MTB102

MTB102 was launched (in the rain) at lunchtime today, Friday 11th, after a hectic time for the regulars and lots of grey paint. Engines fired up instantly and we backed her off the cradle and onto her permanent pontoon berth. As usual she behaved like the lady she is. Quick check of the bilges and chines. No horrors so should sleep well tonight. Newsons have done the business again. Thanks guys.

Richard.

Edited by Magic Fingers

MTB102 has just returned from a 322nm trip to Windsor and back. Whilst at Windsor she was on parade wearing a white ensign for the first time since 1942. Quite an occasion.

We are now preparing her for a trip to Dover, Deal and Sandwich over the coming weekend. Can't let the old lady sit still too long or she will end up like all the rest. 

Now that the dust and water level have settled here's the story of Sandwich. About 100yds from the Town Quay at Sandwich 102 was holed on the waterline about 3 feet from the bow on the starboard side. We do not know what we hit but no-one on board felt the impact. Probably a bough from a tree which pushed into the mud and through the side of 102. The hole is about 8in diameter. As we were going alongside the quay the situation was becoming desperate and myself and a crew member spent two hours upto our chests in river water trying to stem the flow. Several local guys produced pumps and the fire brigade arrived and eventually put their big pump on the job. We blocked off the door way with a table and the pumps gained control. Another crew took a pump to the engineroom to keep that dry so we did not submerge the machinery. When we could see the hole a temporary patch was fitted and we moved 102 to Sandwich Marina and put her into a mud slip. At low water we made a decent ply patch inside and out, through bolted it with 8mm bolts and loads of sticky stuff. 24 hours later we were back on the quay to the amazement of those that saw us sinking. The patch withstood the trip back to Lowestoft on Thursday.

Edited by Magic Fingers - 01 June 2008 at 9:42pm

Picture can be seen at

Just spent an hour this evening on 102 making sure she is o.k. Doesn't seem any different to how she was before the Sandwich incident. Bilge pumps still cutting in at the old rate. I think she was asking what all the fuss was about. She certainly doesn't seem to have taken any harm. Situation normal. Thanks for your good wishes and concern guys. Much appreciated.