It's just over a year since Shidig was lost in a massive dust storm. Here's a photo essay to comemmorate the refurbishing and eventual demise of my little Beneteau First 235:
Delivery from Queensland by road to Noakes Boatyard Nelson Bay:
Initial Refit at Noakes (May 97):
Relaunch:
Lazy days cruising Port Stephens:
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Cruising offshore - Tomaree Headland in background |
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Les 'Spanky' Spanheimer at the helm |
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The brothers enjoying a Belgian Ale in North Arm Cove |
Major Refit Sep 1997, I replaced all deck hardware, fittings, running rigging, electronics, added an auto tiller, as well as some structural improvements to the rudder...:
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The new cockpit, Tacktick Instruments, Garmin GPS... |
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New custom rudder mounts and new window |
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New signwriting |
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Fitting the furler with Mike Lee of MDL Manufacturing Yachtmasts and Rigging |
The new boat, she was looking good for a 20+ year old yacht!
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Racing under spinnaker |
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Snug on her mooring in Salamander Bay with new boom tent |
The Oct 2009 Dust Storm:
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Caught under the bow of the 'Black Pearl' - it dragged its mooring onto Shindig and the rest is history! |
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Surveying the damage next morning |
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Matt Bonser from Noakes Boatyard helping me recover Shindig.
I motored her down to Noakes at Nelson Bay, testament to how well built the yacht was. |
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Close up of the port side damage. Trashed I think is the word! |
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An ignominious end - on a trolley in the boatyard awaiting disposal by the insurance company. |
2 comments:
She was a beauty mate. It might be time for another project boat - whata ya think?
-Spank
Yeah matey, one day. Might just do the charter thing for a few years first. Turkey & Coatia 2012, coming?
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