Ransome’s Nancy Blackett in "Round the Island" Duel

Two classic Hillyard  yachts - one of them Arthur Ransome's Nancy Blackett  - will be taking part* in this year's Round the Island Race, an annual race that circumnavigates the Isle of Wight.

Nancy Blackett, more famous as the Goblin in Ransome's book "We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea," is a 28ft 6in transom-sterned 7-tonner, built in 1931, and now preserved by the Nancy Blackett Trust.

Billy Blue, built in 1932, is a 29ft 6in canoe-sterned  9-tonner, is owned by a private syndicate.

Both boats are of a similar age and size and will be raising funds for charity. They will be happy to complete the 50-mile course without being timed-out.

This year's Round the Island Race is on 19th June, with an early start time of 5am. JP Morgan Asset Management announced at the Boat Show that it will be continuing to sponsor the race until 2012. This year's race will feature live GPS tracking facilities via suitably-equipped mobile phones or laptops, an online photo gallery and a free water-taxi service at Cowes.

*Subject to favourable weather and sea conditions
The original version of this article was published by Classic Boat magazine. Republished with permission.

Nancy Blackett at 'Free the Quay' at Mistley

On Sunday 4th October Ed Williams and John Benford sailed the Nancy Blackett around from Woolverstone to support this demonstration against the fence that has been erected at Mistley Quay.

See http://www.freethequay.org/

For more photos of this event see Nancy's Facebook page or go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/johnabenford/FreeTheQuay2009#

Retrospective: Nancy's Voyage to London (Part 4)

The fourth and final set of images of Nancy Blackett's voyage to London in September, featuring Tower Bridge and St. Katherine's Dock.

Photo credits: A Beck

Retrospective: Nancy's Voyage to London (Part 3)

The third in a series of four sets of images of Nancy Blackett's voyage to London, featuring the Thames Barrier and Canary Wharf.

Photo credits: A Beck

Retrospective: Nancy's Voyage to London (Part 2)

The second in a series of four sets of images of Nancy Blackett's voyage to London in September, featuring Dartford and the Thames Estuary.

Photo credits: A Beck

Retrospective: Nancy's Voyage to London (Part 1)

The first in a series of four sets of images of Nancy Blackett's voyage to London in September, featuring Brightlingsea and the Thames Estuary.

Photo credits: A Beck

Nancy's Voyage Home in Pictures (Part 4)

The final in a series of four sets of images from Nancy Blackett's voyage home from London to Woolverstone on Saturday 26th September, featuring the Thames Barrier and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at Dartford.

Photo credits: M. Jacobson

Nancy's Voyage Home in Pictures (Part 3)

The third in a series of four sets of images from Nancy Blackett's voyage home from London to Woolverstone on Saturday 26th September, featuring the Millennium Dome and the Thames Barrier.

Photo credits: M. Jacobson

Nancy's Voyage Home in Pictures (Part 2)

The second in a series of four sets of images from Nancy Blackett's voyage home from London to Woolverstone on Saturday 26th September, featuring scenes heading from Canary Wharf downriver to Greenwich.

Photo credits: M. Jacobson

Nancy's Voyage Home in Pictures (Part 1)

The first in a series of four sets of images from Nancy Blackett's voyage home from London to Woolverstone on Saturday 26th September, featuring Nancy in St. Katherine's Dock, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf.

Photo credits: M. Jacobson

Nancy's Voyage Home Finishes

We are pleased to report that the Nancy Blackett made the most of the prevailing flat and calm conditions yesterday, and was able to make it home to Woolverstone late yesterday evening, at 10.45PM.

Nancy's Voyage Home Begins

The Nancy Blackett left St Katherine's Dock at 6.30am today, having had her mooring ropes pass inspection by the local heron an hour or so before. Released from her enforced imprisonment by the unsuitable tides and winds of the past couple of weeks, her crew made the most of late September's Indian summer and motored downriver towards Canary Wharf.

