Harrier of Down

"Harrier of Down", was a somewhat famous and well-travelled Folksong (Folkboat derivative),  and sadly on 8 October last she sank while under tow in the North Sea.

Julian Mustoe, aged 82, had circumnavigated upon her over 11adventurous years, while  on passage to Bergen, Norway a stainless steel steering block suddenly  failed ( as stainless tends to) leaving her without steering. Mustoe radioed Shetland Lifeboat for assistance and was soon refusing to abandon his boat and finally accepted a tow from a Belgian patrol boat. He was later woken and to learn Harrier was foundering under tow.

"I could see my lovely little boat struggling for her lie. Slowly she sank into the water. One last time her bow came up out of the water like she was gasping for breath. Then her hull slipped beneath the surface".    

Crowd funding raised in excess of £6500. I chose to help by buying his ebook "Voyage of the Harrier: in my 25 foot sailing boat I had the wish to go sailing, to recreate the famous second voyage of HMS Beagle and to satisfy my curiosity about the world."

For a few bucks on Amazon, even a sea gypsy can afford it.

Thanks to Classic Sailor magazine, Julian Mustoe and Harrier of Down.