Play d’eau is soldAfter 18 years of owning Play d’eau from new, she was sold on Tuesday 26 October 2021.
Although I’d been expecting the phone call from David Miles of Fleming Yachts Europe to advise the transfer of ownership was complete, I found I was by no means ready, emotionally. Feelings of guilt and betrayal flooded through me.
New Owner
Would you believe it? The new owner lives in Guernsey. He’ll be keeping the name of Play d’eau and using same berth in Beaucette. If you see or hear her on the seas, please remember it’s neither Lin nor myself!
Memories
Looking on the positive side, Lin and I have had so many brilliant times on Play d’eau and the memories remain.
What next?
Will we take on another boat? Will we charter? if we do, where? Maybe the world’s our oyster, as they say. With the call of 34 years of boating from speed boats to trawler yachts, and all the sea-experience which goes with it, something is bound to happen, whether we trigger it or it triggers us.
So until then, we wait and see. There’s no way we’ll become landlubbers. It’s just not possible. We’ll be back – sometime.
Soon after we left Beaucette, the sun peeked over the horizon to begin her ascent into the heavens
On parole from COVID
In late June 2021, we cast off from our berth in Beaucette marina, negotiated the narrow exit, turned north through the Doyle Passage and headed for the UK. Why? Guernsey’s local COVID restrictions had been sufficiently relaxed enabling us to visit our sons and their families after almost two years.
It felt as though we were on COVID parole and if we didn’t behave ourselves we’d be back in the naughty corner of lockdown.
Hmmm – what of our Boating future?
You know, driving in the UK is so different. It’s rush, rush, and rush some more, as if the sky’s about to fall down. As we drove to Devon to visit one of our sons and his family, we realised the distance was 25 times the length of Guernsey!
On the plus side, these distances gave Lin and I an unusual amount of time to talk. So we did.
Strangely, we found we were grateful to COVID. On the one hand, it had forced us into house arrest, but on the other, it allowed us to enjoy and work on our gorgeous gardens which were in their full summer gloriousness – something we wouldn’t be able to do if we were away on our usual two to three months’ cruising on Play d’eau. Conundrum? A few moments later, the sun displayed all her wonderous glory
And then our children and grandchildren began asking if they could come over in the summer. Was Play d’eau about to become a stumbling block rather than an exciting escape?
Memories
We began reliving the many magnificent journeys we’d had on Play d’eau. The inland waterways of Holland; the UK’s south coast; the Isles of Scilly; the Channel Islands; the Normandy coast; Brittany and best of all, around the Brest peninsula and south past the Isles de Glenan and further south to La Rochelle and Rochefort. On our own, with family, with friends.
So many highlights, some of which we’ve written about in Play d’eau’s history of this website.
Making the decision
The more we talked, the more it began to dawn on us that we needed to start a new chapter in our book of life. After a great six weeks spread amongst all members our family, we returned to Guernsey where the conundrum became a fact and we made the decision, albeit agonising, to sell our beloved Play d’eau.
Lowering her ensign
Her ensign is loweredA month later, Piers cruised her back to Swanwick Marina, to leave her in the hands on David Miles of Fleming Yachts Europe Ltd until she found her new owner.
Piers crew, Richard Poat, insisted on taking the helm seat whether on the FB or in the PH. Richard had crewed on our maiden trip in 2003 and was now on her final trip, in effect bookending our Play d’eau history.
After 18 years of ownership, we arrived in Swanwick. That evening, it was with a really heavy heart that Richard and I lowered her Guernsey ensign, for the last time.
Piers and Lin
from the Pilot House of Play d’eau
Fleming 55 (click on the photos below to enlarge)
Oh my! Even with COVID bursting over all of us with its indiscriminate attacks, it feels as though Lin and I haven’t stopped for a moment. So what’s been going on?
We bought a house!
La Porte with its adjacent barnclick to enlargeSomeone we knew asked if we’d like to see his house which was up for sale. The agent took us to see the centuries old granite farm house. Yes, it was lovely but not ‘us’. Listening to our comments, the agent suggested another, even though we’d made it clear we weren’t looking. We agreed.
The next morning, we drove into the driveway and to say we were taken aback would be an understatement. We walked the grounds and even before we were shown into the house, we knew it was ours. Within a month, we owned La Porte, an 1890, five bedroom Victorian house with its separate barn.
Our children said, ‘But Dad, at your age you need to downsize.’ Thank you so much for that comment I thought, whilst responding, ‘We have. We’ve downsized from six to five bedrooms, and 2 acres to one and a half…’
Having sold all our furniture when we left the UK and lived on our boat for 6 years, we had to start from scratch which we did with great excitement, as well as organising some building works and tending the gardens. Hey ho!
