A successful Shamrock Day on Sunday had a combination of dry weather and an afternoon tide resulting in the star attraction being afloat, all the right ingredients for inviting visitors to explore her, discover her history and plans for the future. Due to squally winds, plans to set and strike Shamrocks sails had to be dropped. Other attractions included ‘Smite’, a skittle like game played on grass, a display of model boats by the City of Plymouth Model Boat Club, and information on the river Tamar from the West Country River Trust. There was also ‘Get Knotted’, a chance to learn and practice you knots, Treasure Map and lots more spread over the quay and boat shed. On the river the Cotehele Quay Gig Club was giving taster rowing sessions and there was even the sighting of an odd radio controlled model boat.
A rare quiet moment.
City of Plymouth Model Boat Club.
Torpedo boat spotted off Cotehele Quay!
Nancy Belle
Nancy Belle has had her seaworthiness inspection that turned out to be a bit more than expected. She was first checked structurally and mechanically on the slipway, then after being launched back into the river came the unexpected load and stability checks. Plastic dustbins full of water were used for most of the load with crew members making up the rest and also acting as a moving load to check her stability. The crew is happy to report that despite being sixty plus years old she passed all the checks with flying colours, well done Shaune.
Preparing for the load test.
Finally
A lot of visitors to the National Trusts Cotehele Quay only ever see Shamrock sat on the mud and here is the answer to one of the most common questions 'does she ever float'?
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