News
N I M B U S
THE MAGAZINE OF THE
NIMBUS OWNERS CLUB U.K.
WINTER 2016
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Dear Members,
I would like to start by thanking Bill Wiltshire for holding the wheel over the last few months. Hopefully
we are up and running again. Many thanks to all for your good wishes and acts of kindness. As many
of you will be aware Bill and Sue have sold Bliss and Bill will be standing down as our Vice Chairman.
I am sure you will wish to join me in thanking both Bill and Sue for their input and enthusiasm over the
years, and we hope they will keep in touch with the club and join us at our events when possible.
As you will know we sadly lost Pat Manley recently and our thoughts are with Lynette and their family.
Pat and Lynette were active members of the club, and Pat’s technical knowledge was second to none. He was always very willing to help
with technical queries and sourcing parts, and on several occasions, came to the rescue of members in distress in foreign waters. I am sure
you will agree that we were privileged to have Pat as a committee member and our Nimbus News editor over a number of years, and he
worked tirelessly with our website developer in producing our new website.
Our club events this season have been well attended, and we have welcomed new members to these functions. It is appreciated that
members from further afield are unable to join us for some of our social events. However, the committee would be willing to assist members
with arranging social events in their area with other Nimbus members. Do contact us if we can help in this way.
Just a reminder, will members with items for sale under our classified section in the website, please update or remove as necessary.
Janet will shortly be sending out 2017 subscription reminders which are due in January. Please help by paying promptly and checking
your details on our website.
On behalf of the members I would like to take this opportunity of thanking our committee members for their work behind the scenes over
the past year.
Maybe a little early, but compliments of the season to you all and good cruising in 2017.
David
From the Membership Secretary - Janet Noyce
A warm welcome to the following members who have recently joined us:
Linda and Kenneth Bottrell “LIBENTER”, 305c, Home port Hythe Marina.
John and Myra Welsh “MYRA II”, Nova 42, Home port Largs Yacht Haven.
Muir and Tina Maclaurin “SAORSA NA MARA”, 320c, Home port Dunstaffnage.
Graham and Christine Baraclough “BLISS”, 310c, Home port Poole.
Graeme and Barbara Smith “NORDIC BLUE’”, 380 Commander, Auckland, New Zealand.
We extend a very warm welcome to our new members and wish them
many happy hours cruising in their Nimbus.
Best wishes, Janet
1
EDITOR’S CORNER.
Jack Moss
My second edition of the Nimbus News and as you will read my request for a supply of
articles has been answered. Thanks to all those who have taken the time to contribute.
This editions “An Audience With” features our Secretary, Julia Hendry. It was Julia who
suggested I contact Ken & Susana Furphy having received a membership application from
them from Australia. So, not only do we say welcome to Ken and Susana but also a big
thank you for putting pen to paper so early in their association with us.
Colin & Elizabeth’s article “A QUIET WEEKEND CRUISE TO POOLE !!” gives pause for
thought. The RNLI were very happy to contribute their advice on the subject but unable to
state the cause of the fire in that particular incident.
I hope for more articles for the Spring edition. Always of interest are winter cruise reports,
these usually not being the norm. Perhaps articles about laying up and/or fitting out experiences. Or plans for the summer
season….?
I look forward to a full in box between now and March.
An update from our Web Liaison member.
Bartley McNeela
I’ve spent the first few months in this role getting the Prize Competition up and running
on the website and helping Club members with a few technical glitches. Our second
Competition starts with this issue of Nimbus News. This time it’s a straightforward test of
your nautical knowledge. Do have a go, we don’t publish your score and you’ll have a
chance of winning a six bottle mixed case of wine, or a cash equivalent for any non-drinkers
- a rare, or possibly non-existent, species in Nimboid territory.
The website offers a wealth of information about the Club, including a full database of all
members and their boats, an archive of Nimbus News editions dating back to 2005, notices
of forthcoming events and many useful Articles. One of the best features is the Forum, mainly
devoted to technical questions and tips about Nimbus boats. Don’t let fear of looking ignorant put you off tapping into the
accumulated wisdom and experience of our membership.
Chances are someone will know the answer, or at least tell
you how not to do it. The submission of articles and notices
about things you want to sell in the Classified section is freely
open to all and we encourage you to make full use of it.
Andrew Haines, who runs Greenham Regis at Lymington,
Do tell us too in the Suppliers Section about boating related
has been good enough to store the club gazebos for us,
businesses which have given you good service, been a
at no cost – thanks Andrew. If you need any marine electronics,
source for hard to find parts or offer keen pricing.
check Greenham’s website at www.greenham-regis.com
If you’re experiencing any problems with the website,
including logging in, do not hesitate to get in touch with me
– [email protected] or text to 07797 716980.
Your suggestions for any changes or additions to the site are
very welcome.
Our Gazebos.
Before the next edition of Nimbus News appears I‘m aiming
to make some further improvements, including the setting
up of an online survey facility and working on indexing
Nimbus News.
2
FROM THE
EVENTS
COORDINATOR
Events Co-Ordinators Report Autumn 2016
Sitting here in my conservatory looking out at Portland Harbour it’s hard to believe that we are in November. Summer seems to
have had an extension this year.
We had two summer events this year- one at Gins Farm in June, and another at Ocean Village in July. Have you looked at the
photos on Flickr? Although I wasn’t there, it looks as though everyone had a great time.
We had a good turnout for our East Cowes Rally again this year- with 17 visiting boats, 1 home berthed boat, 37 members plus
two guests. Please see a more detailed report kindly written by Ken Haynes.
By the time you read this, our autumn lunch at the Millstream Hotel Bosham will have taken place. I know that Bill Wiltshire who
kindly organised it was oversubscribed. I’m sure that everyone who managed to get on Bill’s list will have enjoyed the weekend.
Our son in law Simon- who some of you have met, started a new job in November with MacDonald Hotels. We are hoping that
he may be able to assist with the booking of our start of season event early next year. This will probably be in late February.
Details will be circulated by email as soon as they become available.
Start of Season Event Dates for your diary• Start of Season Event TBA late February 2017
• Our annual Lymington Rally will be Friday 28th-Sunday 30th April 2017.
• John Searle has offered to arrange a post Lymington Rally Cruise starting on Monday May 1st. Details below.
• East Cowes Rally Friday 1st-Sunday 3rd September 2017
Post Lymington Rally Cruise May 1st-5th May 2017
John Searle and Sue Birchall thought it would be an idea to revive the post Lymington Cruise run by the Club, and they are
proposing a three night perambulation leaving Lymington mid-morning on Tuesday 1st May 2017 - with the following itineraryMonday 1st May Bucklers Hard
Tuesday 2nd May Hythe Marina
Wednesday 3rd May Island Harbour.
The marinas have been chosen because they offer shore power and water, have a restaurant within walking distance- so members
can choose either to eat on board or eat out. In addition there are marinas that some may not have visited.
The cruise is aimed at newer members who may wish to cruise in company, but everyone is welcome.