Good progress was made with the QE2 Bridge at Dartford being passed just after 9am and the near dead calm of the Maplin Sands reached by early afternoon.

Further updates will be received when Nancy is back in signal range, which may not be until she reaches Woolverstone hopefully later tomorrow.

Nancy is Ready for the Summer

The Nancy Blackett is relaunched, rerigged, fitted-out and back on her pontoon at Woolverstone, ready for a summer of sailing.

A select working party braved the wind and intermittent rain on Saturday to undertake the fitting-out at Woodbridge, and an even more select sub-group rewarded themselves later with an excellent dinner at the Anchor.

We left the bending-on of the sails over till Sunday in the hope that the weather might improve, which it did. No wind, bright sunshine, though still chilly. Jobs were finished in time for Nancy to leave the Tidemill as soon as the incoming tide had risen far enough over the sill.

Having inspected the Deben bar at low tide that morning, and consulted the local experts, skipper John Smith and his crew, John and Keith, proceeded to motor Nancy out of the river and round to the Orwell, arriving at Woolverstone early evening.

Our thanks to everyone who turned up, especially Honnor and Kerrin form Holleseley who saw to the watering, Jenny and Pete who got the sandwiches in, Sarah for the cakes and Richard for general good cheer, taxi service and calvados.

Antifouling All Done!

Nancy's antifouling was carried out over the weekend by a small but enthusiastic working party of NBT members. The weather – Nancy was outdoors this year – was fine, sunny and a bit breezy and barbecued burgers and grog were served up for lunch by skipper John Smith. The new bunk cushions also arrived and were installed.

Nancy will be relaunched in the next few days, and another working-party will complete her fitting-out next weekend. Thanks to everyone who helped with the antifouling.

For more information on Nancy's forthcoming engagements, please see the story below.

Sail into Summer Aboard Nancy Blackett

The Nancy Blackett returns to the water at the end of March, so once again there will be many new opportunities to sail aboard her this year. There is plenty of scope for both newcomers or those who have previously sailed on her and she is additionally available for group use.

To put in your crewing bids, or just to obtain further information regarding sailing this year, contact John Benford, our Sailing Secretary, at:

nancyblackettsailsec(at)googlemail.com.

An Action-Packed Season Ahead

This year's programme of events starts with the traditional anti-fouling weekend at Robertson's yard, Woodbridge, from Saturday 21st March. The following weekend is for fitting out at Tide Mill Marina, Woodbridge, and finally sailing Nancy back to Woolverstone on Sunday 29 March. Contact Judy Taylor to book in for meals for both weekends.

April sees the Old Gaffers Association Easter Rally from 10th - 13th, based at Shotley Marina while Nancy Blackett's summer will get properly under way with three consecutive weekends of activity in May and June:

May has Nancy available to TARS and NBT members from 16th - 31st, based at either Woolverstone or Shotley. The May dates coincide with both the TARS AGM (22nd - 25th) and the NBT AGM (30th at Pin Mill). Our AGM, which returns to the Pin Mill Sailing Club, coincides with the 20th anniversary (yes, that long!) of Mike Rines' famous dinner at the Butt & Oyster to celebrate Nancy's restoration. The list of Ransome alumni at that event was impressive, and we hope to have some of them back with us in May.

As Nancy will be at both AGMs, and we hope to take as many as possible on short trips, we are making her available during both the preceding week and the following week (half-term) for TARS and NBT members who will be staying on in the area and would like a somewhat longer sail. This should ease pressure on the main busy days.

For June there is a weekend cruise to 'Secret Water' to enjoy the OGA Swallows & Amazons Weekend with the Round the Island dinghy race (5th - 7th), the following weekend being a cruise to Brightlingsea for the OGA Rally (12th - 15th).

