The Winklebrig Forum

Julian Swindell
Username: Julian_swindell

Registered: 03-2007
   
Posted on Saturday, January 02, 2010 - 06:33 pm:      
Hi All !
A Very Happy New Year To All Winkle Brig Owners & Happy Sailing in 2010 . All the very best Eric Bergqvist .


WINKLE BRIGS FOR EVER !

David Cawston
Username: David_cawston

Registered: 03-2007
   
Posted on Saturday, October 10, 2009 - 10:55 am:      
There used to be an event called the International Festival of The Sea that has been attended by a few WBs in the past. It looks like there will not be any more of these, but they were great fun to be part of.
How about getting some WBs together for a festival or two (we go to the IWA National Trailboat Rallies but they are on canals so not much sailing).
Looking at the Port Soy 2009 boats list, I see Mudlark was on the list, did you go Ben and what was it like? Was it suitable for WBs regarding launching, mooring etc?
Any other ideas for possible events to attend?

David Peck
Username: David_peck

Registered: 04-2008
   
Posted on Tuesday, October 06, 2009 - 12:29 pm:      
I tried to post this yesterday but it hasn't appeared, so I'll try again.
This Summer I found this really useful weather/wind forecast site, it is
http://www.xcweather.co.uk/GB/forecast

Kate Clarkson
Username: Kate_clarkson

Registered: 08-2009
   
Posted on Monday, August 31, 2009 - 04:06 pm:      
Just like to introduce ourselves. Our names are Paul & Kate Clarkson and we're now the proud owners of WB 69 (Jenny Wren).
A lovely boat and we can't wait to sail her.
Would be grateful for any useful tips!.
Regards
Kate & Paul

Julian Swindell
Username: Julian_swindell

Registered: 03-2007
   
Posted on Monday, June 22, 2009 - 03:02 pm:      
I had the thrill last year of seeing my old Winkle Brig in Practical Boat Owner. I hadn't expected further glory in this month's Classic Boat. Skimming through the July issue in Smith's I was caught by the illustration to the article on buying a first classic boat:

Not just my "old" boat, but my photo! They must have nicked it off the website. I shall send them a letter asking for a bit of acknowledgment.

Ben Fraser
Username: Ben_fraser

Registered: 10-2008
   
Posted on Monday, June 15, 2009 - 09:57 am:      
Hi everyone. Mudlark will be at the scottish traditional boat festival in Portsoy (2nd to the 5th of July. It would be great to meet some other Winkle Brig owners there.
http://www.stbf.bizland.com/2009/

Julian Swindell
Username: Julian_swindell

Registered: 03-2007
   
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 11:33 am:      
Anyone going to the Beale Park Boat Show at Pangbourne this weekend? I am going on Sunday and wondered if anyone else would be there. It is the best small boat show in the country and a lovely day by the river, if the weather is kind.
http://www.bealeparkboatshow.co.uk/

James_parsons
Username: James_parsons

Registered: 04-2009
   
Posted on Friday, April 24, 2009 - 06:11 pm:      
I've only had my Winkle Brig for a few days and already I'm finding so many things you just have to love about her. It set me to wondering if the moulds still exist. There have been other classes that have gone back into production. Why not this one. Particularly as wallets get tighter and larger boats get further out of reach. Any ideas?

James_parsons
Username: James_parsons

Registered: 04-2009
   
Posted on Thursday, April 23, 2009 - 05:21 pm:      
Greetings everybody. I just bought WB93, 'Liberta', which you may have seen advertised on boatsandoutboards. Was going to buy a Drascombe Cruiser, but fell hook line and sinker for the Winkle Brig and ended up buying her instead. I've sailed all sorts of boats and thought the WB would be pretty straighforward to get to know, but I'm already stumped after a couple of days, so any advice on the following questions greatly appreciated!

1. The previous owner thoughtfully included an Alladin's cave of strings and pulleys and bits and bobs. Unfotunately I can't work out what goes where and what is surplus. Can anyone help with pictures or diagrams of basic running rigging? - Or the approx lengths of particular halyards etc? She has a high peaked gaff - which seems to be less usual than the more traditional version.

2. Is it possible to hoist the mainsail and secure the forestay to the bowsprit single handed? If so how is it done - apart from balancing on the end of the bowsprit? You may all be groaning by now with what seems a dumb question, but I'm stumped!

3. The boat is generally in very good condition for her age, but the deck seems to have been cleaned with an inappropriate substance at some stage and has extensive patches of fading and minute crazing. Or is this something that often occurs? Any thoughts on the best paints to use for the deck. This one is a cream colour. Are all the decks originally that colour?

4. There is a solar vent on either side of the coachroof, like a pair of ears. I have seen them on other WBs so assume they were an option when new. Neither of them now works. I assume the rechargeable battery inside has expired. Has anyone succesfully repaired one, or can you recommend where I could get replacements? They seem like a really good idea.

I'm sure I'll have more questions. Thanks for your patience!

A proud but puzzled new owner......

