So our Coromandel, having been hauled off the shore, is now moored in the comparative shelter of Buck Shore where she is something of a talking point for the Swanage Sailing Club members. Even after all her tribulations the little boat is still afloat battered but unbowed. She is comparatively dry, the two holes bashed in her side by the gentle kiss of the seafront stone are, thankfully, above the waterline so she is unlikely to sink anytime soon. However, some kind soul has removed her engine, her fuel tank and her anchor chain and warp. I'd stowed the anchor itself in an aft locker since she was on the mooring. Frankly given the temperamental nature of the engine they're welcome to it but it is depressing to think that while most of the people who viewed her plight, many of whom helped to keep her as safe as they could, there are those who will take any opportunity to steal stuff that's not nailed down. Be that as it may there is nothing gone that is not replaceable and so far the boat is not showing irreparable damage much to my wife's disappointment! When we left for our Northumbrian trip I was ready to burn the little tub on her moorings but given her instinct for survival I'm now getting a warm and fuzzy feeling about her and am seriously considering spending more than she cost to buy on repairing her. How weird is that? I oscillate between moving her on and having her repaired. I'm not young enough or fit enough to undertake the repairs myself. Maybe minus 10 years...
I have to record a huge 'Thank You' to the guys at the sailing club who tried and failed to keep her safe but when push came to shove (almost literally as it happens) rallied round and hauled her from her hiding place and towed her to the comparative safety of Buck Shore. In addition to that the proprietor of Divers Down, no lover of the Sailing Club for historical reasons I have been unable to discern, has been an absolute trooper, using his telehoist to lift her onto her trailer on the pier so that she could be returned to her spot among the caravans and the cows with so little drama that I could almost have hugged him though he'd probably have decked me if I'd tried. All in all it has not been a negative experience. Work that one out.
In the final analysis I have to decide whether to repair or sell her as a project. I hope if it's the latter that someone takes care of her and has some fun. She deserves it.
Location:Swanage,United Kingdom