If you are interested in taking part, please email John and Sue on [email protected] and they will be in touch prior to the
Lymington Rally to get an idea of numbers, and to arrange pre booking of berths at the marinas.
If there is the demand, the cruise can be extended to take in Chichester Harbour and Bembridge, but these latter places are more
susceptible to weather disruption.
Best wishes.
Linda Care - Events Co-ordinator.
Tel. 01305 - 750696 Mob. 07801 - 491909
[email protected].
3
Prize Quiz
Win Another Case of Wine
For our second Prize Competition we’ve made the questions a little less daunting. Test your nautical knowledge
and have a go at winning a mixed case of six bottles of wine. The Competition will close two weeks after
the publication of this edition of Nimbus News.
To enter, log in to the Club’s Website: www.nimbusowners.co.uk and go to ‘Competitions’
If you’re having any problems getting onto the website please email the Web Liaison member: [email protected]
1
At the entrance to which UK marina would you encounter this
large brass monkey? (pic A)
2
If a 12.5 m boat runs its length in 3 seconds what is its
speed in knots?
3
In which year did Nimbus Boats file for bankruptcy but
was soon taken over?
4
What does this pattern of lights tell you about this ship? (pic B)
5
What French forecast sea area is the equivalent of Wight?
6
Who said: “Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink
a great ship”?
7
What is this knot? (pic C)
8
What do five or more short blasts on a ship’s horn mean?
9
In relation to the anchor what does ‘CQR’ stand for?
10 We Nimboids are very dependent on this Teutonic gentleman’s
Pic A
Pic B
Pic C
invention. Who was he? (pic D)
11
What does the Douglas scale measure?
12
If you are told to ‘culer’ In a French marina, what are you
being asked to do?
Pic D
Congratulations to the winners of our first Prize Competition, Ken and Heather Haynes.
Our Chairman, David presented them with a case of wine at the recent East Cowes Rally
4
Stern Thruster on 320c
By David Noyce “BEATRICE”
To make life easier we decided to fit a stern thruster on our single engine
320c Beatrice.
We researched this as the installation did not appear straightforward.
We decided to fit the unit on the starboard side of the single exhaust outlet
elbow by fitting a tube from the stern thruster through the elbow. The tube was
bonded on both sides of the elbow and the bottom of the exhaust elbow was
cut off on the after end by 50mm. This helped to reduce any increased exhaust
back pressure caused by passing the tube through the exhaust elbow.
It was necessary to reposition the port cockpit drain as this was situated directly
over the motor unit. The wiring installation was straightforward. It is advisable
to have this as a separate circuit to the bow thruster. (Separate fuse and switch).
We fitted the joy stick control immediately behind the bow thruster joy stick. The
VHF handset had to be repositioned.
Information on the stern thruster, wiring etc. is well documented in the installation
manual that is supplied with the unit.
On trials engine performance and boat speed were not affected, and manoeuvrability was greatly improved when docking.
Happy to supply further information to members who may be interested.
5
AN AUDIENCE WITH…..
Julia Hendry
Where were you born and where did you grow up??
Born and bred in Edinburgh, I left home to pursue a career in
travel at the tender age of twenty, and to begin my training as
a stewardess with Britannia Airways - at Luton Airport!. Well if
not exactly as glamorous as I anticipated, it was great fun.
Whilst many of the flights were to the Costas in the summer,
or ski resorts in the winter, our payload was not restricted to holidaymakers. As a charter airline the aircraft, mainly 737’s, were
available for hire to transport anyone, anything,
anywhere from A to B, so life was never dull. We carried all
sorts, our passengers ranged from Her Majesty’s forces on tours
of duty, through to pilgrimages to Mecca. The squaddies were
always easy to please with the service, but sometimes our
pilgrims sought to do their own catering, with the help of a little primus stove, smuggled on board, but I should add this was in
the 1970’s and not out of Luton airport but ports further East.
Sometimes we were required to fly whole charters of football supporters, one which comes to mind was flying Celtic fans to the
European Cup in 1972. Sadly they didn’t win but coping with 130 Glaswegian football fans in the confines of an aircraft
was certainly an experience. Also travelling to compete in European championships, we carried Princess Anne and her horse
Goodwill en route to Kiev. She didn’t win either, took a nasty fall at the second fence, but, as passengers they were a lot less
frisky than their football counterparts.
During the course of all this I met my husband a then air traffic controller at Heathrow, who went on in later life to become a pilot on
executive jets, however after we married I gave up flying and settled down in Berkshire. None the less life on board an aircraft was
good practice for life on board Norca, swapping one galley for another to ensure crew and passengers were always well catered
for on our Nimbus 280.
When and where did you begin boating?
Being a Cancerian I have always been drawn to water, and living in Berkshire near the Thames, I envisaged acquiring a
little boat to while away the hours on a sunny summers day pottering around, rather similar to a more sophisticated version of
‘Three men in a boat’. Inspired as I was by the novel to mess about on the river, after many visits to the London Boat Show, not
to mention a few hours on the Guinness stand, unlike Jerome, I became more inclined towards a sea going vessel. Over the
years we had enjoyed many outings with good friends who kept their boat in the West Country, so in 2000, we bought Norca,
our Nimbus 280 – and enjoyed her for 16 very good years berthed at Chichester.
6
Is Norca your first Nimbus why a Nimbus?
Norca was my first Nimbus and my first boat. I bought her in Holland
when the pound was very strong against the euro, at that time the guilder.
We had her shipped over to Chichester, taking advice that for my first
journey, on my first boat, across the North Sea at the end of September,
even with the services of a transfer skipper might not be the best introduction to boating. I may have missed out on a great adventure but I was still
working at the time so did not want to risk weather delays - or frightening
myself silly. Over the winter months we did our day skippers theory and
practice, got to know the boat and the Solent and by Spring were ready
to go.
But why a Nimbus, I liked the layout of a central wheelhouse, the aft
cockpit and the sea keeping qualities. There were other contenders, Hardy
Commander 32, Botnia Targa, Skilso and the Sea Saga, all similar in
style, however at the end of the day reputation, price, availability and the
great exchange rate, sealed the deal for Nimbus
Why are you planning to sell Norca and what are your plans when she is sold?
We have actually now sold Norca. They say in boating the happiest days of your life are when you buy your boat and when you
sell it - not always so!. When Norca was delivered to Chichester Harbour, I cannot describe my excitement as she arrived. When
I walked away from her on the pontoon for the last time, it was like losing an old friend. Now that we have more time to spend
on board and also have extra crew in the shape of our Sprocker spaniel Molly, we would like something a little bigger and are
currently looking for her replacement. Probably a Nimbus 320, but I must admit I still have a hankering for that Hardy Commander,
trouble is there are not many around and those that are get snapped up very quickly.
Something about Scuba diving.... When did you start and where, where have you dived, do you dive off of Norca?
We are both Padi certified open water scuba divers. I did my first dive in the Bahamas on a business trip when I was offered a
free trial dive and loved it. So much so, the following year again on a business trip to Australia, this time accompanied by my
husband, I introduced him to the sport and he took to it literally like a duck to water and the pattern was set for future holidays.