What of Play d’eau?
Play d’eau at anchor in Shell Bay, Hermclick to enlargeThankfully, COVID barely scraped an effect in Guernsey. With the island’s drawbridge firmly up and the portcullis heavily down, the island isolated itself. With no boating allowed our annual cruising plans were out but on the other hand we had now had time to work on both La Porte and Play d’eau. Win, win, although we sorely missed the cruising.
For Play d’eau, we set about a mini refit:
A new battery voltage panel was created, detailing the state of each battery and battery bank
A main engine alternator paralleling system was installed to double the battery charging capability
New flybridge covers were made for the helm seat, console, hatchway and dinghy
New mesh covers were fitted for the pilot house windscreens and side doors
A Plastimo Transocean liferaft with hydrostatic release replaced the old Zodiac
The 220v LEDs on the DC and AC Services panels were replaced with 240v – all 89 of them
The main engine sea-cocks were replaced with far superior bronze Groco
Two additional cleats were installed by the aft fair leads
The two lifebelts and lights were replaced and sign written
New matching carpets were added for the guest cabins
The shafts were pulled and all four cutlass bearings replaced
GFO (Gortex) was used to re-pack the stern glands
The davit (crane) was removed to be re-powder coated and have new stainless gas springs fitted
We had the trim tabs reinforced
A Doppler transducer for speed and depth was added
The cap rails re-sealed
The external fresh and sea-water taps were refurbished
Pressure gauges were fitted to the main engine Racor filters
New plexi-glass was fitted to the main cabin hatches
We bought a superior Dock-side Dockpure filter system for filling the fresh water supply
…plus many more small changes made to bring her to a full and sparkling spec, ready for cruising the gorgeous west coast of France in 2022.
What of La Porte?
With furniture bought, paintings hung and most of our long and short term storage units empty, work started on many refurbishment and building projects likely to take us to the end of 2022.
As Lin says, ‘Piers likes a project’, to which I reply, ‘Only one?’
Meanwhile
We can’t wait to see the children, grandchildren, and our sisters in the UK. Let’s see what happens.
Play d’eau’s new (almost white!) carpet click to enlargeWe started planning this year’s upgrades by having new carpets in December 2018, ready for Christmas.
New carpets
After 16 years of sterling service the backing of our brown saloon and companionway carpets was sad and disintegrating.
Due to a broken arm, the original carpet supplier was out of action (how thoughtless was that?) and we couldn’t find anyone in Guernsey with the equipment to whip carpet edges.
But all was not lost. Turning to trusty Google, we found Marine Boat Carpets and entered into long and encouraging discussions with boat carpet maker Toby Butlin. On the appointed date, I was at the airport to meet him and after a fortifying coffee and Jammy Dodger, the choice of an almost white, 80% woollen carpet was made, and Toby painstakingly began creating templates.
The plan was for Toby to make the carpet and send it to us. ‘What about fitting?’ I asked. ‘Just unroll it. It’ll fit, but if it’s not as you want, I’ll come straight back.’
Play d’eau’s old (brown) carpet click to enlargeIn time for Christmas, we carried our material prize to Play d’eau, and as Toby had instructed, we rolled it out. Perfection! A bonus? With the off-cut, Toby had made a fitted carpet for the engine room…
By the way, we really aren’t paranoid about marking the new carpet. Really. No. Not in the least…
Electrics
The electrics upgrades to happen from March onwards, include,
Wiring the ability to parallel both alternators whilst underway to charge both 24v battery banks, using an automatic charging relay
Adding 2 voltmeters to monitor both 24v battery banks above the existing 12v battery panel
Potentially, replacing the existing transducer with an Airmar UDST800 Doppler speed and depth transducer
The existing 12v battery panel click to enlarge
The ‘usual’ Marine and General annual hoist
And then in April, Play d’eau will be lifted at Marine and General for her annual spa and flattery treatments. The works list includes:
Power wash and clean below the waterline
Clean and polish the running gear, trim tabs and props
Anti-foul with Teamac
Instal a replacement sea-cock for the port engine
Refurbish all sea-strainers
Plus, completing the works to remove the last traces of the second time she was covered in iron filings.
Whilst chocked ashore, Lin and I will replace all 26 anodes and work on the engines and generators to ensure all is ready for the new season.
Piers and Lin
from the Planning Office of Play d’eau
Fleming 55
We’d suffered the most horrendous effects of a NNE storm whilst moored in St Peter Port’s Victoria marina in October 2018.
