Do you know the owner of Skean Dhu of Parkstone?

[DaveS]

As very much a 'newbie' here, I hoped to avoid getting involved too early (softly, softly, catchee monkey) but, as a Scotsman and a supporter of the Gaelic language, I think all the owners, past and present, should be chastised for use of pseudo-Gaelic.

The correct name SHOULD be 'Sgian Dubh'.

You are, of course, strictly correct. It gets a bit more difficult, however, with geographical terms where the anglicised spelling is in common use. Corryvreckan is "incorrect" but probably much more recognisable than Coire Bhreacain. Then there is Kintyre (Cantyre in the old CCC "Blue Book"); would Cinn Tire be recognised by many?

 

[Amulet]

You are, of course, strictly correct. It gets a bit more difficult, however, with geographical terms where the anglicised spelling is in common use. Corryvreckan is "incorrect" but probably much more recognisable than Coire Bhreacain. Then there is Kintyre (Cantyre in the old CCC "Blue Book"); would Cinn Tire be recognised by many?

By and large the present mood (which will probably be regarded as precious political correctness) is to make an attempt to be sensitive to culturally appropriate nomeclature. Today it would not be seen as appropriate to give English names to colonised places or people. Even colonially-overwritten native names for trees are now being revived in names of timber. Gaelic speakers suffered the ignomony of it being made illegal to speak their own language or even to christen their children with Gaelic names. Communities have long memories, and the highland Scots are no exception. I think it's a good thing to see the colonial trend reversed. We can't always get it right, but I try to be conscientious with the languages I can speak and sensitive to the ones I don't. It's called "precious pretentiousness" I believe.

Enough - I must stop being a grumpy old fart. I'm always a pain once the boat is out of the water! Only sailing related comments from now on.

 

[dscar]

Skean Dhu recent history

I was recently the owner of Skean Dhu of Parkstone until Oct 2011. For the past 4 years she has been moored on the Orwell River (Suffolk) at Pin Mill. I purchased the yacht in 2007 from the previous owner when she was moored at Marchwood Yacht Club (Southampton Water).

Unfortunately, the yacht is as posted the same yacht which as reported needed assistance last week when the delivery skipper fell when sailing off the Devon coast in gale/near gale force winds whilst on delivery for the new owner to a new berth in Cardiff.

Also in response to certain posts on this thread she was registered under the anglicised spelling of 'Skean Dhu' by the original owner who I understand was a dentist based in Poole when she was built in 1966 by Mitchells from a design by Alan Buchanan. I trust that no future owner finds any need to change the name of this very capable sailing boat.

 

[Burnham Girl]

Skean Dhu

I don't know the owner but I know the delivery skipper and the crew that was with him... It was the crew that fell down the companion way and cracked his head - NOT the skipper.
I did a Biscay trip with the pair of them a couple of months ago.
All the press and MCA accounts of the rescue last month appear fairly accurate in that they match what the skipper told me on the phone after the event. But none of the official reports mention how very seasick all the rescuers were once they got aboard. Skipper told me the boat was in a helluva mess.
As far as I know David is still in hospital. Transferred nearer his home now. I'll be visiting him as soon as I get over my cold.