The Swamazons event, celebrating its 10th anniversary, includes the traditional dinghy race round Swallow (aka Horsey) Island. We already award the trophy for the overall winner; this year, we're adding a trophy (with a copy of "Secret Water") for the Junior helm. There will also e camping available for dinghy sailors attending.

July/August has the Summer Cruise to Holland planned, three parts to this: voyage there (22nd - 26th July), cruising inland Dutch waters, and more cruising with return passage.

Later in August is the OGA East Coast Classics, Rivers Deben, Orwell and Stour (16th - 22nd), a racing and social week.

September includes a new event, the St Kath's Rally, part of the Thames River Festival (12th - 13th).

Sorry - no places left for the final trip of the season

All places on Nancy for the trip back to Woodbridge on October 17 are now taken. Nancy is only available for mid-week cruises until then - if a skipper can be found.

John Benford, Sailing Secretary

Two crew places available on Nancy

Last chance for a sail on Nancy this year!

Two crew places available.

Join at Woolverstone Thursday 16th October (and possibly sail part of the way that day) and sail to Woodbridge on the 17th, to deliver Nancy for being decommissioned (laid-up) on the Saturday (18th October).

Sleep aboard on Friday night (for a small consideration) if you like and help with the 'laying-up' on the Saturday.

(Lunch FOC, tea and cakes in the afternoon and join the rest of us for a meal in the Cherry Tree, Woodbridge, in the evening.)

Stay on board (for a small consideration) on Saturday night if you like.

John Benford, Sailing Secretary
The Nancy Blackett Trust
13 Prospect Place
Leiston
Suffolk
UK
IP16 4AL

01728 832579
email: nancyblackettsailsec@googlemail.com

Sailing Nancy Newsletter

All members of the Trust who are on the Sailing Nancy newsletter list should now have received the latest edition by post. The headline news is a new sailing secretary, details for John Benford below, and a new job for Judy Taylor as events secretary.

LIFT OUT and social is at the Tide Mill Marina on Saturday October 18th from 10.00am with a free lunch of Grog and pemmican for all helpers. Please let me know you are coming. The annual raffle draw and social will be at the afternoon Tea party from around 4pm at the Scout hut (about 50 yards from the Tide Mill) and dinner will be at the Cherry Tree Inn meeting at 6.30 for 7.00pm. Booking for dinner is essential, via me, please.

MARITIME WOODBRIDGE is over the weekend of September the 13th and 14th. Come if you can. Nancy Blackett hopes to be there.

A RALLY for Hillyard owners in on September 20th. Details from John Benford.

IN 2009 we hope to include members requests for events and items in our programme. There is interest already in a Holland trip or trips and night sailing opportunities. Suggestions to Judy Taylor, please. She is planning the programme now. Details will pe posted around Christmas time.

Call me if you would like a copy of "Sailing Nancy" or if yours has not arrived. Bryan Bonser, Chairman, Sailing Committee, on 01748 812937, or e-mail to bryan(at)blbonser(dot)freeserve(dot)co(dot)uk

Sailing Nancy Availability

Places are still available in September (and mid-week in October) to sail on Nancy.
Contact the Sailing Secretary!

John Benford, Sailing Secretary

The Nancy Blackett Trust
13 Prospect Place
Leiston
Suffolk
UK
IP16 4AL

Tel.: 01728 832579

email: nancyblackettsailsec(at)googlemail(dot)com

First Hoisting of Yankee

In the last edition of "Jibbooms and Bobstays" the Editor asked to see the first photos of the new yankee jib sail in use. The sail, provided from the will of Terry Absalom, one of the co-founders of the Nancy Blackett Trust, was hoisted in light winds on July 27th off Felixstowe and powered Nancy Blackett up the River Stour and then back to Woolverstone. It was considered a very useful addition to Nancy's sails wardrobe by skipper Mike Gorvett and his crew of Bob Hull, Nicola de Quincey and Linda Rowan.

