Goose of Hamble.

[Flynnbarr]

Following on from those who were remembering Kay's Venture on another thread,Goose of Hamble is on the hard at Penton Hook looking extremely sorry for herself
Was a boat I admired as a kid and thought one day I'll have me one of those big boats.Few years back the owner told me she was a one off built on a Broom/Ocean 37 hull.
All very sad,the times they are a changing.

 

[Wavey]

That is indeed very sad news.

Goose of Hamble is a one-off, built as you say on the hull of a Broom/Ocean 37. I did know who the builders were but the name escapes me just now. Many such boats never quite work out but Goose did on every level given the care, attention, professionalism and money no object quality build and fit out. She is a classic.

Goose was bought many, many years ago by Harry and Hilda Chessun. Harry was a lorry driver and he and Hilda fell in love with the boat, sold up everything to buy her and she became their home. Hilda sadly passed away a long time ago now, Harry gave up driving and became the manager at Windsor Marina and moved the boat there from Penton. When he retired MDL gave him a mooring at Windsor in perpetuity as a thank you. Harry was often up and down the river, and much further afield, happily handling her single-handed. It wasn't unusual find him popping up in Ramsgate or somewhere similar, wherever the fancy took him.

More recently, with increasing age and decreasing health, the boat seemed to decline as Harry did but he wouldn't be parted from her. I understand social services were very good and arranged for some modifications to the boat to make life easier for him. Given where the boat is now I fear Harry may no longer be with us; he would be a considerable age. I need to make a couple of calls to find out what's happened.

 

[Flynnbarr]

He told me he had owned it since the early 70's,1st owner only keeping her for a very short while and had travelled all over the place with a guy called Lou Uragello? who had a RLM Entice also kept at Penton.Both had kept their boats throughout their lives.None of the chopping and changing of boats by some of the old school,find one you like and keep it

He also said that when he bought Goose she was one of the quickest boats in the marina but had over the years seen her slip further and further behind in the HP/knots stakes.Wasn't bothered in the slightest by this he just wanted to tell me all about her as I'd shown an interest.
Nice chap,a real shame Goose has declined,I hope she finds a new owner who will bring her back to something like her former glory if he is no longer with us.

 

[Wavey]

I remember Goose arriving at Penton - She caused quite a stir with her stunning looks as you can probably imagine back in those days. And you're right about Lou with the RLM. Commonly known as "Lou the Fish" as he owned a fish and chip shop

They were fantastic days for someone like me, growing up with a great bunch of guys like Harry and Lou who were passionate about boats, incredibly knowledgeable and only too willing to take under their wing a youngster who was willing to crew on anything that moved . Probably the best days of my life.

I'll swing past Penton on my way home and take a look at Goose. Like you, whatever the situation with regard to Harry, I hope someone has the time and the passion to bring Goose back to her former glory as nuttynick has with Kay's Venture.

 

[Wavey]

Pleased to advise all is well with Harry. He's just not living on the boat anymore. Not surprising given his age! Goose is not yet for sale as understandably Harry is in no rush to part with it given it's been such a part of his life for so long.