A dive element had to be part of the package. The following year we gained our certification in the Seychelles and went on
year after year to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites around the world, perhaps the most exciting in the Celebes Sea
at Sipadan off the coast of Borneo and Batangas in the Philippines.
Being warm water divers we have not dived off Norca, that is intentionally, but I did do a rather memorable and spectacular dive
into Chichester marina, when I jumped ashore and slipped on a wet pontoon!
Do you have any "special" places where you like to anchor/nightstop, if so are you prepared to share them with us?
The most exciting anchorage
we spent on Norca was at
Stokes Bay to watch the Review
of the Fleet in 2005, to mark
the 200th anniversary of the
death of Lord Nelson, at the
Battle of Trafalgar. The
Queen, on HMS Endurance
escorted an armada of 167
ships from the Royal Navy
and 35 other nations which
were lined along the Solent,
off Southsea, in Portsmouth. It
really was a once in a life time
sight and the most fabulous
day, which continued into the
evening with a spectacular
red arrows display, son et
lumiere mock sea battle,
7
fireworks and the entire fleet
illuminated along the Solent at
the close of the evening.
The most beautiful anchorage
was in the Grenadines, in Bequia.
We obviously were not on
Norca, but on Elise, a William
Fife Gaff 63 ft Staysail
Schooner, built on the Clyde in
1911. Owned by a friend of a
friend we chartered her as a
skippered yacht with four others
to sail around the Grenadines.
It really was a privilege to be
on this beautiful vessel sailing
to some of the most exciting
and lovely anchorages.
Finally if you were to meet a
famous sailor from history, who
might it be and why?
He is not quite history, but he
is famous. I would like to meet
up with the Duke of Edinburgh, we would take part in
the Round the island race in
his yacht, with him at the
helm. Then we would go back
to the Royal Squadron Yacht
Club, Cowes, enjoy a few
drinks, celebrate our winning
performance, he would regale
us with sailing anecdotes from
his past and maybe even let
slip a few family secrets.
The marina Port Chantereyne in Cherbourg is located in the largest artificial
harbour in Europe making it a very safe place to moor. The marina is a
deep water marina and is therefore accessible 24h/24 at all states of tide
and weather. Being the closest French marina to the Solent, Port
Chantereyne is ideally located in the heart of the English Channel and is
a perfect starting point to sail to St Vaast La Hougue and the landing
beaches to the East, and the Channel Islands to the West. Cherbourg itself
is a typically French destination with its large selection of shops, bars,
restaurants, gardens, parks and museums all located very close to the
marina. The friendly English speaking marina staff will be delighted to help
with the organisation of your stay in Cherbourg. For all members of the
Westerly Owners Association, Port Chantereyne will offer a discount on
berthing fees on presentation of the 2015 membership card.
For more information about Port Chantereyne and Cherbourg, please visit
www.portchantereyne.fr.
8
10
Nimbus Owners Club Lunch
-20th July 2016 - RSYC
By David & Anne Coultrip “Roscabella”
All of our days are good, but sometimes they
are very good. We must have done something
nice to start that week because our lunch
date at RSYC was lovely... Or, maybe it was
compensation for the glitch at the start of the
trip. A hydraulic pipe leading to the roof
retractor on my car burst and leaked oil through
the roof lining and poured into the cab...
Small fault, big effect - just like boating eh?!
Anyway, we nipped over to Ocean Village
from Hythe Marina on the day before the lunch date, with a plan to make two nights of it (one of the many benefits of being an
MDL berth holder).
The next day was magnificent, with wall to wall blue sky and a lovely cooling breeze on the terrace of the RYSC - beer in one hand
and menu in the other. As I said earlier, some days are very good!
If you have not been to the RYSC, I really recommend you to visit. The premises and facilities are top class and the service is excellent.
Just over two dozen of us were ushered into the dining room for a truly excellent lunch with choices from wonderful pork fillet wrapped
in pancetta to chicken breast in a really delicious mushroom cream sauce (yes I pinched a bit from Annes’ plate)
The alternative dish for non carnivores usually strikes me as a pretty poor token, but it looked and smelt delicious too. Crumble,
cheesecake, coffee and chocolates really topped it off.
Bill Wiltshire dutifully read out a few items of membership news that reminded us that of health,
wealth and happiness, only the first and last are of any importance and all good wishes to
absent friends.
Bill, and others, do a wonderful job of herding chickens to get replies and attendees to match
up and deserve a medal for organising such an event. All our rallies, meetings and events
are well organised and much enjoyed. It’s really worth the effort.
It was Anne and my first N.O.C. lunch date and will certainly not be our last.
10
A QUIET WEEKEND
CRUISE TO POOLE!!
By Colin and Elizabeth Crang
Ok, so here we were, on Saturday morning 16th July, ready for another leisurely cruise from Shamrock Quay for a peaceful overnight
stay behind Green Island in Poole harbour. I'd always written in the boat’s log, when I remembered, that our route was towards the
destination, not to it, in case we didn’t make it, which we all know does happen. We’d waited for a weekend when the weather was
warm and sunny, winds were force 2 or less so it would be the perfect couple of relaxing days...
Just off Hurst Castle, an alarm sounded and the engine water temperature gauge was off the scale. I considered anchoring to try to
put it right, but no way in 42 metres and the tide really runs through there. Limped back to Yarmouth at 1½ knots over the ground
and grabbed a buoy outside the harbour, praying I hadn’t done too much damage to the engine.
There followed the usual mobile phoning to local marine engineers who all seemed to be in the pub, then to Sea-Start who wanted
me to become a member, (reasonable, but they couldn’t guarantee any help even if I joined, so I didn’t). I called the harbour office
and they recommended a guy who was 24/7 and he turned out to be brilliant. The harbour let me limp in to a finger pontoon temporarily and this guy fixed it in no time. It was only a shredded water pump belt and I had a spare so he replaced it for me. I should
say for those owners who would have easily fixed it themselves, that I’m the sort of fellow who repairs one thing and breaks two
others, and anyway I can’t easily emerge from the engine compartment without being winched out these days.
I thought there was still time to run across Christchurch Bay so we set off again at about 1730, thinking that our weekend drama was
now over and we could relax. Coming into the small boat channel approach to Poole I saw smoke coming from a small yacht which
seemed more than a burnt pie in the oven. I was right and it was obviously serious. There were two motor boats in attendance, one
11
of which tried to get close enough to get the two people off the
yacht without success. The Condor from Jersey was coming in
and stopped in the channel and was in the process of launching
one of its ribs to help. A “mayday” was in progress and there
was nothing we could do really to assist except standby. The
motor boat made a second attempt from upwind to get close to
the yacht which was showing flames from the companionway,
and this time managed it and got the two people off at great risk
to itself, because no sooner had he backed away than the yacht
became engulfed in flames. The inshore lifeboat arrived but could
do little except to keep clear, as it advised us all to do for fear of
gas containers and flares exploding.
