The Nancy Blackett Trust - Arthur Ransome's Nancy Blackett

POSTSCRIPT – Important information re Nancy access & sailng

2008-05-09T17:39:00.001+01:00

Nancy is now at the National Maritime Museum, (NMM) Falmouth. She has a space on the secure museum pontoon. This is INSIDE the high security area which means that we can only get to her by going through the main museum entrance WHEN THE MUSEUM IS OPEN. Opening hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm.

The NMM pontoon has no water or toilet facilities and NO ACCESS to the shore. This means skippers arriving to board Nancy must do so before 4.30pm at the latest to get a visitors/guests badge from reception, sign in, and to get the (usually) locked doors to the pontoon opened. After this time you will not be able to reach Nancy except by dingy. Arrive early! There is very limited local parking.

If day sailing Nancy MUST BE BACK and tidied up for crew to leave, ready for her to sail the next day, by 4.30pm. The museum pontoon is free. Our only alternative is a mooring at the Pendennis Marina (next to the NMM) or the Town Quay pontoons about 200 yards upstream. Both cost circa £20 per night.

Nancy is on display at the NMM until a few days after the TARS IAGM over the late May Bank Holiday weekend so when leaving her on the NMM pontoon she must be tidy and clean with her display board on the outside cabin roof. Allow time for this before the 4.30pm leaving deadline. At the date of writing she is fully watered, fuelled and both headsails are bent on. Nancy is ready to step aboard and go sailing. The new engine has had its 100 hour service and should not need any attention until the next service at 200 hours.

The NMM pontoon is hard to find from the river. Note carefully on the way out where it is hidden! Also, at low tide springs, there is a bar about 20 yards from the pontoon on which we may touch. If in any doubt contact Bryan on 07711 129 780 well beforehand.

Swallows and Amazons for Ever!

Posted by BLB aboard Nancy, Falmouth

Falmouth – Coil Down! The Last Post...

2008-05-08T10:48:00.002+01:00

Nancy is berthed safely at Falmouth at the National Maritime Museum. Bob Hull was acting skipper, Roger Sturge was Navigator and Frank Martin was crew for this stage of the voyage. As his first act as skipper Bob appointed Bryan Bonser as ship's cat ("What's the name of the kitten" asked Bridget from the foredeck").

Having set out to go to Dartmouth we didn't mean to go to Falmouth but we grabbed a chance and we are not sorry for a might have been. After sending our last message from south of Start Point the wind finally arrived with a Force 3 easterly and under jib alone we motor-sailed until nearly dawn by which time the Force 3 had become an Force 4 – a Force 5 really, with very big seas from astern. We arrived off Falmouth at 06:00 and berthed at 07:04 opposite the museum. By this time we were glad to have made the decision to press on as the Force 6 arrived soon after we did.

We look forward to putting Nancy on display tomorrow and to this crew returning home.

Posted from aboard Nancy in Falmouth harbour enjoying breakfast, showers and stable ground under our feet, by BLB, FM, RS and BH.

From Nancy Blackett... at Sea

2008-05-07T19:52:00.003+01:00

We are slightly surprised to be sending this report on our final passage to Falmouth at this time. Nancy left Weymouth at 10:25 this morning, as planned, having already had a number of admiring visitors. We had spent a comfortable night rafted up in Weymouth opposite the Harbour office. The forecast was for easterly or south-easterly winds, Force 4/5, but motoring along Portland Harbour there was no wind, just bright warm sunshine. There was heavy gunfire noise from a big grey funnel line ship, out to sea and east of us, just visible in the light mist. At the Bill we took the inshore passage, passing about 50 yards from the lighthouse. This saved about 1 hour on the passage plan and we set course 255 for Dartmouth.

Since then we have sailed in clear blue skies in a rolling Atlantic swell averaging 6 knots with the tide, with almost no wind. Half way across Lyme Bay, after discussing the options, we decided to grab the chance of an overnight passage direct to Falmouth. Course was altered to 245 and we now find ourselves off Start Point as the sun goes down. This must be the first "at sea" message via the web from Nancy. Start Point is about 1 mile north. We are at N50.09.00 W003.44.50 and looking forward to reaching Falmouth about noon tomorrow. We still have no wind.

Posted at sea aboard Nancy south of Start Point by BH, RS, FM and BLB

Weymouth

2008-05-06T20:52:00.003+01:00

Today's 05:20 forecast was for Force 4 or 5 winds, with occasionally Force 6 later from the east or north-east. We filled up with water at 10:30, diesel at 10:45, and departed Yarmouth at 11:00. Frank Martin was acting skipper, Bob Hull was navigator, Roger Sturge was crew and Bryan Bonser reverted to his famous roll of ship's drunk. Nancy motored down the Needles channel and out into the sea in an Force 2 easterly. Another duff forecast!

