Roach1948
New member
After a very busy month I have managed to get the essentials done to make Roach float. The great pressure was to get her in the water for last weekend in order to sail her down from the Deben to the Crouch, where the 75th Anniversary of Dallimore's Royal Burnham One Design was being held. Owners of Dallimore yachts were invited down to participate together with a Sunday sail past with the RBODs.
Sadly I had to make the decision not to sail her down on the grounds of safety. The were problems with the rig (the portholes were not original and the previous owner moved the chain plates to inappropriate positions - the rig is therefore temporary for the moment). The mainsail also only arrived on the day of the launch so I could not try the slides when the mast was down, and hey presto, yes the slides jammed! I also still have acres of varnishing to do and June has been a perfect month for that (not).
All in all I am happy though as having a boat that floats is a huge psychological boost.
My crew and I took her out of the Marina to Ramsholt under power (new engine) for a the night and she a very steady and tracks very well. She is a bit of a pig in the marina astern, but I knew that. Her wicked port kick means that it looks like you know what you are doing if you come along side on the Starboard side of a finger.....have yet to try a Port one.
My crew was very impressed with the comfy bunks, proper duvets and oil lamps. We sat in the cockpit looking the the big dipper whilst drinking the Piper Heidsick I never had a chance to break open during her hectic launch.
We left her at Ramsholt the next day so we could drive down to the Dallimore Weekend and show our faces and attend the ball in evening. It was a fabulous evening, but I could not help thinking how I wished Roach was there.
Sunday morning tipped it down, and then I was not so envious of staying the night on a boat. Our hotel was dry and warm! The crews of other Dallimore yachts were looking rather glum at the prospect of sailing in such a downpour. We had inspected the other yachts which were impeccably turned out - and frankly would have shown up Roach's rather grubby brightwork.
So crew and I headed back to Ramsholt to have a decent lunch in the Arms and take her back to the Tidemill. I did not risk the main due to the slides, but out came the new no.1 jib. Perfect fit! Engine off and we ran all the way down the Deben at 4knots under Jib alone. We only lowered sail just before coming to the Marina sill.
A lot of work still do to, but I am afloat which is really is a motivator!
PS I would like to thank fellow forumite Cuchilo for his kind donation of a 1948 coin with a sailing ship on it for the stepping of the mast!