We continued on our relaxing uneventful weekend into Poole
Harbour listening in to the coastguard’s concern about the
blazing
yacht drifting onto a beach or threatening the
Sandbanks ferry.
We all had nothing but praise for the motor boat who rescued
the crew from the yacht, and its skipper who had no doubt
planned a relaxing uneventful weekend with his family as we
had. Later reflections included thoughts about what we would
have done if we'd been closest to the yacht.
Anyway if that was a calm drama free boating trip, I was
wondering what an eventful one would be like. But as they say
“if you will go to sea you get what you deserve,” and there is
always the unexpected!!.
The RNLI were asked to comment and
forwarded the following advice:
Prevention:
• Get your gas system inspected by a Gas Safe registered (previously CORGI) engineer who specialises in boats.
They will be able to give a detailed report on your boat’s gas installation and provide a Gas Safety Certificate.
This is required by many insurance companies and for the MCA’s coding requirements.
• Ensure your gas lockers drains overboard (not into the bilge), preferably through fuel grade hose, which is
fire retardant.
• Prepare a grab bag to hand with key essentials such as handheld VHF DSC radio and flares
• Ensure your liferaft is easy to deploy, not buried deep in a locker.
Action on finding a fire:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Raise the alarm on-board
Activate an all-ships DCS alert, followed by a Mayday voice call to the Coastguard
Switch off all fuel and gas supplies if safe to do so
If safe to do so, activate any built in fire fighting systems or handheld extinguishers
Prepare the liferaft for launching and ensure your grab bag is ready to go
Abandon ship if the fire is uncontrollable
General safety advice when going to sea:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Always wear a lifejacket and harness where appropriate – unless it’s safe to take off.
Get the appropriate level of training.
Always have a means of calling and signalling for help. Ensure everyone on board knows how to use it.
Always check the weather forecast and tide times.
Make sure someone ashore knows where you are going and who to call if you don’t return on time.
Learn how to start, run and maintain your engine. Always carry tools and spares.
Lifeboat crews and fighting fires:
• Lifeboat crews main role is to save lives at sea and to get people to a point of safety and not endanger
themselves to save vessels.
• Lifeboats will stay in the vicinity to warn other vessels away to ensure no other water users become endangered.
12
ISLAND HARBOUR MARINA - AN UPDATE
By John Searle “EUREKA” OF LYMINGTON
As regular visitors to Island Harbour, located up stream from the Folly Inn on the River Medina, we have over
ten years seen many changes.
More changes have/are taking place as I write (August 2016).
1. The latest development of new houses is ready for occupation and the second phase are being constructed.
2. Richardsons Yacht Services (chandlery, repairs, boat builders, engineers) has moved to new premises located in the boatyard.
There is a small shop and newspapers can be ordered for collection.
3. The Breeze restaurant has expanded both inside and out and a further extension is to come. One section can be made into a
function room for meetings/dining. The food remains of a good quality and price. Booking in advance is recommended.
A swimming pool , spa and re sited restaurant are promised but these are unlikely to materialise for at least two years, some cynics
say never!
Entry to the marina is through the lock manned at least 3.5 hours either side of high tide. The channel is well marked and the helpful
staff are on hand to pass lines and offer advice.
It is fair to say Island Harbour is becoming more popular and it would be wise to pre book in season. So far the peace and tranquillity
which attracted us remains, but for how much longer?
EUREKA OF LYMINGTON
- 28 years old and still going!
By John Searle “EUREKA” OF LYMINGTON
EUREKA OF LYMINGTON (EUREKA) must be one of the smaller vessels on the Registry of British Ships books. We are the sixth
owners on record. I have the original blue book, unfortunately superseded by an A4 laminated piece of card, so can trace her
ownership history with some accuracy.
The Nimbus 2600 was produced from 1982 until 1990 and its predecessor the Nimbus 26 from 1969 to 1981. EUREKA was
first registered in 1988. The first five owners seem to have used EUREKA mostly as a day boat and if memory serves me right she
had a little over 700 engine hours on the clock when I purchased her in 1999. Being inexperienced in boating matters I did not
realise that owing to prolonged periods of lying idle maintenance had been unfortunately haphazard and in the first three
years of ownership myriad problems put their heads above the parapet. EUREKA as purchased had no electronics but now has
fitted two VHF radios, Furuno radar, Raymarine chart plotter, depth sounder and Garmin GPS in addition to the Volvo engine
management control system. Last year EUREKA was treated to a new canopy and upholstery in the central cabin.
The Nimbus 2600 is very much of its time and over the past 16 years I have expended more than the purchase price in upgrades
and repairs so the boat is now going the best it has ever done. With the D3 130hp Volvo engine (fitted April 2006) she cruises
comfortably between 13 and 15 knots, depending on conditions. Top speed is around 20 knots but I choose to cruise in the
mid teens to limit vists to the fuel berth. I keep saying that I am going to put her up for sale but “this” year becomes “next” year
so who knows!
EUREKA is an aft cabin boat and can sleep five. Three in the front cabin, where the heads has its own compartment and two in
the aft cabin. It boasts a padded sun deck over the rear cabin. The cooker, refrigerator and food preparation area are opposite
the table in the central area. EUREKA has been fitted with an additional 60 litre fuel tank making 240 litres in all and has a water
tank capacity of 100 litres. Some 2600s are fitted with central heating and shower but unfortunately EUREKA is not one of them!
It is fair to say that the Nimbus 2600 is the bane of a marine engineer’s existence as it is very solidly constructed and repairs and
improvements often require the engineer to be seven feet tall, extremely slim and a contortionist. Maintenance is a never ending
chore and next on the list is the woodwork!!
13
EAST COWES RALLY 2016
By Ken Haynes “Tigris”
The sun may have not have played ball but this didn’t stop eighteen crews coming out to party and play at the East Cowes
Nimbus Rally held on Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th September 2016. Including guests, around 40 people in all gathered in the
visitor’s berths at the northern end of the marina.
Five boats arrived a day early and the full contingent were all safely packed in by pm on Friday. This included Andrew and
Linda Care, our events co-ordinator, in their Nordhaven 43, Zephyros acting as Mother ship. It was also great to see David
Noyce on Beatrice with the ever smiling Janet who had been absent far too long with her illness.
Grey skies produced rain in late afternoon but on the bright side welcoming drinks and nibbles were provided in the shelter
of the marina marquee at 6.30 pm. This put us in good spirits for the evening meal which followed on in the adjacent Lifeboat
Inn restaurant. An area was reserved for Nimboids and good company, service and an extensive menu made the evening a
success.
Saturday again dawned grey. Some went last minute shopping in East Cowes for the planned BBQ whilst others ventured
across the river to West Cowes where boats were gathering in the marina for the following days Cowes / Torquay power
boat race. Disappointing not to see any Nimbi entered!!!
