witchShipsDeck

While we were out and about - in the dinghy the other day - I did the rounds of the boats in the Bay - and we have the most amazing assortment - from big yachts - thru to ex-navy ships - and a converted old ferry. Not to mention of course the ramshackled & rusted old hulks that a few hermits seem to be hiding out on.

This ex-Navy ship was bought by the fellow - who made my big anchor for me. He paid only about $175,000 for it by Tender - and got 3 containers full of spares too - listed to be worth millions. Which he was unpacking the day we went to pick up the 200lb anchor a couple of years ago. There is a caretaker living aboard - and it hasn't left the Bay. I'll go and pay them a visit one day and get the full story.

This is the large yacht 'Woronora' - that the fellow was building for 38 years in his yard alongside the Woronora River. It has been anchored here for more than a month - and there is a busy group of people setting up the handmade masts and rigging. The spars are all timber with timber blocks as well. It's an unusual 'gaff rigged top-mast schooner' - with miles of rope and an old fashioned style of rig - in keeping with the yachts extraordinary character.

And then just yesterday - I called out and had a visit on board Laurie's yacht and then the two of us took a run over to Bill's yacht for a cup of tea - and the 'deluxe tour'.

Both yachts are quite roomy and comfortable - and despite everyone always apologising 'for the mess' - the boats were really quite well set up and organized - considering as well that they have all been living aboard permanently for a few years.

I was quite impressed too - with the quality of the timberwork and fitouts of both yachts and their well laid out designs.

Just so you don't think I leave rope laying about in a big mess like that at the back of the yacht - the fact is that I found that big 30m long section of mooring rope - floating out in the middle of the bay, in a big mass of seaweed. I've got no idea where it'd come from - and it's really too big and heavy for most of the yachts out there. It's in pretty good condition - but I already have quite a bit of similar mooring rope on board - so I may just give it to them on the dock to use - because there's probably a good chance it could have come off their barge anyway.

There's an older fellow Graham - who has a mechanics business adjoining the yard - and he often comes down to the dock - and says hello to Penny. That is - if she's up and about and sees him. Of course if she's inside - or asleep - she has no way to know anyone's there.

But if she sticks her head out - he knows how to call her with the beckoning handsignals - and she goes running to the edge of the deck for a good pat and a neck rub.

Another week - still no more plates on the outside of the hull - and scant few jobs getting done inside either. There seems to be altogether - too much relaxing, and general time wasting going on here - by certain members of the crew - 'you whistle, and I'll point'. But I wouldn't get too worked up about it - because sooner or later - it will all be done - as necessity demands it.

In the meantime - it's about 830pm - and not long gone - high tide. The yacht is rocking slightly - more like an easy sway really - but still on it's keel. The high tides for the next few days are really down a few feet from the 'king tides' we need to be fully free of the bottom amd moving about, here at the dock. And 'touch wood' (which I did) - the yacht is fine - ship shape - and come 'whenever' we should have no trouble motoring off - to wherever - (but probably not too far).

----- Original Message -----
From: Rodney Field

To: 1 Rodney Field

Sent: Monday, March 03, 2008 8:48 PM

Subject: Bewitching reading - Ships in the Bay - Penny Patting on deck

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