Banjo a Coronado 25 in the Bristol Channel(Click on pictures to enlarge)

Banjo is ours again :-)

2011-11-25T14:45:00.004Z

After selling Banjo a couple of years back we have been sailing a little Voyager 14 trailer sailer. We had some fun but missed the Banjos comfortable cabin and ability to handle rough water.When the interim owner put her up for sale we decided to buy her back.

Gareth had made a few changes,the hull is painted blue which I think looks good and he has removed the large table and fitted a settee berth in its place which at first I planned to put back as before but now I quite like the new arrangement.

She was in Milford Haven Marina so with winter fast approaching I needed to fetch her the 90 or so miles back to Cardiff. I travelled down on the train a few tiomes to be thwarted first by strong winds then by fog.Finally the forecast was for fresh NW wind reducing to lightwinds and perfect visibility.

I arrived down in Milford in the afternoon to find the wind was still strong and gusty, stronger than forecast.Set off from Mil;ford to motor down to Dale which is still inside the Estuary but 5 miles closer to the entrance. With the wind howling I planned to moor on the floating pontoon there and potter about the boat then return to Milford the following day to go home by train.Cooked up an all in stew out of tinned meat and vegetables had a coffee then sat in the companionway watching a sailing school yacht with triple reefed main and tiny jib enjoying the strong wind and flat sea in the bay.

About 1800 I noticed the wind had dropped to very little, A quick re chexck of tide tables etc said it could still be on for the passage home, I gave it another 45 minutes and with the wind still much lighter I let go the pontoon just as it was getting dark, had to steer around the stern of a tanker coming in then set a course to round Linney head with just the genoa partly rolled out and no mainsail.

Off the headland the wind freshened again and Banjo surfed around the headland at full speed, my only reservation was that it would be difficult to get back against the wind and tide now should anything go wrong.

The wind gradually eased and I ended up under full sail then wind got really light after dawn so motored the last few hours arriving off Cardiff Sea locks at 1000 am.Really pleased with that(read delighted :-) ), Having more favourable tide than tide against me this works out to about an average of about 5 knots through the water.The very fast progress in the first few hours really helped.

Banjo is now back on her mooring in Cardiff Bay, we have sailed her a few times in the local area and will be looking forward to some cruises away in the New Year.

We have Sold Banjo

2010-01-27T10:03:00.002Z

After a lot of thought we have sold banjo and wish her new owner as much fun as we had aboard her.

We plan to buy a smaller dropkeel boat that we can tow behind the car to visit places we would never have had time to reach aboard Banjo.

Completed the 100 mile Ride

2009-10-24T15:53:00.003+01:00

I completed the ride.Had to detour due to A road closure on the Gwent Levels. Basic route was from Cardiff to Newport via the copast road Newport to Chepstow should have been via the Gwent Levels but had to backtrack to the main road due to a road closure. Over the Severn Bridge and along Severn Beach Towards Avonmouth. Had lunch looking out across the Estuary then rode back. 100.3 mIles at an average speed of 12.8mph which I was pleased with.

Many thanks to those who donated to Cancer Research.

Cancer Research.

2009-10-09T15:10:00.003+01:00

Hi people.
I have lost a few sailing friends to cancer in recent years so will be doing a sponsored 100 mile cycle ride from Cardiff to Avonmouth and back via the old Severn Bridge.

If you would like to donate to Cancer Research please go to the "just giving "site here http://www.justgiving.com/Graham-Hodges/

Cancer affects most of us at some time .Cheers Graham

A few days in Swansea Marina

2009-08-15T09:55:00.004+01:00

We had a few days in Swansea this week. Took about 9 hours to tack down against a fresh WNWly and less than 6 to come back with the wind astern,sunshine both ways :-)

Banjo Milford Haven Cruise

2009-06-12T16:35:00.006+01:00

Set off from Cardiff in light winds for a trip westward with Lundy island and Padstow in mind.

A forecast of Strong NE winds made Milford Haven seem a better bet so after a night at anchor in blue Anchor Roads Somerset I set off early to sail back across to the Welsh side generally aiming for Swansea.

Had a good sail across and anchored in Oxwich Bay for a few hours before catching the next tide down to Milford Haven.Wind died so had to motor much of it .Sited several pods of dolphins and a few seals.No Basking sharks or Sunfish this time though.Arrived in the Haven about 2300 and anchored in Sandy Haven Bay for a well earned sleep.

Spent a few days wandering around the Haven anchoring in different Bays and spent a night in Milford Marina before setting off back heading for Swansea.The first few hours the wind blew hard and kicked up some uncomfortable seas off the headlands but then it moderated and the sun came out so had a great sail up to Swansea Marina.

Next day had a sail on Swansea Bay then returned to the marina to wait a more favourable wind direction for the next leg to Burnham on Sea where there is a small yacht club with friendly members.They have moorings and pontoons in the river Brue.

Finally set sail for Cardiff in a fresh Westerly for a fast sail back across the channel.