It had taken 11 of our 18mm multiplait ropes to hold Play d’eau but seeing the immense strain they’d suffered, we knew they should be replaced. But this time, they’d be bigger and tougher.
PLAM HT Popeye Double Braid
With advice from members of the YBW Motor Boat forum, I approached the Italian company PLAM for their High Tenacity Popeye Polyester Double Braid.
After discussion and much measuring, I ordered 6 new 26mm warps. 4 x 7m and 2 x 9m, each with spliced loops and tails.
26mm would have an approximate breaking strain of 14.6 tonnes.
Result?
Ah, what can I say? they arrived courtesy of FedEx and they’re just beautiful. the braid is lovely and the splicing just perfect. So much so that it’s almost a shame to use them.
But, needs must, so they’re in full use, and drawing many admiring comments.
The end splice of our new rope click to enlargeGood question. We can’t bring ourselves to throw them out so they’re all in the lazarette in a large and overflowing box until we can decide.
Maybe we’ll choose the best and have them for light mooring use. The rest? Maybe cut out the worn bits and use the remainder for short breast warps or similar. We’ll see.
Piers and Lin
from the overflowing warp locker of Play d’eau
Fleming 55
Synoptic chart for 6 October 2018 @ 1800 Guernsey is the small grey dot above the ‘2’ of ‘1002’ click to enlarge
St Peter Port’s Victoria marina
Having returned from our summer cruise around the north Brittany coast, we were moored in St Peter Port’s Victoria marina rather than Beaucette since metal works were still in progress.
Seeing the forecast cyclonic storm approach, we secured Play d’eau with 11 warps and additional fenders. We had no idea of the ferocity we would have to endure. As the storm hit, I kept an online blog running.
Sunday 7 October 2018 – 0136
Never been in such dreadful swell and surge, ever. Currently moored in the NE corner of Victoria Marina. The NNE 7/8 gale blew up yesterday and whilst the sea was above the sill the movement was so, so powerful. A yacht opposite us was breaking its warps and needed marina staff with heavy warps strung between the pontoons to stop it breaking free.
I was up at 0100 this morning checking the 11 18mm warps and multiple fenders I’d set before the tide rises over the sill at 0200. All in place and we’re as ready as we can be. Wind is still NNE 7/8. It’s not forecast to drop to NNE 6/7 until 0500, and NNE 5 by 1000 as the tide drops below the sill.
So a ghastly 8 hours yet to come. Hopefully warps will last and not snap, and fenders won’t pop. I expect I’ll be a tad weary by coffee time.
Monday and Tuesday look OK, but it’s back again on Wednesday and Thursday as a SSE’ly, but hopefully not so strong.
Must have a coffee before it all starts in 25 minutes….speak later.
0200
synoptic chart for 7 October 2018 @ 0600
Tide has just about reached the sill and 2′ swells are already jumping over. Play d’eau is starting to move and swing. It’s the ‘shortly to happen’ surge and snatch I loathe which could be with us for the next 8 hours. Hmmm.
0241
It’s reached the point where I woke Lin and ordered her off the boat. No time for niceties. ‘You must get off, now,’ I said. ‘And crawl along the pontoon. It’s too dangerous to walk.’ Lin quickly decamped into our car which was parked immediately above the mooring, to observe.
0313
I thought I’d stay on board in case fenders popped or warps snapped, but given our pontoon is doing an impression of a Mexican wave and it’s difficult to stand, I, too, have decamped to the car. I doubt there’d be anything I’ll be able to do from now on. If something did happen, it would be tricky to get off and I’d only end up compounding the problem.
Still keeping a watching eye on the boat and just in case, I’ve informed St Peter Port Control on Ch 12 I was about to leave Play d’eau and that no one would be left on board.
Really not seen anything like this in over 30 years of boating apart from videos on U-Tube. It’s extraordinary.
0424
We are in the car overlooking Play d’eau. It’s 2 hrs before HW, which seems to be a trigger point in Guernsey’s marinas when the sea tries extra hard to be more aggressive. Maybe it’s a burst of Neptune’s testosterone being released into the swell.
However, Play d’eau seems to be riding OK. Yes, warps are snatching (which I loathe and hope cleats won’t come flying off) and yes she’s dancing as though practicing for Strictly. There’s the occasional attempt when she squashes all the fenders, completely, and I’m surprised they haven’t burst under the strain.
Only (only?) 5½ hours to go until the tide is below the sill. Then we can catch up on some sleep and hopefully the forecast wind reduction will take effect.