3.30 pm and it was time for the Technical Forum in the marquee. On a sad note, we had been informed by David that
Pat Manley, our former Nimbus News editor and technical wizard, was extremely ill in hospital and his family were at his
bedside. Unfortunately, two days after the event, David notified members that Pat had sadly passed away on Monday 5th
September. It was as if Pat was with us in spirit and hung on so as not to disturb our event. He will be a great loss to the
Owners Club amongst others and we all send our sincere condolences to Lynette and her family.
14
So this time it was chaired by Roger Nicholas and David Noyce under the stage names of “Pinky and Porky”. There was
some debate as to who was who? Discussions included safety aspects, engine emergency cut offs, exhaust systems, anodes
and galvanic isolators and the ever popular, fuel consumption and the effect thereon of weight, weight distribution and “clean
bottoms”. Depending on your degree of technical or practical knowledge, you either got it or simply didn’t quite grasp what
you were being told!
During the forum, the heavens opened and most attendees got
soaked on the way back to their vessels. At this point word got
around that the BBQ would not be lit and therefore people had
the alternatives to either cook and eat on board or cook on
board and run down the pontoon to the marquee hoping it
would stay hot.
The split was about 50:50 but soon everyone was mustered in
the marquee with their liquid refreshment and sorting themselves
into teams ready for the annual quiz. Linda was not only baby
sitting with her 11-month old granddaughter but was also our
Quiz Master. Fortunately, with the comfort of a dummy, baby
Cerys was impeccably well behaved and even laughed at the
appropriate moments??? Unfortunately, would you believe that
no participants held a degree in ornithology or were members
of the Institute of Twitchers. Part two of the quiz was on group names for particular bird species and hence scores ranged
from zero to one!!! Other questions prompted the Nimboids choir, led by Bill Wiltshire, into their excellent rendition of Right
Said Fred and the not so excellent, Knees Up Mother Brown. All in all, a splendid evening made even better for Ken and
Heather who were presented with their prize of 6 bottles of wine for winning the competition set in the last newsletter. With
such a prize, perhaps more Nimboids will participate the next time round no matter how impossible the questions may look.
Sunday morning and time to say goodbyes to those that were heading home. In the meantime, nineteen individuals made
their way by boat, bus or foot up to the Folly Inn for Sunday lunch before bringing the rally to its conclusion. Thereafter, some
returned to their home ports whilst others spent a further night in East Cowes or moved on to other Solent locations.
Thanks must go to Linda for all the hard work in organising this successful rally and also to David, Roger and Bill for
playing their parts.
15
Finally, for the record those attending were: Jack & Leslie Acres in Suenos – 1st E. Cowes
Andrew & Linda Care in Zephyros
Bill Cartlidge in Penrose 1V – New 305 Member and 1st rally.
David Coultrip & Anne Howden with 2 guests in Roscabella
Colin & Elizabeth Crang in Swansong – 1st E. Cowes
Peter & Jill Freeborn in Ligea – New Member & 1st E. Cowes
Derek & Linda Gant in Sundowner
Ken & Heather Haynes in Tigris
Simon & Pat Macpherson in Sea Sapphire – New Member & 1st E. Cowes
John &Marion Kearnan in Mercator Too
Bruce & Jane Mayo in Snowbird
Roger & Carol Nicholas in Ardea
David & Janet Noyce in Beatrice
Geoff & Mar y Riggs in Sirius – New 305
John Searle & Sue Birchall in Eureka
Colin & Maggie Tegg in Vorsicht
Paul & Angela Vince in Contessa
Richard & Jean Bishop (Staying on Contessa)
Sue & Bill Wiltshire in Bliss
16
Try Again - The Results
By Ken Haynes (Tigris – Nimbus 335c)
In my last article I described the treatment that I put
on my propeller (Velox Plus), rudders (Trilux) and trim
tabs (Trilux) in March 2016. I lifted the boat at
Mercury Yacht Harbour on the Hamble in August
and you can see the results from the photos. One
picture shows the stern gear upon lifting and the
other after jet washing.
Considering the boat had only been in the water for
4.5 months, the whole of the stern gear seemed
pretty fouled up and since bronze was grinning
through on the propeller, I initially came to the
conclusion that the Velox had not worked. After this
amount of time I was supposed to just apply another
coat of Velox anti foul but it was obvious that I would
have to take it back to bronze again.
However, having said this, although the Velox had
worn away, there was not much in the way of
marine growth thereon and therefore the prop had
retained at least some of it’s “slipperiness”. The Trilux
treated rudders and trim tabs did have more growth
whilst the trim tab rams (previously untreated) were
completely furred up and in a shocking state.
It occurred to me that the Velox could have washed
off as a result of the speed of the rotating prop and
therefore I am experimenting further and have now
removed all coatings back to bare metal and
treated the stern gear as follows: 1
Propeller and shaft – Three thick coats of
mould release wax (Recommended by Seaward
Boats). I have used this before on the Seaward 25
and frankly I think it wears off after a month or two.
However, now I know how the Velox performed, it
will be interesting to see how it compares.
2 - Rudders and trim tabs – Prime and Velox Plus. I thought I would try this since there is less severe water flow over
these elements.
3 - Trim Tab rams – Ultra 2 as per remainder of hull.
The boat will now be back in the water for a maximum of 4 months before being lifted for the winter. Once again, only time will tell.
As a matter of interest, as far as anodes were concerned, I renewed the prop shaft and the bow and stern thrusters. I considered
that the pear anode and also those to the trim tabs and exhaust had enough “meat” left to see me through to December.
Finally, tune in next time for the next thrilling instalment and apologies to the lady readers or those who are not really bothered
for taking up valuable magazine space!!!
17
Julia
By Ken & Susana Furphy “Julia”
Leaving home-on the way out of the canal to Morton Bay.
The beginning of the fascination with boats and water is remembered in parallel with Queen Elizabeth’s first visit to Australia
in 1954. Not that Liz was seaborne when she passed by, but both the events were significant enough to add a stone to life’s
monument of memories. I remember it well; watching Liz with her white gloved hand raised, while we waved flags and cheered loudly
as the Royal procession passed the little shop opposite our primary school. The same shop that mother occasionally allowed us to buy
a lunchtime meat pie.
Unfortunately, “God Save the Queen” lost favour around 1984 and we adopted a melody written by a Scotsman that took some time
for most of us to understand. Many of us puzzled over the modern-day appropriateness of “girt by sea”. But, Advance Australia Fair has
stuck even though many of us still just move our lips pretending we know the lyrics. I am sure “Waltzing Matilda” would have had a much
better outcome, as it reflects the vagabond history of those Down Under and we can recall the lyrics even under alcoholic oblivion.
The obsession for water borne activities (around the same time as the Royal visit) began with a crude craft that was designed for
duck shooting. But paddling around the local river soon graduated to more open water activities in the lake, with the help of the wind
and discarded bed sheet.
Wind power! What a magical, majestic and soul enhancing way to travel. Pure harmony! The motion of sail and sea are hypnotically
possessive. From there the passion moved on to racing; mostly catamarans in the early days competing in state and national titles.
