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In recent years Mark Butler, of James Lawrence Sail makers, and his team, have been kind enough to hold a ‘Sailing Making Demonstration’ evening at their sail loft in Brightlingsea. In recent years these events have been arranged to take place around late February or early March. However, this year was a bit different. At the above AGM Mark suggested that, for a change, it might be more interesting to arrange a sail ‘repair’ and ‘alteration’ event, as opposed to a ‘sail making’ event.
He invited up to 5 members, who had attended the above meeting, to bring any sails along to the loft on Friday 12th December to be repaired, or altered, – free of charge. Mike Robertson agreed to liaise between members and the sail loft so that Mark, Sara and the team would have a little idea what to expect. On the date, around 25 people turned up, some with sails and some without, with all manner of textile issues and questions Pete the Knife wasn’t happy with ‘Reverie’s’ top sail and Pete Thomas sought some advice on ‘Transcur’s’ Main sail. Howard Whealton sought advice regarding ‘Bonify’s’ mainsail, and Rob Williamson brought a couple of ‘Maid of Tessa’s’ sails along that had been used as mouse’s domicile. Robert and Lorna Hill brought along a jib that they thought might make a good storm jib for ‘Charm’ and wanted Marks advice, and, just to complete the mix Brian Hammett had asked Mike if he would bring ‘Nancy Blakett’s’ sails along for their annual check over and for repairs to a couple of the main sail reefing cringles.
In what seemed a very short time, Rob’s sails were being patched with very similar coloured material and Pete Thomas’ main sail was being stretched in all directions with the aid of some strategically placed block and tackles. It was decided that Pete the Knife’s top sail needed a new gusset putting into it (it already had one) at which point several of the attendees indulged themselves in ‘James Lawrence Party Games’ and set about unstitching the original gusset – under the ever watchful eye of Mark. By the end of the evening, all of the sails that had been brought along were either repaired, altered or had been examined and advice given. Just before the evening broke up Mark suggested the possibility of arranging a specialised sail repair event where they could demonstrate how best to carry out minor sail repairs where it may not be convenient to get a damaged sail to a sail maker (in the middle of the North Sea perhaps). It is likely that we may ask Mark if he would be prepared to facilitate this suggestion during the August Classics week, probably at Ipswich during the first week-end, or Levington during the Bank Holiday week-end. At this point most of the attendees adjourned to the warmth of the Colne Yacht Club to partake of some liquid refreshment as well as convivial company and jovial conversation.  Mike took the opportunity to download all of the pictures that he had taken throughout the evening on to his lap top, one or two of which raised a few comments, but that is another story. We would very much like to thank Mark, Sara, Sally and, especially, Steve who should have been in the pub with a friend who had not seen for some years – sorry Steve, but it was good to have your company. |
