Free yacht

[Nick]

Both boats still on the beach today. According to the rumour mill at Craobh the land owner is not allowing access for lifting gear.

Dave, who is the landowner? I was under the impression that that was a public car park.

[ubergeekian]

Dave, who is the landowner? I was under the impression that that was a public car park.

It's quite possible, I imagine, that a car park isn't up to the weight of a geet big crane plus load, or at any rate that it hasn't been assessed for that.

[SteveN]

It's quite possible, I imagine, that a car park isn't up to the weight of a geet big crane plus load, or at any rate that it hasn't been assessed for that.

That's what I was told: apparently the car park is built on top of some tanks and wouldn't take the load. You can see the tank access covers in the Streetview picture above. I've no idea what kind of or whose tanks though..

P.S. I see that Rosanna is afloat on her mooring in the Streetview picture - happier times.

[cpedw]

The landowner (at least of the grass between the main road and the bay) is the captain of Dunstaffnage, who runs Fisherman's Wharf and is also the landlord of Dunstaffnage marina. I think a crane (at least for the Fantasia) would need to be on the main road so it would not touch his land. I don't think he has a reputation for being awkward anyway; perhaps a minion was being over-cautious or misreported?

The tanks under the car park are Scottish Water's; I think it's part of the sewage system. We don't want them getting damaged!

Derek

[Clyde_Wanderer]

I passed Connel today and there seemed to be two boats on the beach.

It's the wee wann that's going free....

Suprised to see these 2 boats still on the rocks 10 days later, especially given that they're within easy reach of a crane from the road. What's the story?

I'm told that the owner of the larger yacht is in prison in Thailand.

The big one is still there too as at 8th January. She looks to have much less damage than the fantasia, but she has that green, long neglected look. She has a notice on her mast - I can't remember the exact wording - but along the lines of "she's not available for salvage and she's under repair"

Some pics, click for bigger versions



Ash

So Ash was it you who put the pic (very similar to the second from left above) on the BBC Scotland News site, 'Your Pictures' page?
C_W

[ash]

So Ash was it you who put the pic (very similar to the second from left above) on the BBC Scotland News site, 'Your Pictures' page?
C_W

No, weren't me, officer!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-16409770

I see that Les, the photographer has a posher car than me.

Was it you busy with the f/glass?

Ash.....Taking a chance with the HotLink!

[DaveS]

Update: as of yesterday both boats were still sitting on the rocks. I had a look and each has a notice attached along the lines of "Not for salvage. Work being done on owner's instructions."

[cpedw]

Work being done on owner's instructions.

True only for one of them in my observation. In fact I think work on the Fantasia is complete (or at least it's patched to watertight) and he's trying to figure a scheme to refloat - an exceptionally high tide would do!

Derek

[claymore]

On the basis that what floats on must eventually float off, I would say you are correct. Or will the scientists and Ocean yachtmasters in our midst come up with some line to confound that theory?

On the absolute understanding that as long as there is another tide of similar height or above and that it did not float on on the Highest Astronomical tide that the planet will ever experience.
And wave height of course - there thats it , all bases covered.....

Looking at the images - it wouldn't be a massive job to dig a trench with a JCB or similar and get a decent line out so that when she does float she could be guided out through a channel.

Claymore - Civil Engineer to the rich and famous.

[cpedw]

This evening the larger boat was refloated. A remarkable achievement given the boat's location and the not especially high tide. Over the last 2 or 3 weeks, a lot of work was put in to prop the boat up straight then patch the hull. Yesterday, much activity laid a timber slipway and excavated a gap for the keel. Yesterday evening's high tide saw the boat nudged over then shoved cruelly towards the sea by a fork-lift truck. But still it seemed a long way from floating.

Tonight, there was more fork-lift action (I was too late to see that) then about 10 minutes before high water, under her own engine and foresail, she floated free. It was a remarkable achievement.

Now there's just the Fantasia still decorating the beach. It was patched up some time ago but has no rudder or propellor yet. Hopes are high that she will be away quite soon.

Derek

[aquaplane]

Just out of interest, what is the name of the Fantasia?

[cpedw]

Just out of interest, what is the name of the Fantasia?

Taneka or something like that.
Derek

[aquaplane]

I quite like the look of the Fantasia, but not necessarily one that has had a hole in it.

[cpedw]

The Fantasia is now afloat I hear so the beach at Connel is back to its previous quite dull condition.

Derek

[wully]

The Fantasia is now afloat I hear so the beach at Connel is back to its previous quite dull condition.

Derek

It was gone yesterday when I drove past on my way to work.