http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/ en-us Copyright 2008 Halcyon Yacht Charters We arrived in Milford safely and much quicker than we thought. We had an amazingly quick rounding of Lands End and it took us less than 24 hours to get in through the Heads at Milford. We had a reasonably strong South Westerly wind and with mizzen, main and stays’l up, with a preventer on both mizzen and main, we flew up the St George’s Channel. For this trip we were joined by Damian Belson who is a friend of Lucy’s from her days on Lulworth, and Jack Peppiatt whom we know through Rob our mate. Once again my sincere gratitude is extended to these guys for taking time out of their busy schedules to help us. We anchored at Dale Shelf and all got our heads down for a well deserved couple of hours until we could get in to Milford through the lock…it had been a long night. On arrival to our berth in Milford Marina we set about cleaning up the boat and organising the crew’s repatriation, and it was then out for a crew thank you dinner. On the Wednesday we had Nigel Patrick from Tommi’s yard and Mark Yarworth our Electrician from Portland Engineering. They arrived with some new start batteries for Halcyon’s generator and engine, and also had time to build some very smart shelves in the crew quarter cupboards making Rob and Lucy very happy. On Friday evening we were joined by Andrew and his friends for a Bank Holiday weekend charter. The weather was mixed and although Saturday was reasonable, Sunday supplied some very British vertical rain. On arrival Friday night we took the guests up river past Neyland, under the Cleddau bridge and with some careful tidal calculations under some relatively low power cables. We ended up in a very quiet anchorage where the guests could indulge in the delights of Lucy’s culinary skills on a beautiful evening with the sounds of owls hooting in the distance. We were up early the following morning for a sail to the island of Skomer, a bird sanctuary, where the guests got off Halcyon and had a walk on the island. We left Skomer and headed to St Bride’s Bay to anchor for dinner. After a full on day of sailing and walking the stove was lit for some saloon warming and everyone retired early after dinner for a good night’s sleep to be refreshed and firing on all cylinders for the next days adventure. On Sunday we motored to Tenby in the rain and anchored in the Bay just in front of Andrew’s house. By the time we were comfortably at anchor the rain had gone and it turned out to be a beautiful day. We got the RIB off and Rob took the guests ashore for a look round. The crew, back on board Halcyon had been busy sourcing some local seafood, approaching a local fishing boat for some of their day’s catch – 6 brown crabs and a lobster, at a very reasonable price. On Monday we departed Tenby and in a very roley sea headed back towards Milford, anchoring in Castle Beach for lunch before dropping the guests in Milford Marina. It had been rather a busy charter weekend but everyone had thoroughly enjoyed Halcyon’s hospitality. The following week we had a day sail out of Milford with some cracking local guests from the local boat building college (MITEC), Milford Haven Marina, Milford Haven Refinery, Sea Fair Haven etc etc. The weather was perfect – bright blue sunny skies and a gentle breeze allowing all sails to be hoisted and showing off Halcyon in all her glory, all in all a very successful and enjoyable day. On Thursday Andrew entertained 16 friends for a buffet lunch alongside in the sunshine on deck, with the deck table being used to its fullest potential. Unfortunately our time had come to leave Milford Haven and we departed the marina at 2100hrs on Friday night and headed out to anchor in Dale in order for all crew to get a good night’s sleep before catching a favourable tide the following morning to head up to Largs, Scotland and a charter starting on the 16th. I am actually writing this whilst on passage so by the time I get an internet connection we should have arrived safe and sound in Largs…..and we have! A very non-eventful calm passage with light winds on the nose all of the way, but we managed to average just over 6 knots. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=44 Halcyon Yacht Charters Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT What a week last week. The usual last minute running around to get Halcyon ready to leave the shipyard was accompanied by recruitment of our new Chef for the season, just in the nick of time. First mate Rob (he will always be referred to as Rob in order to avoid confusion in our logs) was frantically busying himself varnishing and loading all the essential equipment back into Halcyon’s lockers, deck boxes, lazarette and anywhere providing storage. No sooner were you doing one job before you were off on another errand. It was a period of long days for the crew but they all wanted to see Halcyon looking her usual elegant self. The clinker dinghy was gently loaded back on to her chocks after some winter TLC and the rib was raised by her davits after a short spell of ‘running in’ around the docks….at controlled speed of course. Our plan to leave on Saturday was looking a little tight but we were all determined to stick to our schedule and so we carried on. Tommi’s team also threw themselves at the last minute jobs no matter how long they stayed into the evening. By Friday night beers all round were required and much deserved. Back to our Chef, we are lucky to have Lucy Duffell join us for this season. Lucy joins us from SY Atlanta, a 37m sloop which cruised the Northern Caribbean, Med and Long Island, New York. Lucy joined us on Thursday just before our departure day but she wasted no time in re-organising the galley and making use of the new modifications perfectly. Lucy and Annette went off to provision for our trip round to Cowes and did manage to leave a few things on the shelves at Tesco’s. You will hear more from Lucy and our new Mate Rob in our next Captains Log. We organised for two extra crew to help us on our trip round to Cowes. Emily Caruso, a freelance Skipper who has just resigned from her post as Marketing Manager for a leading UK shoe manufacturer in order to begin her career sailing. We were also joined by Tom Norgate, a friend of mine from Prep school and whom I hadn’t seen since I was about 9 – we found quite a few things to reminisce about. My thanks to both of them for helping us out, and being another addition to Halcyon’s star delivery crew. Saturday arrived and we were ready – well for our delivery trip but not the weather we were about to receive. After a fairly warm few days towards the end of the week, the weekend bought much lower temperatures but the sun was shining! At noon we radioed into Llanthony Bridge which was duly raised and we were off, once again waving good bye to the team who had come in to see us off. We headed down the Gloucester canal in the sunshine to Purton where we were to stay overnight. Lucy had cooked up an amazing Lasagne for us all and Rob and I constructed the chimney and got the fire going to warm through the saloon, and of course check it was all in good working order. We were all up at 0700hrs the following morning to head into Sharpness for our lock out and by 0840 we were off down the Severn navigating the strong spring 10m tide in brilliant winter sunshine with Halcyon reaching speeds of up to 13 knots under engine, and at points actually driving sideways to maintain our course! That’s when it happened – yes the snow began to fall and settle on Halcyon’s decks. It caused some frivolity among the crew who all found it very amusing. As we went under the new Severn Bridge we could see the ice flaking off the bridge and sparkling as it fell into the water. Not really what you would expect to see in April. The Bristol Channel lived up to its usual expectations and was very roley. The wind was ahead of us so there was no chance of sailing and as a result it was a little uncomfortable. As night began to fall the threatening grey clouds which had congregated delivered a heavy downpour of snow and Lucy and Tom decided to have a snowball fight! The snow eventually stopped and the night sky was brilliantly clear but very cold. There was also lightening going around the Cornish coast which was quite spectacular. The wind eased off but the sea was still confused and roley and our trip down to Lands End seemed to take a long time. Once round the corner things got much easier and Monday brought bright blue sunny skies and very calm seas but no wind. Nevertheless it was a pleasant trip into Falmouth and we arrived ahead of time at around 1800hrs. Lucy once again organised a well earned dinner and the crew then retired to the Chain Locker for a few beers. We had a few routine maintenance jobs to contend with and therefore stayed in Falmouth on Tuesday. This also gave us the opportunity of taking in the new Falmouth Maritime Museum which is definitely worth a visit. We departed Falmouth on Wednesday at around 10am to refuel and bunkered over 1000L of diesel and headed East for Cowes. The weather was gorgeous, once again bright blue sunny skies and very calm seas but not much wind. We did have about 13 knots for a few hours which allowed us all to get busy and hoist the full main, mizzen and staysail, which was all good practice for the new crew. We made incredibly good time arriving within 10 minutes of the opening of our tidal gate at the Needles and coming alongside Cowes Yacht Haven at 10am on Thursday. Our plans are to stay here in Cowes for just under 2 weeks where we hope to organise some promotional day sails. We will then head up to Milford Haven for the May Bank holiday and a charter with Andrew Armour and some of his friends. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=43 Halcyon Yacht Charters Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Halcyon has been back at the shipyard for well over a month now and our departure date is approaching fast. Where does the time go?! Annette and I managed to steel a much deserved break and headed out to enjoy some sunshine and windsurfing in Antigua for 2 weeks, which I have to say really recharged our batteries. Since we’ve been back I have been up to the shipyard about once a week to check how things are progressing on Halcyon. After a short spell in dry dock, she is now back afloat and the modifications down below are almost complete by Tommi’s team. The hull has been re-painted and she is gleaming once again ready for her second charter season. Meanwhile our bookings have been trickling in and Annette has been sorting out this season’s crew uniform, booking berths to suit our schedule and chasing up booking enquiries. Robert, our new crew member joined us on Monday 17th March and is already fully involved with final preparations for the run up to our departure from the shipyard. In case you were wondering, we haven’t quite yet decided how we will manage our names on the boat but I’m sure it will become evident in due course to all our readers. Our plan is to depart from Gloucester Docks around 27th March and head down to the Solent for some promotional day sails. No doubt our home for a few weeks will be either Cowes Yacht Haven or East Cowes marina, a familiar haunt for Halcyon and Crew. From there we will head once again around Lands End (as we like to do that at least twice a year!) and up to Milford for a cruise around the Pembrokeshire Islands before we head to the Western Scottish Isles. You may be asking ‘what about the Chef?’ Well this will be revealed in due course, I don’t want to give away all the information in one Captain’s Log. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=42 Halcyon Yacht Charters Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT In case you were wondering, we did make it to Gloucester; it just took rather a long time. The weather was almost identical to January last year when we were heading round from St Katharine’s Dock and persistently blew around 30 knots from the South West. Luckily we had organised yet another fantastic crew who were also very patient and determined to see the trip through. Annette and I were joined by: Richard Clapham, one of Tommi’s team of shipwrights who also knows the Bristol Channel and the River Severn like the back of his hand; Mark Burton, a Freelance Skipper from the South Coast; Neil Wood from Devon, a sailor who needed a break from renovating a listed building he and his wife live in; David Baggett, father of Richard, Gipsy Moth’s lead skipper during her circumnavigation plus his friend Dave Rockall another classic boat enthusiast. Halcyon has an ability to attract some of the most amazing people and for that I am truly grateful. The crew joined on Saturday 12 January which turned out to be a stunning day quite different to what had been forecast. After checking every wind chart available, there didn’t appear to be a weather window until at least Tuesday. We decided therefore to take Halcyon out for a day sail on Sunday. This gave the crew a chance to get to know the ropes and how Halcyon runs. We waited until Tuesday and then headed over to Gosport – the only available fuel dock for us at this time. With her tanks full and our stomachs full of a fantastic beef stew prepared by Mr Baggett we headed out of Gosport at around 2am Wednesday morning for a favourable tide out of the Needles Channel. As expected once we were clear of the Needles there was quite a swell that had been kicked up by the strong winds. This was something we were going to have to get used to. Of course there wasn’t just a strong south westerly that we needed to monitor but also the 2000T of timber cargo from the sunken Ice Prince. After a phone call to the ever helpful Solent Coastguard we knew exactly where the bulk of it was and where it was heading and it posed no threat to Halcyon and her crew. As the tide started to turn foul we had wind against tide which made it a fairly uncomfortable sail, we all know it’s not Halcyon’s favoured condition. We persevered to Dartmouth and then pulled in to sit and wait for some forecast force 8’s to 10’s to pass us by. We were safely alongside Town Quay by around 6pm Wednesday evening. It was great to be back in Dartmouth and to be greeted by some familiar very helpful Dart Harbour staff. After a hearty dinner we all turned in to catch up on some sleep. Our stay in Dartmouth was longer than expected and we were unable to leave until Midnight on the Saturday. Our plan was to catch a slight lull in the 40 knot winds and head for Plymouth, braving a fairly heavy sea. It was quite a bumpy leg and we were all pleased to be pulling into Plymouth mid afternoon where we were given a good berth in the Yacht Haven. We were gradually getting West but I was starting to feel we would never get the break in the weather to make it round the corner. On Monday we had the traditional Sunday roast a day late and Chef Baggett assisted by Annette cooked a fantastic leg of lamb with all the trimmings. They had even walked for over an hour looking for a Rosemary bush for seasoning! It looked like our next window might just let us round the corner, if not there was always Falmouth to pull into. The forecasts were predicting a lull in the wind for the next few days, and for it to swing around to the North East for about eight hours from midnight; finally things were looking up. In preparation for this