The day was bright, sunny and warm. Great progress was made at over 6 knots over the ground, sailing under headsails alone. By 14:00 we had a Force 4/5, but there was no sign of a Force 6. However, the English Channel had a good swell which made Nancy roll very uncomfortably. As cooking, resting and living in the cabin was difficult we ruled out the overnight to Dartmouth and tied up in Weymouth at 18:15. Tomorrow Dartmouth, if the easterly holds at the forecast Force 4.

Posted from aboard Nancy in Weymouth harbour by BLB

A Set-back

2008-05-05T17:20:00.002+01:00

Just as we were about to leave Yarmouth at 10:00 this morning, in steady rain and with the aim of reaching Dartmouth tomorrow night, we luckily discovered that a bolt had sheared attaching the alternator to the engine. Had this broken on the journey here from Dover, or later today, it would have been disastrous. That's lucky. As it was we succeeded in finding an engineer (on Bank Holiday Monday!) who was finally able to extract the broken portion of the bolt from the engine block, fit a new bolt, and test everything OK. But all too late for us to catch the 11:00 turn of the tide to take us out past the Needles. We sail again tomorrow at 11:30 with 24 hours' delay, hopefully to reach Dartmouth by late Wednesday afternoon.

Posted from aboard Nancy in Yarmouth harbour IOW by BH and BLB

Nancy Half Way!

2008-05-04T16:41:00.004+01:00

From a pontoon in the harbour at Yarmouth...

Nancy arrived here on the Isle of Wight today at 12:05, having left Dover yesterday at 10:00. Bob Hull arrived on Friday evening to make the already strong team of Bryan, Frank and Roger even stronger. The wind on departure was a Force 2 south-westerly, so we motored until 16:00 when it became possible to turn off the engine and Nancy sailed close inshore along the coast. The wind died at 18:00 and we motor-sailed through the night, arriving off the Nab Tower at 06:00 this morning. Cowes was passed at 10.30 and we were swept down to Yarmouth by the tide.

On the overnight passage, watches were 3 hours on and 3 hours off from 21:00 to 09:00, otherwise we rotated the helm in 30-minute sessions. Dawn today was cold and gloomy but improved by a modified "force 4" breakfast – sausages in omelette between thick slices of bread and butter.

Tomorrow, Monday, we sail at 09:00 in the direction of Falmouth, planning to stop on Tuesday afternoon at Dartmouth. Another day-night-day passage. The weather looks good, and if the wind remains easterly or south-easterly we hope to try for the River Fal on Wednesday. The crew is in good spirits, mainly Brandy and Aberlour, consumed to celebrate arrival, and is looking forward to a good night's sleep tonight.

Posted from aboard Nancy in the harbour at Yarmouth IOW by BH, RS, FM and BLB, to whom it was dictated by a mutinous crew.

Swallows and Amazons In Falmouth

2008-05-03T23:00:00.000+01:00

The Swallows and Amazons exhibition opened today at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. Running until July 11th, the display offers a "literary journey" through Arthur Ransome's life and works. Nancy Blackett is, of course, hoped to be available for viewing and visiting at the museum's pontoon by the end of the month.

In conjuction with the exhibition, the film "Swallows and Amazons" is due to be shown during the afternoon of May 18th as part of the museum's Family Film Programme. For more details click here.

A Trip to France

2008-05-02T15:58:00.003+01:00

We are still in Dover Harbour. Yesterday the winds remained as Force 6 south-westerly, with many white horses in the Channel. Frank stayed aboard and worked on Nancy. Roger and I took the Sea France ferry as foot passengers to Calais - £6 return fare. Frank had a very relaxing day. We walked a long way, but enjoyed the ride and our visit to the town. On the outward passage water was breaking over the bows and we were glad to be warm and dry. There were no sails out to be seen but we often had 15 or more Very Large Crude Carriers in sight – a reminder of how busy the shipping lanes are hereabouts.

In the evening the wind reduced to a Force 4 south-westerly and we had a pub meal in the Flagship. The forecast keeps offering south-easterly Force 3/4, but there is no sign of this as I write. Roger is visiting London today and Bob Hull joins this evening. Earlier today we saw a Hurricane and a Spitfire flying over Dover Castle heading for France.

We expect to sail early tomorrow, Saturday, for a day-night-day passage towards the Solent.

