.
There are sure to be mitigating arguments but I confess that I feel nothing but contempt for her latest owner. To take this boat, unsurveyed, unknown, in October, from Cornwall to Hartlepool is an act of pure stupidity. To continue the voyage after one instance of Mayday beggars belief.
Perhaps there should be a National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Classic Boats.
I have enjoyed many nights drinking John Smiths and playing three card brag and many days in the rain yarning away in her wheelhouse.
Pressures of divorce etc meant she was sold for buttons in 1997 to the 'explorer' Robert Swan. Since then she appears to have gone progressively downhill until she has finally met her demise at the hand of someone not nearly in tune with her special needs.
There are sure to be mitigating arguments but I confess that I feel nothing but contempt for her latest owner. To take this boat, unsurveyed, unknown, in October, from Cornwall to Hartlepool is an act of pure stupidity. To continue the voyage after one instance of Mayday beggars belief.
Perhaps there should be a National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Classic Boats.