However, home was on the coast close to what is the centre stage for the Sydney to Hobart yacht race (the notorious Bass Strait),
so blue-water sailing soon became a way life, with the highlight being an indulgence spent by 3 years of cruising
Moving to more recent times (last year), one of life’s saddest days was to see ‘Gwenda’ our beautiful Moody Eclipse sail away
from home. The grieving was not just losing a treasure but more the realization that the “rag and string” days had come to an end.
My claims about being able to handle ‘Gwenda’ without help just didn’t hold water and I had to admit that Susana’s suggestions to
move to POWER were realistic.
The ideas were enhanced by an annual international boat show we have here at a place called Sanctuary Cove. It is a beautiful location
up river from the Gold Coast featuring a gated residential environment, with marina plus upmarket shops and restaurants. In 1988 It had
18
a gala opening, starring Frank Sinatra (and other notables), but he left the country with the label “Cranky Franky” and that was his last
visit to the Antipodes. It pretty much fitted in with the outcome for the developer of Sanctuary Cove; Mike Gore, of the so called “White
Shoe Brigade” who fled the country in 1992 leaving the project in receivership.
Nevertheless, Sanctuary Cove has moved on and it is a beautiful place - perfect for the indulgence of the annual boat drooling session,
while the ladies can explore the boutique clothing stores. Sanctuary Cove was where we were introduced to our first Nimbus.
Our research took a considerable amount of time before we were convinced that the 365 Coupe seemed to meet our every requirement
and we began to quietly plot Gwenda’s replacement even while she was still tied to the house pontoon. The biggest problem was that a
purchase would have to be made on the basis of “sight unseen”, as Susana and I both had work obligations at the time that prevented
us taking more than a couple of days off.
The search for the “right” 365 Coupe continued and after a couple of dead-ends in France we made an offer in the UK for ‘Liberty Bell’
which was being brokered by James Dickens. A remote purchase is dependent on trust and goodwill - a level of contact that takes some
time to feel comfortable with. Emails darted back and forth in quantity and with time they began to reflect a feeling of trust on both sides.
Thanks James, your efforts were everything and more than we could have expected.
The logistics in shipping a boat from the UK to Australia is of nightmare proportions for the novice! Without going into details, the administrative hurdles that suddenly appeared made us want to quit the scene on numerous occasions while the hidden costs started to make
our costing forecast look like a fairy tale. Do it again, you ask? “NO WAY” - too many sleepless nights!
Today Liberty Bell, now renamed Julia after Susana’s grandmother, sits proudly on our pontoon in the back yard and we look out the
window admiring the new member of our family.
Thanks to James, our prize was everything we had hoped for. And the future? The voyage from home to Morton Bay is around 10 minutes
(sorry, there is a 6 knot limit through the canal) and from there, the possibilities are infinite. Leaving home-on the way out of the canal to
Morton Bay
Morton Bay itself extends for just under 200Km north and south starting from a wide expanse in the north to Morton Island then narrowing
southward to Southport (Gold Coast) with an abundance of islands, channels and rivers that could consume weeks of exploration. All of
this is calm water cruising that offers sandy beaches and a treat of marine life including whales, Noah’s arks1, dolphins, dugongs, turtles
etc. etc. etc.
Leaving Morton Bay, you have the Coral Sea to the north where the Barrier Reef can offer comfortable cruising (if you pick the Spring
months) as far as Cairns and beyond. Choosing a southern voyage from Southport places you in the open water of the Tasman Sea Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour and many beautiful ports on the way to Sydney, then Eden, a bit of Bass Strait and then Melbourne (if you are
really adventurous). Those with an unquenchable cruising appetite wanting to experience a beautiful island with a rich colonial history,
could venture across the Strait to Hobart (Tasmania) - not forgetting to visit MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) in Hobart, which offers
something unique and unforgettable.
Every time we step aboard Julia, we marvel at her quality, we caress the beautiful timber work and admire the workmanship that makes
Nimbus boats so renowned. It’s wonderful to be able to reach our favourite swimming beach in less than a third of the time, in a boat
with such a pedigree.
And the mental transition from sail to power? Well, it’s still in progress! Occasionally we still reflect on those days enjoying that harmony
of motion created by sailboat, wind and sea - a symphony unique.
noah’s arks1 – aussie rhyming slang for sharks!
19
Is your pride and joy polished and gleaming,
ready for the 2016 Season?
BUT:
Is it let down by your scruffy, faded or worn Nimbus Owners Club burgee?
By our careful and judicious procurement policy we have been able to obtain a stock of new
Nimbus Owners Club burgees and can retain the cost at an amazing “roll back” price of just:
£10.00 – HOW DO THEY DO IT, YOU MAY EXCLAIM?
Treat your boat and buy your new burgee now at this low, low price.
Why not buy two; one for day-to-day use and one for special occasions?
ALSO:
Are you proud of your membership of the Nimbus Owners Club UK?
Why not buy a washable, woven badge to stick or sew onto your sailing jacket (or jumper)
- also ideal for covering up unwanted advertising by clothing manufacturers!
NIMBUS OWNERS CLUB
18
Suenos trip to the
Champagne Region
By Jack and Lesley Acres “SUENOS”
Having purchased our Commander 380 Suenos last year it was our intention to use all the extra space and enjoy a long cruise.
We decided to re-visit the Seine and go again to Paris which we did 25 years ago but this time try and go further into the champagne
region. Last time we were restricted by time, this time we intended using our retirement and have a six week trip. Last time few formal
things needed to be done to cruise on the canals. Now you need a CEVNI exam pass, have IIC qualification, pay for your licence,
check for lock closures and inform your insurance company as you may not be covered for French inland waterways. We intended
crossing to St. Vaast then coast hopping along to Ouistreham to collect family from the Brittany ferry. Then a 7 day cruise up the
Seine, stopping at Vernon to visit Monet’s garden and finally into Paris where our family would leave us and return by Euro Star.
Friends would then join us for the remainder of the trip.
16TH MAY We left the Hamble our home port after filling with diesel. We went via the Eastern side of the Solent. The forecast was
for NW 2/3 but we had a SW5. this made for a bumpy crossing until the tide turned Eastbound. We cruised at 16 knots but had
to reduce speed in the rougher bits, after 6 hours, and 85 miles, tied up in St. Vaast. We then enjoyed a few days in St Vaast, but
as weather seemed to be deteriorating we decided to go directly to Ouistreham as it was important to be there for our daughter
and family’s arrival on the ferry. We filled with fuel, 280 litres.
21
20TH MAY Set off for Ouistreham on a cold but calm day. I prefer helming from the upper helm position as it gives better visibility
to hopefully avoid some of the garbage floating in the sea also the ever present lobster pots. Anyway it was cold and required
anoraks, woolly hats and warm gloves. Isn’t May supposed to be a warmer month! Anyway arrived in Ouistreham in 2.5 hours
covering 42 miles. Lock gate was open for us, so we went onto the visitor’s pontoon and enjoyed a restful couple of days. This was
a nice place to be. Weather was just OK. We decided to go up the canal to Caen. We have done this a few times in the past. There
are a few fixed times each day when the bridges will open FOC. It was a privilege to have the famous Pegasus bridge open for us.