we left our birth at Plymouth Yacht Haven at 1600 and anchored in Cawsand Bay for a departure at midnight. On our way out I heard the unmistakable dulcet tones of my cousin on the VHF talking to Longrooms Port Control. He is a navigation officer aboard HMS Gloucester (which is freshly out of refit). So as not to disturb him whilst on duty I texted his phone, and HMS Gloucester ended up anchoring with us in Cawsand bay, our very own warship escort! Later that evening I had a call from my cousin, and just to confirm who we were I switched Halcyons deck lights on and off and in response to confirm who he was (as if we didn’t recognise the 125m Type 42 Destroyer next to us!) he switched ALL of HMS Gloucesters lights on and off! I’m not sure this was strictly Naval protocol, but a positive ID was confirmed! I also used this opportunity to get a military weather report, and the report back was exactly what we wanted to hear and confirmed what we already had. So the plan remained the same and we weighed anchor at midnight to catch the tide and the weather and subsequently had a glorious sail up to the Lizard. Finally the elements seemed to be in our favour, and we rounded Lands End around lunchtime on Tuesday at which point we all heaved a sigh of relief as we new from here on in we would have the weather with us. With a 20 knot tail wind and full sail up we rigged up a couple of preventers on the main and mizzen and off she went very happily. It was an amazing night sail. The sky had cleared and the full moon lit up the whole sea and you could appreciate how Halcyon loves to surf the waves. We had booked our Sharpness Lock in on the afternoon tide on the Wednesday but as Halcyon sailed up the Bristol Channel and into the Severn with Richard’s spot on navigation we were making such good time that we made the morning lock in. We headed out of the Lock and went alongside a barge at Purton, as the Canal is closed on Wednesday’s in the winter. Just as we secured lines, the wind got up again and there were white caps in the Canal….perfect timing. Still it was peaceful and quiet down in Halcyon’s saloon and the crew made a hearty lunch and then everyone had a well earned snooze. The following morning we were up at 8am and heading down the Canal towards Gloucester. It was a fantastic day with clear blue skies, a far cry from some of the weather we had experienced in the last 2 weeks. Although we were almost there, the trip wasn’t quite over. The crew were all keen to be on board all the way into the Docks. However due to a new bridge being constructed we were held back just outside. We came alongside at Roman Key and stayed here until Friday morning. Unfortunately at this point, Richard, Neil and Mark all had to leave us to get on with their busy lives (and appease their respective girlfriends/wives!). Suddenly the trip was over. After 2 weeks we had finally made it and although the weather was against us at the beginning, the crew’s spirits were high and everyone really enjoyed their experience, and once again Halcyon took it all in her stride. As we waited for the new bridge to be lifted, Annette, the 2 Dave’s and I all reflected on an amazing trip. SV Phoenix had been in the Docks having some maintenance undertaken by Tommi and his team and as she finally headed out of the dock and passed us in the canal we were given the go ahead to go through the last 2 bridges into the dock. We were finally alongside helped by Tommi, Nigel and the team and Halcyon was tucked up in the dock. Meanwhile Annette, the 2 Dave’s and I headed back to Cowes and after a 2 week trip to get there it ironically took us 4 hours to get home. I would like to say a big ’thank you’ to all the crew who were as always outstanding. You all helped make a fairly wearisome trip fun and I think we have made some more very good friends in the process. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=40 Halcyon Yacht Charters Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT A very Happy New Year to all our readers. I hope you all had a thoroughly enjoyable, safe and healthy Christmas and saw in the New Year in good spirits. Halcyon had a very quiet Christmas but this is her time for rest and recuperation. This was not the case for Halcyon’s owner, Dr Andrew Armour, who was competing in the 2007 Sydney to Hobart Race as part of a crew of ten on a Sydney 38 called ‘Another Challenge’, most of whom sailed with Halcyon from Stavanger to Cowes last year. The weather was pretty fair most of the way with the infamous Bass Straights being kind to them. ‘Another Challenge’ came in fourth in their class at 3d 19h 4m just 12 minutes behind the third place spot, congratulations to all of them for a safe and swift passage. Back in Blighty you might have read in the ‘Halcyon News’ section that Halcyon has been shortlisted down to the last 6 for ‘Classic Boat Restoration Of The Year 2007’. We are very proud to have been picked for this and its testimony to all the people who have worked so hard on her over the last two years, the passion and commitment of everyone has been amazing; well done to you all. In the meantime work, as ever, continues to keep her in tip top condition. The team at Ratsey & Lapthorn arrived the week before Christmas to put her sails back on and then I ensured she was tucked up snugly before I left for the few days of Christmas and headed over to see my family in Newbury, Berkshire. The New Year has certainly brought a chill with it and although snow has been threatening our weather forecasts we haven’t yet seen any on the Island (we very rarely do). We are however, due to sail Halcyon around to Gloucester this month, so we shall make sure that we are covered with appropriate clothing to keep us nice and toasty and dry. What you wouldn’t catch me doing at this time of year is jumping into the water, something the team at Marine Management Consultancy wouldn’t bat an eyelid at. They dived Halcyon today for a full hull inspection prior to our trip. I was fully assured that their dry suits were toasty warm and the dive was successful showing nothing more than a degraded anode and little growth on the keel. Not bad for sitting in the Medina for three months. We have a very strong crew of 8 due to join on Friday 11th January for a suitably warming dinner and plan to depart Cowes on Saturday around lunch time to catch the favourable tide west through the Needles channel and out of the Solent. Fingers crossed we should have good trip all the way round. I expect we will have a quick stop in Falmouth and then maybe in Cardiff before we start the trip up the Severn. Tommi’s team at the shipyard will be awaiting our arrival so that they can begin plans for Halcyon modifications and improvements which include her hull being repainted. Once she is safely back in Gloucester Docks I will leave her in the capable hands of the shipwrights and back to Cowes. Annette and I then plan to take a two week (sailing and windsurfing!) holiday to Antigua to recharge our batteries before our season starts again around end of March. We have not yet made any final decisions on our new crew members but as soon as they are recruited we shall let you know. That’s our news so far this new year but I will keep you posted of our imminent trip in due course. I hope those of you attending, enjoy the Excel Boat Show. Perhaps you could spare a thought for us sailing around Lands End and up the Bristol Channel and once again I would like to wish you all a very safe, healthy and prosperous New Year. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=39 Halcyon Yacht Charters Tue, 1 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Halcyon has been shortlisted down to the last 6 for the 'Classic Boat Restoration Of The Year 2007'. To give you an idea of the pedigree of this award it was won in 2006 by the beautiful yacht Lulworth. Final results will be announced at the Excel London Boatshow. http://www.ybw.com/auto/newsdesk/20071105152610cbnews.html http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/news.php?id=18 Halcyon Yacht Charters Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT Seasons Greetings to all our readers. I can’t believe it’s been almost a year since Halcyon was first re-launched in Gloucester Docks and we started our sea trials en route to St Katharine’s Dock with a Christmas stop off in Cowes. Time really has flown. In terms of what’s going on now, planning and winter maintenance activity continues. I am franticly running through the jobs list as far as I can before the winter weather really sets in. We plan to have Halcyon’s sails returned before Christmas having been professionally cleaned and repaired where necessary. Some time in mid January we will head back to Tommi’s shipyard in Gloucester Docks for some modifications and improvements and repairs ahead of the start of our 2008 season. I hope you have all seen our schedule for next year which is now final and posted on the website under 2008 Schedule & Pricing. It takes us on a very similar voyage to this year but additionally we are exploring Ireland a little and we have more time to explore the West Coast of Scotland which we are all very excited about as it is truly stunning. Annette is heading up to the new (old) Earls Court Boat Show on Friday for the entire duration show. She will be representing Halcyon Yacht Charters and is located on the Island Charters Stand, 1K26 so if anyone is attending do please go and say ‘Hello’ as she would love to see you. If she’s not on the stand then you might find her on the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink! Andre has now sadly departed Halcyon and crew and is onto pastures new, and we all wish him the best of luck in furthering his career. We are eagerly anticipating the launch of his ‘Halcyon Recipes’ book some time in the first quarter of next year. Meanwhile, we have started interviewing for two new crew (mate and chef) as we have decided to run with four permanent crew next season, allowing even more lavish attention to be bestowed upon our guests! We are about to take delivery of a new Halcyon Yacht Charter brochure and if anyone would like a copy then please join the Halcyon Mailing List and we can send you an electronic copy. So I would like to take this opportunity of wishing you all a very Happy Festive Season. Wherever you are in the world and whatever you are doing, enjoy Christmas and the New Year and I will be back in touch early in 2008. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=38 Halcyon Yacht Charters Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT Well you’ve heard from the Captain on a regular basis this season and even the Chef, but I thought it was time you heard from the Mate so I am writing this week’s Captains Log. Before I get on with the latest news I would like to let you know that the Captains Log will continue to be published during the winter but it will be done monthly rather than weekly. Things have quietened down now for Halcyon and she is safely berthed for the winter in East Cowes Marina. It’s very sheltered up here from any northerly breezes that blow straight up the Medina. The sails have been removed and are in the safe hands of Ratsey & Lapthorn who will clean, repair and store them for us for the winter. So while Halcyon lies peacefully in her usual graceful manner, the team’s work continues. Robert is planning the maintenance schedule for the winter and Halcyon will return to Tommi’s yard in March next year for a few further improvements and modifications. Andre’s time with Halcyon is unfortunately almost at an end and he leaves at the end of October to go on to pastures new. But the good news is he is currently writing a book to be entitled Halcyon Recipes. It’s all very exciting and our official photographer Roger Paice and his lovely wife Julia are due to come on board the week beginning 22 October to take lots of mouth watering photos for the book. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Andre for being an outstanding crew member and Chef this season and we have thoroughly enjoyed working with him. We wish him lots of luck with his future plans and naturally we will keep you all in touch with developments on the book front. So I guess that leaves me. I am currently helping Andrew to prepare a suitable cruising schedule for 2008 while helping with final adjustments to our new website which goes lives tonight at close of business. I will also be dealing with enquiries, bookings and marketing during the winter months. Next season we will be cruising with a crew of 4 so recruitment of 2 new crew will commence asap. And of course, in any spare time I will be helping with any on board maintenance such as varnishing or painting, and as you can imagine, there is plenty of that to be done. So while Halcyon lies quietly new plans are being set and the excitement is growing already. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=36 Halcyon Yacht Charters Fri, 12 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT The Captain’s Log for the last charter of Halcyon’s 2007 season has been contributed to us by Barney Smart. Barney is one of the strong team of Tommi Nielsen’s shipwrights and who worked on Halcyon’s restoration project from start to finish. There are many parts of Halcyon’s interior with Barney’s name on them and he reminded us of them all during our last weekend charter. Back to the charter, the last of our 2007 season, we were entertaining Tommi and a few of his team to a long weekend of sailing on board Halcyon. The idea was to give them the exhilaration that I and the crew have been so fortunate to experience this year, as a thank you for all their continued hard work and support. Over to Barney….. This weekend was a thank you gift from Andrew Armour, Halcyon and Crew, to the workers of the T. Neilsen & Co. shipyard that restored her. The few that were able to join us this weekend for this amazing experience was, Tommi Nielsen and Nigel Patrick (Foreman of the Shipyard) whom have both had the pleasure of sailing on board already, Alan Wellington AKA Taffy, John Pearce both of whom had never set foot on a ship before and myself. We were all incredibly impressed with how well the crew and Halcyon’s guests have looked after the ship this year and Halcyon still looked as stunning as she did when she left Gloucester Docks in December 2006. It was obvious to us all that the crew were definitely on top of all the maintenance work. We arrived in East Cowes Marina late on Thursday evening all very excited and just to round off the end of our week, a trip to the Victoria Tavern pub was voted in. The following morning we set off from East Cowes and headed West up the Solent. With a brisk 20 knots of wind blowing, Robert had organized the team to get a couple of reefs in the sail which of course was a very wise move. We tacked all the way up to the Needles and it was great to see Halcyon with all 4 sails up even though the main and mizzen were reefed. The Solent is new ground for me but I could feel Halcyon was on home ground and I can see why so many of these Captain’s Logs say ‘she graces the seas’. For John and Taffy there were mixed emotions. Unfortunately Taffy needed the first day to find his sea legs and spent most of it sitting at the stern with the ensign and John found his legs just wouldn’t go where he wanted them to go, so he chose to sit on one the deck boxes and take in the