The Oddity Blog

8th March 2022

Alan Harris

i can't move on without introducing Alan Harris who I have known for many years. I had the pleasure of meeting him when I opened his sail loft in Fowey when he was a young bright eyed youngster with bundles of energy and enthusiasm. He has grown the business to employ eighteen staff who can serve every need from the top of your mast down to the bottom of the keel. Its an amazing achievement and its been a pleasure to offer the odd bit of advice and mentoring along the way. In that time he has made me some of the best sails I have had and supported a number of firends projects with rigging, sails and dodgers. He has expanded to own Quay Sails in Poole and so is able to support vessels alomg the south coast. The main loft is in Lostwithiel and it has all the technology of a modern set up. Its a pleasure to know Alan, his wife Emily, an integral part of the business and the rest of the team.

7th March 2022

MAST & BOW SPRIT

We had a big day on Monday which was focused on the rig and sails. Alan Harris of Sail Shape came up in his van which is a mobile work shop to make the standing rigging, design and measure up the sails. This picture shows the rig up and bow sprit in place. Its the first time I have raised and lowered the mast and it works an absolute treat with the pullpit acting as an 'A' frame. Its certainly something that Tracey and I will be able to do on our own with ease, which, after all is on of the features of the design - total self reliance.

6th March 2022

Mount Batten Boat House Ltd

I've just made my last visit to Mount Batten Boat House to collect some Lewmar hatch blinds and 60m of 8mm chain. Its clearly not my last in the sense that they are the best chandlery/marine services business in Plymouth. Indeed, I left asking for a chain hook which I had forgotten to add to my big Oddity shopping list which they have scourced for me over these last months. The picture features founder Gavin Heandon who I have had the pleasure of knowing for many years across all sorts of projects. Always helpful, hugely informed and a man of his word. Amongst other things Gavin supplied and fitted the engines on Team Philips and Spirit of Mystery. In the round I couldnt miss this opportuntiy to give them a well deserved shout out and special mention for Karen who is a mainstay.

27th February 2022

PADSTOW

We went for an early morning walk in Padstow this morning and its a stunning estuary. I've always wanted to come here by boat but have had to wait until Oddity with her shallow draft and ability to dry out for it to be attainable. Suddenly any number of lovely cruising opportunities have opened up to us. Ones that will be pretty much all ours thanks to the limitations that most keel boats face.

26th February 2022

STERN

Here she is looking from aft as she shows off a very safe and protected cockpit which can be closed off once the boarding platfrom has been fitted. Carrying her beam all the way aft has given us loads of deck place and volume below.