Yet another January in history and another January Newsletter for ‘Sailing in the Sun’ 2023. As always it’s the start of getting fittings, materials and new Lugger equipment together ready for the long drive to the South Ionian Sea in mid-April. With the commencement of the charter season on 30 April it’s important to have a good start and have the boats ready and antifouled and launched in plenty of time.
However, before my departure there is an important Drascombe Association event in Bristol for both my companies, Dragon Drascombe and Just Lugger Joinery, to attend as an exhibitor. This is open to all folks who are interested in the Drascombe brand, and it will be a great day out in the Maritime Quarter of Bristol Docks on 25 February.
The event is taking place in M SHED, a brilliant event facility in Bristol, and will bring together Drascombe enthusiasts and some of the companies that support these boats. It will be a great opportunity to meet like-minded people, exchange ideas and stories, as well as visiting some of the trade stands such as ours.
So for those who I have corresponded with over time, and Drascombe people refurbishing their boats, why not come along and discuss with me at first hand? You will find Drascombe people from all around the UK and Ireland who are only too happy to talk about their sailing experiences and this iconic brand of boat. If you can make it, I look forward to meeting up. To find out more about the programme for the day, and to book a place, please use the button below.
Back in April 2022 I pledged to give 10% of the profits of my Just Lugger Joinery business to provide humanitarian support to the people of Ukraine. Although it has been a challenging year for all of us, I have been able to make a donation to Swansea-based charity Mission Ukraine, who provide just this sort of relief work on the ground.
I was able to provide enough to buy a 3-5kW generator, which will help provide emergency power after so much of the country’s infrastructure has been destroyed in the ongoing attacks.
This is a complex humanitarian situation needing urgent response, and both our Drascombe companies are planning further involvement and financial assistance in March.
I would encourage anyone who can to support this cause through the Just Giving page. You can read more about their work in this presentation.
With an ongoing maintenance programme in place I have already done a refit on 4 Luggers last summer in the boatyard. These boats have had 6 years of being chartered and inevitably there has occurred the odd knock and scrape. However, all looking great now, re-sprayed upper plank, new woodwork, re-oiled and new fittings.
We are now steadily having a greater number of family groups, with children as young as 4. We have children’s floatation vests available, these doubling up as swimming aids with the children.
This Lugger in 2022 was my first experience of having the new R&J Sails Co’s Batten Roached Main, Mizen and complemented by the balanced racing Genoa headsail. What a difference it made in light and moderate wind conditions, a remarkable transformation, so now this coming summer there will be available 4 sets of this rig for Lugger crews to try. This is an opportunity not to be missed for UK Lugger sailers!
Our safety equipment has had a major overhaul. I have dispensed with the large yellow bottles and now made up these kits that will fit into the side locker. Apart from carrying the Charter Licence certificate for the boat charter, and Greek third party insurance details (alas only in Greek), it also has a full inventory of required items which I feel necessary to cover most eventualities.
If all else fails, I’m always on station by mobile to answer a call for assistance. At my disposal are my day boat tender, Dragon Warrior, and the Atlantic 21 high-powered RIB, Warrior Spirit. So all aspects of safety are covered during the sailing day.
An added piece of kit this summer is the walking/cycling and trekking map, it’s a great scale to show fantastic detail. I look forward to seeing how people react to this aid.
Following the success of paddle boarding and kayaking last summer from the Iris beach with instruction from our local instructor, Argi, this will carry forward in the form of morning sessions. Then the boards can go back to your apartment/villa to be used at your leisure. It’s great fun in this environment – falling in is a relief in order to cool down!
We are currently experiencing very good demand for charter packages, be it with studio apartments through to the 6 person Villa. For the month of February I have picked a few charter packages which are discounted and are now offered at very favourable deals.
- May 7 to 14 at Geni Garden for 2 persons. This package is £1580
- May 14 to 28 at Geni Garden for 2 persons. This package is £2900
- May 28 to June 4 at Geni Garden for 2 persons. This package is £1680
- May 28 to June 11 at Geni Garden for 2 persons. This package is £3100
There is still good availability at the George Studio apartments, starting in mid May with one week for 2 in a studio apartment, Lugger and transfers at £1400.
Go and look at our Villa Eleanor, a superb private Villa for 6 persons, secluded and private. It’s a must for a relaxing family holiday, all facilities and plenty of space.
Whatever your query, I am always available to take calls
07812 562579
So looking forward to meeting friends and families from past summers. Of course, I also anticipate the meeting of new groups to enjoy our Drascombe Ionian Experience, of ‘Luggering About In The Sun’.
So why delay? Get in there before the great apartments go. Book now!
My very best wishes to all past, present and in the future
Phil. Osborne
Dragon Drascombe Ltd