Gavin Atkin's weblog for the sort of people who like looking inside boat sheds. It's about old boats, traditional boats, boat building, restoration, the sea and the North Kent Coast
Reader Fraser McGruer sent us this link to his video of the Boat Building Academy students’ launch day summer 2011, which took place a couple of weeks ago.
I don’t often like the music people use as background to their videos, but I very much enjoyed this one, and I hope you do too.
French boating guru and gifted designer Francois Vivier explains the history and principles of voile-aviron sailing. Even if you can’t follow the French too well, it looks like the best fun! There’s an English explanation here: Francois Vivier website.
My thanks to Brian Pearson for spotting this.
The relaunch of Bob Roberts’ old sailing barge Cambria at Standard Quay, Faversham just after noon on the 21st March 2011. Hoorah!
Roberts was the last working barge skipper, and Cambria the last working barge. She’s now being refurbished, and this short film shows the first short trip she has made on her own bottom for some time.
I should add that old Bob was also a noted singer and melodeon player – although the sound track I’ve used on this clip is not by him, but an old recording of mine. Read all about the Cambria here .
Very sadly, this launch may be one of the last from Standard Quay, as there are plans to develop the area. To support the campaign to save Standard Quay and Faversham Creek’s traditional maritime industries, see http://standardquay.com/
PS – Graham Phillips spotted this clip of Cambria arriving at Standard Quay. Thanks Graham!