Posted aboard Nancy on B pontoon, Dover Marina, by BLB and FM.

Nancy Takes to the Stage

2008-05-01T18:43:00.003+01:00

Theatre company the Eastern Angles will perform a play of Arthur Ransome's "We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea" in Ipswich in July, as part of Ip-Art, Ipswich Borough Council's summer arts festival.

The adaptation will premiere in a special marquee in Ipswich Docks from July 3rd to 6th, before going on tour throughout the counties of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk, with the final performance being in Woodbridge on August 2nd.

In a press release issued by the Eastern Angles, its Artistic Director, Ivan Cutting, said: "We are all really excited about staging an adaptation of We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea – this Arthur Ransome book is a real hidden treasure with loads of theatrical possibilities and a story that is firmly rooted in Suffolk. We are especially looking forward to performing the show in the nautical atmosphere of Ipswich’s thriving Waterfront area as part of the Ip-Art festival."

Venues and dates can be seen and bookings can be made here.

A Day in Dover

2008-04-30T11:42:00.004+01:00

Yesterday the heavy wind and rain reduced at noon and we walked up the hill to Dover Castle. After visiting the secret war-time tunnels, ops rooms and hospital, we had lunch in the NAAFI. Not as inexpensive as Frank and I remember. A good day out. In the evening we entertained our new Dutch friends with a bottle of Aberlour and nibbles, before dinner of meat pasta and an early night, listening to the Force 7 south-westerly driving heavy rain across the marina.

Today the forecast is for Force 6/7, possibly Gale Force 8 later. We have decided not to sail! Roger Sturge has gone by train to Maidstone to see his sister. We fear a pub lunch might have to be forced down by Frank and myself. The weather for tomorrow looks little better at present.

Posted aboard Nancy on B pontoon, Dover marina, by BLB and FM.

Passage to Dover

2008-04-29T11:05:00.004+01:00

Nancy is now in Dover and may be here until Thursday waiting for the low pressure to move on. Today the forecast is Force 6/7, possibly with gusts to Force 8 later, and it is not greatly better for tomorrow. Needless to say we are remaining in port and plan to visit the Castle when the driving rain stops!

Yesterday we departed at noon from Ramsgate for the 18 mile run via the outer route, but the Force 2/3 southerly soon became a Force 3/4 south-westerly headwind with occasional gusts to Force 5, and built up very short steep seas (wind over tide) by the end of our first hour. It was touch and go as to whether or not we ran back to Ramsgate but after the shoals we moved inshore from the Gull Channel. The seas became longer and Nancy swooped along beautifully. This helped considerably and reduced the water coming aboard so we completed the passage arriving in declining visibility at 16:15. We refuelled and berthed at 16:45.

Over 19.5 engine hours we used 22.5 litres since refuelling at Woolverstone. This is an average of 1.15 litres per hour. We ran at varying revs to continue running in the new engine, but believe the average revs would be around 2,800.

In Dover we met 4 very enthusiastic Ransome readers from Holland on a nearby boat. Nancy was much admired and photographed, and we returned to their boat to enjoy hospitality in the form of a large bottle of malt. We return the compliment this evening.

Posted aboard Nancy on B pontoon, Dover, by BLB, RS and FM.

Nancy Reaches Ramsgate

2008-04-28T10:32:00.005+01:00

Nancy left Woolverstone at 17:00 after refuelling and motored to Harwich harbour. Halfpenny Pontoons being full, we picked up a buoy about a mile up the Stour in time for a dinner of chicken pasta and a peaceful Saturday evening aboard.

Sunday at 05:00 saw the crew up and we slipped the buoy at 06:10, motoring down the harbour and into a small south-westerly Force 3 chop. The wind stayed low all day but remained determinedly a headwind. Taking the outer route via the Sunk, Kentish Knock and Elbow, Nancy tied up in Ramsgate at 16:00. The seas, after the first 20 miles, moderated and the tide then ran with us almost to the harbour.

We motored all the way (known as 100% reefed) and the new engine performed perfectly. Cold, but not exceptionally so, the crew enjoyed the passage and repaired to the Royal Temple Yacht Club for a period, before dinner of potatoes, carrots and beefburgers aboard.

Today we take the tide and sail at noon towards Dover.

Posted aboard Nancy in Ramsgate Harbour by BLB

Nancy is Ready to Sail

2008-04-26T10:18:00.004+01:00

Our engineer, Mr Peter Norris, gave our new Nanni it's first service yesterday, Friday 25th, with engine hours at 21.5. Arriving at 08.30, the full check and oil change was completed by 10.45. The new unit is very much quieter, even allowing normal conversation in the cockpit!

