A Valiant Effort

Published 12:06 on 25 Jan 2022

A Valiant effort - Thank you

Last Friday on a gloriously sunny day we launched Valiant, our St Ayles Skiff, after two weeks of refurbishment undertaken by members volunteering their skills and labour. After some photos and lots of laughter on the quay the crew launched Valiant and for some the first time doing an oar salute, as way of donning our caps to say thank you to all those that were involved. Effectively you slowly bring the oars upright, they are quite heavy so can be a little daunting the first time, but the crew saluted in style and then off they went rowing into the sunshine and managed to set a new record from Cobnor to Quay - although there is some debate over tidal assistance!

Back to the maintenance, we were on a tight deadline: sanding, drying times between coats, some repairs and multiple boat flips (we're pretty handy at those now) we had a strict timetable to be out of the marquee - and we made it. We started on a Tuesday morning, armed with electric sanders in the dinghy park and set to the hull - volunteers showed up, worked incredibly hard and it was messy work. By the following day Valiant was sanded and in the marquee, as were the oars. A very kind member took the all floorboards home to work in a warm and dry workspace. They were returned two weeks later as shiny as mirrors. Another member fixed the cox and pilot seats - they now feel more like comfortable armchairs and much more solid (we now even have our own 3d printed turn nuts in Valiant red and black colours).

Then there was painting, sanding, painting, sanding, varnishing, sanding, fixing - laughter, lots of laughter - making new friends. From the detailed work of creating those stripes on the oars to the lettering and numbers - always a steady hand and patience required. To members learning how to attach leathers to oars, after the leather had been treated lovingly with saddle soap. Cover repairs on the terrace. There is no part of Valiant that has not seen some TLC by the hands of our members - on our peak day we had 10 members come to the Club to chip in - your generosity of time and spirit was way beyond our expectations. Our Bosun Rob and Michael were on hand for advice and humour throughout and ensured we had all the supplies we needed.

Thank you to everyone that gave what time they could - the quality of the finish is phenomenal. The definition of Valiant is something possessing or acting with bravery or boldness and with Valiant's amazing refurb she certainly gives the aura of bravery and boldness and we look forward to her flying the BSC flag and flashing her striped oars proudly in the harbour and beyond!

GET ROWING: Please do book onto a rowing session (via the calendar) or organise a self lead rowing outing (book Valiant here) - there is something quite magical about the clunk of the oars and at this time of year the harbour feels like it's your own and a great way to get out when there has been little to no wind!

QUESTIONS: Get in touch with Laura via email paddlesports@boshamsailingclub.com if you have any questions on rowing or paddling.

Last updated 11:51 on 12 March 2024