The hinged flap the covers the cooker extractor tube click to enlargePlay d’eau’s had two clever modifications recently, and both have fully achieved their objectives.
Stale cooking smells
Lin and I had spent ages trying to track down stale cooking smells. The galley was spotlessly clean, the woodwork was clean and the curtains had been cleaned as well. So where were those horrid old cooking smells coming from?
The clue came when we realised they were worse when the wind was blowing from the port side of Play d’eau. Knowing this, it didn’t take long to find the culprit. The smells came from air being blown into the boat through the cooker extractor grill, past the fan and along the tube that ends just above the cooker.
Over time, the tube had had time to gather greasy fat deposits that had become stale and nasty. With the tube cleaned (a nasty job at the best of times) the problem was how to stop the air being blown in.
Captain Nick
Open for business click to enlargeNick often stops by for a morning coffee. In talking about our vexing question, Nick had a brilliant idea and brought it to fruition by fashioning a hinged flap.
The cooker extractor tube still requires reasonably frequent cleaning, but the stale cooking smells have completely vanished.
Keeping thieves out
We’d forgotten the boat keys and the drive back home was miles away. It was late and the Harbour Office was closed, the aft cockpit hatches were locked closed and all the doors were locked.
Looking at the saloon windows, I espied the small metal flap that’s used to stop a window from sliding open unintentionally. I gave the window a sharp slap by the flap and it flew backwards allowing the window to slide open!The thumb screw window catch click to enlargeBrilliant – but wait a moment, if I could do that, so could a thief. And that would leave no signs of forced entry, a requirement for any subsequent insurance claim.
In kicking ideas around, Lin sowed a seed and our local Guernsey M&G Marine Engineers finalised the solution by constructing a thumb screw based on the footprint of the flap. The screw assemblies were laser cut and machine polished. Perfection.
Ideas that work
As the saying goes, ‘It’s good when a plan comes together.’
Piers and Lin
from the think tank of Play d’eau
Fleming 55
The sun spread her beams through the freezing winter’s evening sky click to enlarge‘We regret to announce a delay to Aurigny’s 1300 flight to Dinard,’ came the announcement over Guernsey Airport’s public address.
Joey’s not well
Sadly, Joey wasn’t feeling well and had to be taken to Sick Bay in his hanger whilst a replacement Trilander was found.
‘Joey’s very old,’ said the Duty Manager, ‘and parts keep failing.’
‘I know the feeling,’ I replied.
Shivery cold
Three hours later, a younger Tango Oscar was ready and waiting for us to board.
The strong north wind was shivery freezing cold as we climbed into the aircraft’s tiny seats. ‘I’m told the heater works well on this aircraft,’ the Captain cheerily told us. It did, but it took half the flight to start to warm us up.It was so cold the Captain wore a scarf click to enlargeWith a strong tail wind, we landed in Dinard some twenty five minutes later at 1730, collected our Avis hire car, and by 2100 we were having an excellent meal in the restaurant of Le Logis de Brionne.
‘Here’s to Joey having a full recovery,’ I said to Lin as we tried a good glass of Sancerre.
Piers and Lin
Les Andelys…
…somewhere visited by Play d’eau
in 2004
Fleming 55
Having drawn pretty pictures on my shoulder, two incisions were made click to enlargeI know it’s winter but it has nothing to do with a Frozen Shoulder – really. It’s where the range of shoulder movement becomes progressively restricted.
2011
Having had my left shoulder operated on successfully in November 2011, my consultant at the time advised there was a 20% chance of the Frozen Shoulder condition migrating to the right shoulder within a few years.
2015
He was right.
As predicted, movement began to deteriorate in my right shoulder. My consultant at Guernsey’s Medical Specialist Group, Mr Armstrong (what a great name for an arm and shoulder consultant!) examined me, and booked me in for a shoulder operation, an ‘Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression’.
Princess Elizabeth Hospital
Last Wednesday it all happened. I checked in as a Day Patient at 0730 hrs and donned one of those awful gowns which flaunts your bottom to the world. My embarrassment was heightened when I was handed a pair of paper underpants ‘to preserve my modesty’.
