B & F Letters

Letters from Members & Friends

Find here a most interesting correspondence from Visitors and BMC Members.

Publishig Policy: Publishing will be always at the Club criteria, depending on space available and general interest of the content, that may be excerpted. BMC is not responsible for the opinions of the authors.

Messages in a bottle

June 28, 2008

From fellow member Maarten J.

Hola Guillermo,

Hope all is well,

Few weeks ago I was in Athens for Posidonia and had dinner one evening in the old port of Piraeus. Found this Banjer over there and took some pictures with my mobile phone, hence the bad quality. I think it is the Banjer from venezuela, but I am not sure.

Best regards,

Maarten.

(Anybody knows which Banjer is this one? I don't think she's "Lontananza")

June 16, 2008

Has someone heard about Banjer "DA KINE"....? We received this message from Jerry McGregor in Hawaii:

Aloha, yes I live in Hawaii.

In 1971 I bought a Banjer from Stangate Marine in England. My wife & I took 2 years sailing her back to San Diego where I regretfully sold her.

The name we gave her was "Da Kine" meaning 'the best' in Hawaiian. I know she ended up in Dana Point Harbor & I don't know if the name was changed.

Is there any way you might be able to track the boat down. After all these years it would be fun to see what happened to her.

Thanks, Jerry

May 11, 2008

From friends Eileen and Peter, who own a Claymore motorsailer

Buon Giorno, Guillermo!

........my husband, Peter and I are living in the United States with 'Olivebank', Massachusetts East Coast on Cape Cod.

However, I know our boat is European and was built in England and that there are quite a few Claymore's in Scotland and the British Isles.

I would be pleased to add the Banjer Club's website address to the links on our page and would appreciate if the favor is returned!

Just let me know what the url (address) is and I'll take care of that.

And....if you folks know of any Claymore owners send them our way! :-)

Happy sailing -

Eileen, on M/S 'Olivebank'

http://www.eastcoasthorizon.com/Claymore/index.htm

May 4, 2008

From Martin F., through our web site's form processor.

I really, really appreciated your extensive information on anchors as I've had a tough time getting any answers on my situation and needs. I've got a WWII Sea Mule tug. 40' long, 12' beam and displaces about 50,000 lbs. I have a 1500 lb stockless anchor which I was given but haven't used yet.

Here's my question: What do you think about using wire rope instead of chain or nylon rope? I'm working this boat on a very deep lake 300-500ft.

Thanks for any advice.

Answer from the Commodore:

Dear Martin,

Thanks for your contact through our web pages. I think you are the same person who asked similar questions at boatdesign.net forums, aren't you?

I think there should be no problem to use wire for your ground tackle because of the big depth (otherwise not good for an small one because of the lack of elasticity). It can even be beneficial in your case, as I think 1500 lbs anchor weight is low for the permanent mooring of a 50000 lbs boat in rocky bottoms (as I have told at the forums): the wire's weight (against nylon) can partially compensate for the lack of weight at the anchor.

All the best.

Guillermo Gefaell

BMC's Commodore.

April 29, 2008

More from PANDORA

Hi guillermo,

I just want to tell you about the banjermen friendship . We are now at home and we had the pleasure to meet ventvers , damy and gros baloo several times in march and april ,always around a good meal and a good bottle so it s time to stop eating so much, therefore Daniel and I are leaving france on the 14th may to go to cyprus where pandora is . We got 4 new silent blocks( mountings ) for our engine thanks to Frank de Visser who was able to find the spare parts in Holland and send them to france .Thanks again for creating this big family .

April 2, 2008

Another very kind message from Taylor I. Cook:

At present my wife and I plus our crew (two Labrador retrievers) cruise the US East coast usually from May to November on our Krogen 44 named "Water Dog". Home port is Charleston,S.C. Will welcome any Banjerites passing through.

March 30, 2008

We have received this message from Taylor I. Cook:

"Looking for info on Banjer 1970/71,open aft cockpit, closed pilot house named Dakine. Bought by me in California 1972. Was in Navy at the time. Orders to East Coast ship required unfortunate sale in Newport, CA. 1974."

Any help?

