French Tunnyman "BICHE" ?

[Seagreen]

French Tunnyman \"BICHE\" ?

Does anyone know of a big french Tunny Yawl called BICHE which was moored in the Exeter Canal for many years? I heard that she was taken to Faversham for restoration. Does anyone have any news?

 

[Madeo]

Re: French Tunnyman \"BICHE\" ?

This one?

web page

Heard about them when I was up in Lorient a year or so ago...

Brian.

 

[nimrod1230]

Re: French Tunnyman \"BICHE\" ?

Wow, memories from the past. I sailed and worked on her in the 70's and often wondered what had become of her. Back then she was being run by two partners with a view to charter but money was tight and the jobs list never reduced. She was a powerfull old girl needing 8 people to raise the main but once into her stride would go through anything.

 

[Sniper]

Re: French Tunnyman \"BICHE\" ?

I remember her being around the Orwell quite a lot in the '70s. Does that ring bells with anyone?

 

[Seagreen]

Re: French Tunnyman \"BICHE\" ?

Yes that's her. Glad to see someone's putting her back together. Looks like a total rebuild, though. I remember her decks being a bit green and soft, almost as bad as the Charlotte Rhodes, last seen by me looking desperate and terminal in Milford Haven.

 

[Madeo]

Re: French Tunnyman \"BICHE\" ?

Yes, I think you're right about the total rebuild.

I've not seen her, but according to a couple of the lads from Lorient she was ready for the chainsaw!

Hopefully not, eh?

Brian.