0600
It’s 0600 and all seems to be well. Haven’t been on board, but it seems the fenders remain inflated and the warps are all intact.
In the last 2 hours the wind has decreased a strength to 6 but still from the NNE. The surging remains the same and may start to decrease if the forecast reduction in wind materialises. Warps have stretched so the snatching is amplified.
4 hours to sill time but I feel the worst of the gale has come and gone.
0814
Well, the sun is out, the sky is clear, and although the wind is from the same direction it’s dropped a knot or so.
We’re just waiting for Neptune’s 2 hour testosterone effort to pass, and then it’s back on the boat to have breakfast and some sleep, until the next tide creeps back over the sill at 1430 when it all starts again, maybe with a slightly lesser wind.
Oh the joys of boating!
0845
Back on board. Wind speed appears to be decreasing quite quickly (F3, gusting 5/6) but it’s veering from N to NNE. Hmmm. Forecast is that early evening it will be N, then backing and decreasing further.
Maybe a night on board rather than in the car tonight.
0930
It’s 0930 and the tide is close to sinking below the sill. Calm is starting to return the Victoria Marina.
Wind is now F4 and seemingly dropping further. Still from NNE. All looks good on Play d’eau. The heating’s on so we’re warm and two soft poached eggs on bread and (Guernsey) butter have made all the difference.
Next – check all warps and remake. And maybe have some sleep.
Monday 8 Octover 2018 – 0513
Good morning, everyone,
Seeing the forecasts for the next 10 days or more, we’re taking the opportunity of a good cruising day today to head for St Helier, Jersey.
Yesterday evening, the harbour staff were brilliant in searching for a spot in the QE2 marina. One was found, but it was uncertain if the owner would be returning as planned or be delayed a day or so. Although this could be established this morning, we need a good few weeks somewhere in the knowledge we can stay without the worry of having to move – again.
Hence, we’re planning to leave for St Helier (Jersey) around 0800. We’ll stay there until we know the iron works at Beaucette have been completed and it’s safe to return.
Piers and Lin
From our car’s observatory Play d’eau
Fleming 55
Our new Dockside Filter click to enlargeWe’d become irritated with having to change Play d’eau’s costly onboard 2 micron water filter every few months. The removed blackened filters showed just how dirty local water supplies were, wherever we happened to fill the 1,150 litre water tanks.
Lightbulb moment
Whilst waiting for the tide in St Peter Port late last year, a Nordhavn 60 moored in front of us. ‘We need to fill with water,’ the Skipper announced as I admired his boat.
One of his crew appeared carrying a filter arrangement. Being nosy I was told, ‘We use this to pre-filter the water we take on board, making sure it’s clean before it reaches the tanks.’ Now why hadn’t I thought of doing that? Hindsight is great, isn’t it?
The solution
Finding the Dockside Pre-Filter on the ASAP Supplies website, I had one in my hands within a few days. Its 3 micron filter would certainly do the job, and the best part was that back-flushing cleans the filter so its life should be really long.
There’s always a ‘but’
Herm Seaway comes to the rescue to make new fittings click to enlargeThe problem was the fittings. They were not standard UK. However, Herm Seaway came to the rescue, again, and machined two brass connectors so standard hose fittings would fit. How perfect is that?
Is the Onboard filter still needed?
Good question, to which the answer is ‘yes’. Why? As well as filtering to 2 micron, its carbon content removes chlorine and any nasty tastes and smells which might lurk in local water supplies.
All water on Play d’eau now comes through the Dockside Filter as well as the onboard carbon filter.
Result
The great news is that we haven’t had to change the on board filter in over 3 months, and there’s no sign of it becoming dirty. And as far as the Dockside Filter is concerned, we give it a quick backwash each time we fill.
Job done.
Piers and Lin
From the water purification department of Play d’eau
Fleming 55
Our new Grandson in Lin’s arms click to enlargeAt Christmas, what could be a better present than a new addition to the family?
Unto us a grandson is born
Our son Toby and his wife Amy, having married in April 2014, have given birth to their firstborn, a beautiful grandson for us, just in time for Christmas.
Weighing in at a fine 3.94 kgs, he was back home within a few days to his newly decorated nursery.
Other members of the family
Nugget and Twiglet, Toby and Amy’s two minatiure daschunds, have a ‘brother’.
A Happy Christmas indeed
What a brilliant way to celebrate Christmas. Unto us a (grand) child is born! Nugget looks at the new family member click to enlargeSo Lin and I are now responsible for four sons, and between them and their wives, five gorgeous grandchildren. Wow.
Congratulations to Toby and Amy!
Happy days.
