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This phrase is extremely old, going as far back 725 AD. It's meaning seems obvious, foul tasting and bitter ! However, there is a nautical meaning to this phrase associated with a certain Captain Smith. In the early 1600s he published a booked entitled 'Seaman's Grammar' and he mentions The Bitter End in this. Below he explains that the bitter end is the end of rope that stays on board. "A Bitter is but the turne of a Cable about the Bits, and veare it out by little and little. And the Bitters end is that part of the Cable doth stay within boord." A 'Bitt' post can be found fastened in the deck of a ship. Various ropes and other fastenings could be fed round the post, until it reached it's very end ………. hence the bitter end.  #boat#storage#crane#dry#dock#welding#repairs#kent#
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Ahoy is used to get attention or greet. A ship's watch may shout 'land ahoy' or 'ship ahoy' when sightings are made. It is thought to have originated from Middle English (15th Century) 'Hoy'. Hoy would have been used as a greeting or to get peoples attention particularly on boats. It is a sound that carries well over distances and possibly never had a translation and was always just a sound or call. Interestingly, 'Hoy' is also a type of barge or fishing vessel used in the 17th and 18th century, so maybe there is a connection here as well.  We sometimes forget that not everyone is familiar with nautical terminology, as there are plenty of new boat owners, learning the ropes. A questions which we get asked alot is 'what is a lee board'? So for those of you who are interested, here's the answer: A leeboard is a form of pivoting keel used by a sailboat in lieu of a fixed keel. Typically mounted in pairs on each side of a hull, leeboards function much like a centreboard, allowing shallow draft craft to ply waters fixed keel boats cannot. Only one, however, the leeward, is used at a time, as it does not get lifted from the water when the boat heels under the force of the wind. They come in all shapes and sizes, but the working principle is the same. Even canoes have been adapted with leeboards, to give better control. We are really lucky here at Iron Wharf Boatyard to have some wonderful historic vessels berthed here. Mirosa Ironsides Orinoco These are three fine examples of dedication and commitment from their owners to keep these barges restored and ship shape. The pictures were taken at high water, so it is a very different view. Tucked away under cover work doesn't stop for Mirosa. There will be maintenance and TLC happening throughout the winter so she is ready for her sailing season next year.  A perfect sunny Autumn day and here at Iron Wharf we are still hard at work craning and storing various boats.  Another project completed and floated out of the dry dock. Sloe Gin looks bright and gleaming after her brief spell in our Dry Dock. Now summer is here we need to be aware of covering up and protecting ourselves from sun burn or sun stroke. It's easy to get carried away on a hot summers day and not take precautions. Remember: Keep hydrated Wear a hat Use a suitable sun screen Cover up Sprit has taken precautions with 'Doggles' to protect her eyes. White dogs are particularly prone to sun burn. Our canine friends need protection too don't forget …… standing on hot tarmac not only causes burnt paws, but overheats the dog as they sweat through their feet. Find them a shady spot, provide a water bowl and never leave them in the car.   Happy 8th Birthday Master Kit, our youngest Bargeman. Always on hand to help and is very generous with his birthday cake.
#iron#Wharf#boat#yard#storage#container#crane#craning#DIY# Crew visits with his owner Lena, and he is turbo injected and super charged. Occupation: Running Hobbies: Running Relationship: Loves his mummy Lena's lap. He regularly goes sailing, rowing and not forgetting running.
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Iron Wharf Boatyard
Iron Wharf Boatyard in Faversham, Kent provides storage, containers, DIY yard, and many other services. Archives
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