Lively Lady was open for visitors at the show
Visiting Lively Lady was a real treat at the Southampton Boat Show – the work done by Alan Priddy Steve Mason (above) is impressive. They plan to sail around Britain next year and maybe around the world in two or three years’ time. Below is a video of Classic Sailor’s interview with Steve aboard Lively Lady on September 17. Below that is a quick Q&A with Alan who was the leader of the project to take dozens of youngsters from Portsmouth around the world to celebrate 40 years since Sir Alec Rose made his circumnavigation.
CS. Can you fill me in on how long she was in the yard?
AP. She was only in HYC for 9 months!!! This was after the IBTC in Boathouse 4 had her for 18 months took a considerable sum of money off us, didn’t do any work and then said the money we paid was only for storage! There is a big court case going on as they made a statement that when they took our money they were insolvent!!! They did the same to Fandango and Dolly Varden
And what kind of work was needed to get her afloat this time? She went down to bare hull. We didn’t have to replace many planks but pretty much everything else above the waterline. The decks are now African Iroko on Ply as you suggested. Coach roof, Engine overhauled and as I said pretty much everything else. The inside is only 50% done but it does have new bunks!!!
What was the day like when you took her back to Portsmouth? Mind blowing!! Thousands of people on the land and as many on their boats in the Marina blowing the horns and waving flags. The interviews and photos went on for over 4 hours!!!Lively Is and always will be the peoples boat.
What are your plans for her now? We are going to finish of the smaller things and get her ready to take part in some of the Classic Races in the area for this year while building the kids charity back up for a slow “Show off “ Circumnavigation of the UK next year.
Circumnavigation dates? Ask me when I am drunk!! Maybe 2020 but not with me as skipper.
How is the guardianship going? The guardianship is all sorted with my Charity Around and Around holding a 25 year lease on her. I could have bought her for £1 but I refused to pay it citing she is part of Portsmouth and shouldn’t be owned by an individual.
Are you still getting frustrated by other people’s views? Always!!
How do you see the legacy developing? Does she need her own trust? I agree with Sir Robin that the UK needs something in place to look after all the famous boats after we are all gone. I know Robin is worried and I share his views this is why I have moved sideways in the Charity and handed of the Chairmanship to a younger person.