Photo credits: Bob Hull

Nancy Blackett's Gosport and Portsmouth in Pictures

On her return voyage from Falmouth, Nancy Blackett spent a few days at the end of June in Gosport Marina, while waiting for suitable weather.

Below are some photos of Gosport and Portsmouth Harbour, HMS Endeavour, Ark Royal, and views of and from the Spinnaker Tower, taken on July 1st 2008.

Photo Credits: M Jacobson

Fantastic Voyage

Nancy Blackett left Dover today at 5:20am. The passage north was fast in generally good conditions, with a few rough patches, and allowed an unexpectedly early arrival home in Woolverstone at 5:30pm.

Our thanks go out to the volunteer skippers and crews who have enabled Nancy to participate in such a fantastic voyage this Summer, prevailing as ever over the unpredictable, sometimes challenging, but ultimately rewarding English seas and weather.

Day of Bright Water

Our intrepid crew set sail from a much drier Eastbourne at 9:15am, sailing across almost benign seas, with moderate winds not exceeding force 5. A much pleasanter day than yesterday saw the Nancy Blackett arrive at Dover at 6:30pm, in time for a much deserved dinner.

Tomorrow's coastal forecast is for moderate-to-light winds, slight seas and occasional light showers, so the crew have planned for a very early start, destination Shotley.

Rain Stops Sail

Nancy Blackett left Brighton at 7am today, under cloudy skies with a light wind, and made Eastbourne at Noon. Although the sea and wind conditions were fine, the continuous rain meant the crew decided not to continue onwards after lunch.

The forecasts indicate that the moderate seas and winds and heavy showers are likely to continue for at least the next few days.

Dispatches from Brighton

The crew reunited late yesterday evening aboard Nancy Blackett, which had been patiently waiting for them in Brighton Marina. Today saw them have a leisurely time in the Marina, safely sheltered from the strong summer winds that have continued on and off for several days.

If the weather looks promising, tomorrow morning may see an early start towards Eastbourne, initially, with any continuation towards Dover subject to prevailing conditions. At this stage, an arrival at Woolverstone on Saturday is still possible, with the forecasts indicating Thursday and Friday having the best sailing weather.

Nancy Will Be Sailing On

It is hoped that Nancy will be at the AGM. Skipper Bryan Bonser has assembled a new crew to go aboard at Brighton next Monday afternoon, July 7th. Nancy has been left in Brighton Marina ready for sea except for provisioning fresh pemmican and grog. Departing early on Tuesday (weather permitting), that evening could see an arrival at Eastbourne,, with Wednesday evening at Dover, Thursday evening at Ramsgate and Friday evening at Shotley.

All being well, this will see Nancy in her rightful place as the star attraction from mid-morning onwards on Saturday July 12th. If the Thames Estuary passage goes well, she could even be at Woolverstone late on Friday, as the tide is right for a mid-evening passage up the River Orwell.

Bryan can be contacted on his usual phone and mobile numbers until Monday at 9:00am, after which evenings from 18:00 to 21:00 if in port. There will be daily additions to this site to report progress, or the lack of it, from Tuesday onwards.

Posted by BLB ashore in Catterick Village.

The Voyage Home - Part Three

As it happened, Saturday's weather started out with rather calm conditions, so Nancy left Gosport at around 8:30am. After motoring along the Solent, the conditions seemed suitable for sailing, so she set off for Brighton.

Later on the wind and sea picked up, turning the passage into a rather rough one. Nancy arrived at Brighton marina at 5:00pm. The crew, being rather exhausted, spent the rest of the weekend recovering.

Unfavourable forecasts and lack of crew availability now mean that Nancy will remain in Brighton for at least a week. It may still be possible for a "rescue" to take place to bring her back to Woolverstone in time for the AGM, but the intended appearances at Ip-Art and Swamazons are now understandably cancelled.