Banjo performed well in a variety of conditions from large seas and 30 mph gusts to light airs and flat calms.She also proved to be comfortable to live aboard for the 10 days.

Bristol Channel Cruising

2009-05-06T20:15:00.004+01:00

Have recently visited the River Axe,home of Weston Bay Yacht Club. Spent the night perfectly level in the very soft mud at the Uphill Pontoons.

Also we sailed up to the Severn Bridges then spent a night at Portishead Marina.

Light Airs

2009-04-06T20:39:00.003+01:00

It was a fluky sort of day. A friend of ours sailed all the way back from Porlock with a decent breeze. We managed to sail up to the Rumney River and back but all around where big areas of calm water with yachts becalmed or using their engines.

Sailing and Cycling

2009-03-25T17:52:00.003Z

Another advantage of the large hatch on the C25 is you can get a full size bycycle below with no dismantling.

Had a short sail on the Bay followed by a Cycle up the Taff Trail to Castell Coch (Red Castle in English)and back. If sailing any distance it would go in the forepeak with wheels removed. Got a few funny looks sailing back across with it stood on deck and the boat going like a train in 25 knots of wind with just the genoa.

Total sail about 2 miles total cycling about 18.

Pictures from a daysail.

2009-03-14T22:20:00.005Z

The weather is still very changeable but now and then a dry day with a good sailing breeze coincides with a day off work. This was one of them.

The other boat is a "Ishtar" a Cobra 850 finkeeler which belongs to Martin and Louise from Cardiff Yacht Club.

Pictures

2009-02-25T20:43:00.001Z

Design Drawings

2009-02-03T20:37:00.002Z

Winter Maintenance part 2

2009-01-28T21:46:00.004Z

Had Banjo lifted out into the yard for a few days. Fitted some new seacocks cleaned and antifouled etc .Serviced the engine .Now back on the mooring lookinmg a lot tidier.

The picture of Banjo on the mooring was taken before the refit.The brown staining on the hull seems to come back within a few months of cleaning and polishing. May have to consider painting in the future.

A winter day sail.

2008-11-20T21:31:00.003Z

I came home from a night shift at 0800 yesterday a bit weary but the weather was blue skies and a sailing breeze so had some breakfast and went for a sail.

Locked out with some friends in a larger yacht who were heading off to Weston for the day.Damo my friend from Portishead took these pictures of Banjo from Marks boat "Gemini Girl".Anchored off Penarth in the afternoon for lunch and an hours shut eye.Well worth the effort.

Winter Maintenance

2008-11-10T14:37:00.003Z

We have been slowly working on Banjo.I have replaced some of the rigging and we have been revarnishing bits and pieces.

One advantage of the Coronado 25 is that a lot of the interior woodwork can be unscrewed and removed from the boat for varnishing.This picture is the locker unit that fits under the galley. Much easier to work on out of the boat .

The GPS has been getting erratic lately so will be replaced by Santa :-)

Portishead in light airs.

2008-10-14T10:29:00.003+01:00

Banjo seems to sail really well in light airs.Just had a couple of days away in company with two other boats. Great weather but light winds.Despite her undersized Genoa Banjo would slip along nicely in the lightest of airs only loosing steerage in a complete flat calm. Enjoyed a curry in "Ghandis" in the town then locked out at 0830 into even less breeze on the way back.

Watchet with Ishtar

2008-09-23T20:52:00.003+01:00

Had a couple of Days in Watchet and Weston in company with "Ishtar". Easterly winds ranging from calm to F4.Anchored at Blue anchor to wait for the tides.

Pictures

2008-09-12T11:21:00.003+01:00

Short sail to Weston.

2008-08-15T13:25:00.002+01:00

Sean and I had a sail over to Weston ,passed the burnt out remains of Weston pier and on up into the River Axe for the night. Cooked tea on a fire on the beach .WBYC have extended the pontoon since we were last there .Gentle sail both ways passed the Balmoral on the way back as she approached Penarth Pier.

BCYA rally 2008

2008-07-14T08:59:00.003+01:00

This was the second annual Bristol Channel Yacht Association rally at Mermaid Quay Cardiff.Yachts turned up from all over the Channel for the event which included a party on the Lightship on Saturday afternoon.We sailed over in a blustery breeze on Saturday morning.Found a berth (Not easy as it was packed with Rally people plus a fleet of small French 2 handed racing yachts)The boys legged it to the cinema while I had a quiet afternoon aboard and chatted to various people on different boats.We attended the party on the packed lightship which was great ,good company and food and wine in abundance.People were surprisingly considerate considering the huge number of boats on the pontoons,so we had a quiet nights sleep before waking up to find sunshine and blue sky .After a leisurely breakfast we motored the short distance back across to our moorings.A great weekend which I hope becomes a permanent feature on the events calendar.

Cleaning stained hull.

