Latest News

Poor Crocus is stripped bare!  It’s a good job we have complete faith in Nick or we’d be seriously worried to see her like this.  They always say things have to get worse before they get better and this seems to be the case with Crocus.

Crocus in the Workshop

The old girl has settled in at Nick’s and is coming back into shape.  Work will begin soon on the ribs but in the meantime the new keel size is being worked out according to her sail area.  All Double Dutch to me but I know she is in safe hands and she will be beautiful when finished!  Please forgive me Nick and do please comment if I get anything wrong!!

Crocus is Back in Norfolk!

Well she’s finally back in her home county.  Nick Wiggins sent this photo of her and now begins the long haul of getting her fit for the water next Spring.

On the Road Again!

Everything has been agreed with Nick in Thurne and so Crocus is on the move again.  Jamie found a transport company in Truro who were able to take her and this morning Robin from RMS Transport arrived at the harbour to collect all the large bits that we were unable to get in a car.  Mast, spars, outboard and mattresses were loaded and then we made our way to North Country where Crocus was in a shed. 

Robin had a good look at Crocus and then began the delicate job of raising her so that he could slide his trailer underneath and lower her onto it.  It was very nerve-wracking watching and I must admit I covered my eyes on a couple of occasions!!  My neighbour had come up to help and I think Robin was glad of the assistance.  The mast and spars were loaded onto the trailer beside Crocus and she was ready for her trip to Norfolk.

Once hitched up to the van she set off heading for the A30 and a shed in Truro.  She would then be turned around with a crane so she’d be facing the right way for the long journey.  Robin had a trip to Spain to do before taking her on the last part of her return to her roots.

Work Has Come to a Halt

We received news that Roger who was working on Crocus had very sadly passed away while undergoing treatment for throat cancer.  We hoped that she could still be finished here in Cornwall but there was no-one qualified to do the work amongst his staff and so we made the decision that she would have to be done elsewhere.  Friends in Norfolk recommended someone and Jamie made contact with him.  These are just a few of the photos he was sent when asked if he would take over the restoration …

His response was very positive and so while we were on our Broads holiday we went to his work sheds to meet him.  If figures could be agreed then we were really happy for Crocus to be finished here.  Hopefully all systems go again fairly soon!

Ribs and Decking

We’ve been up a couple of times to see Crocus.  She is now in a shed which is great as we don’t have to worry about keeping her covered during winter weather …

Work has been done to remove rotten ribs and decking. 

We’re off to the Broads for a holiday at the beginning of October so it’ll be interesting to see how much more has been done when we get home.

Work Re-Commences

Nothing has been happening to Crocus for ages as Mike has suffered with severe sight problems.  He has finally accepted that he’s unable to complete the work and so she has made her way to a local boat-builder for restoration.  The Cornish Wooden Boat Company are local to us and they have agreed to finish her.   G T Stone & Son transport arrived this morning to move her to her new home …

She has been on the harbour hard standing for a long time and it was very strange to see her being taken away.  At least she is close by and we can pop up to see her and see how work is progressing.