The Voyage Home - Part Two

Yesterday, the crew made it as far as... the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth. Strong winds prevented Nancy from continuing eastwards, although the latest forecasts indicate a possible window of opportunity on Sunday.

Nancy will also need to find a new (and cheaper) berth in the Solent area today, due to sudden high demand for berths, arising from today's Round the Island Race.

The Voyage Home - Part One

Delayed by a gale at Brixham on Sunday, the Nancy Blackett was finally able to resume her return voyage on Monday, arriving at Weymouth on Monday night. Tuesday saw another daytime passage onward to Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, in 10 hours. Yesterday then saw a rather shorter 4-hour passage across the Solent to Gosport Marina.

Today is a crew changeover day to Gosport. Tomorrow should see a long daytime passage along the Sussex coast to Brighton, subject to favourable weather forecasts. In the event that the Brighton leg cannot be completed in one go, Nancy would be expected to call in at either Shoreham or Littlehampton.

Beyond Brighton, stopovers are planned at Eastbourne and Ramsgate. The timing of these is very much subject to favourable sea conditions, as any delays caused by high winds are likely to have an adverse impact on crew availability.

Homeward Bound

Nancy Blackett has made a great start to the long passage back to Woolverstone from Falmouth. Skipper David Johnson and a full crew cruised to St Mawes, Plymouth, Salcombe and the Dart. Nancy is now is a secure MDL Marina at Brixham in Torbay.

Ed Williams is unavoidably unable to continue the passage plan due to a sudden family commitment, so the next Skipper aboard very late on Saturday June 21st will be Bryan Bonser. He hopes to make a crossing of Lyme Bay on the Sunday, to Weymouth, and pick up a re-arranged schedule thereafter.

This two week delay to Nancy's return passage is bound to mean a lot of re-arranging but whatever possible will be attempted depending on the weather plus Mate and crew availability.

Sailing Secretary Judy Taylor is on holiday for a period so please contact Bryan for further news over the next 14 days, preferably by e-mail (putting NANCY in CAPITALS in the subject line), or by phone up to 9.00pm.

Posted by BLB.

Nancy's Falmouth Visit Ends - Up-Channel Voyage Begins

During her stay in Falmouth, Nancy Blackett has been boarded by well over one hundred keen visitors and, despite adverse weather at times, has given many the chance of sailing or motoring in and around the harbour.

Her presence on the pontoon of the National Maritime Museum Cornwall added an extra dimension to the Museum's Swallows and Amazons exhibit, and was an additional draw for the members of the Arthur Ransome Society who attended its International AGM in the town over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Our thanks to skipper and mate Ed Williams and John Benford, who ran the trips, and 'skeleton crew' Geraint and Helen Lewis, who kept her open for museum visitors over the last few days.

Nancy was due to leave Falmouth today, Saturday 31 May, to begin her return trip up-Channel to East Anglia. Ports of call are, as always, weather-dependent, but she might be spotted along the Cornwall and Devon coasts during the next week, and is expected in the Solent area between the 15^th and 22^nd June. Look out for more bulletins over the next few weeks.

Mission: Falmouth in Pictures - Part 4

From the south coast

Nancy in Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.

Nancy in Weymouth.

Nancy departing Weymouth.

Photo credits: B L Bonser

Mission: Falmouth in Pictures - Part 3

From the early part of the voyage:

Nancy in Ramsgate.

Dutch visitors in Dover.

Photo credits: B L Bonser

Mission: Falmouth in Pictures - Part 2

Some more pictures from Nancy Blackett's voyage to Falmouth.

Passing the Needles...

...and Portland Bill...

...at a rate of Knots.

At the NMMC pontoon, Falmouth.

Photo Credits: B L Bonser

Mission: Falmouth in Pictures - Part 1

Below are just a few of the many pictures taken on Nancy Blackett's voyage down to Falmouth.

The intrepid crew.

Navigating at night.

Essential equipment.

Photo Credits: B L Bonser