Newcastle harbour was busy at the weekend with lots of people enjoying the sunshine and following the Rat's advice to Mole in the book 'The Wind in the Willows.' "Believe me, my young friend; there is NOTHING, absolute nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." Filled with water or filled with mud or somewhere in between there's always plenty to do and sketch in a harbour. I took advantage of an invitation from Newcastle Yacht Club to experience the thrills of sailing by acting as ballast on a large day boat. Track suit bottoms were the suggested attire but seeing that all of the regulars wore dry suits or wet suits I expected quite a few splashes. I had a great time and managed to stay dry or at least damp by constantly moving to the high side of the boat as it listed in the wind. In addition to weight distribution I managed to gain some insight into how the various sails, ropes and pulleys worked together to make best use of the wind moving across the surface of Dundrum bay. Everything onboard (apart from me) had a specific indispensable function, and even though many of the lines on a boat can be simply suggested or left out of a sketch, an artist benefits by having a idea of the various bits and their positions, arrangements and functions. This helps avoid adding items that should not be there or leaving out things that should. Hopefully more will be revealed in the introductory sailing courses run by the club over the summer. There not much room or opportunity to sketch from a sail boat but any artist should profit by learning to sail or at least by joining the yacht club and working from a dry seat in the clubhouse, taking advantage of the views across the harbour. "In or out of 'em, it doesn't matter. Nothing seems really to matter, that's the charm of it "continued the water rat, I have to say I agree.
If you are interested in the sketches you can contact Eamonn by ringing 07962 189132