The moment I was wheeled to theatre, a nurse never left my side. And when I woke up after the op, a nurse was there beside me. Now I could, of course, say it’s because of my magnetic personality and great looks, or maybe they were concerned I’d do a ‘runner’.
Reality was that they were excellent nurses, being allowed to nurse. A general anaesthetic and two small keyhole incisions was all it had taken to unfreeze the shoulder.
I felt so looked after. So cared for. So much so that Lin collected me at 1400 hrs.
Guernsey has a great medical service.
Piers
From the recovery suite of Play d’eau
Fleming 55
Joey, the courageous Trilander of Aurigny Air Services. Can you see his smiley face? click to enlargeI had to attend a 3 hour meeting in Dubai the other day. The round trip took 6 days. How crazy is that!
The route from Guernsey was to Dinard, Rennes, Paris de Gaulle, Dubai (for the 3 hour meeting), Paris de Gaulle, Rennes, Dinard and finally home to Guernsey, using small, big and huge planes, taxis, hire cars and hotels.
Aurigny – Norman French for Alderney
Aurigny Air Services was launched in 1968 with a fleet of small 12 seat Trilanders. Soon, short childrens’ stories of Joey the Trilander were being published. Joey had a bright red nose, big eyes and a lovely smile. He was strong and very courageous.
Ever since our children were tiny, we read them the stories of Joey and his exploits.
I flew on Joey
It was raining, blowing and really dull, but imagine my excitement as the airport bus drove us (us = 4 passengers) the 50m drive from Guernsey’s International airport departure door to an Aurigny Trilander.On the return journey, I was at the back of the long thin Trilander click to enlargeIt was Joey!
Squeezing through a tiny access to my seat, I climbed in and fastened my seatbelt. Joey started. With full power on his three engines, the small plane rattled a bit (he’s rather old) as we took off and flew the short journey to Dinard, landing so sweetly at this tiny country airport.
The return to Guernsey
And Joey was there, six days later, to fly me home. I’m sure he winked when under my breath I said, ‘Hello again.’
Soon after take-off, Joey flew into cloud and the turbulence started. It was bumpy, and became more and more bumpy the closer we flew to Guernsey. The rain was so heavy it started to leak into the plane and drip on me.
Joey tried to land but couldn’t see the runway at the minimum height of 200′. With full power he roared as he overshot, climbed away and completed another circuit.
Even though the Captain was helping all he could, the weather was still nasty so Joey had to overshoot again. Rather than keep trying he flew us back to Dinard.
After refuelling Joey, the Captain checked the weather and decided to have another go.
Joey was determined. Yes, it was still bumpy, but he managed to see the runway through the rain at the last moment and land.Airborne from Dinard we climbed above the cloud as the sun set click to enlargeBy now, it was late but I knew Lin would be there to meet me.
As I climbed out of Joey, I looked back and thanked him for being so clever. You know? I’m sure he winked again as he was towed towards a warm hanger for the night.
Joey’s fun zone
Enjoy visiting Joey’s fun zone and hearing one of his latest daring exploits.
Piers
From the imaginary cockpit of Play d’eau
Fleming 55
(All photographs taken with a Smartphone)
Joey was helped by his Captain click to enlarge
G-JOEY proudly displays the Puffin logo of the airline click to enlarge
A kingfisher watches for his lunch near to Play d’eau click to enlargeIt was a sudden flash of colour that caught my attention as I was changing some light bulbs in the Pilot House. Orange and turquoise.
Looking up, I espied a Kingfisher on the wall by Play d’eau.
Camera
You never have a camera to hand when you need one, do you? So whilst Lin brought me the camera and changed lenses, I kept watch on this fragile bundle of colour.
Just about ready – and he flew off! I waited and kept waiting. And then he appeared again, fluttering those turquoise wings until he settled on the wall some 5′ above the waterline, watching for his lunch.
Success. And welcome to a new resident in Beaucette Marina!
Piers and Lin
from the hide on Play d’eau
Fleming 55
Play d’eau enters the narrow Doyle Passage between the shore and the outlying reefs click to enlargeCaptain Kim Hollamby and Executive Officer Guy Nicholls cast off from Shamrock Quay, Southampton, at 2248 hrs on 28 December 2014 under a clear night sky, to bring Play d’eau home after her plastic surgery.
