Dougie_the_Mate
Member
When I read in a recent Yachting Monthly that Gipsy Moth IV was to be renovated with a long term view of a circumnavigation in mind my interest in Sir Francis was tweaked. When I found a copy of his book on the voyage in a second hand bookshop I bought it and have enjoyed reading of his trials and tribulations.
What is interesting is his views on the boat design, the quality of the build and the many things which went wrong because either his own views were over-ruled, or because the build quality or the accessories were simply not up to the task.
He is less than praiseworthy of Camper and Nicholson and his views on Lewmar winches are probably actionable in this litiginous age.
I was intrigued therefore in reading an article in YM to find oodles of praise being heaped on both organisations for their contributions to the re-fit.
I trust that those who are undertaking the commemorative voyage do not encounter the many problems that the redoubtable Sir Francis had to endure - many of which he felt could have been avoided if his own thoughts and experience had been given greater recognition.
Interesting.
What is interesting is his views on the boat design, the quality of the build and the many things which went wrong because either his own views were over-ruled, or because the build quality or the accessories were simply not up to the task.
He is less than praiseworthy of Camper and Nicholson and his views on Lewmar winches are probably actionable in this litiginous age.
I was intrigued therefore in reading an article in YM to find oodles of praise being heaped on both organisations for their contributions to the re-fit.
I trust that those who are undertaking the commemorative voyage do not encounter the many problems that the redoubtable Sir Francis had to endure - many of which he felt could have been avoided if his own thoughts and experience had been given greater recognition.
Interesting.