We were the only vessel either way. We moored at the small marina in Caen but all around was evidence of people sleeping rough.
We decide not to leave the boat and the following morning took the first bridge opening and went back to Ouistreham. There is
fuel available close to the visitor’s moorings but it is DIY. This we failed to manage first time but the very helpful H.M. came
over and helped us. A further 172 litres taken on board. We were just beginning to catch the news about diesel strikes, ferry strikes,
air traffic controller strikes but did not realise how this would impact on us. Our daughter, husband and two of our 5 grandchildren
arrived on the overnight ferry. The lock connection from the visitor’s moorings to the sea only operates a few hours either side
of high water.
27TH MAY We took the last lock at 0530am and tied up at a waiting pontoon near the ferry terminal. The pickets had arrived
at the port but were only stopping freight traffic; cars and foot passengers were being let off. So by 8am all were on board
tucking into breakfast. Earlier in the week our friendly HM had taken us to a local supermarket for a large shopping trip. We were
now fully stocked with food. Later in the trip this became very important. Left Ouistreham at 0900 after fog had cleared and had
a fairly easy trip to Rouen. Total of 90 miles. 7 hours. Nice and calm with some sun .Passing under the Pont de Normandy and
the Tancarville bridges. Last time we did the trip only the Tancarville bridge existed. We could have broken the journey at Honfleur
but it only saves about 20 miles and time was critical as our family were booked to come home the following Saturday on the
Euro Star from Paris.
There are no safe mooring spots until you get to Rouen as very large ships proceed at 15 knots and produce a very large bow
wave. For the Seine part of the trip the guides we were using were, Through the French Canals by David Jefferson 12th Edition,
and Fluviacarte Le Seine Aval du Havre a’ Paris. Although both books were the latest versions they were badly out of date.
The Fluviacarte book starts the trip from Honfluer at PK 345. This is a kilometer figure and you count this down until Paris which
is PK 0. There are many numbered signs on the river bank and if you identify all the bridges it is clear where you are. You can
maintain 15 knots until very close to Rouen. You need to slow down when passing some towns and ferry crossings. The Seine is full
of some very large ships. There are very few safe mooring spots (none in my opinion) before Rouen and NO fuel. We moored up
in Rouen at the Halte Plaisance de Rouen. This is in the centre of Rouen, PK 242, good for sightseeing but noisy. There is a nicer
small marina a couple of miles earlier in the docks of Rouen at PK 245 in theory with fuel!!! The following day we enjoyed a
good sightseeing day around Rouen which is a very impressive city. We were then getting concerned about fuel so the helpful
tourist office started phoning around for us with very unhelpful results. The small marina at PK 245 may have some. So we went
back to it. Then it started to rain heavily with thunder and lightning so that it knocked electrics out for much of Rouen. Electricity
restored we finally managed to plead and get 150 litres. The torrential rain continued for 72 hours. The fuel barge just beyond
Rouen is now permanently closed.
22
29TH MAY. Left Rouen early in the morning to catch the last of the flood tide. The Seine is tidal until the first lock at
Amfreville/Poses which is PK 202. These locks are big but well organised. A Vhf call in advance is useful to the lock keeper.
After this lock there is a nice spot to stop behind an Island at PK 200.
Here we stopped for a few hours and wandered into the tourist office and were welcomed to a Summer fare of local food
for 8 euros each. Only 10 visitors at this event which was a shame. The event also had a local couple playing a barrel
organ and singing last century songs. They were dressed accordingly, this was just delightful.
Decided to push on but found no moorings at PK 191 or PK 186 as indicated in fluviacarte book. Pushed onto PK184 where
we entered Port Les Greves du Lac. This is a small hidden entrance but once inside opened up to become a large lake. Nice
little marina on the port side with all facilities but no fuel. Rained most of the day. 9 hours travelling. Around 50 miles. Speed
limit 9 knots. We were beginning to notice that the current was increasing against us to about 3 knots when normally it
should be 0.5 knots. Little did we realise what affect the rain was having in Paris.
30TH MAY Left mid morning, in the dry but it started to rain shortly after. We were beginning to notice large amounts of
debris in the river which required using the upper helm position to avoid being hit.
Just after we went past Port du Val-Saint- Martin which was small but apparently very friendly, but again no fuel. Went past
Les Andelys at PK174 where there used to be a small sheltered harbour. This is now closed. All the quays are full of Viking
type river cruisers which are going between Honfleur and Paris, I guess around 10 vessels. So they are influencing what is
happening on the Seine.
Our destination was Vernon at PK 150, this is the closest mooring to Monet’s Garden at Giverny. First we passed through
the lock at PK 161 called Notre Dame. Again no restaurants or shops as indicated in the books. Raining heavily now but
pulled into Vernon late afternoon. Vernon is a few pontoons operated by the local sailing club. Only room for a couple of
boats with a couple alongside. Here we got to a low point in the day as an unfriendly German on a larger vessel refused to
let us come alongside. No arguments would sway him so we reluctantly moved on in the rain and cold. We then went over
to the town side to a quay but were told river cruisers would be coming in during the night. Moved on again, passed a
couple of suggested mooring spots which were not suitable and finally moored behind a little Island in a small marina at PK
139 called Port Saint-Nicolas. No facilities as suggested in book but 1 small berth available. Just tied up when a Frenchman
arrived pointing out we were in his berth. Having explained our situation he said we could stop and he would moor alongside
us just for the night. We both then stood in driving rain discussing Brexit!. Under these circumstances seemed better to say
we were in!!! Long very wet day 6 hours and 40 miles.
31ST MAY. Left at 10.30 , Motored on against increasing faster current again in driving rain Fuel again was becoming a
concern. The tourist manager phoned around for fuel and identified that the marina may have some at PK 121 called Port
de I’llion. This you access immediately after the lock at Mericourt. It is a very interesting entrance but turns out to be a large
ex gravel pit as most of the ports have been.
Of course arrived at lunch time so waited the normal 2 hours at the fuel pontoon. When the manager arrived he said we
could have a limited amount of fuel, but I think the fuel strike was finishing. After he made a phone call we were allowed to
fill up. Now we were full having taken on 475 litres.
So game on for our trip to Paris. We met some nice people from Yarmouth I.O.W., on two boats there who had been waiting
for fuel for 7 days, so we were lucky. Left marina at 3pm and found that the current had changed significantly against us,
now perhaps 6/7 knots. This was the time we should have been doing 9 knots and using little fuel but we found ourselves
motoring hard to overcome the current. Our plan was still to go to Paris as when you are on the boat and rarely getting WIFI
you are not getting much news. The next 3 hours were very hard, cold, wet and windy and we were continually dodging
massive amounts of debris, logs, trees and garden furniture rapidly coming towards us in the river. After 3 hours we were
exhausted and went into the marina at PK91 called Port du Val de Seine. This again was an ex gravel pit turned into a small
marina with a leisure centre. The visitor’s pontoon was under water as unlike the UK it went up and down on chains, not
piles and was many meters under.
