A LABOUR OF LOVE
By our roving reporter, Joanna
Joanna - our roving reporter
Very few of us who visit Conwy Marina would fail to notice the striking and beautiful, traditional wooden boat – Cathmar “E” berthed on C Leg.
Geoff and Sue are the very proud owners of Cathmar “E” and have been for many years. I am pleased and proud to feature their boat as the first in our series of owners and their boats in my capacity as “Roving Reporter” for the CMBHA web site.
My husband, Ian and I were made most welcome when we were recently invited aboard Cathmar “E” and our first impression of this traditionally built cruiser was that it has been restored with a true labour of love.
AGE AND HISTORY
Cathmar "E"
The September 1964 edition of Motor Boat and Yachting shows that Cathmar “E” was traditionally built by E and LB Pinkney (Marine) Ltd of Middlesborough. She is a displacement hulled single screw motor cruiser. The vessel is powered by a single inboard 70 bhp diesel engine installed at the aft end of the saloon and driving conventional stern gear along the centreline. The hull is of clinker construction using iroko planking on oak frames. The keel is oak and mahogany has been used on the topsides.
The original owner named her after his family, Catherine, Margaret and Elizabeth ( Cathmar “E”) and in true boating style the name lives on.
A TRUE CLASSIC
Geoff and Sue and their family are the third owners of this beautiful cruiser, having seen an advert in the Daily Post in 1987. Apparently in poor repair, the family decided to restore her to her former glory and she became an obsession that they all shared. It was apparent speaking to Geoff and Sue that, over the years, they have shared many adventures on
Cathmar "E" - beautiful wooden finish
Cathmar “E” and have particularly enjoyed cruising in company. They were more than happy for me to take as many pictures as I liked of their pride and joy.
Geoff mentioned that in the 1990’s the vessel sustained storm damage and it was at this point that she was towed to Conwy Marina and has remained there ever since. Geoff and Sue have made many friends over the years, sadly some that are no longer with us. One of these friends was partially sighted and told Geoff that he could navigate the Conwy channel by using points on the mountains. Seeing this as a challenge, Geoff took his friend Ted out for a cruise to Puffin Island. On their return Ted took the helm and proved his point on what a person with a disability can achieve with the backup and support of a crew. After safely mooring they celebrated with a bottle of Merlot!
Only a few wooden boats now remain in Conwy, but the recent “Little Ships of Dunkirk” cruise, shows how long a wooden
Cathmar "E" - detail
hull can remain seaworthy, especially with the new products available to protect the topsides from water damage.
It was with reluctance that Ian and I left Cathmar “E” having found two new friends on the marina. We would like to thank them both for their time and hospitality and I am sure we will be visiting them again soon.