The temperature was well below freezing, ice was on the decks, but inside the central heating was working perfectly.
——————–
Capt Kim reports…
The pontoons crackled with frost as we approached Play d’eau at Shamrock to prep for her night return to Guernsey. It was cold, but eerily still, a welcome lull after the high winds of recent days. So far so good.
Underway by 2250 we were soon heading away from the shore lights of the Itchen and Southampton Water, revealing a captivating canopy of myriad stars from horizon to horizon. The decks were slick with ice outside but inside we were toasty warm in the pilot house, faces basked by the warm glow of Play d’eau’s mission control array of screens.
Traffic…and passes inside Platte Fougère click to enlargeAll of her electronic capability was put to good use throughout. Off Hurst we had to keep a wary eye on an inbound Cowes Southampton car ferry well off her patch – was she lost or returning from a secret assignment?
Then, a few miles south of the Needles we had to dodge two large cruise liners as they headed with purpose towards the Western Solent. With no quarter given by them, we conceded to ‘might being right’ and dutifully made our turns to starboard as per ColRegs.
An hour or two of peaceful cruising followed and a chance for a late night bowl of soup and a few Zzzzs. Me first, Guy later. But then more traffic as we entered the English Channel’s busy shipping lanes, with several course alterations needed.
In a final hurrah no less than seven ships presented themselves in Froggerlike formation. With them plotted on radar, we made our move and crossed safely ahead of all.
SunrisePlay d’eau about to enter framed by Eabora’s masts click to enlargeThe winter sunrise was a late waker – but sudden in appearance, zooming though hues from dark blue, to grey to lighter blue. It also heralded a freshening wind on the quarter with Play d’eau cheekily wiggling her bottom in deference to the odd white horse or two. Our consolation? A plate of steaming bacon sandwiches.
Then finally the run down from the Casquets to Beaucette, under sunny blue skies, with Guernsey, Herm, Sark, the other island (Jersey), France and Alderney all visual, waves calming a little.
Final Approach
Our final approach along the narrow Doyle Passage included a fly past one very windswept camera toting Piers on Fort Doyle, before we sized up the swell for an entrance through Beaucette’s narrow, rocky jaws.
I could see Piers watching up from the Harbour Office, again, with camera at the ready. No pressure then!
We were all lined up for a grand and stately arrival until another playful wave slapped Play d’eau’s quarter in a final giddy up. This couldn’t end in tears though, her gleaming flanks could not be scarred and she responded quickly to corrective action.Through the entrance channel and turning to port to enter the lagoon click to enlargeWe were through and into the idyllic lagoon beyond and ready to perform gentle final manoeuvres before handing her back over to rightfully proud owners, Piers and Lin.
Lines secured, my shoulders sagged. Relax. Mission accomplished!
Kim Hollamby
————————–
Play d’eau’s home
Capt Kim, naturally, manoeuvred Play d’eau with precision to her berth, whilst Guy was officer in charge of fenders and warps. Although somewhat salty from the crossing, Play d’eau was gleaming whilst Kim and Guy were glowing.
With teas, coffees, welcomes and comments of admiration from many Beaucette residents, Play d’eau, home at last, looked regal albeit in need of a good soapy bath.
The crew’s return
After lunch at the marina restaurant, we drove a weary Kim and Guy to Guernsey’s International Airport to catch the 1615 Blue Islands flight to Southampton, and bade our farewells to Play d’eau’s tired crew.
Welcome home, Play d’eau.
Piers and Lin
from the ‘toasty warm’ Saloon of Play d’eau
Fleming 55
Capt Kim brings Play d’eau to her berth click to enlarge
A triumphant Guy Nicholls and Kim Hollamby click to enlarge
Capt Kim, taking well earned applause click to enlarge
Launched, sea-trialled and waiting to come home (photo courtesy Kim Hollamby) click to enlargePlay d’eau’s been launched and awaits a weather window to come home.
Gleaming
As Play d’eau gleams in the late afternoon light, she’s moored and floating free at her berth with sea-trials and pre-flight checks completed. It must be so good for her to feel the water, again.