view. Once at the Needles we turned around and came back with the tide, surfing the Solent at just over 10 knots. It was awesome and I was on the helm all the way back to Gosport with a very large grin on my face. We berthed in Gosport marina Friday evening and the wind was forecast to ease over night. We had a hearty dinner – thanks to Chef Andre – a few beers, then bed. On Saturday, as forecast the wind had died but the plan was to get up early and sail (well motor sail) around the Island and that’s what we did. Andre made everyone a special Bacon Butty and we were off. Despite the forecast for the wind to pick up later in the day, it didn’t materialize. But nonetheless we had a cracking trip around the Isle of Wight and both Taffy and John had finally found their sea legs. We arrived back in Cowes around 5pm and after a few beers we had yet another of Andre’s slap up dinners. We couldn’t stop talking about the trip. It was awesome being on board with the crew as they were a good laugh. I speak for all the guys that weekend who had come from the Shipyard and we all thoroughly enjoyed the trip. I felt very proud to be sailing on board Halcyon and even prouder that I had helped in the restoration of such a stunning ship. We all look forward to seeing Halcyon in Gloucester Docks again soon and thank you all once again for this fantastic opportunity and for making this happen. Barney Smart http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=35 Halcyon Yacht Charters Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT I don’t quite know where to start on this one; should it be with the breath taking air displays, or the awesome fireworks, perhaps with HMS Somerset and her deafening 12 gun salute on arrival to Dartmouth, or the racing and organization of Dartmouth itself during the UK’s second biggest regatta to Cowes Week. Having never attended the Dartmouth Regatta it was quite a spectacularly engineered event for a small town. Going back to the 12 gun Salute, HMS Somerset arrived around 07.30 on the Wednesday morning and I have to say on hearing the guns, which were somewhat of a surprise, we were all up rather sharpish that morning. We were once again lucky enough to entertain and play host to a wonderful family and we played the ‘Mother Ship’ or WACs (wive’s and children’s ship) to a Farr 42 which was racing in the regatta. The guests arrived around lunch time on the Wednesday. The 6 children ranging in age between 8 and 18 were very energetic which was great as there is always plenty to keep them occupied on a busy yacht such as Halcyon! The weather, once again, played a great card as the sun continued to shine. The four day event kicked off with a display from the Royal Navy’s helicopter display team, the Black Cat’s. How they manage some of those gut wrenching manoeuvre’s I’ll never know. The river was cleared for all traffic during these displays so I had to ensure Halcyon and the Crew were ready to come alongside Town Quay at 5pm every evening. I must take this opportunity to thank all the Dart Harbour staff whose professional attitude and calm demeanor ensured a stress and event free time. They guided us perfectly to stand-by in the river amongst the rowing races, the river bus’s and general busy river traffic to ensure we were alongside safely every evening. This enabled our guests to have a perfect viewing platform for the air displays. We were required to depart from Town Quay each morning by 08.45 and were guided by Dart Harbour Staff between two buoys right in front of HMS Somerset. At around 09.30 on the Thursday morning, we had the Royal Air Force’s Typhoon practice. There are no words to describe the noise and vibration I felt right down in my stomach as it roared overhead. I could even feel the vibrations coming down Halcyon’s mast onto the deck. It was an incredibly exciting display, with the pilot seemingly missing the mast only by a number of feet; it was real ‘Top Gun’ stuff. Later that day we headed out of Dartmouth to watch the yacht racing, in particular the progress of the Far 45 ‘Atomic’, which was the HAC’s boat (Husbands and Crew)! Later on that afternoon we headed back in and were alongside for the eagerly awaited Red Arrows display. It never ceases to amaze me the turnout that these guys get, and boy is it justified. They are truly the best air display team in the world bar none, a real pleasure to watch. And if that wasn’t enough, as night drew in we were entertained with a phenomenal fire work display to rival any I have seen before. The following day brought more sunshine and a little more breeze, and after the guests had their morning trip ashore to see what delights the shops of Dartmouth held, we went out to see what delights Halcyon would behold with all her sails up. After some energetic pulling of ropes by the kids, Halcyon’s sails were filled and we were off, ghosting the racing fleet (and keeping up with them in many cases!) and certainly looking the prettiest out there. On Saturday it was decided it should be a day of watersports for the younger generation and so it was. I’m not sure who was more exhausted, me (who was driving them round on the slider) or them! I understand that they thoroughly enjoyed themselves while Halcyon provided a much more serene environment for the parents to observe and relax from. That evening was another outstanding display by the ‘Black Cats’ Lynx helicopters followed by an adrenaline racing Typhoon display which once again reverberated throughout mine and Halcyon’s body. Sunday arrived and our guests departed. HMS Somerset glided out of the river in the morning, a lot quieter than she had arrived I hasten to add, and Dartmouth wound down very quickly as the event wrapped up. By Sunday evening you would never have known the excitement, hustle and bustle that had taken over the town over the last 4 days. From our point of view our charter time in the West Country was disappointingly over although we did stay on another week as Cowes could not accommodate us due to the Little Britain Cup – well that was our excuse so that we could savour just a little bit more of Dartmouth. I do hope we head back next year. We departed Dartmouth the following Sunday morning at very early doors in order to catch as much favourable tide as we could. There was very little wind forecast so we were ready for a hot motor back as the Indian summer continued. We were helped, in terms of crew, by Paul Wootten from Pembrokeshire whom I met on a very enjoyable adventure to the Isles of Scilly last summer and who I can also thank (I think) for encouraging me into the water off the North Devonshire Coast to swim face to face with a rather large basking shark. We were also helped by a fellow Ozzie Chef of Andre’s, Jen Beer and I send my thanks to them for making our trip back enjoyable and fun. The trip took only 12 hours and we were back in the Yacht Haven by 19.30 that evening, just in time for a couple of well deserved drinks in a couple of the local establishments in Cowes. So what now I hear you ask? Well it has been a busy season for Halcyon, about 5 thousand miles under her keel so far this year alone. We have a very busy winter maintenance schedule to keep Halcyon looking her stunning and graceful self. We do have one final long weekend charter in two weeks time where we will be entertaining the Nielsen Shipwrights who are having a much earned jolly on board. Not sure where we will go yet but I’ll keep you posted. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=34 Halcyon Yacht Charters Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT Couldn't have scripted a better week. Plenty of experiences all very special. Rob, Annette and Andre all deserve a gold medal each. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=37 Halcyon Yacht Charters Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT After a fairly arduous 18 hour journey from Cowes to Dartmouth we pulled into Dartmouth harbour in the early hours of the morning and were immediately taken by the beauty of the place; the maritime history here was very evident. This was our first shorthanded delivery, consisting of just the 3 core crew and the weather was against us all the way……deja vu. However on arrival in Dartmouth we were greeted by an extremely helpful Harbour Master and were moored up on a buoy in no time at all. Following a well deserved knap we all got about the business of readying Halcyon for charter, changing her from ‘delivery mode’ to ‘charter mode’. This is no mean feat I can assure you, but we now have it nailed down pretty well. Annette gets about cleaning everything in sight, until it gleams brilliantly; Andre sets off on numerous shopping trips victualling the boat and getting to know the layout of a new town; I tend to everything above deck, using the time to fix things (on a list that never seems to get any shorter!) and service generators, engines, RIB’s etc. I then clean the deck and hull. If all this is done correctly it takes at least a day working from 8 in the morning until 8 in the evening. After a full day’s work and a 4 on and 2 off watch system on the way from Cowes we deserve a good meal and we head to shore to sample the delights of Dartmouth. Naturally this is all essential research for our forthcoming charter guests and part of the job(!) Our guests, Gary and his lovely wife Jane, arrived the following day minus their offspring, Rosie and Alex, who had apparently been celebrating their excellent exam results and hence attending a rather hip party. This gave them a quiet evening to indulge themselves in an Andre special dinner and a pure Halcyon experience. The following day a rather energetic trio arrived, Rosie and her friend Cat and Alex, and despite the persistent rain that had descended upon us, they were adamant they wanted to go fishing in the river which naturally I could not decline. After only 20 minutes, mackerel was once again on the menu! We departed Dartmouth the following day after waiting for some weather to pass through, and headed for Salcombe. Unfortunately we were all very much togged up with wet weather gear. We had about 7 knots of wind and within no time had 4 sails up and were ghosting along. Within what felt like minutes, the wind strengthened. We managed to furl away the jib pretty quickly and drop the stay sail while the wind continued to build, and then out of no where a squall hit us with 30 knots of wind and we all had to act fast to get the main and mizzen down. Our guests were amazing and were not fazed by the squall at all. Once the sails were down and the boat had settled we headed in towards the coast. I have rarely seen weather like that come in so quickly here in the UK. Annette’s description was that she likened it to how she would imagine the Bass Straits to be in the Sydney to Hobart race. Halcyon naturally wasn’t troubled by it and I could feel her desire to just go on and run with it. We arrived slightly weather beaten to a warm welcome from the folk in Salcombe and were assisted in mooring up to a buoy. I haven’t visited Salcombe before but it is a beautiful underdeveloped sailing destination. The following day we headed towards Fowey with an overnight stop in historic Plymouth. By this time the weather had really improved and the sky was cloudless. Cat sadly had to leave us here as she headed home to Jersey to recover from the results party season. Our sail to Fowey was excellent and with a gusty fresh breeze we hoisted just mizzen and staysail which still gave us a 7 knot SOG. Once again the folk were extremely welcoming and helpful and although Fowey Regatta was in full swing we were given a comfortable mooring buoy. Fowey is truly picturesque. This was my first trip to Fowey and I was very taken with it. The following day we headed around the corner to Lantic Bay where guests and crew enjoyed some of Halcyon’s water sports toys. The weather was perfect and when you get this sort of weather in the West Country you really can’t ask for much more. Once everyone was exhausted with waterskiing, wakeboarding and trying to hang on to the Slider, we headed back into Fowey for the annual Red Arrows Air Display which was truly spectacular. The guests thoroughly enjoyed it sipping chilled white wine at the deck table. The crew had a slight role reversal on this evening, Annette donning the chef’s hat and Andre the host. Annette had promised to prepare her Tiger Prawn Jumbalaya, and as Fowey had a wonderful Fresh Fish Shop she was able to get the perfect tiger prawns for the job and following the adrenaline of watersports and the excitement of the air display the dish went down a treat. Andre was also suitably impressed. On Friday we were joined by a couple called Louise and Nick who are friends of Jane and Gary’s. They arrived for lunch and we then set off for St Mawes in the glistening sunshine. I was a little sad to leave Fowey but am already looking forward to returning. The racing was spectacular and as our mooring buoy was almost on the fairway up the river we had a perfect viewing platform. Sunday saw some very light winds and a sedate sail back to Dartmouth with all sails flying on a glorious sunny calm day. This allowed us the unusual opportunity to get ‘up close and personal’ with Eddystone lighthouse, probably the most famous lighthouse in Britain situated about 13 miles Southwest of Plymouth. An amazing feat of engineering with the first lighthouse being built finished in 1703. However this is the 21st century so we slung the ringo of the back of the yacht and towed Rosie and Alex around! We made Dartmouth and our berth at town quay at bang on 1700hrs and came alongside. It has been a truly exceptional 9 days and a route I would personally love to repeat next year. A big thank you to the Popes and their ‘entourage’ who were good humoured, always willing to participate, and full of vitality, a true pleasure to have aboard. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Andre and Annette who have worked tirelessly all throughout this season and are still full of energy, good will and smiles. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=33 Halcyon Yacht Charters Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT Not everyone would have put up with my constant squealing requests for sails, waterskiing and green tea etc. but you were really nice. Thank you so much - I got on one ski! I think I speak for me and Cat when I say another big thank you. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=39 Halcyon Yacht Charters Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT Arrived as visitors - left as new friends. Fantastic. Thank you all http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=40 Halcyon Yacht Charters Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT I may have been the laziest guest, but actually I was admiring your superior yachting skills, thanks again! http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=38 Halcyon Yacht Charters Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT Many, many thanks to Rob, Annette and Andre for making us feel so welcome - we have been totally spoiled with gracious hospitality and glorious food! We feel very privileged to have spent time on such a beautiful yacht with fabulous weather!! The best this year!!! A trip we will always remember. Thank you http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=36 Halcyon Yacht Charters Sun, 26 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT It was a week of two halves - FANTASIC and SUPERB! A team of gorgeous people looking after us. Great food, excellent sailing and the calnm weather after the storm. Rob, Annette, Andre thank you SO much. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=35 Halcyon Yacht Charters Sun, 26 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT I’m writing this week’s log while there’s about 30 knots of breeze blowing from the South West. Once again, another windy spell for Halcyon in Cowes. As the sun set on Friday 10 August I was finally able to sit on deck and watch the sun set and reflect on another Cowes Week. For the annual event there were a total of 997 entries this year experiencing some world-class racing and of course enjoying the exciting and varied social scene off the water in Cowes. The event offers something for everyone and creates a unique festival atmosphere which also leaves you a little jaded by the end. For Halcyon and her crew, it was also very successful with 4 days of corporate charter entertaining 12 different eager guests each day and who thoroughly enjoyed a ‘Halcyon Day’ while watching some of the racing. The week kicked off with Andrew and crew together with guests attending the Ellen MacArthur Trust Ball where we had the opportunity of dressing up in DJ’s and suitable attire. The evening consisted of enjoying a three course meal and participating in a silent auction, plus enjoying the bidding on an open auction for a chance to spend a day on Halcyon! We also managed to dance the night away to Bjorn Again, the Abba tribute band. We had corporate charters for Valiant Petroleum on Monday and Ikon Science from Tuesday to Thursday. While the best of the wind came earlier in the week allowing Halcyon to grace the Solent and show off her sails, by Thursday the wind had gone but it was incredibly warm and sunny encouraging all our guests to go swimming in Alum Bay at the Needles. They then sat down to enjoy another of Andre’s sumptuous buffet lunches on deck. Due to the lack of wind, the final day of Cowes Week racing was cancelled; as this was confirmed on the radio, Annette happened to hear a resounding cheer from the surrounding boats as they could now prepare for the final night of entertainment and go to the beer tent. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to invite some friends and family aboard for the finale Friday firework display which is always spectacular and we had a perfect view from our mooring buoy. The evening also hosts an air display by Road Angel which turns my stomach just watching him perform his seemingly impossible stunts in a Pitts Special with pulling more positive and negative G's than I care to imagine. By Saturday we were able to come back into the yacht haven as most of the yachts had departed and things were already starting to quieten down as the clean up crew moved in and tents were dismantled.. In terms of weather conditions, things changed a little on the Saturday as a low pressure system moved in and caused the organizers of the Rolex Fastnet Race 2007 to cancel the start on the regular Sunday start and move it to Monday and at 11am the class 0’s which includes the large and fast open 60’s got off to a flying start. This was the first time the start of the race had been postponed in 85 years. Unfortunately well over half of the yachts were forced to retire and pull into various ports along the South coast due to the strong winds heavy seas. However success came for the new 100-foot super maxi ICAP Leopard (GBR) which crossed the finish line off the Plymouth breakwater under spinnaker, breaking the Rolex Fastnet Race monohull race record that has stood since 1999. With an elapsed time of 1 day, 20 hours, 18 minutes, the Bruce Farr-designed yacht chopped just under 9 hours off the record set by Ross Field on the 80-foot RF Yachting. So after all that excitement it was time for us to prepare Halcyon for our West Country charters despite some rather strong winds hence me sitting here in the shelter of the deckhouse and writing this. Our next plan is to depart Cowes on Thursday 16 August and head to Dartmouth to collect our guests and from there, their wish is Halcyon’s command…..within reason of course. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=32 Halcyon Yacht Charters Mon, 13 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT What an extaordinary week it has been. Fine companions, excellent skipper and cook, and a spledid boat consuming red diesel. Learned a lot about tweakers and kickers. It is a recipe for success for ULOT in the Sydney to Hobart! http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=33 Halcyon Yacht Charters Sun, 5 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT After a tremendous passage down from Stavanger to Cowes, 650nm in 79 hours and 50 minutes. Old Haly enjoyed powering through force 6 plus (30+ knots) and rough seas, but the sun came out as we went past the white cliffs and stayed for 3 days to the start of Cowes week. A great week, great crew, great food. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=34 Halcyon Yacht Charters Sun, 5 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT I loved having the opportunity to share in this unique adventure with special friends and a wonderful host. Great compliments to Annette, Rob and Andre for their professional and personal touch - it was very much respected and appreciated. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=31 Halcyon Yacht Charters Sat, 4 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT Halcyon Days. Halcyon Nights. Halcyon friends to endure The Halcyon bond we share From Stavanger to Cowes we stormed Then the 'U lot Team' was formed! http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=32 Halcyon Yacht Charters Sat, 4 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT Peter Rear jumps aboard the newly refurbished Halcyon Yacht Recovering from my experience on XSMG’s monstrous XSR48 powerboat, I needed to get over my newfound fear of boating. What should fall through the letterbox the following week but an invitation for a few days on a luxury 80ft Bermudan yacht; that should do the trick. To put you in the picture; only 40cm of the XSR48 sits in the water at its cruising speed of 60mph, two thunderous engines generate a massive 2000bhp and safety harnesses hold you in at its teeth grinding top speed of 109mph. My cure for this was to be a vessel likened to the Orient Express, fashioned by timeless luxury, and the perfect way to see one of the UK’s most outstanding areas of natural beauty. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park was to be the venue and Halcyon the boat. To see the rest of this great article on Halcyon please click on the link below: http://www.lussoluxury.com/content.asp/read-130072007130432/Peter_Rear_jumps_aboard_the_newly_refurbished_Halcyon_Yacht_.html http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/news.php?id=17 Halcyon Yacht Charters Wed, 1 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT Wow - the last week has been brilliant, The boat is extraordinary and the crew are incredible. Rob is quietly confident and you know you are in good hands. Annette keeps everything (and everyone) together) and Andres food is just gorgeous. Thank you to everyone. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=30 Halcyon Yacht Charters Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT This week we have a guest writer, Sayers Kyle, who helped us on the North Sea delivery from Inverness to Stavanger and recently on the passage from Stavanger to Cowes. Sayers formed part of a crew consisting of 9 people. 5 of this crew are planning to do the Sydney to Hobart Race at the end of this year; Halcyon being the perfect platform for them to hone their skills! This is what Sayers had to say. It was Friday mid day, I had nailed down the last few items I knew had to be finished and those three or four conversations on items that always come up on a Friday when you have somewhere else to be! I still got out of the office in time to get my flight to Stavanger. I was looking forward to seeing Andrew and the Halcyon crew again and had just a little trepidation about our voyage from Stavanger to Cowes. It would be a long passage 600+ nautical miles and the prevailing south westerlies would be against us. However offsetting that was the fact that our Sydney-Hobart team was sort of assembling to see how we got on together when keeping watches so I would see them for the first time in quite a few months. When I got into Stavanger it was a little grey and my taxi driver informed me that we would not be able to get down on to the quay side because the Stavanger food festival was on and sure enough as I strolled down the cobbled streets of “Gammle Stavanger”, the old town, I could see the charming little centre of Stavanger round the harbour, “The Vaagen” was full of tents and stalls selling food from round the world. When I had left Stavanger Halcyon was the only Classic boat in the Harbour but as I glanced up over the marquees I could see many more wooden masts. There was a classic boat festival on along side the food festival. How convenient! Anyway having spotted Halcyon’s masts I wandered over and was greeted by Glenda and Greg, my aussie friends and the inspiration for the Hobart, their son Chris and Ron from the Netherlands. We visited one of Stavanger’s oldest restaurants that night, “Straen”. It specialises in fish and also does a good line in celebratory champagne!! We cast off the next morning and weaved our way through some interesting heavy machinery, a couple of the North Sea’s largest crane vessels delivering platforms and facilities for installation in the Norwegian sector. We would see several examples later in the voyage. It was sunny and warm and very picturesque as we make our way out in light winds. As we exit the fjord into the North Sea proper the seas pick up a bit more swell as we turn left and head south west. To try to open some space so we can sail. Rob has mentioned that he has only limited diesel – I think he was teasing us? Our heading takes us down the coast and past several islands and slowly we edge away until Norway sinks below the horizon. After a few hours we all relax a little when we are able to turn off the engine and rely on the sails. The north westerly is fine for our course south through the Norwegian oil fields. Halcyon seem happy in the seas – it’s as though she was made for this. The wind is forecast to rise a little more and we had 2 reefs in the main before we left. As we passage south we settle into the watches and everyone, to various degrees, enjoys ship and platform spotting especially with the electronic help we have on board. We mostly observe but the “Green Tromsoe” is distinctly unfriendly and gets much closer than we want! Most of the traffic is oil field related. The winds remain favourable and strengthen to 20 knots, but Halcyon loves it and barrels along in moderate seas. We are making really good time. Pretty soon we pass some Danish fields and then the UK gas fields which indicates we are getting into the southern half of the north sea. The shallower water seems to bring lighter seas even though the strong wind holds up. This is well received by the team, or maybe the pills are working! First sight of blighty is some rather large buildings off the east costs, we spott sizewell power station and some of the developments on the Essex coast. Then we are in the Thames approaches and traffic picks up. The AIS system helps us get comfortable with course and speed of the various vessels. Gordon is perhaps a little alarmist when he raises Rob for one which is 17 miles away – better safe than sorry!! As we round into the Dover Straits, the white cliffs are bathed in warm sun and look splendid. The wind eases and we need to motor a bit to keep on schedule but it is a glorious day. We hear some reports of channel swimmers but they seem to be heading east and we never see them – I hope they are ok? 81 hours after we let go in Stavanger we tie up in Cowes there is a good deal of grinning and some bubble to celebrate a fine crossing. The next day we start our race training and Chris sets off to talk to Sail Logic. All is well and we do what all crews do their first night in port after a long passage . . . . . . . The next moring a little fuggled we catch the red funnel to south Hampton, meet John our instructor and reccy the boat a Reflex 38 – It is a bit Spartan after Halcyon – and it doesn’t even have any sails up yet!! We have 3 cracking days of race and general sailing, spinnaker flying and jibing, although the first day is very light winds. Then we have hot sun and good breezes. Lunches on board in Yarmouth and Portsmouth by the Warrior Museum and in amongst the war ships. On Saturday we return up the Solent and weaver through the racing boats, confident in our ability to handle the 38 footer. It is the first Saturday of Cowes week and the spectacle of several hundred boats on the water in great racing conditions is world class. Each afternoon we return to the comfort of the old boat to relax and recharge our batteries. Strange how we left one festival in Norway and arrive into another in Cowes – Halcyon seems to be charmed that way. Evenings are spent browsing the quaint old streets of Cowes with great sailing shops and many restaurants all ready for the Cowes week. The marinas are full to bursting and the place is just spilling over with people who want to be on the water. Water taxis chug back and forth with people getting organized for the races or just relaxing and enjoying the buzz and the atmosphere. Everyone is a sailor. Tents and music and laughter fill the gentle evening air. We enjoy a stroll past the cannons of the boat club ready for the racing tomorrow as the sun sets. Sad that tomorrow we depart for many different points but with one more happy memory to carry with us. Thank you Halcyon, Andrew, Rob, Annette and Andre, it was monumental !! http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=31 Halcyon Yacht Charters Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT An excellent week on a beautiful boat with a lovely crew. Andre's breakfasts are not to be missed - he does a superb slice of toast! Good weather meant lots of water sports, but still very cold water. Thanks very much to all the crew, and a special thanks to Andrew the owner. Its great to see a boat with such a history in sail, but a real privilage to be involved. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=27 Halcyon Yacht Charters Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT What a superb week and what a great crew. I have learnt four valuable lessons 1) Always compliment the cook (sorry, Chef!) at key times 2) Trust Annette when she says gently roll forward whilst water skiing no matter how strange it seems. 3) Do not go out on the slider without heavy protection when Rob is driving 4) Never, never trust Andrew when he says the water is lovely and warm. I couldn't have asked for a better holiday, thanks to all. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=28 Halcyon Yacht Charters Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT Echo the previous comments. Fantastic food, stunning scenery, great watersportsand a special vessel. Thanks to Robert Annette and Andre for co-ercing me into the water, it really isnt as cold as it looks! Have had a great week with just the right amount of everything. Thank you! http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=29 Halcyon Yacht Charters Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT Absolutely tremendous week. Wonderful sailing, scenery and sports. Thank you to Rob and Annette for being a fantastic crew and to Andre for gorgeous crew. Looking forward to coming again soon! http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=26 Halcyon Yacht Charters Tue, 24 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT This week Halcyon has entertained Harald Vabo the CEO of Revus Energy, the oil company that Andrew is Chairman of. Harald was accompanied by his lovely wife Siri and daughter Trine and his friends Atler and Anna with their children Aadne and Karen. We entered new Fjord territory for me and headed North which was exciting. Unfortunately the rain was still with us but on our first day we had 16 knots of breeze, so we had 4 sails up and had a cracking sail, although I will say the sea was slightly rougher than I had got used to in the Fjords. That day we clocked a top speed (SOG) of 10.4 knots, very respectable. That evening we anchored in a nice bay called Tonnesunddet on the island of Krkjoey, and had a very special guest join us for evening dinner; Harald’s mother, and later on one of his sisters and brother-in-law. The following day we headed further North to the next main town after Stavanger, which is Haugesund. We had a tough beat into the wind and some swell but arrived in high spirits. Unfortunately, although we had called the harbour master ahead of time, I don’t think he was quite prepared for us so sadly we couldn’t come alongside in the town centre, however he did find us a lovely spot on the old fish processing docks (just for the halibut!) After a quick explore around town in the morning we set off for a little place called Auklandshamn about 15nm Northwest of Haugesund; a nice tucked away place with a long tradition as a fishing port. Unfortunately due to the way things are nowadays this industry has all but faded away. We were greeted with a speedboat coming hurtling towards us which turned out to be a friend of Haralds, called Kjel, beckoning us to come alongside their pontoon, so we took them up on their offer. I have a feeling their little pontoon had never accommodated such a large vessel, but it did so with ease. We had a very warm welcome and all the guests hopped to shore for a champagne reception! In the meantime we put the boat to bed, got the fire lit and Andre busied himself in the galley and cooked up one of his usual sumptuous feasts. After dinner it was decided that wakeboarding, skiing and general messing about on the water (at speed!) was in order. I think everyone slept very soundly that night. The next morning Kjel kindly gave the crew and I a guided tour of his house, built in the 1800’s by his Great Grandfather who started the town and the fishing business there. The type of fishing they undertook is not very PC nowadays, but they used to whale hunt, being away from home for months at a time, going as far South as the Falkland Islands and offloading their catches onto larger processing vessels. A remarkable journey to undertake once, let alone time after time. On Tuesday we headed North to a town call Bekkjarvik, a comparatively large town (for this part of the world) with a similar fishing history, specialising in herring. The town still maintains its heritage, however the small herring fishing boats have now been replaced by very large ocean going fishing vessels. On entering the harbour we were greeted with the most unusual site on the quayside, five camels grazing on some grass….the circus was in town! Kjel’s brother-in-law had been forewarned of our arrival and had cleared the quayside for us; a very important man in town who seemed to own most of it, along with the fishing vessels. We spent a nice night alongside, and awoke to see that the circus had packed up and left town. Next stop was an island called Espevaer. A quick sail got us there in good time with a max SOG of 10.5 knots. We managed to find a space alongside the quay and the guests stretched their legs and walked around the island. Provisioning was for once very easy as the shop was right on the quay so Andre could re-provision without one of the supermarket shopping trolleys for a change which I would like to add he naturally always returns. We stopped here overnight and after refuelling and filling up with water we began our trip back down South towards Stavanger. We decided to break up the journey home by stopping in Kvitsoey for the night. The day provided another fresh breeze which enabled a good broad reach all the way. Kvitsoey is a very pretty little town and very typically Norwegian. The guests were run ashore for a look around while Andre prepared their final Halcyon dinner of Sumac duck with Lyonnaise potatoes. Following dinner and with a clear blue sky (although the breeze was fresh) the girls were determined to go swimming and much to my surprise they actually did, although it was rather a jump in and jump out, than a swim. Still they were braver than I would have been. We had a good sound anchorage so stayed here for the night. Everyone was up bright and early the next morning for our 8am departure for Stavanger and at last the sun was shining – it was a glorious morning. Sadly our guests were to depart in Stavanger but once again their Halcyon experience was not overshadowed by a bit of Fjord rain. Another very good time was had by all. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=30 Halcyon Yacht Charters Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT This has been an amazing week for us, and we are going to remember it for the rest of our lives. The food was excellent and the crew was terrific. Hope to see you again next year. Thank you! http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=25 Halcyon Yacht Charters Fri, 20 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT It was tempting fate I suppose to start a charter on Friday 13th an unlucky day in two ways, firstly due to the date and secondly due to the fact it is historically unlucky to start a sea voyage on a Friday. Our American guests joined us on the Friday, and almost immediately the rain set in and decided to stay with us for the whole week. Added to that our guests luggage had been lost in transit, so they turned up with their hand luggage, what they were wearing, and big smiles on their faces; they weren’t going to let a little rain and a handling error detract from having a good time on board Halcyon. They were a lovely family from Chesapeake, Leander and Stephanie with the delightful children Emma, Leander and Anna. They also bought Halcyon a lovely traditional London Bus t-pot which took pride of place in the saloon. Despite a slightly wet week their spirits remained high as they enthused and immersed themselves in life aboard Halcyon and generally enjoying spending time together as a family in the beautiful setting of the Fjords. We departed Stavanger on Saturday and headed to Lysefjorden under sail. We made a brave attempt in some pretty fickle winds until the rain came in, the wind died and on went the motor. However, as we entered Lysefjorden the rain cleared and it certainly didn’t fail the ‘wow’ factor. The fjord looked stunning, with the low lying mist covered mountain tops adding that extra dimension. We anchored overnight for dinner and once everything was cleared away and the guests were full and cosy watching a DVD I took the crew wakeboarding. Both Annette and I were determined Andre was going to crack this skill as he’d had a bit of trouble getting up and then ‘Eureka!’, on this still evening he managed to get up and was (annoyingly) looking like a natural pretty quickly. What a breakthrough! The next day we headed, under mizzen and staysail (in the rain!) to an anchorage off the island of Sjernaroey where we spent a very peaceful night. A new day brought….you guessed it more rain, and we headed for Sand, stopping on the way for lunch at a striking anchorage in a bay off the island of Ottoeynna. Once alongside in Sand, the guests got a chance to stretch their legs and see what a sprawling metropolis a town of 1300 people has to offer in Norway. After a little investigation at the tourist office in Sand the guests returned to the boat full of gusto and laden down with brochures and pamphlets. The itinerary for that day was to head down Hylsfjorden, which has to have one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the fjords that we have seen so far, providing an excellent photo opportunity for all (see the gallery). We motored almost right to the end of this Fjord and the silence was almost deafening. We decided to savour this for the night, so I found a spot under a waterfall, and we dropped the anchor and Annette and Andre rigged a couple of stern lines to rocks ashore using the rib. The rain had stopped for a while and our guests enjoyed a glass of red wine on deck and took in the scenery and stillness. Leander (junior) and I did a spot of fishing and managed to catch a few respectable sized mackerel. As evening set in the anchor unfortunately dragged, and we were encouraged to head back down the fjord to an anchorage called Gardvika. The following day we headed to another stunning anchorage at Vatlandsvaagen and our guests ventured ashore for a walk up to the nearby lake. It was then homeward bound via Finnoey and Hidle where our guests decided to savour and enjoy the delights of Flor Fjaere to bring there time aboard Halcyon to a close http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=29 Halcyon Yacht Charters Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT What a privilage to be aboard. Rain, rain and more rain did not dampen our enthusiasm. And a big thank you to Robert, Annet and Andrea kind and gracious crew. Thank you for creative moorings in remote fjords - waterfalls and good food will remain in our memories through long winter days - a beautiful boat! http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=24 Halcyon Yacht Charters Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT Words are not enough. Excellent company, superb food, fine sailing. A wonderful experience. Thank you. We have been treated like Royalty! http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=23 Halcyon Yacht Charters Fri, 6 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT We’ve just completed our first week’s charter out of Stavanger in Norway and I’ve managed to steel a few minutes in between getting Halcyon ready to receive our new guests to write this log. I do feel for everyone back in the UK at the moment as we’ve heard how dreadful the weather has been. Although we have had mixed weather with some very hot sun and very wet rain, today it is very overcast and wet so I can relate to how you must all be feeling. However, we have just completed a fantastic week with Andrew and his two brothers, Ron and Robert and their lovely wives Gill and Jane and Andrew’s sister Jean. Apparently it was the first time they have all holidayed together since 1962 and we’ve been informed they all had a wonderful time and enjoyed Halcyon to the full. We departed Stavanger last Saturday while it was in the midst of the International Beach Volley Ball championship finals. The Quay was packed with supporters to the teams representing countries all around the world. We headed to Lysefjorden which I have to say is one of my favourites so far. The colour of the water against the silver rock which climbs 600metres or more is just stunning. We also discovered a plunge pool towards the base of a waterfall which Andrew couldn’t resist to swim in. We found the perfect spot to drop anchor and Andre did his usual miracle work in the galley. Andrew was up bright and early the following morning for his swim around the boat and the day’s activities started. The clinker was out, the canoe was inflated and the fishing rod was over the side. Meanwhile the ladies got to catch up while sipping freshly brewed coffee on deck. The water was like a mirror and as a result provided the perfect platform for a spot of wakeboarding which Annette and I rose to. After an action packed morning we headed off on our Fjord adventure which took in Hoegsfjorden and Sandsfjorden where our guests all visited the Salmon and Trout observatory. From there we headed South to an anchorage off the island of Tjul where we stayed overnight. I’m sure you are all keen to know of some of the delights that are prepared in Halcyon’s modest sized galley. This particular week, Andre’s menu’s included: Comfit of Duck with Plum and Ginger Jam, Corn-fed Chicken Breast with Wilted Spinach and Asparagus served with cornichon Creamed Mash Potato, Pressed Belly of Pork with Fennel and Cumin spice, Courgette, Red Pepper and Parmesan Veal wrapped in Proscuitto with Palenta. It’s making me salivate just writing it! The week came to an end far too quickly but the last day saw a good 8 knot breeze which allowed us to fly all 5 sails much to Andrew’s sheer delight. I also used the opportunity of a steady light breeze to take a trip up the main mast whilst under sail to take a few pictures which I will post in due course in the gallery section of the website. We were heading to Hidle where the guests very kindly treated Annette and Andre to dinner at the islands Flor Fjaere restaurant (http://www.florogfjare.no/en.info.html). This is a particularly special place where you can enjoy some stunning gardens with palm trees and exotic plants while enjoying tranquillity, bright colours together with savouring delicious food made from the best of local produce. In case you wondered where I was, I delegated myself to stay aboard Halcyon to ensure she stayed peacefully at anchor while enjoying another stunning Fjord sunset. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=28 Halcyon Yacht Charters Fri, 6 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT 5 page article featured in Classic Boat magazine – July 2007 Halcyon’s Days Built for a captain of industry and sailed by a sea school in Tall Ships races, Halcyon is reborn as a luxury charter yacht and heading for Norway. Peter Willis went for a sail Getting the hang of a boat is often made easier if you can fine some specific, significant detail to focus on and, so to speak, work out from. Halcyon, being a large boat with a long varied history offers a wide choice. But let’s start with the green-and-black marbled slab behind the stove in the saloon. It’s one of the most recent installations, as is the stove itself. It was chosen with care by Halcyons present owner, Andrew Armour, and is, he tells me “400 million year old piece of Kirkstone slate from the Lake District”. Andrew would know this sort of thing – he’s a geophysicist (he made his money in oil exploration in Norway). As we set sail out of Milford Haven he points out the various cliffs and rock formations and describes, graphically and fascinatingly, the tectonic movements and continental collisions that created them and the sea-bed beneath us. But there seems a curious logic at work when, later on, we look up at the night sky and he admits, “I’m not all that good on stars.” Andrew bought Halcyon about 18 months ago, the result, he says, of “a secret lust for a big boat as a business venture – a Med-style luxury charter yacht, but for the Celtic Sea, West coast of Scotland, and Norway”. There are, of course, existing charter operations in that area – particularly the West coast – but, observes Andrew, “They’re based on ex-working boats, or replicas of them, not a gentlemans yacht’.” Halcyon is that alright: 95 foot long (28.9m) and 85 tons, she was built in 1929 for Sir Samuel Turner, the industrialist who founded Turner & Newall Andrew’s search began in late 2005. Broker Peter Gregson of Wooden Ships took him first to look at Mascotte, the Bristol Channel pilot cutter – “great but not right for me”. Then Peter took him to Gloucester to look at a couple of boats. One was the unfortunate Johanna Lucretia. The other was Halcyon, and it was love at first sight. “She was tired, sad, dingy, a bit damp – in fact she was a bit of a mess. But I could see through all that.” Thus Andrew, whose current ‘other boat’ is a 24ft (7.3m) Cornish Crabber, and who started sailing in the Lake District at the age of 10, with an open canoe to which he added a sail, became the owner of Halcyon. Her previous owner turned out to be David Fletcher, who set up the Atlantic Challenge gig races. He’d had her for 13 years, having brought her from a Welsh Farmer, who’d got her from an Australian adventurer (“he imported bulldozers into Australia as spare parts to avoid the import duty on complete bulldozers”) who had seen her for sale in Calshot, around 1988, by the Warsash School Of Navigation. “He picked her up for a song - £35,000. It’s said that there was a huge row, and someone lost there job over it – she’d been refixed the year before for £30,000 – but the contract was signed.” Halcyon had been bought by the school (from Mme. Renault, of the French car family) 30 years previously as a ‘temporary’ replacement for the Moyana, which sunk off the Scilly Isles following the first Tall Ships Race in 1957. The school interpreted ‘navigation’ very broadly; it included seamanship and what would now be called ‘the social skills required to live together in a confined environment’. So Halcyon would go cruising, ot take part in Tall Ships races, with a dozen cadets, stacked in pipecots three deep in the fo’c’s’le, plus two senior cadets in the lazarette, plus a master, first, second and third mates and a bo’sun distributed between two existing, and surviving, cabins and the saloon, which was converted into two further cabins. “We’re constantly being hailed by chaps who come up and say ‘I used to sail on her in 19-whatever,’” says Andrew. The name Halcyon – it’s the Greek for kingfisher – was chosen by Sir Samuel to commemorate the St Ives fishing boat of that name in which he was taught to sail by fisherman Dan Paynter. He subsequently bought the boat and re-presented her to Dan as a wedding gift, renaming her Mamie, after Dan’s bride, and keeping the name Halcyon for his new boat. Built by JI Thornycroft, Southampton, in teak on oak, Halcyon was described by The Yachtsman and Motorboating, 31 August 1929, as “A wholesome and comfortable type of seagoing yacht”. Her refit last year at Tommi Nielsen’s Gloucester Docks yard revealed the hull to be in remarkably sound condition. “The timbers were wonderfully solid — none had to be replaced,” says Andrew. They did discover, in the course of surveying her, that at some stage an additional 4in (10cm) of lead had been added to the keel. The engine was lifted out and the aft floors repaired — the others had been done by David Fletcher — before pitch was poured into the bilges to create a straight run across the frames. A new engine, a Perkins l3Ohp diesel, was installed. The hull was re-sheathed in copper sheeting. “They took the old copper off,” explains Andrew in admiration of the yard’s work, “and plugged 60,000 nail holes. Then they put the new sheets on, with another 50,000 nails. It’s what they do!” The deck, teak on ply, appeared sound and indeed was, but a warning signal was given when one of the deck beams fell on the heads of two of the yard’s shipwrights. The cause proved to be non-bronze screws, used, presumably during her 1964 restoration, to fix the subdeck to the beams. Other beams were similarly affected, though to a much smaller extent — just small areas of rot around screws. The choices on offer were either a new deck (six-figure sum) or, for a lot less, Richard Ayers, Halcyon’s surveyor, proposed saving the existing planks and subdeck, fixing them with new bronze screws and plugging them (the deck never previously had plugs — it was all secretly nailed to the frames). Richard also recommended pulling both the masts — again they were found to be generally OK, apart from a little rot around the mizzen. The masts and spars were stripped down and re-varnished, and the metal fittings re-galvanised and repainted. The standing rigging was replaced in new galvanised wire and all the running rigging and wooden blocks were also replaced. The original hydraulic windlass was re-galvanised and restored. When the time came to re-step the mainmast, a little ceremony was arranged at Nielsen’s and for good luck Andrew placed a 1929 sovereign under its heel (CB223). Halcyon still has her original 12ft sailing dinghy, restored and carried on deck, with the original davits; she’s also equipped with a modern and practical RIB. Other equipment includes a new generator, new navigation systems and new electrical and plumbing systems (“We plugged all the skin-fitting holes, 26 of them, and put in 13 new ones - we can’t get it down to fewer than that.”). There also a blown-air central heating system - “If we’d been going to the Med, we’d have opted for air-conditioning, but we’re going north.” The galley has a new electric hob and oven (no gas on board) plus an ice maker, Miele washing machine and tumble dryer and a water maker. The original Burma teak panelling in the cabins and saloon was retained and refurbished. In the saloon, a hanging locker has been removed to improve its proportions. This is, in effect, the heart of the ship, a spacious, airy room with its glass skylight - and cosy at night when we get the stove lit. An eight-seater dining table barely obtrudes, occupying a benched alcove of its own. The table is a fun toy, too — it can be slid forward or aft to improve access to the benches, and its pedestals incorporate a gimballing mechanism so that it can be levelled when the ship is heeling. Andrew also proudly draws attention to the glass cupboard, elaborately fiddled to protect its contents, and to the widescreen entertainment system, concealed behind a teak panel. On a shelf behind the table is a fine chrome clock and barometer, which was presented to Sir Samuel by his colleagues in 1937. It was returned to Halcyon by his grandson, Christopher Bateman, who presented it to Andrew at the mast- stepping ceremony. Immediately forward of the saloon is the galley, domain of André Daniels, the ship’s chef. This part of the ship also contains crew’s quarters, right in the forepeak, with its own heads and shower, plus two new twin guest cabins, also teak-panelled, which have their own heads and shower. Abaft the saloon, off the short stretch of corridor leading to the companionway are two en suite cabins - master’s (double) to starboard and VIP (twin-berth) to port. Ascending the companionway, we come up into the deck house, a comfortable spot for out-of-the-wind relaxing on its upholstered benches. At its forward end is the original chart-table, now more of an electronic nav station. Old photos show the deckhouse has been remodelled from time to time, at one stage having side doors. Now the doors face aft, connecting conveniently to the steering position. The ship’s wheel and an array of instrument displays are ranged around or within a small declivity in the deck, not really big enough to qualify for the name of cockpit. Nearby, on the afterdeck, Andrew points out a couple more examples of Tommi’s (or his staff’s) handiwork: the rebuilt hatch leading to the skipper’s quarters - and a circular cover for the lazarette. He’s full of praise for the attention to detail displayed by the yard, and its resourcefulness. “Tommi noticed these glass lampshades in the deckhouse, very vulnerable and prone to getting broken. He took a mould and cast a set in acrylic. And there were the original washbasins - they were cracked and I was looking to get them replaced, but Sarah at the yard knew somewhere and sent them away to be re-enamelled.” Clearly, Andrew and Tommi are two of a kind, with a near-obsessive attention to detail. Notice the chairbacks in the saloon, with the Halcyon name and kingfisher logo carved into them, echoed on the linen and towels. It all reinforces the effect of being aboard a five-star boutique hotel. This, though, is a hotel that heels and lists, though not very much, most of the time. Being a big boat - it’s easy to forget, but she’s as long as a Thames barge - she’s steady and stable. The sensation of sailing is softened by her size; she can thrash, for sure, but a careful management of the sail plan will keep things within the comfort zone of most charter clients. We did, incidentally, ask if there were photographs of Halcyon with full sail set but it turned out there were not. Being a ketch, her rig offers a selection of sail plans to suit most conditions without hoisting every rag. And Halcyon, by deliberate choice, has very little in the way of mechanical assistance for managing sails. When we hoisted the main, everyone on board, including chef and owner, was called on to sweat and tail the halyard. Halcyon’s charter publicity advertises the option of being hands-off, but it’s to be hoped that at least some of the charter party want to be hands-on. Otherwise they’ll be missing out on a major part of the experience, and the boat will be doing a lot of motoring. Robert Hickman and Annette Corder constitute the permanent crew. Both ex UKSA, they were recruited early on in the refit — “Good oil industry principle,” says Andrew, “get the ops crew involved in building the platform.” Robert has already been researching Halcyon’s history. They make a good team, effortlessly bridging the navigational and hospitality roles, he skipper, she pretty much everything else apart from cook, a role fulfilled, at gourmet level, by André, the chef. We headed out from the dock, one of André’s mouth-watering mega-sandwiches served on deck to keep us going, and made our way down the beautiful Milford Haven waterway, and out to sea. Just a short, afternoon jaunt, out to the offshore island of Skokholm, famous for its birds, and back, but enough to revel in the purposeful, striding motion of this big yacht, and to get a feel for the idea of her heading up beyond Scotland, past the Shetlands and on across the North Sea towards the fjords of Norway. It promises to be a magnificent adventure, and Halcyon, with her beautiful but at the same time no-nonsense lines seems just the boat for it. We’ve decided to spend the night at anchor, and pick a sheltered spot near Dale. It’s beautiful, and deserted. A sense of utter peace and wellbeing descends, which in due course is enhanced by an exquisite three-course dinner from André, and a few bottles of wine; and, as there’s still a nip in the evening air, a chance to bask in the warmth of the stove. I sleep in the VIP suite, on a broad bunk, beneath a soft cloud of duvet, and wake to a sense of motion and the muffled thrum of the engine. We’re on our way up the Haven in search of diesel. Ironically enough, considering Andrew’s background and the fact that we’re in the UK’s main oil-terminal port (not that it obtrudes much on the scenery) this is proving hard to find. Halcyon is simply too big for the fuel pontoon in the dock. The option of ordering a delivery by (road) tanker has been considered — she can take 1,300 litres - but they pump it under pressure, and her filler-pipe is too small to cope. Andrew’s phoned around and has tracked down a supplier, Dale Sailing, at Neyland. So we’re enjoying a 7-mile chug up the waterway in the low, early morning sunlight. André is dispatched to make some bacon butties, which inevitably arrive just as we dock at the fuel pontoon. There’s much greeting and shaking of hands — we might almost be in France. Andrew knows this area well and there’s inevitably much interest in Halcyon. Once we’ve finished, we cruise a little way upstream, then turn around, hoist a sail or two, and head back down towards the dock. Andrew and I find a bench on the sheltered, sunny side of the deckhouse, and chat some more about the yacht. I’m interested to know how much all this has cost. He won’t say, but he does tell me Halcyon’s insured for £1million. Can this charter business, I wonder, possibly be profitable? Andrew’s hoping it will cover the running costs, “but you can’t realistically expect to make back the capital costs. They just remain tied-up in the boat until such time as you decide to sell her.” I get the impression that won’t be too soon. Andrew is clearly in love with his new boat, and for him, I think, chartering is less about her earning her keep, more a way of sharing his delight in her. This year, he plans to accompany her on her cruise to Norway. She will also be fitting in short breaks and corporate daysails, and will be at Cowes Week, where I daresay she’ll turn a few heads. The halcyon, incidentally, turns out to be a bird that was fabled to breed in a nest floating on the sea at the time of the winter solstice and had the power to calm the wind and waves. ‘Halcyon days’ therefore are calm, quiet, peaceful, undisturbed. All I can say is, mine certainly were. