Making Andy jealous?

Inspired by Andy's feature boat exhibition on coracles, our gallant (?) Director set out for a weekend in Wales determined to discover more.

First collect and carry your coracle down to the lake. This one was actually manufactured in Essex which seems rather unauthentic given that the lake was two miles from Cader Idris.

Once you have managed to get into the thing - no mean feat - the paddling technique is very similar to sculling over the back of a boat. A figure of eight motion with the paddle held vertical (more so than shown here) and the little thing skids across the surface.

The coracle proved to be very stable and no amount of rocking pitched the paddler into the foaming brine (well, cold, brown peaty water actually).

Rather satisfying spins can also be achieved without fear because the coracle sits on the surface of the water.

If you get a chance then do have a go. I am not sure I would wish to paddle one to St Mawes but getting to the Watersports Centre from the Museum would be a real option and would cut a certain dash.

Just don't ask me to use the three in the Hold as none of them looks water-tight.

A Fabulous Falmouth Week

We did our bit to show the flag during Falmouth week.

The Thursday of Falmouth Week was the day for the Parade of Sail. Aileen (with Ben at the helm) and Daisy Belle (with Jonathan) proudly sailed past Custom House Quay, showing the flag and drawing admiring looks from the audience.

Daisy also went out for a quiet sail during the day while both Curlew (Pat Crockford and Ellen Winser) and Aileen (JG) showed the flag in a stunning wind on Friday.

There are more photos in the gallery.

Waterfront Pool statistical study

We see a great deal of the above in monthly reports regarding Visitor Numbers and the ways in which they spend their money, but we don’t seem to delve into the behavior of those playing on Waterfront.

By monitoring the instructions given to their offspring by Fathers, it can be seen clearly why we need Coastguards, Lifeboats and a marine Repair Industry.

There are those who have obviously never been near a sailing boat & wonder where the wind is coming from. Most of the instructions are whispered, with sly glances to see how others are managing to manoeuvre their commands, and pleas to the attendant Volunteer, who cannot push the yacht off the lee shore as he is unable to squeeze past the laden pushchair, Mother and a small child, who seems intent on climbing the rail.

Then there are the Experienced Yachtsmen who totally bamboozle their offspring with clever Nautical Terms: “Helm down a little, Alistair” – “Tighten your mainsheet – like you do on the boat” – Wear around that top mark” – “Take her closer to the wind”; these instructions are always loud enough to be heard by the rest of the players.

We also have the Overseas visitors; Father stands on the opposite side of the pool from his young lad and gives a continuous string of commands in a strident voice – “Machen sie bakbord, Willi, Nein, Nein, BAKBORD, langsam, jetzt Steurebord - ” or the more excitable EU version (that also requires violent arm waving) – “Manovrare sinister,Nico, attento, attento, attenzione – pericolo – idiota!!”

Finally there are those who play almost un-noticed – sometimes adult, sometimes youths – but all managing to enjoy their five minutes with excellent boat handling - often competing keenly against one another.

As an attraction, Waterfront is obviously a success, but its entertainment value may also be judged by the line of visitors on the “Water Lily” catwalk, all enjoying the spectacle.

Mike Pennell, Galleries

You heard it here first ...

The local newspapers are full of the news that Falmouth could be the new depot for the Scillonian since some of the good people of Penzance do not fancy losing part of their harbour front to provide a new landing stage.

Rumours also abound that the best solution is a fast catamaran service.

Lo and behold what turned up on County Wharf this week: an unmarked, unbranded catamaran. Could this be the new Scillonian service carrying out sea trials to the isles at low water springs??

GO EQUIPPED !!!!

(Our poet's repeated reproof to those in authority)

When you cast off your warps for a voyage
you would never go out without charts,
For they’ll show you just where you are going
especially in far foreign parts.

A compass is also quite vital
and it tells you what course you are steering
If your helmsman is drunk, you’ll likely be sunk
when you ground on the rocks after veering.

In the cabin there’s other equipment,
important for skipper & crew,
A mobile phone & a corkscrew
plus some sick-bags stowed up in the loo.

But as I gaze over the harbour,
there’s one thing I often can’t see,
A Lifejacket worn by each person
and that seems rather foolish to me

The hoary old salts just pooh-pooh them,
say “they get in the way when on deck”,
But without one you’ll drown that much quicker
when your boat’s nothing more than a wreck.

The experts should set an example,
so that “Do as I do” is the boast
For “Do as I say” will not hold any sway
when you’re drowning ten miles off the coast.