Please contact the Commodore: commodore@banjer37.net

January 3, 08

Wishes from QIMMIQ for 2008:

Carpe Banjeriem !!

(We'll do that, Frank, we'll do that!)

Dec 10, 2007

From the BMC's Honourable Secretary.

.....I thought you would be interested in the attached photo. About 2 weeks ago I was 70 and six months ago, in secret, 11 of my friends - calling themselves the 'Friends of Sulasgeir' - commissioned a model of Sulasgeir which they presented at a party here in Scotland.

I am sure you will agree its a fine model and something to treasure - particularly if I have to give up sailing! Which I don't intend to do for some time!

Regards

Colin

Dec 07, 2007

Letter from member Brian Hull to Steven K.

Steven,

I have owned my Banjer37 "Duck Soup" since 1984 & lived aboard for more than twenty years. You will find details of Duck Soup on the website as with many other Banjers. The various layouts are also posted on the website.

I have just turned sixty nine & have no difficulty single handing Duck Soup. Over the last twenty three years I have completed about sixty thousand miles cruising. This cruising included a number of voyages in the waters of Papua New Guinea & to North Queensland. One four month trip down the east coast of Australia as far as Port Davey on the west coast of Tasmania, a twelve month staggered trip to New Zealand via Southport Queensland, Lord Howe Island, the Bay of Islands & Auckland where I had a total pox job done. We returned via Tonga, Fiji & Vanuatu. Another extended cruise was to Darwin via Thursday Island, Gove & various other anchorages. From Darwin we proceeded to Ambon in Indonesia, then due North to the Halmahera group, South to the equator, due East to Biak in West Papua & then to Vanimo in PNG. From Vanimo we proceeded leisurely back to Port Moresby in home waters. Most of my cruising has been done with one crew.

...........................

Nov 26, 2007

From friend Hans S.:

As a super coincidence we were at Terschelling with our Dartsailer 38 and there we were together with two other royals: the Banjer and the Fischer.

I think you would like to have this picture.

Kind regards

Hans S

(Banjer is ANNE MARIE)

Nov 25, 2007

From PANDORA

We are arrived in Hurgadha were is a new and beautifull marina we will go back to France 3 weeks while our guest continue 150 miles further and we will join them the 30 of december to continue to Sudan..

Nov 10, 2007

From friend Steven, in Australia.

Dear Mr. Gefaell,

I was really impressed with the Banjer 37 when I accidentally stumbled on your web site. I had never heard of Banjer until last week.

I was looking around for a Nauticat 33, preferrably on the Mediterranean, where I had intended to buy a boat and travel around my country of birth, Greece.

Since I am 58 years old, I thought I should not delay it any longer.

To be truthful, I thought a Nauticat 33 would do the job for me, easily and safely. Then I saw your web site, and I must confess, I am having second thoughts about the Nauticat until I fully investigate The Banjer. I also considered the Fisher 30, but I think it is too small for me.

I am a competent sailor of many years, and the waters around Melbourne, Australia, can get fairly rugged, especially the Tasman Sea and Bass Straight.

I currently own a Columbia 27 (based on American Coronado 26 by Columbia USA). I sail single handed usually, and my small boat suits the time I spend on it, and the destinations I take it to.

If I am going to visit Greece, and adjacent countries, during the European summers, over the next few years, I would like to do it comfortably and safely, over 3 month intervals, regardless of weather, hence my attraction to "heavy duty" Motorsailers, especially for the Maltemi winds of the Aegean and the Bourini squalls of the Ionian, which I experenced once and could not believe the ferocity of the winds and the boiling sea.

I think you are the same Guillermo, who takes part in forums regularly on the web, am I correct? If so, I would appreciate a little advice and Information from you as I am sure you would know how to compare both vessels ( and perhaps the Fisher 30?) in a helpful, if not critical way.

Further, I have scoured the net for technical information on both alternatives, but I have not really found any discussions on weak points and strong points.

I have not yet found any really good interior photos and Interior layouts of the Banjer. Perhaps you can guide me a little on this.

Osmosis would be a point on both I think. But I am generally seeking reliable advice on handling, reversing, poor design, quirks that could surprise if one does not know about them etc.