Roger Sturge arrives at mid-day, completing the crew, until Bob Hull joins on Friday evening, wherever we are. Today we settle down by picking up a buoy for the evening at Levington or, possibly, going to Half-penny Quay. Tomorrow, if this warm Force 2/3 southerly breeze holds, we'll be off early to Ramsgate.

Posted by BLB

Nancy Engine Trials Successful - Ready for Sea

2008-04-23T09:10:00.005+01:00

Over four days last weekend with Roger Taylor we put the new engine into use. Saturday was cold with force 6 North-easterly winds, so we worked aboard until late morning, before setting off in force 5 winds to motor down to Harwich Harbour, picking up a mooring some way up the River Stour for lunch. After that, with the wind behind us, it was up to Ipswich and back to Woolverstone, mostly against the tide.

Sunday had very thick fog until late afternoon, so more work was done on the job list aboard Nancy, which, for the first time in my experience with the Trust, reached zero! Great thanks to Roger Taylor who spent hours on the electrics. The new engine is slightly more powerful than the old, thanks to a larger pitch prop, and very much quieter. Normal conversation is possible.

The 20-hour service comes up on Friday morning. Frank Martin and I travel down on Thursday afternoon and Roger Sturge joins us in time for lunch on Saturday. Nancy is ready to proceed on passage in the general direction of Falmouth.

Posted by BLB

Nancy Gets Ready for a Passage Towards Falmouth

2008-04-15T22:00:00.003+01:00

This Saturday and Sunday (April 19th/20th) Nancy Blackett will be conducting engine running-in trials on the River Orwell, prior to departing on Sunday 27th for the Arthur Ransome Society's AGM at Falmouth over the late May Bank Holiday weekend.

An update of her progress from Woolverston to the Fal estuary will be posted here daily.

Posted by BLB at 22:05.

Grab a Chance and Don't Be Sorry for a Might-Have-Been

2008-03-31T18:24:00.001+01:00

Nancy Blackett still has vacancies for mates for the return legs of her Falmouth voyage, from Poole to Woolverstone (mid-June to early July). There are also great opportunities for crews for all stages of the return voyage during June.

Anyone interested in grabbing a chance should contact our Sailing Secretary.

Mission: Falmouth

2008-02-06T20:59:00.000Z

This year's big adventure is for the Nancy Blackett to return to the Cornish port of Falmouth. Timed to coincide with the TARS 2008 AGM and a special Arthur Ransome exhibition at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, the visit will mark the 10th anniversary of Nancy's last voyage to Falmouth, and could incorporate short trips in the area for members and visitors.

A number of attempts to reach Falmouth in the intervening years have been defeated by either the weather or by mechanical problems, so this time the journey will start as early as possible to allow sufficient time. More details will be published when confirmed.

The TARS AGM and International Gathering will take place from May 23rd to 25th 2008.

Woodbridge: a Great Weekend

2007-09-12T21:37:00.000+01:00

The Nancy Blackett has just attended the second Woodbridge Maritime Festival. Already a modern tradition on the annual circuit, she received a good number of visitors, who were offered additional entertainment from Sabina Wallace-King on violin and Gabriel Woolf's readings.

Nancy was accompanied by Peter Duck and Ragged Robin, and was awarded the Trimley Maid Trophy by the Hillyard Owners' Association.

See also:
Martime Woodbride photos (TARS Eastern Region)
Maritime Woodbridge on crest of a wave (East Anglian Daily Times)

Not a Plastic Bag

2007-08-18T09:08:00.001+01:00

Environmentally-aware Arthur Ransome fans can now purchase this sturdy canvas shopping bag from our shop. It features an adaptation of last year's special design (on both sides) by artist Claudia Myatt, which is still available on our aniversary teatowels and notelets.

The canvas bag will be available later this month, but can be ordered in advance. Click here to order now.

Summer Storms Scupper Dutch Voyage

2007-07-24T17:41:00.000+01:00

Nancy Blackett's plans to attend the Shipmate Classic Yacht Regatta at Hellevoetsluis this week are in tatters after encountering extremely rough weather during the crossing of the North Sea.

An adverse weather forecast has also meant that she has reluctantly returned to the Orwell and that any further attempts to cross the North Sea this year may not happen until the end of August, subject to favourable conditions and crew availability, when she plans to visit the Vlissingen Maritime Festival.

The Nancy Blackett still hopes to be at Maritime Woodbridge in September.

