Endeavour Trust: Spring 2009 Newsletter

(Requires Reformatting; pictures misplaced)

Here She Comes

No sailing is devoid of effort or movement, but the comparative lightness of dinghy spars is a million miles away from Endeavour's heavy spars.

Although her mainsail is loose footed (it does not have a spar at the bottom) it is itself made of heavy material, and the top spar or gaff is weighty too. Considerable effort is needed to raise the sail, and one had to be aware of its power when tacking as the sail charges across the boat.

Incidentally, the skipper of the power boat being used by the photographer wisely took evasive action before Endeavour's bowsprit turned all the occupants into kebabs!

You and You and You!

In the armed forces, that was how one 'volunteered' but we are much more friendly! However, we do need volunteers to do some sanding, varnishing and painting.

Most work will be under cover at Jeremy Squier's yard in Canewdon, but all the blocks (see picture on page 3) for instance, could be done at home.

Sergeant Major Finlay Marshall is in charge.

A Few Improvements

When we set out to trying to answer for restore Endeavour, great care was taken to have her exactly as she was when launched in 1924.

Many visitors have commended us on how traditional she is. The only 'improvements' made at restoration stage were the addition of modern instrumentation and modern sailcloth, that faithfully replicated the original material.

Back in 1924, the average local person would probably be involved in a bit of scrumping, but today's serious thieving is rife in the boating world - probably because items can be readily sold. We therefore need a secure locker in the hold for life jackets, fenders and warps as it is easy to gain access to the hold itself, because the boards that go over the large opening cannot be secured in position.

We propose to rectify the security situation and Brian Kennell, who carried out the original restoration with Shaun White, is going to undertake some modifications to the hold area - none of which will affect the look of Endeavour. This will all take place at Brightlingsea where Brian is working on the Thames barge Thalatta. Some re-wiring will also be done together with a service of the Lester engine.

Mike King will be responsible for keeping an eagle eye on the work as it progresses. None of this is of course without cost and demonstrates the need for your continued membership to the Endeavour Trust.

Where Is She?

A question often asked, and one which we are often trying to answer for everyone. The photo shows a sign, provided by Ken Myall Signs, which is in a prominent position on the west face of Osborne's building in the Old Town. Our thanks go to both these companies for providing their services and the site respectively.

There are two moorings in Leigh that are available to us; one to the east of the Two Tree slipway provided by Richard King, and the other just off Old Leigh, level with the east end of the bridge, provided by Reta Cocks. Both of them have advantages and disadvantages - Endeavour floats much earlier at Two Tree and so it is more useful when Endeavour is being used - but it is several hundred yards from the slipway and consequently not easy to spot. The Old Town mooring is great for public viewing, but she'll only be afloat for a little time each side of high water.

So, how do we plan to use the facilities to the best effect? Wherever Endeavour has an imminent sailing day or days, she will be moved from 'the viewing mooring' (VM) to Two Tree ready for action, and will return to VM only when no other sailing is planned. A dinghy will be placed in Old Leigh for boarding, towed to Two Tree and kept ashore there ready for the next boarding, and will return to VM with Endeavour.

All this is under the auspices of the Vice-President Jeremy Squier, who has assumed the role of 'Sailing Secretary'. He will always know where Endeavour is at any one time, and has a list of available skippers and crew.

Lest We Forget

A report from the Vice-Admiral Dover on Dunkirk work done by the Leigh Boats.

COCKLE BAWLEY BOATS	31 May 1940

12:30	The flotilla of 6 boats (including Endeavour LO41 - Skipper P O Halls) left Southend for Dunkirk, in company
14:10	Passed Margate roads. The flotilla was ordered to proceed direct to Dunkirk
18:20/18:40	Air attacks. The flotilla scattered
18:50	Spitfires drove off enemy attack. At least 5 German planes crashed into the sea
19:15	Dunkirk roads
19:30	Found it impracticable for the boats to work off the beach
21:30	The boats embarked troops from outside Dunkirk jetty, transferring them to the Sk Tilly and other ships
22:40	The swell made the work difficult, so the flotilla, in formation, entered the harbour
23:50/1 June 01:45ca	The flotilla embarked about 200 troops, 100 of which were transferred by 4 of the Bawley boats to the drifter Sarah Hayes the remainder to other ships. From then on the Bawley boats worked independently.

All Aboard

Give our lovely lady a fair wind and she certainly moves.

This picture was taken when she was giving youngsters a taste of what sailing used to be like.

Although many of the cadets have sailed in modern dinghies - Toppers, Lasers etc - Endeavour is a totally different sort of sailing.

"They all come off the boat with a broad 'Endeavour Smile'," says Paul Gilson.

A Great Evening

Our annual dinner was very successful as you can see from the slightly fuzzy photographs. We have decided to change the date but not the venue for our next outing which will be late Spring/early Summer on the Wilton. Watch this space - we will keep you informed on the details.