Boats

Always been interested in inland waterways since a couple of canal holidays with schoolfriends in 1974 & 75. With a few hired boat holidays in between I bought my first boat in 1984, a 26' fibreglass cruiser called 'Bluebelle 2' which I lived on moored near Shiplake on the River Thames. Mooring was on the opposite side to the boatyard so I also bought a small dinghy (T/T Bluebelle 2) to row across.

I became increasingly interested in classic wooden boats and in 1986 bought a 32' wooden cruiser called 'Fiesole'. She was originally called 'Renee D'. Built by George Wilson in the early '50's as one of the 'Black Swan' class. Had some great times on her with trips on the Thames including Henley Regatta. Came ashore for good in 1989!

Since then just a few trips on friends sailing boats and a recent canal holiday going through Birmingham which I'd done in 1976 - 43 years ago!