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/news.php?id=16 Halcyon Yacht Charters Sun, 1 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT This week the Captains Log has kindly been written by Dr. Andrew Armour, the proud owner of Halcyon. Our trip across the North Sea to Stavanger was going to be one of the high spots of Halcyon’s summer schedule, a 360 mile crossing from the end of Telford’s great Caledonian Canal at Inverness, out through the Moray Firth and Central North Sea oilfields to Stavanger. On Friday and Saturday we assembled our crew of stout hearted sailors in Inverness. The passage crew consisted of the ever present Robert, Annette and Andre of course, plus Sayers, Ray, Neville, and Mike, most of whom had sailed with me before, but only on my much smaller vessel ‘Little Triton’. This was to be a big adventure for us all. Saturday dawned grey, blousy and a bit wet but the forecast was for improving weather so we slipped our lines from the lock basin at Muirtown and after some difficulty getting off the wall in the Sea Lock passed out into the Beauly Firth and rode the tide to pass beneath Kessock Bridge. We had checked that or 25 meter mast would pass beneath the new suspension bridge across the Firth at 27.4 meters but it always looks very close when you actually do it! We fought a stiff North Easterly Force 5 out of the shallows to enable us to anchor up in a sheltered part of the Moray Firth and wait for the promised amelioration of the weather. Our anchorage in Fortrose Bay was to give us a spectacular wind against tide competition. Halcyon rode around her anchor in a major and completely repeatable pirouette. For three hours she described accurate, if a little squashed, figures of eight around her obviously well set anchor. By the time the wind abated slightly in the early evening of Saturday, the tide had set with the wind so we had to fight both tide and wind out of the funnel of the Inner Moray Firth to escape for our crossing. Not very nice! At 9 pm on Saturday 16th June a couple of Moray Firth dolphins greeted us as we passed through Chanonry narrows and we set off on our long beat to windward. It was set to be a long passage and tiring passage. Rob set up our watch system. With our strong crew we could manage a two hours on and five hours off watch system. This was quiet luxurious and allowed us plenty of time to get over the wet and cold after each two hour stint. Wind hard from the North East was forecast for much of the voyage, dying towards the end and finally coming round to the Northwest and this indeed proved to be the case, although the wind had more North than East in it. Our progress out of the Moray Firth was punctuated by our passage through the oilfields. Captain, Buzzard, Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, Buchan, Alba, Britannia, Balmoral, Andrew, Sleipner, fields that some of us have worked upon, all gradually appeared and passed astern. It was as if there was a buoyed channel pointing us to Stavanger. We chatted on the VHF with a passing seismic vessel, the Sea Profiler, which was sailing round in what seemed like circles but was in fact a 3D survey, ahead of us, and he confirmed that our radar echo was strong and clear at 5 nautical miles. It was reassuring to know that our SeaMe radar enhancer was working to improve our radar cross section; wooden ships themselves are poor radar targets. The Sea Profiler wanted to know how we knew her name at 10 miles range when we spoke to her. The answer is that our AIS, or Automatic Identification System, receiver was telling us the name, location, course and speed of all the commercial traffic in the North Sea (not that we had a very good pair of binoculars as one crew member suggested!). An extremely useful tool for the navigator! Sunday and Monday came and went in a seemingly endless round of cups of tea and coffee and good plain food. Andre was excused his usual gourmet duties and reverted to providing comfort meals for the crew standing their two hour watches and then getting some downtime in their bunks or recovering from various grades of the dreaded Mal de Mer. The nights never got really dark, as Midsummer sunset is around 10.15 at these latitudes and it dips just below the horizon and comes up again before 4 am. The twilight never really leaves the horizon invisible for instance and only the brightest of stars can be seen. At the start of our trip, with strong headwinds and confused rolling seas in which Halcyon pitched and rolled horribly I sometimes asked myself why I wasn’t flying to Stavanger as usual but when Tuesday dawned clear bright and with calm seas and 10 knots of wind from the starboard quarter I knew why I chose to arrive ‘Halcyon style’. She was flying along at 8 knots, admittedly still with the push of the motor, in a sparkling blue sea and without a cloud in sight. The coast of Norway emerged over the horizon, first the small but tall island of Hastein in the Skjaergard off Tananger, then more and more of the offshore islands which guard the coast, the radio masts on Kvitsoy and the higher mountains inland. We rounded Tungenes Fyr Lighthouse at around midday on the Tuesday morning, downed the sails and motored in the last mile past a Revus office who had turned out in force and waving their Norwegian flags to greet us. We then had an hour or so on the phone to negotiate a berth with the Stavanger Harbourmaster. It had been impossible to book a berth ahead and they were dealing with two great cruise ships that day but eventually, with Harald’s (CEO, Revus) highly effective assistance and encouragement, they found us a clear berth astern of Oceana and right in front of the harbourmaster’s office. A terrific berth at the end of a terrific and triumphant crossing. That evening we did what most sailors do after arriving in a new port and having been deprived of land and booze for a few days, we set out to “rehydrate” ourselves. Skagen restaurant and Hansen’s Hjorner on the quayside assisted nobly in this effort and even the cruise ships conveniently left so that we could sit in the sunshine, sip beer and watch Halcyon until the sun went down at around 11.30 Stavanger time. A very satisfying end to a beautiful day. The following day the crew departed for their flights home, except one who left for “meetings in Oslo” as soon as his feet touched the shore. I would like to say a big thank you to them all, they who provided the companionship and thoroughly reassuring watchfulness that allowed us to make such a good passage. The total distance run was about 360 miles and our 64 hours passage time means that we nearly averaged 6 knots. We motor sailed the whole way of course, we did have appointments to keep in Stavanger on the Wednesday and we all wanted to get to this fine city, some for the first time and some for a return to familiar surroundings. Stavanger is playing host to a suite of events this summer, the great Cunarders, QE2 and QM2 are here now (these liners really do look like ships, unlike some of the mobile blocks of flats that sometimes come in), the sand volleyball world tour is here (that’s a whole other story of course) and Queen Sonja of Norway will celebrate her 70th birthday here on 4th July. It seems the British Royal family will be here too so we will have to see what contribution the Armour clan can make when they are here that week! http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=27 Halcyon Yacht Charters Fri, 22 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT I saw Halcyon many years ago in Milford docks and wanted to sail on her. Many thanks for making a dream come true. Wonderful! http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=22 Halcyon Yacht Charters Wed, 20 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT A fantastic experience. A wonderful boat; a super crew and a memorable voyage. Thanks for a fantastic time. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=20 Halcyon Yacht Charters Tue, 19 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT A FINE adventure. Tough start to the North Sea crossing, but a truely marvellous arrival in Stavanger. The boat relished the trip. A great experience with a great team. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=21 Halcyon Yacht Charters Tue, 19 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT Lovely boat, fire, crew, great company, glorious scenery, tasty food - what more could one want. Many thanks! http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=19 Halcyon Yacht Charters Sat, 16 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT For anyone who hasn’t done the Caledonian Canal trip you really must put it on your ‘to do’ list. I know I would probably be a bit biased but there can’t be a better way to explore the 35km of canal and 62km of Lochs through the Great Glen than on board Halcyon. That way in addition to taking in the views along the canal you can also do some of the many walks taking in the canal’s cultural and historic interests and meet the boat later on along the canal. It really did live up to its expectations as being one of Europe’s most fascinating waterways. Halcyon as always attracted a lot of attention while waiting in the locks and while cruising along the canals and lochs. We were regularly told she is the prettiest boat any of the Lock Keepers had seen during their tenure. The trip began with Andrew and his wife Jan joining us in Oban for the short trip up to Fort William. It was odd coming into Fort William and seeing civilisation again after experiencing some of the most breathtaking scenery I could ever have imagined up the West Coast of Scotland with not a vehicle or sign of habitation. With Ben Nevis as the backdrop (still with smatterings of snow), Andrew’s guests – Jean and Andrew, Janet and Andrew, (a lot of Andrew’s and ladies names beginning with J!) joined us in Fort William on the Sunday around dinner time all of whom were very excited and raring to go. We checked into the British Waterways lock office and collected our key which gives us admission to all the facilities should we need them and a regular top up of water. We were booked for Neptune’s Staircase at 10.30am on Sunday morning which raises the canal 19m through a flight of 8 locks. This was done effortlessly and with ease with a combination of very helpful and friendly lock staff and by our very keen and eager shore party who walked the lines up through each lock. Our canal trip had begun. There were no sails just the gentle hum of Halcyon’s engine cruising along the quiet canal while she took in the compliments from the tow path ramblers. Our first anchorage was in Loch Lochy at Achnacarry Bay for dinner and an overnight stay. It was a lovely sunny afternoon and the guests enjoyed joy rides in the jet rib with Andrew at the helm and the inflatable canoe. We were also blessed with a sighting of a nesting Peregrine Falcon who gave us a show as he chased away a heron. And if that wasn’t enough they jumped at my offer to hoist them up the mast! So all the Andrews and Jean were hoisted up for a photo opportunity – not all at once of course. The next day we departed for Laggan Locks which was the site of the ‘Battle of the Shirts’ between the Clans, Fraser and McDonnel in 1544, and berthed alongside for lunch. Filled water tanks. Then on through Loch Oich. Andrew, Jan and their guests got off here to do the walk to Collochy Lock where we were waiting for them to rendezvous with Halcyon. It was then a stop at St Augustus which is a bustling village with a flight of 5 locks at its heart. These locks signified a turning point in the journey, they were the first locks to take us down. Andre managed to stock up with some provisions from the local butchers and delicatessen while the guests did a bit of memorabilia shopping. We stayed here overnight and after some local Fish n Chips for lunch the next day, we headed for Loch Ness. Jan and Jean got off to walk around Loch Ness - I think they were Nessie spotting - and Annette skilfully collected them by rib at Invermoriston. We then proceeded up to Urquhart Bay for dinner and to anchor over night. I managed to convince Annette that the water temperature was warmer than in Loch Spelve and she fell for it and went wake boarding at 9pm after dinner in 11 degree water. I have to say I don’t know how she did it, just driving the rib and watching her sent a shiver down my back. But there was no lasting damage, well nothing a hot shower on board couldn’t solve. The next morning the guests went ashore to visit Urquhart Castle ruins and to meet up with Ray Dafter who was joining us for the North Sea crossing. The wind was pretty strong on Loch Ness kicking up a bit of a chop and Annette’s RIB driving skills were tested to the limit and the RIB soon became a bit of a bath tub! This unfortunately led to Ray getting a rather wet welcome on board Halcyon but this didn’t seem to dampen his enthusiasm. Apologies from Annette once again for that wet ride Ray, but I think he enjoyed it really. We departed our anchorage at around 14.15pm and were treated to some spectacular low level flying from the Royal Air Force in Tornados and Hawks down Loch Ness, we seem to attract them all! To complete our trip through Loch Ness we headed North East and on to Muirtown Loch where we stayed overnight and prepared for the final flight down of locks to Seaport Marina and back towards sea level. The week went so quickly and I could have quite easily turned around and done it all over again, but there wasn’t time in Halcyons packed schedule. It was time to prepare Halcyon for the next stage in her adventure across the North Sea to Stavanger, Norway for a month of charters. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=26 Halcyon Yacht Charters Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT What did I think this trip would be like? An adventure? Well it has been that and much more - every minute something is happening, beautiful scenes, Lochs, watching the crew getting on with their roles. Wonderful exciting trip - and the whole crew were fantastic including delicious inspiring food. Thank you very much! http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=18 Halcyon Yacht Charters Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT Thank you for all your attention and fun. I have really enjoyed meeting you and getting to know Halcyon. Really hope next years itinerary includes more of Scotland http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=17 Halcyon Yacht Charters Fri, 8 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT Our sincere thanks and highest appreciation for Skipper Rob, his lovely first mate Annette and the unsurpassable master of the galley - Andre. New friends one and all. We'll be back whenever Halcyon is in the Scottish Isles! http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=16 Halcyon Yacht Charters Fri, 8 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT Wow! I am completely awe struck by the sheer beauty of the Western Coast of Scotland. I have been lucky enough to have sailed in many pretty parts of the world but nothing comes close to this. I am really disappointed that we have only had a week of chartering but hopefully next year we will come back for more of Scotland’s treasures. The evenings are light until at least 11pm and when the sun comes out its really warm. I wasn’t prepared for any sun knowing that Scotland is notorious for its rain and cooler temperatures but we have had some stunning weather up here. Our 2 charter guests arrived on Saturday afternoon and we headed out of Largs to find a remote anchorage for dinner which is easy up here as they are plentiful. We settled in Kames Bay on the East side of Bute and we got the stove going to provide a little cosiness. The weather was a little threatening and just as forecast Sunday brought alot of rain. I don’t think we’ve got that wet for a long time but the scenery was still stunning and didn’t dampen our awe of this place. We headed up the East Kyles through the narrow gap at the top navigating the Burnt Islands and then down the West Kyles. We headed to Loch Tarbert got the Tender over by use of the new and very efficient winches on the davit arms and ran the guests ashore for a look around. We then headed to St Ninians Bay for dinner on the West side of Bute. It was just as we were heading into our anchorage that we spotted a number of gannets diving and sure enough there was something else in the water, a minky whale which really rounded the day off. By this time the rain had eased off and St Ninians provided tranquillity, calm and a beautiful anchorage for a quiet dinner. Monday morning we headed to circumnavigate Aran which was stunning. The sun also showed its face and I really can’t find words to describe the scenery. Lunch was had under way, the rib was launched underway too and the guests were able to take some photos of Halcyon sailing albeit in very light winds. By mid afternoon the wind filled in and we had a cracking sail round to Holy Island. As we were approaching the South Channel between Aran and Holy Island we were escorted in by two of the biggest dolphins I have ever seen. Annette and Andre were in the bow net and Annette was convinced she was riding the dolphins as they were so close. We dropped the hook near the North end of Holy Island and watched the sun set. Tuesday morning we headed back to Largs to collect our third guest who was accompanying us to Oban. During our trip up to Oban we experienced some more breathtaking scenery and anchorages. We stopped off at Campbeltown, which I was informed was where Halcyons owner, Andrew Armour’s family can be traced back to. We rounded the Mull of Kintyre catching a favourable tide up the Peninsular. We then anchored for the night in Kinuachdrach Harbour on the Island of Jura which had some of the clearest water I’ve seen in the British Isles. I could clearly see about 20 metres of anchor chain amongst the phosphorescence. On our final day we crossed the Firth of Lorn to anchor in Loch Spelve for lunch. It was a stunning day, clear blue skies and very hot. Annette even ventured in to the water and wakeboarded which encouraged Andre to try his arm at this too. Meanwhile the guests tinkered around in the inflatable canoe spotting a golden eagle with juvenile in the trees. On this afternoon we also had some low flying RAF action with a Tornado and a Hawk flying overhead. We heard him well ahead of him being in site and we all looked on in awe. I had the urge to be up there flying but as the pilot dipped his wing to us I think he would have liked to have joined us for lunch on Halcyon. We then headed to Duart Bay for dinner with the castle (which featured in the Hollywood blockbuster film ‘Entrapment’ with Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta Jones) providing the perfect back drop for Halcyon before heading into Oban where our guests departed. I am absolutely blown away with North West Scotland. Its beauty is truly heavenly. I will be disappointed to leave here but very much look forward to coming back again next season. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=25 Halcyon Yacht Charters Fri, 8 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT Thank you Halcyon for the journey. Fair winds, and a privilage to be aboard such a 78 year old. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/guestbook.php?id=15 Halcyon Yacht Charters Sat, 2 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT Well I may struggle for words on this log as I am amazed at the speed Halcyon clocked and the time it took us to get from Plymouth to Largs. On this trip we were joined by 7 strong and keen crew who wanted the experience of sailing on Halcyon up the West Coast of the UK. We had Alan, Marc, Ted, Doug (who had never sailed before but whom I think was rather hooked), Douglas, Phil and Cynthia. In addition to myself there was Annette, Andre and Tom Marsh who joined us as watch leader. We left Plymouth at around 9pm on the Monday evening and headed towards Falmouth to refuel. The weather was in our favour and although some strong winds were forecast they were all from behind and we all now know Halcyon loves the weather from behind. Tuesday was nice and we had some sunshine and managed to get all the sails up including, thanks to Tom for his assistance, the flying jib. Tuesday night brought the driving rain and force 7 winds but the crew all remained in high spirits loving the novelty of a watch system. It was during the night and on my watch that Halcyon clocked 15 knots and she was surfing the waves with a large pod of porpoises playing around her bow sprit. She absolutely loved it. I think she was just as keen as I was to get up to Scotland to appreciate its beauty. The rain eventually eased on Wednesday and we were making excellent time. The conditions continued to be in our favour although the wind abated and we arrived in Largs at 4pm on the Thursday well ahead of schedule. I think we were all pleasantly surprised as I was initially a little hesitant that the schedule was rather tight should there have been any North in the wind. We all celebrated by means of a good meal ashore in downtown Largs and then we all crashed for a good nights sleep. The delivery crew headed their different ways on Friday and I would like to once again say it was a pleasure to sail with all them and thank you for all your help. Annette, Andre and myself all hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as we did on this trip. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=24 Halcyon Yacht Charters Fri, 1 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT We had a short spell in Saxon Wharf near Halcyon’s original build shipyard. She was lifted to attend to some essential maintenance and much to our surprise and the crane drivers, she weighed in at 84 tonnes! That would explain why she carries her way on for 5 minutes before coming alongside. We left Saxon Wharf at the bottom of the tide at around 1am on Saturday morning heading for Plymouth. We had a crew member up the mast for the transition under the Itchen bridge which we made with 2 metres to clear! For this trip we were joined once again by ex Clipper crew Joe Mulvey who has apparently now succumbed to a proper office job after some deliberation back in January, and by our friends Lucy Paice and Sarah Hallett together with Hazel Wilson from the RYA. Once again we had a very strong and willing crew and it was good fun too. For the first time we had 4 sails up and the Wykeham Martin furling gear held up to expectations. The weather was favourable too and the sun even showed its face which encouraged the girls to start discarding some layers. Halcyon did her usual trick of getting us there way ahead of schedule and we arrived in Plymouth at around 11pm on Saturday evening just before the rain set in and the Force 9 Gale which had been threatening on the way down. Sunday was a complete wash out unfortunately but then I guess that’s the norm for bank holiday weather. This enabled all the crew to assist in a good interior clean before our Gipsy Moth IV welcome and they were then rewarded by one of the best pub Sunday lunches I think I’ve ever had. Monday morning arrived and Halcyon was being pinned onto the pontoon by a strong wind. Although it was due to drop by mid morning we still required two work boats to pull us off, thanks to Conrad Humphries and his crew for there assistance with this. The day was an enormous success with good winds, which did eventually ease off. We entertained the main Gipsy Moth IV sponsor, Corum and a good time was had by all. Gipsy Moth IV rounded the point exactly on time skippered by my good friend and fellow Islander, Richard Baggett and Halcyon got close enough for some words of congratulations while he took the helm, this also enabled some great photos to be taken. Once back alongside in Mountbatten Marina there was no time to waste. Halcyon was transformed back into delivery mode and we were joined by our guest crew for the trip North to Largs, Scotland. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=23 Halcyon Yacht Charters Mon, 28 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT Hhmm we are certainly paying for the warmest April on record. I was looking forward to getting back to my home sailing ground for a few weeks but the weather has been pretty dismal since we got here. Nevertheless we have had some very successful and fun corporate days in the Solent and the sun has made an effort to present itself on a few occasions. Included in our string of guests has been Hamo Thornycroft, Cowes Marine Photographer who proudly informed me that his great Grand Father, Sir John I Thornycroft, was the wisdom behind the building of Halcyon in Southampton at the famous J.I. Thornycroft yard all those years ago. In fact its the very same yard you see on the opposite side of the River Itchen as you exit Ocean Village Marina. Sadly the Vosper Thornycroft yard has now moved to its new premises Portsmouth, but if you look carefully you can still see the J.I.Thornycroft sign adorning the disused crane, a reminder that she is in her home waters once more. We are currently based in Cowes Yacht Haven and have had prime viewing for RIBex 2007 which sees many new RIBs of different shapes and sizes. We have also had some strong wind while we have been down here but as I write this Captains Log the wind has blown itself out, the RIBs have all headed off and the Yacht Haven is very peaceful. All I can hear is the resident mullet scavenging around the pontoon ... oh and the rain! We have another couple of weeks here with plenty of maintenance jobs to complete including rigging our new Wykeham Martin furling gear for the jib ... yes I’ve succumbed to some equipment to make life a little easier and so we can set more canvass faster. We are also in the process of designing a system so that we can get the RIB on and off the boat a little more easily (perhaps involving winches), although the block and tackle system is physically possible…if you have Sly Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger as part of your crew! We are then expected down in Plymouth for 28 May as we are forming part of the flotilla welcoming Gipsy Moth IV back in after her second epic worldwide circumnavigation. That evening we will set sail from Plymouth and head up to Largs in Scotland for a charter before heading through the Caledonian Canal and across the North Sea to Stavanger, Norway where Halcyon will graceful lines will compliment the Fjords for 4 weeks. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/captains_log.php?id=22 Halcyon Yacht Charters Sun, 13 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT This article was published in the Isle Of Wight County Press on Friday May 4th 2007 The beautifully restored classic yacht Halcyon of Southampton graced the Solent last weekend. Her £1million makeover at T.Nielsen’s shipyard, in Gloucester Docks, was overseen by her skipper, Robert Hickman of Cowes. He, along with Annette Corder, also from Cowes, were recruited to run the yacht by owner, Andrew Armour, from Oxfordshire. Halcyon was built in Southampton for a Lancashire Industrialist in 1929. Later she was used by Warsash School of Navigation for around 32 years, training merchant Navy cadets, many of whom went on to be masters of their own vessels. Following her year-long restoration Halcyon was re-launched in December and Robert and his crew sailed her to Cowes for Christmas. In the New Yea, they went on to St Katharines Dock, London, for a series of corporate engagements on board. “Its amazing how much interest Halcyon has generated already and we were visited by many people in London, including some Warsash cadets, who had trained on her,” said Robert. “One thing that everyone had in common was a smile on their faces and an experience to remember. It has been an exciting project for me to be involved in and we are looking forward to the start of our season.” In July she will be in Norway before returning to Cowes for Skandia Cowes Week, where she will be seen sailing every day, entertaining corporate guests on board while watching the races. http://www.halcyonyachtcharter.com/news.php?id=15 Halcyon Yacht Charters Fri, 4 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT This article was printed in 'All At Sea' May 2007 Edition “I’m working,” I told myself as I relaxed in the sunshine on the warm, teak deck of the 95-foot Bermudan ketch. “In order to write a report about luxury yacht charter I have to be able to fully appreciate the experience,” the voice inside my brain continues. Last month I went to Weymouth to write about the new Sail Laser centre. I spent an incredibly fun and incredibly painful day sailing a dinghy in temperatures that would not be out of place on Pluto. I was due a bit of pampering. I had been asked to come and experience for myself the elegance and sheer extravagance of Halcyon. She was built in 1929 by an industrialist named Sir Samuel Turner who had something to do with asbestos. She has been restored by Tommi Neilsen - one of Europe’s foremost specialists in the restoration and renovation of classic craft. The work took place at Neilsen’s yard in Gloucester and took almost a year to complete. The boat is now available for charter in a variety of stunning locations including the Norwegian Fjords, the Isles of Scilly, the Western Isles of Scotland and the beautifully rugged coastline of Pembrokeshire, which is where Charlotte and I went to meet her. We travelled down from London the night before by train. After the French TGV that recently broke records by reaching 357.2 mph, the five hours it took to get there felt slightly ridiculous. I managed to console myself in close proximity to the onboard bar. When we fi nally arrived we were put up at the Canaston Oaks, a five star B & B nestled in the folds of some stunning Pembrokeshire countryside. The owners, Eleanor and David Lewis converted the place from the old stables of Canaston farm, which has been in their family for generations. They were wonderfully warm and hospitable and Eleanor cooked us an unreasonably tasty breakfast before we set off the meet the yacht. Bellies full, Charlotte and I headed down to Milford Haven to rendezvous with the crew, which is comprised of the captain Robert Hickman, the mate Annette Corder and professional chef Andre Daniels. Also in attendance were an assorted bunch of freeloading journalists. Nearly all of the Pembrokeshire coast is national park and it is absolutely stunning landscape - rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and meandering estuaries that deserve to be explored. Then there are the islands of Grasholm, Ramsey, Skomer and Skokhom that are known for their huge seabird populations, including Manx shearwaters, Guillemots, razorbills, cormorants, kittiwakes, puffins, gulls, storm petrels and shags. We visited none of these places during the course of our day trip because of the wind, or rather the complete lack of it. Despite putting up almost all 2,275 square feet of sail we made fewer knots than a bone idle boyscout. No one seemed to care though. We were entirely happy to drift along in the sunshine, some reading books, others chatting absentmindedly and all digesting Andre’s gourmet lunch. Some of the more energetic passengers took it upon themselves to give the crew a hand. Captain Robert, with his laid back demeanour, managed to make them feel as if they were actually being useful as opposed to simply getting in the way, which was more often the case. Those who decide to charter this £1million vessel can expect a real classic sailing experience. There are very few winches on board. Most lines go through traditional block-and-tackle. There also is a total indulgence of the style of the 1920s. It feels like a kind of aquatic Orient-Express. The saloon even has a wood burning stove. But although the refurbishment has been devotedly true to her original design and construction all the modern facilities are included – you just can’t see them. The ice-maker, central heating, DVD player and the rest of it remain hidden behind teak panelled cupboards. The yacht is also equipped with her original clinker sailing dinghy. A modern RIB for waterskiing and coastal exploration is to be added. I hope it will not spoil the aesthetics or the peacefulness of this beautiful yacht. Apparently the name ‘Halcyon’ comes from the Ancient Greek for ‘kingfisher.’ It was thought that the kingfisher only visited its nest, far out to sea, on calm, fine days – hence the expression “halcyon days.