2008-06-17T12:22:00.000+01:00

Have used a solution of Oxalic acid crystals water and a bit of wallpaper paste to clean the brown stains above the waterline on Banjos hull. Very effective. I wasted several hours with various cream cleaners before someone suggested this stuff. Did the stbd side last night with good results. Will do a few bits I missed and port side later in the week.

Cardiff Bay

2008-06-06T20:53:00.001+01:00

Barry Holme Islands and Weston.

2008-06-04T14:53:00.000+01:00

Bristol City Docks

2008-05-20T17:44:00.000+01:00

Had a weekend sail up to the Bristol City Docks all 4 of us aboard .Left Cardiff at low tide with a chilly NE breeze dead against us so had to tack all the way up to Portishead. We waited outside Portishead for a friend witrh his Extrovert 22 to Lock out then motored up the River Avon to the Docks.

Great weekend ,had an excellent pub meal in the "Cottage" at Baltic Wharf where we moored for the night.

Sailed back on my own as it would have been a late night for the boys before a schoolday Motored to M5 bridge over the Avon then sailed fast on a broad reach/run all the way departed the Avon at 1900 then locked into Cardiff at 2215.

Spotted a rescue helicopters search light working up and down the channel ,found out later they were looking for an overdue powerboater who had ended up on Steepholme Island unfortunately for him its uninhabited but he was found safe and well.

Couple of Days in Weston

2008-05-02T13:52:00.000+01:00

Sailed over to Weston Bay YC in fairly light winds .moored on the clubs pontoon in the River Axe and a few of the members there came aboard for a yarn etc.WBYC must rate as one of the friendliest clubs.

Banjo settled into the mud fairly level about an hour after HW as it was neap tides.On springs you get a bit longer.

Departed the river the next day in blue sky and a good sailing breeze but sailed through a rain squall on the way back to Cardiff.Rolled up the Genoa and Hauled down the Mainsail as the wind was gusting probably over 35 knots for a while.Banjo remained comfortable drifting in the steep seas being kicked up. 20
minutes later blue sky and gentle breeze again.

Gusty day on the bay.

2008-04-11T13:23:00.001+01:00

A fresh and squally morning today gave me the chance to experiment with the reefing. Coming back from Portishead the main was hardly driving at all when reefed so I have played around with some foam pipre lagging to improve the shape and lift the boom.As the pictures show (taken by a friend on the Flatholme Ferry) the main set pretty well even reefed down to the numbers. One vicious little squall ripped a bit of the sacrificial strip off the genoa so thats in for a repair other than that well pleased that I can now reef the boat down and sail in most conditions we are likely to meet.

First sail away from the Bay.

2008-04-10T11:10:00.000+01:00

Sailed up to Portishead for the night.Went out on the ebb from Cardiff sailed close to Flatholm via the South Cardiff buoy then picked up the new flood tide for a pleasant sail running and reaching up with a pleasant SW breeze and sunshine.

Lashed the telescopic boathook to the tiller to allow steering from inside the cabin while making coffee etc.She sailed quite well even when it freshened up a bit in some steep little seas .

Had to wait 45 minutes for a lock in so took a picture of the Firefly buoy straining in 5 knots of tide then nosed into the mud outside in the "pool".

Made a mess of berthing ,after Vegas easy handling Banjo takes a bit of getting used to.You really need to think exactly what you are going to do in relation to wind and current.Didnt hit any boats so suffered only embarrasment :-)

Had a crew for the sail back.Thank s Doug I really enjoyed your company and it was a luxury for me to have someone experienced to take the helm when I was doing things below or reefing etc.Wind hard on the nose so tacked back but fairly quick passage due to Spring tide helping us along.

Gaining confidence in the boat .And learning how she handles in different situations.

Work progressing and first sail.

2008-03-18T14:29:00.000Z

Making some progress with the work. Luckilly most of Banjos woodwork can be removed to take home and clean up /varnish.The tiller looks like Brazillian Mahogany and the cockpit trim is Teak. Also installed the echo sounder and ,made some brackets for the cooker gimbals.

Let go the mooring this morning for a short sail on the Bay. Mainsail is completely stretched out of shape so needs replacing. The roller genoa looks like it may last another season or two if Im carefull with it.Despite the tired sails she sailed well to windward ,my attempt to roller reef the main made it an even worse shape so rolled it out again.Helm stays light even when well heeled and over pressed in the gusts. With decent sails she should be quite quick. :-)

Banjo Coronado 25 yacht.

2008-03-05T18:24:00.000Z

We are now (or very soon to be) The proud new owners of "Banjo" a Coronado 25 foot fin keel yacht.

Our previous boat of 9 years was "Vega" an Anderson 22 lifting keel yacht .Vega was a great boat and we are sad to see her go but with 2 sons almost adult size now we needed molre room to continue cruising as a family.

Banjo is in need of a lot of elbow grease and some money spent on her to get her ready for the rigours of the Bristol Channel but basically she is sound and I have sailed her several times with the previous owner who is a friend.She sails well with a light helm and easy motion.