The Nauticat looks quite attractive and seems to have very well thought out accommodation, but the timber decks and superstructure worry me because of probable deck and house leaks and therefore rot.

The Banjer appears to be a no nonsense rugged design, but at the same time, beautiful. Truly a timeless craft, I thought.

The Banjer apparently is all fibreglass, but what about hull to deck connection? Are the spars alloy or timber?

It seems Banjers have tabernacled masts and less draft ....... handy for canal cruising?

Sorry for rambling on and appearing to be answering my own questions, but I have only one chance at this ....... If I get it wrong, it may overturn my plans.

And finally, I don't mind if a little work has to be done to get whichever craft up to standard. I am an engineer by profession, but with a good understanding of woodwork, epoxy laminating and treatments, and a reasonable mechanic and electrician. But of course, I don't want to rebuild a boat. I would rather use it for travel and accommodation.

I think I have intruded into your time more than I had intended. I would love to get your opinions or a guide to sources of information, where I can make a good decision.

Very best regards and congratulations on the Banjer web site.

Steven K.

Australia.

Nov 14, 2007

From friend Perry in the UK:

Hello Guillermo, Are any Banjers fitted with Bruntons Autoprops?

http://www.bruntons-propellers.com/

http://www.autoprop.com/

If so, do you have any feedback?

Best regards,

Perry

Email: perrydebellNOSPAM@blueyonder.co.uk (remove NOSPAM from address)

Perry would appreciate any info from any of our fellowmembers who has installed this kind of propellers in his/her Banjer.

If you can be of help, please contact him.

Nov 07, 2007

From PANDORA

We are once more in Egypt. But this time we are not on our boat Pandora we are crew on a catamaran called MAILYS.

We met this french couple in Larnaka and we talked about Egypt and Red Sea. They were a bit afraid about Suez Canal and Red Sea.

The vascodagama rallye going till India was at this time in Larnaka, and they decided to go with this rallye. But the day after they asked us to go onboard with them!

We threw our bag on their boat and the day after we are sailing to Port Said.

Now our captain ... thinks to go to India.

All the information about this trip is can be found on www.vascodagamarally.nl

Hope to see you again

Daniel & Monique

Sept 30, 2007

From PAX MERCERIUM:

Just a note to let you know the bow thruster, a Vetus 75, was installed, and has worked very well especially in docking on tight, difficult spaces. We had a great summer on Pax Mercerium. Interestingly, at Chatterbox Falls, Princess Louisa Inlet, we anchored and, surprise, the other Banjer in BC, named Island Rover, arrived to anchor a boat over from us. She had just been purchased by a new owner; ...... Later on when we went into Gibson’s (a days 7-knot motor from Vancouver), we heard from the wharfinger that he lives in ..... and had just been into Gibson’s a few days before. Many people notice the fine lines of the Banjer and noticed Pax Mercerium and Island Rover as “sister ships”, so to speak.

Sept 22, 2007

We welcome the new owner of PHILEAS (Ex- LE RESOLU) as a member of the Club.

Be very welcome aboard!

June 29, 2007

A most funny letter received by a member of the Club:

Dear Dear XXXXXX,

Thanks. I think I will like to have the banjer for my retirement and I am ready to pay the 67,000Euros but it is based on condition.

XXXXXX, I am a civil servant and I need to do things with protocol and I want you have an idea about my personality.

My name is Prof. Charles Soludo, I am the Governor*Central Bank of Nigeria *,

Due to my position as the Governor, I will not be able to pay you directly, because of the political under tone in my country, moreover, we have a new Government in placed and which is seeking my termination, in view of this, I am preparing for my retirement also, and that is why I am interested in buying the boat.

I want you to buy the boat in my wife's name on my behalf and you will be handsomely paid for your services, my wife will be coming over to meet with you upon receipt of money.

You will receive the payment by applying to Automated Department as one of the Contractor I owed while in office.

It is a new payment scheme and right now we have started paying foreigners that worked with us as a contractor and my intention is to have your name inputted into the database and all you need to do is to apply to the payment department for the release of your contract payment and which I as the head of the central bank will sign and it shall be paid to you accordingly.

