Yes, unashamedly I promote a Christmas event on August 30th, but it is a special event for Maidencombers all.
It is the fourth running of the Thatched Tavern Christmas Carol Singalong and ALL are welcome.
For those unfamiliar with the format, song/carol sheets are provided and there will be Advent calendar prizes.
The singalong commences at 7pm on Friday December 19th.
The countdown begins ...
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
SANKO US BOUND
As anticipated, the Star Minerva made a brief stopover in Tor Bay before heading off across the Atlantic US bound. Her scheduled destination is Camden, New Jersey and she's due to arrive on September 5th. Let's hope her paperwork is in order as the US authorities are strict and have a long memory ...
Monday, August 25, 2014
STAR MINERVA BACK IN TOR BAY
Well, the old ex Sanko Mineral duly arrived back at her identical mooring off Paignton in Tor Bay before breakfast today. The MTS Valonia joined her from Brixham just after 7 am and is currently alongside. It appears that the Star Minerva is undergoing another underwater inspection. Keep you posted on this.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
WAIT FOR IT - THE SANKO'S COMING BACK
Star Minerva en route back to Tor Bay |
'After a five day stay in Bremen the Star Minerva (ex Sanko Mineral) left there in the early hours of yesterday morning. She is currently off Dover and her AIS is showing Torquay as her destination with an ETA of breakfast time tomorrow! I have no idea what this visit is all about – we will have to wait and see!'
It could be a case of a brief stopover before moving on to another destination. However, the long-running saga of this vessel carries on.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM
Saturday, August 16, 2014
SHE'S FINALLY GONE
Our old friend the Sanko Mineral (Star Minerva) left Tor Bay late yesterday evening and is currently en route to the German port of Bremen. She now sails under the flag of the Marshall Islands.
So ends an eleven month saga which saw the vessel virtually permanently moored off Maidencombe in various positions - Babbacombe Bay, Tor Bay and Lyme Bay, making a few journeys to Falmouth for bunkering and under 'impulse power' around Lyme Bay in heavy weather.
It all came about when the Sanko Steamship Company - one of Japan's oldest shipping companies - became embroiled in financial difficulties and was forced to file for bankruptcy, leaving a number of its vessels 'stranded' around the world as creditors sought payment for unpaid charters.
The Sanko Mineral had other difficulties, however, and was allegedly involved in the ramming and sinking of a barge in US waters and managed to escape internship by the US authorities.
What an adventure, I'll miss her. Bon voyage, Sanko ...
So ends an eleven month saga which saw the vessel virtually permanently moored off Maidencombe in various positions - Babbacombe Bay, Tor Bay and Lyme Bay, making a few journeys to Falmouth for bunkering and under 'impulse power' around Lyme Bay in heavy weather.
It all came about when the Sanko Steamship Company - one of Japan's oldest shipping companies - became embroiled in financial difficulties and was forced to file for bankruptcy, leaving a number of its vessels 'stranded' around the world as creditors sought payment for unpaid charters.
The Sanko Mineral had other difficulties, however, and was allegedly involved in the ramming and sinking of a barge in US waters and managed to escape internship by the US authorities.
What an adventure, I'll miss her. Bon voyage, Sanko ...
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
VIDEO FOOTAGE OF SANKO MINERAL IN TOR BAY
I saw her make her initial approach into Tor Bay from Maidencombe but she gradually disappeared from view behind the Babbacombe peninsula. Footage attained by driving up to the Ilsham Marine Drive.
RETURN OF THE SANKO MINERAL!
Star Minerva formerly the Sanko Mineral |
The vessel first arrived off Tor Bay on October 15th last year and has been the subject of much discussion on marine forums. Such was the interest that she departed on May 15th to take up a new mooring near to Falmouth. She was subsequently sold at a sealed bid auction (see previous post).
Graham speculates that the vessel may be returning for an underwater hull inspection and clean after accumulating much marine growth on her keel over the past eleven months.
Her ETA is 1830 UTC – 1930 local time. We'll be keeping a lookout for her here at Maidencombe.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
TROPICAL STORM BERTHA JUST A PUSSYCAT
With all the usual media hype about the dreaded 'Hurricane Bertha' swooping across the Atlantic via the jet stream, precautions had to be taken - just in case they were correct.
In the event, Bertha, downgraded to a tropical storm on making landfall in the US and subsequently further downgraded to just a 'vicious low depression', turned out to be just a pussycat for us in Maidencombe after veering sharply northwest after hitting Ireland.
I had spent the evening battening down the hatches and checking the guys on our giant Eucalyptus tree.
The wind (gusts of over 60 mph expected) started up at about 3:50 am but then died away, giving way to some fairly sustained rainfall (an inch in all - 25 mm).
Better safe than sorry and I'm quite relieved we got off so lightly.
In the event, Bertha, downgraded to a tropical storm on making landfall in the US and subsequently further downgraded to just a 'vicious low depression', turned out to be just a pussycat for us in Maidencombe after veering sharply northwest after hitting Ireland.
I had spent the evening battening down the hatches and checking the guys on our giant Eucalyptus tree.
The wind (gusts of over 60 mph expected) started up at about 3:50 am but then died away, giving way to some fairly sustained rainfall (an inch in all - 25 mm).
Better safe than sorry and I'm quite relieved we got off so lightly.
Saturday, August 09, 2014
SANKO MINERAL SOLD AT AUCTION
News coming in from Graham, our reliable and knowledgeable source, that the long running saga of the Sanko Mineral now appears to be at an end. Graham informs me that the Sanko Mineral has been sold at auction for a reported $17.2 million - some $4 million less than she changed hands for in March of 2012 to a Greek buyer.
The vessel has been renamed Star Minerva and is currently showing on AIS as that name. It is my belief that the purchasers are Minerva Marine Inc. a private and independent Greek shipping company that has established long term business links with Major Oil Companies.
Graham says that it appears that the vessel is heading up into Falmouth Bay in the morning (presumably for bunkers) and will be sailing again at teatime.
So ends the near eleven month self-imposed internment of the Sanko Mineral off the Devon and Cornwall coast.
I am sure it will come as a huge relief to the crew and their families. It is a matter of conjecture what remuneration the crew members have received on what had become virtually a 'prison ship'.
The vessel has been renamed Star Minerva and is currently showing on AIS as that name. It is my belief that the purchasers are Minerva Marine Inc. a private and independent Greek shipping company that has established long term business links with Major Oil Companies.
Graham says that it appears that the vessel is heading up into Falmouth Bay in the morning (presumably for bunkers) and will be sailing again at teatime.
So ends the near eleven month self-imposed internment of the Sanko Mineral off the Devon and Cornwall coast.
I am sure it will come as a huge relief to the crew and their families. It is a matter of conjecture what remuneration the crew members have received on what had become virtually a 'prison ship'.
Star Minerva - formerly the Sanko Mineral |
Wednesday, August 06, 2014
FORGET THE DAY JOB JOE!
Forget the day job Joe - you've got serious talent! |
UPDATE FROM JOE OUR POSTIE
Hi all
Attached is a photo of one of my paintings - what do you think -
Just thought you would like to know that the plaster is finally off!
Leg is still bruised and swollen, but can finally put my foot on the ground, just waiting for a appointment with the physio.
Still not sure how long before I am back.
good enough to put in the loo?
Joe the postman
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