What a joy it is to see another excellent piece of craftsmanship emerging
from Bosham & Chidham industry. Here is the Chichester Harbour 12, built by
Paul Dewing and team of Flight
Marine from the
prototype
"MoJo", hand-crafted by
Chris Barnett
and based around a design from a 1930's 'Federated Chichester Harbour 12
foot Class'.
Braving some very gusty winds
Justin Adams, technical designer and maker
of the mould, took the helm of the number 2 dinghy "Dirty Dozen" with Chris as his
crew. Chris's turn came later. When asked how things went he told me
that she handles very well even in the gusts although he had "not quite
learnt to drive her" yet. From where I was standing the whole thing
looked superb; good handling and very well balanced.
Several other Bosham folk must also take some credit for this lovely
boat, not least
Geoff Cath whose varnish work is something to behold; Batt Sails of
Bosham for the
crisp new sails; Steve Benjamin of
Broadside Boatyard who did the woodwork; and
Alan Gick
who supplied some of the measurements from "Gannet", the now
defunct Federated 12' mentioned above.
This 'cooperative' project was entirely conceived, nurtured and born in
the Bosham area by some of the 'modern Men of Bosham'. Wonderful!
The Chichester Harbour 12 is available through Flight Marine
Limited.
'West View', Chidham Lane,
Chidham, West Sussex.
PO18 8TD. United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 (0) 1243 574365
Fax: +44 (0) 1243 574365
contact them online |