You will make nothing less than 250,000Euros working with me on this project.

If you are interested get back to me.

I am using this medium because of my position and to make you feel secure, I am ready to provide you with some personal details about myself that is only if you are ready to work with me.

Thanks

Prof.Charles Soludo

June 26, 2007

From Anne-Ilse, searching for Banjer 'LAST LOVE'

Name: Anne-Ilse placke

Email: Anne-ilse@web.de

Comments: i am looking for the banjer "last love" in monastir/Tunesie, which belong to Ludwig and Resi. I would like to sent them a note and greetings, but I dont know how. Please can you help me???

May 17, 2007

From DOUWE WILLEM's former owner

Dear Guillermo,

(Chairman) and to all Banjer members,

With this message I want to let you all know that DOUWE WILLEM is now/on this moment on his way home to Danmark with his new owner Lars. I want to thank you Guillermo, Chus for missing him so many times, Mr. Ton Koot and wife and all the other people , who gave us so many nice memories being a member of your excellent club. Especially Mrs. Ineke de Grijs who made us so a nice Chinese meal on our trip to the 2e meeting in Rotterdam in 2004. I want you all thank for everything it was realy UNFORGETTABLE. I wish you a very good continuation keeping your Banjers in excellent shape. and keep allways water under the keel.................................

And you have to remember that OLD BANJERS NEVER DIE.......

Your Banjer-lovers for ever LYDIA and TOM ZWIJNENBERG.

Fare well and good luck.

April 9, 2007

From friend Phil Ellis

The Banjer 37 Motorsailer Club mourns for the sudden death

of our fellow member Alan, former owner of PELICAN OF BIRDHAM.

Our sorrow to his wife, family and friends.

Dear Guillermo,

You will recall that some time ago I sold "Pelican of Birdham" to Alan W-J and you will know what an enthusiastic owner and contributor to the Banjer cause he became.

It is is with great sadness I have to tell you that Alan died suddenly at the end of March whilst exercising at his local Gymnasium, his death is a great loss to his wife and family and his many friends. Alan and I became quite good friends and shall miss our many talks. This year he was planning a summer cruise with Pelican to the West coast of Scotland which he was looking forward to enormously.

.......................................

Best regards

Philip Ellis

Falmouth

Ex Banjer Owner

Feb 17, 2007

From new owner of PAX MERCERIUM (Ex-Huntress)

Hello Commodore Guillermo Gefaell and Club Members,

.....here are some pictures of my Banjer, Pax Mercerium, formerly Huntress....

You will note wooden name plates removed and addition of davit for Avon 3.1 on stern. Boat has updated hydraulic steering, autopilot, reworked 1994 Perkins Diesel - 4 cylinder, 85 HP, reworked electrics with North American direct current cigarette-style plugs and updated AC system with AC and DC switches coordinated in wheelhouse on single panel, large black water holding tank, Diesel furnace (Espar), added teak cup holders in wheelhouse, cooler/freezer in wheelhouse (where is fold-down seat – top of cooler is now seat). Also two auto bilge pumps in addition to the manual pumps.

Sail plan is in Canada described as ketch-rigged, with 4 sails available.

Boat (to clarify) first purchased in Chicago 1972 by an American (built 1970), brought to Tacoma (not Seattle – the two cities share the same airport), then sold to second American owner in Seattle area (Bainbridge Island) who brought her to Campbell River on Vancouver Island as he now shares a small nearby island with others, the reason he sold the boat to me, the third owner, a Canadian resident in Vancouver. Boat is registered in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island where we have another property.

Incidentally, the type is A-4 (rear cockpit, full wheelhouse); I had not noticed your types when I filled in the form.

I have to go to the Boat to obtain the Boat number; I will send that to you in due course.

Please also advise of post 2007 get-together. I come to Sweden/ Norway and Belgium, every two years, and could join you (but likely not with the boat) after 2007. The year 2007 is circumnavigation of Vancouver Island (3 weeks +) and trips up North on this coast.

Feb 2, 2007

From the Commodore:

I have had my home computer out of work for a long time, so no updates of these pages have been done from last December till today.