Sun Shines on Nancy's 10th AGM

2007-07-15T17:09:00.000+01:00

The summer sun came out just in time for the 10th AGM of the Nancy Blackett Trust on Saturday 7th. Following a typically unsettled start to the summer, Nancy was able to take visitors on trips along the River Orwell in near perfect conditions for most of the day. Indeed, the only rain that appeared did do so conveniently during the AGM itself in the afternoon.

The AGM was held at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club at Woolverstone, and marked the tenth anniversary of the Nancy Blackett Trust. Founded a year after the initial appeal was started to buy her, the Trust has been steadily fulfilling its aims of preserving the Nancy Blackett and presenting her to the public view as part of the legacy of Arthur Ransome.

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Nancy Blackett at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club, Woolverstone

The Nancy Blackett remains the most tangible and visible usable part of that legacy still in circulation - as an inspiration to sailors of all ages, and as a boat to be sailed.

In the past decade, Nancy has probably travelled in excess of 20,000 miles on voyages, yet ironically the pattern of sailing remains very similar to that of Arthur Ransome's, during his relatively brief period of ownership: local trips along the East Coast, occasional longer trips along the South Coast, and a number of trips across the North Sea to the Netherlands. Later this year Nancy will be attending the Hellevoestsluis and Woodbridge Maritime Festivals.

The Nancy Blackett has attended numerous maritime festivals and events over the years, and continues to do so, while the Trust itself has been slowly establishing involvements with other organisations, such as the Old Gaffers Association, the Cirdan Trust and the Ocean Youth Trust, as well as two local schools: Woodbridge and Thetford Grammar.

As a charity, the membership of the Trust plays a vital role in supporting Nancy. In particular, last year a special long-term appeal was launched to raise funds to cover the cost of engine replacement and to provide a reserve for future maintainance costs. The target was to raise at £10,000, and so far £7,000 has aleady been raised.

Two of Arthur Ransome's other boats were also at Woolverstone for the AGM. Ragged Robin, formerly Arthur Ransome's first Lottie Blossom, built like Nancy at Hillyards, and now owned by Ted and Diana Evans, and Peter Duck, which he owned after selling Nancy Blackett, and whose current owner, Julia Jones, gave a talk about after the AGM to mark its 60th anniversary.

Peter Duck at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club, Woolverstone

Photo Credits: I Jacobson

Back on the East Coast

2007-06-30T17:47:00.001+01:00

Nancy Blackett has safely made it back to the East Coast after last month's adventures, and is now on schedule to complete her planned events for the rest of the season.

Nancy will be available for short sails during the AGM at Woolverstone on July 7th, and may also have berths available for a mate and a crew member during the following Swamazons Weekend (July 13th-15th - cruising to the Walton Backwaters, the setting for "Secret Water"). A berth may also be available for the trip back from Holland at the beginning of August, for an experienced passage sailor capable of playing an active part in watch-keeping. Anyone interested in these sailing opportunities should contact the Sailing Secretary.

Evening nosh will be available to members attending the AGM. For further details and booking please contact the Chairman.

Hanging in the Hamble

2007-05-25T02:00:00.000+01:00

The Nancy Blackett will be berthed in Warsash on Saturday and Sunday and open to visitors on both days. Her visit coincides with the AGM and International Gathering of the Arthur Ransome Society at the nearby YMCA Fairthorne Manor.

Nancy is scheduled to spend a few days sailing on pre-booked trips from Bank Holiday Monday. However, these are subject to suitable weather conditions, and may be cancelled or postponed at short notice, as the Met Office is currently forecasting the return of heavy rain and strong winds from Sunday.

Anyone who has already pre-booked a trip on Nancy is therefore advised to confirm that their trip will go ahead, and should call Sailing Secretary Judy Taylor on 07939 408430 in advance, as she will be onboard Nancy throughout the period. Weekend visitors may also call for directions to see Nancy.

Journey to the Solent: Part 7

2007-05-24T21:04:00.000+01:00

The Nancy Blackett has at last made it to the Solent. Calm weather meant the 70-mile trip was completed under power, having travelled non-stop from Dover to arrive today in Cowes in time for lunch at 2pm.

Nancy is spending tonight at the Hamble Point Marina, and will remain in the area for several days. She will be accepting visitors at Warsash on Saturday and Sunday, and sailing with pre-booked trips from Monday, weather permitting.

Journey to the Solent: Part 6

2007-05-22T22:31:00.000+01:00

Now that the weather has settled somewhat, it looks as though Nancy Blackett will be able to make it to the Solent by the weekend.

The current forecast is for light winds, which will allow Nancy to leave Dover tomorrow on a straight run west to the River Hamble, stopping only briefly at Brighton on the way.