Captain Kim Hollamby
Kim Hollamby, who has taken time out to oversee the launch and sea-trials, will bring her to Beaucette at the first opportunity.
Guy Nicholls of Solent Marine Surveys, the surveyor for Play d’eau’s blister and GRP correction work, will crew.
When?
With an area of high pressure about to settle over the UK bringing chilly but calmer weather, Kim is planning to cast off on the evening of the 28 December to arrive at Beaucette at midday 29 December, to coincide with high water.
We’ll be waiting.
Piers and lin
from the Christmas Meteorological Office
of our eldest son’s house
not on Play d’eau
Fleming 55
The chart for 0001 Tuesday 23 December 2014 click to enlargeWhy can’t the weather behave and do as it’s told? But then I suppose it’s no more then expected.
Although one of the fronts moved slightly north, the other moved south and is hovering over the north coast of France sandwiching the English Channel like jam in the middle with WSW F6 winds gusting F7 and rain.
Post surgery
So after plastic surgery, is it really fair to send Play d’eau into such weather? Even for a sea-trial?
No. Certainly not. She’d have to battle her way straight into high breaking waves and rain for more than fourteen hours without being able to pull off the road, so to speak, and take a break. The passage would be really nasty and certainly no Christmas present for her, let alone for her crew.
So we wait
So we’ll wait. There’s bound to be a break in the weather, sometime. We’ll take it and arrive in Beaucette Marina in glorious style after a good and gentle crossing, feeling and looking good.
from the Meteorological Office
of our temporary abode
not on Play d’eau
Fleming 55
Tent removed and ready for launch (photo courtesy Julian Willmott) click to enlargeWith Play d’eau’s three and a half months in the Plastic Surgery Operating Theatre to deal with her extensive blistering and GRP issues, the finishing touches to her new bootline and antifouling have been completed.
Play d’eau is perfect, ready for launch, sea-trials, acceptance testing and departure to Beaucette Marina, Guernsey, on Monday 22 December.
Weather or not
But as much as she’s straining at her warps to cast off and come home, she has a wary eye on the weather. With two cold fronts stretching west-east across the UK’s Midlands, the forecast for Monday midday is W’ly F4 gusting F7 with rain.
Sea-trials should be OK since they’ll be in the shelter of the River Itchin and Southampton Water, but departure for Guernsey could be a completely different story. Strong winds have been blowing for so long that the seas will have been heaped up and are likely to be really uncomfy – to say the least.
So we’ll see.
from the Meteorological Office
of our temporary abode
not on Play d’eau
Fleming 55
The forecast chart for midday Monday 22 December 2014 Isobars 4mb apart click to enlarge
The ECMWF forecast chart for 0001 Monday 22 December 2014 Isobars 5mb apart click to enlarge
Dawn rises over another tent for Play d’eau’s bootline painting (photo courtesy Julian Willmott) click to enlargeHaving deliveredPlay d’eau to Southampton over three and a half months ago, I took a call from GRP Repairs Ltd’s MD, Julian Willmott today to let me know she’ll soon be ready to come home to Beaucette Marina.
What’s the plan?
Julian said, ‘Provided the weather holds out, the plan is to launch her first thing on Monday 22 December, go straight to sea trial, acceptance testing and handover, before she sets off for Guernsey to arrive Tuesday morning.’
So what was wrong?
Well, rather than start explaining the issues, I will wait for my UK surveyor’s report.
Since arrival in Southampton he has analysed the problems and kept a photo diary of everything that’s been found. It’s a long report but hopefully one which will explain why the repairs have been so extensive – and expensive.
‘You’ll be wowed’
Through all the work, Julian of GRP Repairs has kept in close contact with us, explaining exactly what’s been happening. A great example of project management.
Lately, he’s been reassuring Lin and I. “She looks amazing. You’ll be wowed! Showroom.” We can’t wait – expectations are high.
On the plus side
Having had all the issues corrected, Play d’eau will be ‘bullet-proof’ and set for at least the next ten years.
Piers
From our temporary abode
not Play d’eau
Fleming 55
These were the voyages of Piers and Lin du Pré aboard their Fleming 55
