The Winklebrig Forum

Due to old age and Parkinson's disease my boat, Cockle WB 106, is not getting used so I think it is time to pass it on. It is in good condition with a new Extreme trailer in Jan 2022 which makes launching and recovering very easy. Is anyone interested?

Hello David,
Hope you have resolved your mast support towing arrangements.
From the 'Gallery,' your vessel does not appear to have gallows, so I presume you use an 'A'frame at the stern, of height according to needs.
Parts of Yorkshire are not too far away from S.Cumbria.
Presently my W/B is in a barn, as a Cornish Cobble is on my Coniston mooring but I intend to change over late August.
If you would like to come over for the day, crawl over and talk all about Winkle Brigs, you are most welcome. Similarly, if you would like a sail with me on W/B 107 in September, that would be fine.
My e-mail address is in the Forum, profile side bar, when you log-in.
All the best,
David.

Thanks, David and John some really useful information there, I'll get thinking and have a go at knocking something up. Cheers David.

Photos attached of the GRP spar support. Mine is a later WB so has the gallows to support the mast. Incidentally the gallows in original configuration are not particularly rigid, this can be greatly improved by extending the support to the base of the aft lockers and adding a small wooden support bracket onto the teak rail running across the stern of the boat, both ideas copied from David Bone.
All the best, John

Mast support.

I bolt a temporary extension about a foot long to the centre of the gallows for the mast to rest in, with the foot remaining bolted in the tabernacle, which raises it up sufficiently for cabin access and also helps when raising the mast.
Re your other query, I purchased a new high peaked mainsail from Goacher's, Bowness in 2016 for £624.
 

A friend had new sails made by Goacher in Windermere, might be worth contacting them.

Hello all, I'm just wondering if anyone has had a new set of sails made recently and how much will it cost? I believe the sails I have for her (Markie WB15) are the original ones, they are definitely showing signs of wear and tear. The topsail is ok though. I'd be interested to hear if anyone asked for any changes from the original design when having new ones made?. If anyone has any recommendations for a good sail maker that would be great. Thanks David

Thanks John, I'm just trying to make the whole process of towing a bit more efficient, and it would be handy to be able to still get in the cabin. Currently I've just left the mast in the tabernacle and lashed the spars to the mast, but it's a bit of a faff. I would be very interested to see some pictures of your device. What do you use at the aft end? Is it the gallows or an A frame? 

Thanks again, David

I have one and occasionally used it to hold the boom and gaff during the winter when the boat was under cover, but never used it towing. I preferred to put the boom and gaff on the roof rack, I have a van so the roof bars are well spaced, and kept the mast in the midline, either still in the tabernacle or with the mast base on the stem. I suppose it might be useful if you have a long journey and need to access the cabin more easily, but it always seemed difficult to secure it really well. If you want to make one I can photograph it with dimensions. All the best, John