I'm really Steve, but 'Greybeard' seems to have stuck from my cycling adventures/forums. The EPO (Enjoyment Prevention Officer
) is Eileen. We've owned a Drascombe Dabber, Missee Lee, for many years and live in the wilds of East Yorkshire. We have long thought about scaling up to a boat with a roof and having had a number of mates slip their moorings far too young, we decided that enough was enough, and started looking. You can't wait forever. My first thoughts were for a Drascombe Coaster, but having sailed one I was a disappointed by the lack of feel on the tiller. A good, seaworthy boat, but she lacked the spritely soul of ML. As a member of the Kielder Water Sailing Club, my eye was drawn by two other beautiful looking craft, Bernicia and a new arrival, sail number 007, both CC19s of course. The searching began - only to be pipped at the post on two occasions.
Last Saturday I called in to see Bob at Honnor Marine to collect the new swinging cradle trailer for ML and saw 'Falcon', sail number 39. She'd only just arrived and was looking absolutely splendid - a real credit to her previous owner who had obviously cherished her and looked after her extremely well. Needless to say, arrangements were made to go back with Eileen to show her the discovery. She was impressed.
Surprisingly, Sunday afternoon, quickly saw the Red and White Rose forces come to an easy agreement and Falcon now has an excited new crew. Bob is going to prep the old gal ready for collection (Falcon, not Eileen!) and let me know when the great day is imminent. She'll no doubt stay on the driveway until next season now - unless there's a nice weekend over the winter months in which case we'll run her down to Rutland for a trip - giving me time to fiddle and faff with all the new strings.
Missee Lee will remain part of the family for a while yet - the daughters have grown up with her and would never forgive me if I passed her on. She'll probably be the boat we use for weekend trips from home to other waters.
All I have left to ponder is how will the VW T5 cope - the book says she's ok with 2.5 tonnes, but there are only 84 ponies (albeit big German ones) under the bonnet! Still, there's no rush is there?
Regards, Steve