Swallow

This is Swallow a 25 year old Drascombe Dabber sailing boat that we acquired 8 years ago. In my book, it has to be one of the best things we have ever bought. You can simply mess about in her using the oars, power up the small outboard to trawl for fish or potter around the coastline or maybe get the sails up and let the wind take care of the propulsion. We have spent many happy hours out on her on our own or with family and friends. Many fish have been caught from her and much wildlife observed. Porpoises. Minkie Whales, Dolphins and loads of seals have passed by only a short distance away bringing great joy to those on board.

Swallow normally appears from her boat shed in early May, but with the weather this year and holidays it was only today she was launched and placed on her mooring. Many happy hours were spent working on her during the winter months. First she was washed down and thoroughly scrubbed before being polished. Her woodwork was sanded down and varnished and all the brass fittings cleaned. Screws and shackles were replaced, a new battery for the electrics installed, the decking painted and trailer overhauled and given new wheels. With all this done she was ready for the launch.

With the weather conditions perfect for sailing I couldn't resist taking her out to The Bay to check everything was set up properly and working as it should be. We had a great sail and even managed to meander past the seal colony at Torrisdale. With a silent approach, sailing has to be the best way to see seals close up.

Once back on its mooring, I presented Swallow with her final present for the season - a new blue mast-up cover to protect her from the rain and gales that will no doubt come.

I am pleased to have introduced you to Swallow - the other lady in my life!