by Ianfs » 09 Sep 2016, 18:24
Colin,
I know you don't want to go back to trailer boating but a small open lugger type might be the answer. We launched at Keyhaven recently, a slippery little small muddy river type of port, although port might be a bit of an exaggeration.
We had grounded several times, even after several conversations with the River Wardens and local boaters, who had assured us that there was plenty of water for our boat, we took refuge on the Keyhaven Yacht Club pontoon . I think an unexpected high pressure had pushed the neap tide a little too low. Waiting for the flood we were greeted by some delightful yachting types, well, dinghy sailors actually, who took absolute delight in letting us know they had threaded the Needles, made us some tea and invited us in to clean up and then we had a chilled evening on the quay with them all. I didn't let them know that we had all past through the Needles many times, it would have spoiled things a little.
One of the guys owned a Cornish Lugger as well as having owned several bigger boats in the past. It was beautiful, with a small chuggy engine and perfect for evenings out on the river and sea.
It is the perfect sort of boat to keep in the family even on a drying mooring,,,cheapm if you know what I mean.
Just a thought.