Now everything's correct again and I will continue updating the site as usual.

Thanks to all for your patience.

Guillermo Gefaell

BMC Commodore

Nov 19, 2006

From BANJER #12 & CHAPEAU, regarding PANDORA's problem

(A very nice example of collaborativeness among members)

....I was in Vietnam last week and spoke to a guy from Promac. He told me that all parts should still be available.

Please let me know if you still require the parts. I can talk to him and maybe arrange something. If so let me have the parts numbers.

(BANJER #12)

....(PANDORA) has asked me for help. He had sent me money by mail. Last week I phoned Promac and paid the spares.

So Promac will send the spares to (him) now.

(CHAPEAU)

Nov 08, 2006

From ANNE MARIE ex-owners

Dear Guillermo,

I would like to inform you, that we have sold our banjer 37 three weeks ago. We were contacted via your web side, and found very nice people who will take care of our boat as well as we did over the last 26 years.

Never the less we will also in the future visit your web side seeing all these beatiful fotos of other banjers, because for sure we will miss our boat very much.

Kind regards

Karl and Anne Marie.

Oct 30, 2006

From BANJER (#12) to PANDORA:

About 30 years ago my father bought one of the old canal barges in Holland and it had the same Seffle steering gear as on the Banjers. We also had a problem with the ball joints one day. I guess you mean with these the four flexible connection points on the steering gear foundation and the rudder yoke.

If I remember correctly we exchanged them with the ball joint from the steering system of the volkswagen bus model of that time. (Early seventies) This solution has been working for 20 years. I am not 100% sure but I am quite sure that this type of VW bus must be still driving around in Jordan.

Good luck and best regards.

From PELICAN OF BIRDHAM to PANDORA

I have talked to my engineer over in the west of Scotland.

He has talked to a UK company that are the UK agents for Promac in Holland. We are giving then full details of our steering to see what they can do to replace parts in my steering box. If I have to get a new box I will let you know but it maybe sometime before my engineer has time to work on it.

By all means contact them with your problem. They are:

Martin Saer

Euromarine Ltd

++44 238 058 0020

m.saer@eiromarine.com

Good luck! I hope they can help.

Oct 28, 2006

From PANDORA

Hi guillermo,

Here are some news from PANDORA . Since we last met in Rotterdam in 2004 , Pandora left Turkey .We reached Israel after a stop in Cyprus. Last november (in 2005 ) we joined a rallye heading for India: www.vascodagamarallye.nl

We didn’t want to go so far so quick , so we stopped in Eilat , in the north of the gulf of AQABA . We are now in JORDAN , enjoying our stay here with 30 degrees .BUT ALL IS WELL THAT DOESN’T END WELL!! In fact we have a problem with our SEFFLE steering wheel : one of the four balljoints is damaged and a bit loose .We managed to repair this problem by adjusting a washer above the balljoint but we would prefer, of course, to change the balljoints .We sent a mail to PROMAC : info@promac.nl which is supposed to replace SEFFLE, to order the spareparts but no answer at the moment . Do you know where we could find this ? On our hydraulic steering gear system we can read TYPE HL 44O number 522 . Thanks for your help even if you can’t help us !!! We’ll be there at the next club gathering

from D. and M. onboard PANDORA

(As I have not better info about Seffle than the constat in the Workshop page, I forwarded the letter to several members to find out if somebody can be of more help. Guillermo)

October 22, 2006

From ALBATROS owners:

Dear Guillermo

Although a bit late, please find some pictures of the mini-Banjer meeting in Falmouth July/August.

By copying .... you will see our 3 banjers (Albatros, Young Banjer and Dutchess of Lynn) laying together in Falmouth.

......

Hope you can do something with these pictures on the web site!

Best regards,

R & J

October 18, 2006

From BRAVOUR owner:

I have now assembled my summer photos and send you a selection and a list of what I have done to Bravour over the last nine months.

