Spirit Send Off? - Page 5

Alan Priddy · 09 February 2002, 14:11

If the Pride of Bristol gets filled up there is always space on Spirit for 4 more bodies!

Nadia Lehmann · 10 February 2002, 18:50

Save me a space on the SOC - may be my only chance before she leaves...won't be the same after she gets back.

My house can accomodate about 15 - well, that is the most that have camped out in there...it may not be big but it certainly can get cosy.

For the return party - I can even put the tents out in the back garden.

Now..countdown stands at under 50 days before departure - 49 including today, what is left of it.

Who is getting nervous?

batfalcon · 11 February 2002, 06:08

I didn't see any reply from Alan P to my post at page 7. So I suppose they haven't got any HF tranceivers on board, do they ?

Alan Priddy · 11 February 2002, 09:41

Batfalcon
Sorry for not getting back to you about contacting me while underway. We do not use radio's anymore we use the new Iridium telephone system. We are in the process of changing the telephone numbers for the trip and I will foreword you a contact number ASAP. We do have Email facilities on board so our "fans" can mail us amusing stories as we go around.
Alan P

Alan · 11 February 2002, 10:55

Does this mean you'll be logging into RIBNET on the way round then?!

batfalcon · 11 February 2002, 10:58

I suppose that you WILL post the SOC's email for this trip as well. Does this Iridium phone accept SMS too ?

Nadia Lehmann · 12 February 2002, 13:37

wha-hey...approaching 2,000 views.

Alan Priddy · 12 February 2002, 14:24

Alan, Yes most definatly.

Batfalcon Yes JK is setting up a system as we speak

All. You can register on www.spirit-of-cardiff.com newsletter page and get reports daily to your pc.

John Kennett · 12 February 2002, 16:03

That's at http://www.spirit-of-cardiff.com/news/newsletter.htm

Alternatively just send an email to
newsletter-subscribe@mlm.spirit-of-cardiff.com

John

Keith Hart · 12 February 2002, 17:17

Wow....when we get to 2,000 views do I (as the thread starter) get 2 years free subscription to Ribnet?

Cheers

Keith (it's getting bigger) Hart

Nadia Lehmann · 12 February 2002, 18:05

As promised... for your perusal
Here she gets lifted out.

Sending the text and the photo was too big for this post - so you will have to read the articles when you get to Cardiff.

( swapped it for a colour picture! JK)

Keith Hart · 12 February 2002, 19:45

I can lift my boat on my own!!!

Cheers

Keith Hart

GraemeCooper · 12 February 2002, 20:14

I was in Cardiff today on business and I called in to Penarth Marina and to a Chandlery called Marine Scene.

Being the sort who likes to have advance knowledge on things I thought I would do a little research. I am also the world's worst reverser with the RIB on, so thought I would ge a look at any possible launch sites.

I was dimayed to find that the chap in Marine Scene - a busy Chandlers - didnt seem to have any knowledge of Spirit of Cardiff, or the record attempt in any form.

At Penarth Marina, when I mentioned Mermaid Quay, Oval Basin, Harbour Drive and all the other names noted in this thread I was met with blank looks, and informed that the only slipways available in the area were very poor, with either restricted access via a locked gate, or accross some deep mud and only available at limited times - with no parking for trailers etc. Although he had heard of Spirit (as the photo above shows he should have - as she was craned out of the water there) he seemed unaware of any send off planned - or of any gathering of RIBs.

He did offer to crane my RIB in and out for me - at £47 in and £47 out !!!

I am sure that Nadia has all of this in hand - and that arrangements wll be complete by Easter, but I was saddened to find the lack of interest among the local boating community.

Just out of interest, where are we launching from, parking cars and trailers etc?

Nadia Lehmann · 12 February 2002, 22:04

G,
I read your notes with great interest as well as great dismay.
I can only hope that the guy you spoke to was a part-time worker at the Marina and thus had no clue.
The SOC has been part of the marina since it moved to Cardiff and the staff shoud have been briefed on its departure and all activities involved with the project.
I am dealing with the manager Gareth there, and will call him tomorrow and get this cleared up.
You are correct in saying that slipways are limited, and we are looking at using the Marina facilities for trailer storage, car parking and putting the boats in the water - via the hoist. I know about the prices he quoted you, but he did adv me that once I knew how many boats needed this service, he would come up with a price....! We are looking at alternative launching sites, but the marina will remain our best option as it is 24 hrs access and has all the facilities, except the actual slipway, hence the hoist.
(I am trying to sort out a slipway access, via all the red tape, but this may be restricted in times, and thus your travel arrangements may have to quite precise. ) The last two posts should NOT put anyone off from coming to Cardiff - your boats will be facilitated, you will have somewhere to stay, and you have got somewhere to party and people to party with. Most of all, you have an OCCASION to celebrate.

GraemeCooper · 12 February 2002, 22:11

Nadia

Let me first say that the last thing I want is to put anyone off of going t Cardiff for this mmorable occasion. For me it is the highlight of the year!

Te person I spoke to at the Marina was in the Chandlery Shop - but he was wearing overalls ad seemed to be in charge.

Where is the POB berthing in relation to the Marina?

I look forward with interest t how and wher we will be launching - and I really appreciate the work you are doing for us - it cannot be easy!

G

Nadia Lehmann · 12 February 2002, 22:40

Graeme, (or can I call you G?)

I know we are all looking forward to this event..and it will be good, you can bet your water proofs on that. (certainly did not mean to imply you were trying to put people off, or me, for that matter)

I can now understand what you said..if you were speaking to the guy in the Chandlery - was that the one near to the hoist? They are not employed in the Marina, but rather at their workshops. I do need to speak to them as well anyway.
Re Marine Scene, have adv them all about the week-end, but there are two guy working there, so chances are you spoke to the other one I had not spoken to.

Anyway... the POB will be in Town Quay, which is the narrow part between the two basins.

I have not forgotten about all your requests, sorry, have been a bit busy with my other two jobs, but will be phoning around tomorrow, so look out for news tom night. And remember, it is a pleasure helping anyone I can, but a thanks is always appreciated.

BTW, will be getting the tape from HTV about the broadcast re the SOC on Sunday afternoon. Now, how can I put that on this thread.

GraemeCooper · 12 February 2002, 22:48

Nadia

Feel free to call me G - no probs

You say you have been too busywith your other 2 jobs- and I thought women could multi-task!

Seriously - looking forward to seeing he results of your hard work - I certainly dont envy you!

How many days/hours/minutes to go now?

graham morris · 12 February 2002, 23:13

I see there is a lot of debate of launching facilities for the above
SOC send off,Iam local to the Severn River and would suggest consideration to the new Portishead Marina M5 junction 19 (5 mins) new lock gates allow entry approx 2hrs before and 3hrs after high tide, there is a tempory slip ! but if I can launch a 7.8 metre Ribcraft you should be fine, charges are £12.50 ,free parking and secure, new shower facilities are included in charges portishead is approx 30mins south east of Cardiff, I will be leaving from here with 2 other ribs, BEWARE the tides here are extremley
dangerous the 2nd highest rise and fall in the world our spring tides are up to 13metres ,charts are essential, mud bars and rocky outcrops are prolific look forward to meeting you all on the water.

Alan Priddy · 12 February 2002, 23:21

Good suggestion but the tide probably wont suit most people on Sunday 31st March.
I have asked JK to repost this message with the other Spirit send off page to avoid any confusion, hope you dont mind

(tada! JK)

Alan P

graham morris · 12 February 2002, 23:22

Portishead Marina and Lock Gate telephone number - 01275 817440.