Polly

Oh we know they are powerful, far too powerful.

Hope she don't read this here!

Unfair to ducks, Nigel! They themselves consider they are of the utmost interest; that is why they visit so regularly, occasionally board boats on the Bure and tap cheerfully on the hull in case we are missing them in the night. It has nothing to do with bread, although they take our offerings to humour us of course. Liked the films BTW thanks.

There is always a risk of stuff being stolen, this rash seems outboard related but it won't do to be complacent about other kit.

The skipper of Katinka

I got a nice wave and a smile from Jamie Oliver, so there!

I waved too...... they ignored me.

Hi Aubery and Wendy, it was a pleasure meeting you both + your lovely dog on Saturday. Welcome to the NBN.

Not sure if the dates work, but it looks like a Whelptons Spindrift to me.

White Moth I agree.

It is the only place I have been where the loo flushed pink in the ladies, but it was super clean and cared for.

Water Rail is a much loved boat.

We had Sunday lunch there May 31st.; it was excellent and enormous. We could/should have ordered smaller portions but hadn't realised they were available. The welcome was warm and the visit worthwhile.

Be careful what you wish for...!

How exciting! I have seen her go by three times, once in the fifties then in the seventies and once in the nineties, so I feel we are best friends really.

My mum too, but she was a non swimmer and envisaged watching us while dad fished, and fished, and fished, probably right. Shame he missed out though, we hired a boat to take Dad out in his last years and he cancelled because of his dog..who would have been fine.

Hi Alan welcome

Ratty was indeed right, thanks for taking us to sea.

Dale might be allowed to back you up before then? Maybe not!

Hmmmm Griff, night temperatures likely too cold for small person's lungs at that time of year?

That is it indeed, Doug. we are currently holed up in Hoveton deck painting, but will be at The New Inn Friday night if you want to inspect for infringements or just have a drink with us. No northern influence this year, but maybe a crew member more familiar with Betas than beating.

We had ours aboard at 6 months and 2 1/2 respectively, the baby in the cabin or carried, the toddler in LJ with line attached to allow a wander without going overboard, and watched of course. On and off over their growing up they were afloat, and apart from Dave doing handsprings along the roof of a narrow boat as we returned to base it was all conducted unalarmingly. I am working on darling daughter to get the baby grandson afloat, but first we buy him a LJ and put it on a line.

Nope! Looks like you are on the right track. Maybe try one water aspect at a time?

A point about boarding ladders, the flexible rope ones curve under your weight and follow the contour of the hull, you are therefore hanging backwards to some extent when scrambling up. Rigid drop down stainless would be my choice in the case of Respite, it's not really an option on Brilliant. On Rondonay it was easier as we had a pushpit and a slanting inwards stern; I kept a rope ladder on the rail, with a Velcro tie which could be reached from the water and released at need. The Danbuoy and horseshoe lived there too, the former housed in a length of plastic down spout. You could lift and chuck it out instantly.

The Plan for a rope with blocks that can be deployed is because I lack upper body strength. Just a thought, Tim; when the children were little we tied a line on behind their lifejackets, long enough to move about, short enough not to allow them to fall off, it's an old Canal dweller trick.