I bought her in Hellevoetsluijs in November 2005 and then she went to Jachthaven Numansdorp where the following work was undertaken:

engine out for rebuilding,

gearbox split and refurbished

new fuel pump

new alternator

new starter-motor

new prop

new prop-shaft

new flexible engine-mounts

new flexible coupling

main-mast support fabricated and fitted,

seacocks replaced,

anchor-winch refurbished,

Sea-Me radar transponder fitted,

radar serviced and repaired

new depth and speed transponders fitted

Yeoman chart plotting system fitted

This year I have cruised along the N. Brittany coast and she is now back in .... UK where additional work is being undertaken:

Fit new heads holding tank

Fit new autopilot

New rubbing-strakes

Repaint shear-line

Here are some photos of boat, work and cruise.

October 18, 2006

From Rik, in The Netherlands:

Is it possible to put a banjer 37' on a bank with low tide?

Answer from the Club:

Dear Rik,

Sorry for the delay in answering, but I've been out of town for several days.

Answering your question: Yes, it is posssible to lay a Banjer on her keel with no problems at all. The only thing you'll need is a pair of 'legs' to keep her upright when the tide comes down.

All the best.

Guillermo.

October 03, 2006

Even more info from Jan:

Jan tells us his father's Banjer was named NINA II

We know this Banjer has been seen sailing east Med not a long time ago.

We would be delighted to receive her owners as members of the BMC.

September 06, 2006.

More from Jan:

Dear Guillermo,

....My father´s Banjer was berthed in the harbor of Jachtwerf Tjeukemeer in Lemmer/Ijsselmeer/Holland from 1972 until 1978, and in Marina Stavoren from 1978 until 1983/84. It was a "standard" Banjer, cockpit, wheelhouse, no aft cabin. Ketch-rigged (no gaff sails), with a Perkins 72 hp engine. It was equipped with a non-standard bowsprit (an own drawing of my father, fitted by Eista in Nederhemert around 1976): rather short (about 100 cm), massive teak, rectangular shape, treadmaster on the top, railing around it, with integrated anchor roll. Maybe that helps to find the boat. I do not know whether the new owners kept the name, but as far as I remember, the boat was sold to a retired engineer and his wife and they wanted to sail the mediterranean...? Maybe I can contact de Valk and find out more about it, I will let you know....

Kindest regards,

Jan.

September 03, 2006

From Jan B. willing to own a Banjer:

Dear All,

when I was little, my father owned a Banjer, "Nina II", built in 1972, which he sold with de Valk in Hindeloopen in 1984/85. My whife an I are now looking for a new boat, and I have to admit I have always been dreaming of owning a Banjer myself. I wonder whether anyone might know where the hull molds of the Banjer ended up. I know that some years ago there has been a "startup" shipyard in Germany, advertising a "Bose 37" which must have been a Banjer. I have never heard of them again, and Google seems to be of no big help here. Do you have any idea who I could contact?

Kindest regards, Jan B.

(Contacts with Jan through the Club. If you know something about the Banjer moulds, please tell us. Contacts)

August 29, 2006

From KITTYHAWK's owner:

Dear Chuck,

Removing the rudder is simple.You first have to remove the hydroulic cylinder from the ruddershaft, then unthighten the ring that is placed around the rudder shaft , then you just have to lift the rudder (including the shaft) up a bit out of the lower bearing .Then you lower the complete rudder.

On the Kittyhawk the bearing is not made of tufnol but of copper outside and rubber inside. The same as the bearing of the proppelorshaft.

When you remove the 4 bolts of the little square on your rudder , you can take the ruddershaft and the rudder apart.

It seems to me unlikely that the 6 centimeters thick ruddershaft is broken unless it is corroded.

For this i have placed an annode of zinck material around the shaft.

It looks like the inside metal strips of your rudder (inside the polyester hull of the rudder) are broken.

In that case the rudder and the hydroulic cylinder can move seperately as well.

Sorry for the english.

Kind regards, Dees.

August 24, 2006

From MARIBE's owner:

Dear Guillermo:

.................................

I do have a problem I would like some input on: A few years after the boat was new, the rudder developed so much friction in the tufnol (?) bearings that it could not be turned with the emergency tiller, only the hydraulics had enough power to overcome the friction and damage was done to the plywood shelf where the upper flange secures the top of the rudder post.