Anyway we went to starboard and were welcomed into a vacant berth by very friendly locals. Distance 35 miles 6 hours.
Amazingly we were now close to Paris and I still intended going on. However I telephoned the marina HM at Port de Paris
L’Arsenal to reserve a berth. He said that the Seine was now flooded by 12 metres, was incredibly dangerous and that all
traffic on the Seine had been banned. There was now no access under any bridges. He said this situation would remain for
at least a few weeks as the flooding in that area and around Paris was the worst for 100 years and all the water for hundreds
of miles around Paris was filtering into the Seine. What a lucky phone call that was. We went to Paris by train and the
flooding was incredible. You saw traffic lights working many meters under water and the water rushing down to the sea at
12 knots. How lucky we were to be in this marina. The locals all helped us. We had invitations to dinners, bbq’s, shopping
trips, trips to launderette etc.. Often fresh bread some mornings without payment. Again the main discussion was Brexit.
23
Often a dinner invitation was accompanied by, “if you vote in”!!
Our daughter then booked a hotel in Paris and our kind friends
took them to the local station and ensured that they got on the
correct train. Our replacement crew were days late due to air
traffic control strike. We made good use of our folding bikes.
Our new found friends have become firm friends and we look
forward to entertaining them back in UK.
Many of these local people were living on large ex barges in
the marina so there was a great atmosphere. Anyway water
level continued to go up by many meters. So access to the shore
became impossible other than by dinghy. However we had access to power and water so managed well.
After a week the water level started to recede slowly and the
Seine after 12 days was declared open. Unfortunately we had
run out of time to continue our trip.
12TH JUNE. We sadly left the marina and some of our new
found friends followed us out in a dinghy to wave us farewell.
The Seine was still running fast. On the way up to the marina
against the current we were using 25/30 litres an hour to do 6
knots over the ground. On the way back with the current we
were doing 8 litres an hour and doing 12 knots over the ground.
Debris was still a problem. We tied up again in Port de I’llion
for the night and filled with fuel. 123 litres 20 miles 2 hours.
Engines on tick over for the trip.
I would like to report that the return journey to Shepherds
Marina was uneventful, perhaps it was in comparison,
however that story will have to wait for another day.
24
END
OF
SEASON
LUNCH
BOSHAM
By Julia Hendry (Committee Sec.)
End of season luncheon, Bosham Chichester Harbour, 13th November.
Once again Vice Chairman Bill Wiltshire and his wife Sue managed to organise glorious weather and a glorious setting for the
Nimbus end of season luncheon. A change of venue this year took us to the Millstream Hotel in the historic picture postcard village
of Bosham, on the shores of Chichester Harbour, absolutely delightful. This charming country house hotel turned out to be a great
choice, with first class food and excellent service.
Standing in for our Chairman David Noyce, who unfortunately had fallen foul of a very bad cold and did not want to spread his
germs, Bill started the proceedings with a warm welcome to us all and a thank you to fellow member and Nimbus auditor Chris
Cussons. Chris, through his connections with the Millstream, had effected the introduction to the hotel, which helped enormously
with the arrangements for the day. Speaking of arrangements for the day, Bill went on to say that this was the last time he would
be doing his Vice Chair bit at these events. He had decided to retire from boating having recently sold his Nimbus 310 ‘Bliss’, and
would also be retiring from the committee. So, he pointed out, his stepping down would mean someone would need to come
forward to fill his shoes - big shoes indeed!. However the good news is he will still remain an active and supportive social member
of the Club, so we look forward to enjoying his company and good humour for many more years.
25
The end of season luncheon, has always proved very popular,
this year filling the pretty dining room in the hotel to capacity.
The Club, now approaching its nineteenth year still attracts
a vibrant and growing membership and all credit for this
growing membership must go to the efforts of our membership
secretary, Janet Noyce, who harnesses new members and
tirelessly chases us all to respond to our renewals. However,
increasingly the social calendar seems to be key to our Club.
So what makes the end of season lunch so popular (other
than Bill’s determination to get as many of us involved as
possible). I took the opportunity to ask my fellow table diners;
Sue Birchall and John Searle, some of our longest standing
members, in fact No.10 on the members list, say they really
enjoy the chat with other members and the end of season
lunch encourages them to start planning for next year, forget
the cold and look forward to better weather. More recent
members Leslie and Jack Acres,
who joined last year agree,
they thoroughly enjoy the chat,
the swapping of stories and
experiences and getting to
know more members.
This year we also had a birthday
celebration, and raised our
glasses to wish Stuart Heir many
happy returns. All this was
captured on camera by our
official, unofficial photographer,
the ebullient Colin Tegg, who
within 24 hours, already had
our pictures posted on Flicker What a star.
So a lovely day out, enjoyed by
all, thank you Bill and Sue who will fill your shoes?
26
SUNRISE
Moving On
Life without our Nimbus
Will seem to be quite strange
But as with many parts of life
Some things just have to change
No more antifouling
No more mooring fees
No more checks of wind and tide
No more lost boat keys
We shall stay with NOC
To leave would be a crime
We'll meet and chat with our old friends
We hope, from time to time
We'll trade our days of boating Bliss
For travelling and more
Now is the time for Sue and me
To stay upon the shore
Bill Wiltshire
WHO’S WHO &
H O W T O C O N TA C T
YOUR COMMITTEE
Chairman & Technical Advisor David Noyce - 01243 787509
email: [email protected]
Vice Chair - Bill Wiltshire
email: [email protected]
Membership Secretary Janet Noyce 01243 787509
email: [email protected]
Treasurer - John Adcock
email: [email protected]
Committee Members:
Social Co-ordinator - Linda Care
email: [email protected]
Committee Secretary - Julia Hendry:
email: [email protected]
Website Liaison - Bartley McNeela:
email: [email protected]
Editor Nimbus News - Jack Moss:
email: [email protected]
Sponsorship & advertising - Roger Nicholas
email: [email protected]
Web site: www.nimbusowners.co.uk
News
N I M B U S
CONTRIBUTIONS
CONTACT DETAILS FOR NIMBUS
SWEDEN AND SPARES:
Jonas Gothberg
Email: [email protected]
DISCLAIMER.
The views expressed in this newsletter are those of the
contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of the
Nimbus Owners Club UK. Similarly the club will not be held
responsible for the contents, claims, or possible results of the
use of, any advertisement in this newsletter.
We get about 900 words on each page with no photographs.
An average photograph is worth about 150 to 200 words. Please do
not embed pictures in your word documents but include them separately
as jpegs or similar, but please put their captions in with the text.
CRUISING ARTICLES
Ideally, cruising articles should be no more than 1500 words, though
we can run several instalments.
TECHNICAL ARTICLES
Ideally I would like to keep technical articles to a single page, though
complicated reports may be longer.
All Nimbus News contributions to be sent to:
Jack Moss [email protected]
Closing date for Spring Edition of NN will be Friday
March 31st 2017.
27