Topsham has to be my favourite place in the world. Stunning views, quaint streets, lovely cafes and pubs , but above all is where we were married. But this post is not about a wedding but boats.
I love boats and the idea of sailing on a yacht, motor boat or barge will always be a dream sadly as the fact is I just do not have sea legs! Even just a gentle ripple and just a slight movement is enough for me to start feeling slightly queasy. However there is something tranquillising for me just watching boats and hearing the sounds they make so have to pop down to Topsham when home without fail. The old port quay usually harbours beautiful yachts of all sizes but it now also looks after a special conservation project
The Vigilant is a Thames barge dating from 1904 but had been rotting in an Essex boat yard for 20 years until a kindly soul fell for her. Benjamin Squirrell bought her and boat restorer David McCabe offered to help to bring her back to her former glory. Against the odds they managed to sail her from essex around to my lovely little port where it is expected she will take 18 months of tender loving care before being sail worthy again.
My eldest was excited to see the barge. He believed pirates lived on it so we now have a regular visit to make to see its progress whenever back home in Devon
Related articles
- Thames Barge Vigilant revisited (lucidgypsy.wordpress.com)
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-21525933