Piers and Lin
Proud parents and grandparents Play d’eau
Fleming 55
Rubis refuelling at St Sampsons by tanker click to enlargeI have always been fastidious in ensuring Play d’eau’s diesel comes from a known source and kept well dosed with anti-diesel bug treatments.
Is all diesel the same?
No. An emphatic no. Diesel has changed and continues to change as further laws are introduced.
Bio-diesel, with its damaging water content, is now commonplace. Sulphur content is being altered and current legistlation is set to make boating diesel less and less marine engine friendly.
What precautions do we take?
Diesel bug – we dose our fuel within 24 hours of taking a fresh delivery, plus a full dose in November and March, each year, currently using Grotomar 82.
Water – as well as checking the Racor water separators as part of our pre-departure routine, we check the sumps of each fuel tank for water, bi-annually.
Why?
Simple. Bio-diesel increases the likelyhood of diesel bug, thereby clogging filters and stopping engines, and normally at the most inconvenient time such as in an emotional sea when the fuel in your tanks is being stirred up.
Bio-diesel and higher sulphur cotent can both lead to damaged injectors and seals.
Effect on power
Furthermore, a side effect of a high sulphur content is a decrease in cetane meaning a lesser power output for your fuel. In coloquial terms, less bang for your buck.
Conclusion?
Using bio-free and low sulphur content diesel will keep your heart rate down, and your wallet more secure.
Enter Rubis (Channel Islands)
Now I can’t help it. A plug for Rubis in Guernsey and its own Rubis page on our website.
Living in Guernsey, I wanted a reliable source of fuel. Having spoken with Rubis, I was guaranteed that all their diesel was bio-free as well as being ultra-low sulphur. Seeing the quantites they turn over, the source would be clean. All in all, thumbs up all round.
Cost
And the bonus is that Rubis diesel taken by tanker at St Sampsons (minimium delivery 300 ltrs) is the least expensive in the Channel Islands. Even nmore thumbs up!
A page for Rubis and their special offers
It’s not often I feel I want to shout about something, but in this case I will. Hence, a dedicated page on our website for Rubis – which includes a link for their special offers.
Put them to the test
Test them out – call (+44 (0) 1481 200 800) and ask.
Piers
from the clean fuel tanks of Play d’eau
Fleming 55
Carentan marina click to enlargeAfter 21 years we’re back in Carentan on the Normandy coast. I was first here with the MBM Cruise in Company fleet in the mid-1970s (can anyone remember those days?) and then with the family in 1997.
But seeing the mile long yet narrow marina now, I just wonder if it’s become a forgotten destination?
Fat, rolly, polly seals
The 8 mile approach from the fairway buoy through the estuary and along the river is just gorgeous. Hundreds of fat seals basking on the beach and flock after flock of birds flying up from the wetlands. Approaching the end of the river you see the lock which opens HW-2 to HW+3.
And here’s the ‘but’. After 21 years the marina doesn’t seem to have changed. Same old bouncy pontoons mostly covered in gull and duck pooh, same old 5A power supply in lichen blackened boxes, looking dowdy and unkept.
Yes, there’s a new-ish Capitainerie and shower block (water is somewhat tepid) and a Brasserie but it’s shut for the summer hols. A number of boats seem to have been left to die, covered in green and unloved.So many unloved and dying boats click to enlarge
Far from the madding crowd
What is so, so lovely, is the peace and tranquility. Just perfect for being and unwinding. Apart from Play d’eau, there are no visiting boats and no-one working on their boats. It’s as though it’s a ghost marina.
Walking into the small town with its large 12c church. Again, it’s so quiet. So few people around. Some modern buildings have been shouldered in amongst the old, architecturally more beautiful buildings, many of them shut down and up for sale. From what we’ve seen, there are hairdressers, opticians, pharmacies, clothing shops, but only one small supermarket, two boulangeries (the third is up for sale), one butcher and one ironmonger.
On the other hand, there’s a new indoor swimming pool complex and a separate small sports centre, but neither seem really used – good use of EU money?
Duck a l’orange?
As I’ve said, what we love about the marina is the peace. It’s so, so quiet. No visitors. Only dozens of really vociferous ducks. What if we fed them with oranges? Would they be marinaded ready for the pot?So quiet and tranquil click to enlarge
Having met our Carentan goal we’re undecided on ‘where next?’
Maybe we’ll head back around the Cherbourg peninsula to the north coast of Brittany which we love.
Piers and Lin
from the Saloon of Play d’eau
Fleming 55
These were the voyages of Piers and Lin du Pré aboard their Fleming 55
