Arillas Forum

During the first week of our holiday I noticed a very odd looking bundle of  bamboo on the beach, that had been shaped into something like a canoe.


I found out that two gentlemen, Wilf from Essex and Alan from Wales had set themselves a task to build a boat. They had set rules that they could only use penknives and string, that they had brought with them, and everything else had to be found on the beach. They had been doing this for the last 5 years and the boats kept getting bigger.

During  the week, the boat progressed, until  it was perfectly weighted and balanced. The aim was to get a boat made that could sail out to sea, with a note in it, and to see how far it would travel. The boat they hade made the previous year had sailed out to sea but the wind then turned it around and it collided with the jetty.


They would often try it in the water but they were never satisfied until it was completely stable. Even the rocks and stones on the keel were accurately placed and tied on with string. The sails were changed many times to get maximum wind in them.


At the beginning of the second week the boat was ready to sail, complete with carved name (Argun), but unfortunately it became quite windy for a few days and the sea was too choppy for the boat to be launched.


Click for video

(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n179/terrylwarner/th_MVI_6516.jpg) (http://s112.photobucket.com/albums/n179/terrylwarner/?action=view&current=MVI_6516.flv)

Everyday,  when they left the beach they stored the boat at Thalassa to keep it safe. I think the people at Thalassa must have got quite fond of it because they asked Wilf and Alan if they could have it for their garden. So the launch was cancelled and the boat is on display at the restaurant.

(http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n179/terrylwarner/boat6.jpg)

Myself and many other people were captivated by the boat building, and it became a daily ritual to check on the progress. They were two amazing blokes and I think they will do the same next year.

What a great story Terry. Like the festival we missed it, but saw the boat at Thalassa. Never asked what it was about but now we know. Thanks for the post.

Phil

A great post Terry....lol...it rocked my boat....thank you!

Eileenxxx

I suppose it gives them something to do on the beach....great story Terry

What a really good idea & judging by the photo's these guys aren't too bad.
Good job it wasn't me attempting to build one - it wouldn't have stood a chance. First sign of water & it would have collapsed!
Not very good with my hands I'm afraid :-(

What a fascinating story Terry. I would have loved to have seen that happening day by day. Hope it is still at the Thalassa in September.


riggers...

Terry . I met the Welsh fella 2 year's ago in Arillas.
He went round the back of Thalassa then and brought out a very similar boat that he was constructing.
Is he a dark chap with a tash ?

Yes Barry, he is dark (well Tanned) with a tash - thats Alan and he goes to Arillas a couple of times a year.

The other bloke Wilf, is an amazing character. He has been a window cleaner for 31 years  and still carry's his ladders on a bike.  I think his wife comes on the forum sometimes, so I hope she sees this topic.

Thats him.
A real nice bloke.So's his lady wife.
They gave Jack a clicker thing for his mossie bites.

That was brilliant Terry, thanks.

Sharon x