CURLEW cruises in Irish Sea area

CURLEW was a 23ft Duver workboat with 120hp BMW engine and outdrive leg owned by me 1989-1999. She was quick (18 knot max) but thirsty - and petrol usually had to be carried in cans. She could take 4(total) on day trips and 2 overnight. She could take the ground with outdrive leg lifted and using wooden legs at the transom. Most trips were day trips to dive sites or to dry out on sandbanks.

CURLEW on the beach at Llanddwyn:

CURLEW on the beach

CURLEW was based at Liverpool Marina soon after it opened (Coburg Dock)

Liverpool waterfront:

Liverpool waterfront

1989 cruise to Menai Bridge and Caernarfon. 23/24/25 June.

1992 cruise to Douglas, Castletown 22/23/24 May.
At that date, GPS was not available and I relied on DECCA - this was quite good at finding again a location already chosen (such as a wreck site) but less reliable for absolute position determination. On my first trip to the Isle of Man, I remember the satisfaction of seeing the flashes of a lighthouse in the distance - and timing them to confirm that it was Douglas Head.

1992 cruise up Weaver Navigation to Winsford 5/6 Aug.
By unscrewing the small mast on the top of the cabin, the air draught was reduced enough to get under all the bridges (least quoted as 6'6" clearance).

Manchester Ship Canal lock, Weston Marsh lock, Northwich, St Kearan coming down the Weaver, Anderton lift.