All at Sea with Stargazer
I live by the sea, maybe live for the sea, on an island in the tidal River Medway. Just downstream of the historic Chatham Naval Dockyard - where Nelson's Victory was built. For me the sea is about freedom and exploration - both personal and geographical. Stargazer is a 31' Hallberg-Rassy sloop; and companion on my journey
Wednesday, 2 April 2025
Zen Again 5
Friday, 28 March 2025
Zen Again 4
Cherry blossom sunbathes, beside the path, which leads to Boyce’s the bakers. At the foot of Gillingham high street. Where a large wholemeal farmhouse loaf, and a half dozen hot crossed buns, await me. Along with uplifting banter, on a random topic of the day, to further brighten the morning.
I roam restlessly between Stargazer, the house, and the local shops. Like a honey bee, drawn from its hive by the spring warmth. Moving from bloom to delicately fragrant bloom, sampling their wares. I fetch forgotten charge cables, gather in overlooked provisions, work the washer-drier overtime and gorge on high speed broadband.
From the Historic Craft pontoon, astern of Stargazer, the world-girdling thirty-six footer, Lively Lady, looks on, serenely. Aboard her, Sir Alec Rose circumnavigated, in 1967. During a golden decade, for pioneering, solo, ocean sailors: Moitessier, Knox-Johnston, Chichester, Rose, Tabarly et al.
Tuesday, 25 March 2025
Zen Again 3
Thursday, 20 March 2025
Zen Again 2
Thursday, 13 March 2025
Zen Again
There is one last refit job to complete, aboard Stargazer. Polishing her blue hull stripe. It was today's task. Until a cancelled lift brought a hail, from 'Wayne the crane.' "We can get you in now, if you like." The offer, of an early relaunch, is too good an opportunity to miss.
Half an hour later, I am crouched in the engine bay. Stargazer now afloat. But with the crane slings still in place. In case of water ingress through the new saildrive diaphragm. All is well. I emerge through the companionway, to give a thumbs up to the yard crew.
The roaring crane motor falls silent. Ripples lap musically against the hull. Stargazer tugs gently at her lines. Liberated from the dusty yard. In her element once more. Testing her freedom. Her skipper scurries the deck. Re rigging the backstay; setting up lines and fenders; test running the, newly reassembled, engine. Basking in the spring sunshine.
Sunday, 9 March 2025
Shifting Sands 4
With spinning head, Stargazer's skipper makes hay whilst the sun shines. Retreating into a familiar boatyard bubble. Speeding through her refit jobs list, sporting short sleeves and a sun hat. Negotiations are now underway, with the long suffering 'Wayne the crane,' to bring our relaunch date forward, from the end of this month.
Picture Credits
Czar Trumpski: courtesy of Jabari James YouTube
Alice Through The Looking Glass image: courtesy of Ralph Steadman
Tuesday, 4 March 2025
Shifting Sands 3
My chance to shine comes, as the freshly liberated gearbox is lowered to the ground. Where Simon has set up a portable workbench.