Martin_cartwright
Username: Martin_cartwright

Registered: 04-2008
   
Posted on Friday, March 27, 2009 - 08:33 pm:      
I think we have spoken about this before, but I can't find it on the site to continue the thread. Sorry.
Anyway, my original 'Epitwin' gave up recently and I could not find an equivalent cooker to fit the recess under the port quarter berth.I do not cook inside anyway, so I bought a cheap portable single burner 'Brightspark'(does anyone actually ever use two burners?).
By shear good luck, I have discovered that the carry case fits upright exactly underneath the step down into the cabin. I have modified the step slightly to retain both it and the cooker in position and I am able to use the Epitwin recess for storage.
This might not work for everyone, especially the two burner cordon bleu brigade, but I think it will suit me. Will let you know after I have lived on board for a week in May.I can post photos of the step modification if anyone is interested.

David Cawston
Username: David_cawston

Registered: 03-2007
   
Posted on Sunday, March 15, 2009 - 09:00 pm:      
Today, as it was such a nice day, I started to get Markie ready for the new season. With Easter and a cruise on the Norfolk Broads with the TSA only 4 weeks away, all was going OK until I noticed a) one of the dome headed brass M10 nuts holding the bowsprit on to the studding that passes through the stem post (the same nuts are used for the mast pivot) had a broken dome and b) one of the dome headed brass M10 nuts that fasten the bronze fairlead to the stempost had gone walkies. Now these nuts are also domed where they bear on the fairlead casting. Has anyone got an idea where I might get hold of some spares?

Julian Swindell
Username: Julian_swindell

Registered: 03-2007
   
Posted on Saturday, January 10, 2009 - 07:13 pm:      
I received the following New Year's message form Eric:

Hello all ! a message from Eric--- wishing you all a very happy new year & safe sailing in 2009 .

" WINKLE BRIG FOREVER ! "

Roger Parish
Username: Roger_parish

Registered: 03-2007
   
Posted on Sunday, December 21, 2008 - 06:38 pm:      
How many Winkle Brig owners will be spending Christmas on board?
Enjoy yourselves wherever you are and good sailing next year. The first outing for Partan in 2009 is expected to be the Norfolk Broads at Easter.

Adrian Evans
Username: Adrian_evans

Registered: 03-2007
   
Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 - 10:59 am:      
Thought this project might entertain you. The conversion took about 15 hours, once I had gathered together all the materials and components. I hasten to add that this is IN ADDITION to Peggoty. She is called Fangle. The sharp eyed of you will recognise the donor boat, no doubt, and be horrified. It really was an old nail, and the original components are untouched.
Fangle was designed with all sorts of mucking around in mind, including erecting a small tent on the deck for summer camping, picnic cruising, fishing and lobster potting. And before you laugh too much, she will cruise at 5knots, and sprint at 8+ knots!

Julian Swindell
Username: Julian_swindell

Registered: 03-2007
   
Posted on Sunday, November 16, 2008 - 07:53 pm:      
After a long break I have heard from Eric Bergqvist again, the designer and builder of the Winkle Brig. He is semi-retired in North Wales. He still has all of the moulds and patterns for the Winkle Brig safe and sound. He is happy to be contacted by anyone who needs any technical advice on their Winkle Brig. His email is Grettapenbont@aol.com and his phone number is 01286 660 953

Mary Brown
Username: Mary_brown

Registered: 10-2008
   
Posted on Thursday, November 06, 2008 - 06:14 pm:      
A friend mentioned that WB's were "too" heavy. Displacement is quoted as 650kg whereas a Drascombe Coaster - a bit longer and a bit wider than the WB is only 480kg.
Does anyone know why such a big difference and is it a problem - in sailing terms?

Mary Brown
Username: Mary_brown

Registered: 10-2008
   
Posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - 03:40 pm:      
We are interested in buying a Winkle Brig, if it's a reasonable price and if we can solve the problem of where to store it ...
(Mudlark, above, and Nutmeg are both sold)
If anyone knows of one for sale, please email mary@brownsox.co.uk. Many thanks.

Ben Fraser
Username: Ben_fraser

Registered: 10-2008
   
Posted on Friday, October 03, 2008 - 01:33 pm:      
Hi there, i'm Ben Fraser. Just wanted to introduce myself. I dont own a winkle brig but hoping to. i'll be in a position to buy later in november and i'm hoping some one on the forum will be able to point me in the right direction, and i'm sure i'll be trying to glean a few hints and tips as well. Cant wait, Ben.

Andy Dalby
Username: Andy_dalby

Registered: 03-2007
   
Posted on Thursday, October 02, 2008 - 03:07 pm:      
We are reluctantly selling Mudlark (WB32). We've put it with a broker as we don't have the time to oversee viewings etc. It's with WestWater Yacht Sales at Titchmarsh Marina. 01255 672 500 www.wwys.co.uk

Julian Swindell
Username: Julian_swindell

Registered: 03-2007
   
Posted on Monday, September 29, 2008 - 04:04 pm:      
I have sold my beloved Winkle Brig, Pelican, to John Jarvis and I hope she will give him as much pleasure as she gave me over the last few years. I now await my new Swallowboat's BayCruiser with impatient anticipation.

I am happy to carry on maintaining this site unless and until someone else may want to take it over. I will start to depersonalise it over the next few days and will probably alter the gallery to make it easier to export the whole website to another server in the future, as and when that needs to be done.

I still love the Winkle Brig and hope to see some of you around Poole Harbour. I might even give you a race...