M.O.B.'s boats
These can be seen on the "MOB Photos" page. Here is a brief description, with links to relevant photos.
Challenger Mark I trimaran, three hulls, single seater with a single sail, this means minimal controls, a tiller to steer and a single rope to control the sail, very safe and stable, this boat was specifically designed for disable sailing. The sailor sits in a normal seat in the central hull and is able after a very short introduction to safely take this boat out single handed in lower wind speeds.
Challenger Mark II trimaran. As the Mk I but a two seater, one behind the other, a more conventional rig with a main sail and boom plus a foresail, still minimal controls but easier to tack with the foresail.
Drascombe Lugger, A large stable conventional dinghy that can easily accommodate eight people, the advantages, it has no boom so no worries of head injury when gibing or tacking, it can be used for training and it is a very sociable boat.
Windrider a trimaran like the challengers but made from polythene so as to be virtually indestructible, they have a moulded keel and are steered using either your feet or a long tiller.
Potted history.
Our oldest boat is a Mark I Challenger Trimaran called "Endeavour". This was originally used at Bewl by the then Spastics Society (now Scope), it was used less and less until in 1988 it was discovered by one of Mob's founders, she had the vision and drive to bring Endeavour back to full use with the assistance of Bewl Outdoor Centre. Soon a second Mk I ("Triumph") was discovered, desperately in need of repair, recovered to Bewl and put on the water, MOB was founded and on the way with two challengers.
In 1991 MOB was able to purchase a second hand Drascombe Lugger which was named "Sandpiper" this was jointly funded by Phab and Scope.
In 1993 MOB was well established and now a registered charity in it's own right. With funding from it's own efforts and a contribution from BVSC a brand new Challenger Mk I was purchased and named "Strident".
1994 saw the arrival of yet another new boat, this time a Challenger Mk II. A two seater with foresail and conventional mainsail. The money to purchase this boat was raised by a local girl's school. It was suitably named "Bedgebury Bluebird" and the launch attended by many of the girls and staff.
In 1995 we said good-bye to "Triumph" which was given to Chipstead Sailing Club and hello to "Pegasus" another Mk I Challenger which was loaned to MOB from Tonbridge Sailing Club where is was not being used.
During the start of winter 1996 we had a small disaster, our Lugger "Sandpiper" was torn from her mooring during a storm and dashed against the dam wall. Repairs and renewals were undertaken by the insurance but the Committee decided that now was the opportune time to look for a replacement. In 1997 MOB successfully applied to the Foundation for Sports and the Arts for a grant to purchase a brand new Lugger. Following many trials and tribulations, (like the supplier going into receivership) MOB eventually received the new Lugger in September. The new Lugger was suitably launched and named "Shearwater", MOB's original Lugger was then sold to local interests and still resides at Bewl.
1998 was a year of improvement of facilities, we attained a grant from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council that allowed MOB to purchase VHF radios for improved safety, more lifejackets and a new boat, a wind rider, which will be available from the start of the 1999 season.
Training
is included in our annual program and all members have the opportunity to take part either informally or formally through the appropriate RYA level courses leading to certificates.
Location
M.O.B. is based at Bewl Water near Lamberhurst in Kent, which offers the largest inland recreational water users facilities in the South East of England, operating close to Bewl Valley Sailing Club we have the use of a large slip, pontoons and all the club facilities including disable loos!!..
Southern Water/Scottish Power
the owners of Bewl Water, support M.O.B. by supplying a safety boat, boat parking, disabled parking, and a mooring for our use during the sailing season.
M.O.B. also hosts events and fun days
for other Clubs and Associations. These range from days out for the Duchenne Family Support Group, Dorton House School (Royal London Society for the Blind) and the Kent County Council Action Day for Disabled which covers a wide variety of outdoor activities including sailing. To apply contact a committee member listed on the "contacts" page or e-mail to: info@mariners-of-bewl.org.uk
Our Lugger
provides cruising opportunities, (at other locations), often on a "Lugger rally" with numerous similar boats. This enables our members to gain experience and confidence in different situations, widening both MOB and the individual member's social calendar. The first Lugger rally of the year is now hosted by MOB at Bewl water.
We have a strong Committee
which meets on average six times a year to manage the club and to organize M.O.B.'s events and functions i.e. the Annual General Meeting, Summer BBQ and our Laying-up Supper.
MOB is affiliated
to Phab UK, BVSC and Bewl Outdoor Education Centre (BOEC).
|