We removed the rudder (In the boatyard) and relieved the bearings by grinding with a cylinder honing tool, reassembled it and had no further trouble until now, when the rudder shaft has apparently broken inside the grease tube, between the upper and lower bearing, as the rudder moves freely and the steering quadrant moves freely, independently of each other.It may be that the period of heavy friction stressed the rudder post to a fatigue failure mode.My immediate problem is the removal of the rudder, while the boat is in the water, (vastly inconvenient to move to a boatyard) My memory does not suffice to recall the details of the previous rudder removal, but the rudder itself has a flange about four inches square which is attached with four bolts to an identical flange on the bottom of the "stub" rudder post which extends up through the grease-filled tube to the upper bearing and quadrant. These flanges are just below the water line and easily accessible, but if I remove those bolts, can I swing the rudder out and away from the heel bearing, or do I have to push the upper part of the ruder post up to get enough clearance?

Maybe others have had similar rudder problems, but our experience with the tight bearings is a caution for any Banjer owner, easily checked if you open the hydraulic bypass valve and try the manual emergency tiller for excessive resistance to turning the rudder.

Well, such a spiel, and nothing said about the marvelous qualities of Banjers, their comfort, seaworthiness, and the surprise many "old tropic hands" displayed when they discovered the "north sea pilot house" is actually a luxury in the tropics!

With thanks,..........

Chuck R.

Answer from Guillermo:

Dear Chuck,

Thanks for your most interesting message. With your permission I'll post it at our web pages, for other Banjer owners to know about the rudder stock problems.

Personally I do not have experience dismounting the rudder, as I had not the needing to do it until now, but I think dismounting can be safely done afloat. In my opinion, after removing flange bolts, you should lift somewhat the rudder stock with its flange before taking off the rudder, just not to force the base pin and bearing.

I would be happy to receive a nice photo from MARIBE whenever you get one.

Let me know if I can be of further help. I recommend you to post technical questions, as this rudder stock one, at the Maintenance Forum you can access from our Home page. Maybe other members can also be of help to you through that Forum.

All the best.

Guillermo.

11.06.2006

From Oscar Alstede, BMC's Secretary:

Banjers photos at Oscar Alstede's site: http://community.webshots.com/user/oalstede 45,000 - Photoviews passed !!!

The 1,476 photos have been viewed 45,405 times since January 17th 2004

Regards,

Oscar Alstede

06.05.2006

Great help from friend Tad Roberts, a boatdesigner from Canada with lovely designs:

Guillermo,

I attach a scan from the Perkins sheet on the 4236M. Hope this is of some help. No fuel use mentioned! If you would like the other pages just let me know.

Pity there is no specific fuel use curve. My thought was that at your reported consumption of 1.08 lts/mile at 6 knots which I put at 1.71 US gph the engine is producing somewhere between 26.6 and 34 HP? That’s specific consumption of .35-.45 pounds of fuel per HP hour.

All the best, Tad

Tad Roberts Yacht Design

PO Box 33

Gabriola Island, BC

V0R 1X0 Canada

250-247-9315

email tadroberts@shaw.ca

www.tadroberts.ca

www.passagemakerlite.com

www.shipyardraid.ca

(Find more info at Workshop page)

02.05.2006

From member Brian Hull:

Guillermo,

Last Sunday the Royal Papua Yacht Club had its annual sail past to signal the opening of the sailing season.

I gave the club the option to consider Duck Soup as either a motor boat or sail boat as Banjers are 50/50 motor sailers.

Duck Soup won the prize of PGK500 for best dressed motor boat.

I will be coming to Europe for three weeks at the beginning of July.

I am flying from Port Moresby to Singapore/Bangkok/Helsinki/Brussels and will be staying with friends at Waterloo just outside Brussels.

My plans are very fluid and should there be something of interest to Banjer owners occurring whist in Europe I may be able to attend.

Keep in touch.

14.01.2006

Good old Marie and the BMC in the Spanish newspapers...

25.12.2005

From members Daniel & Monique (Banjer Pandora):

...we are now in Israel but on the Red Sea side. We turn the Sinai and visit Jordan and Egypt. We will leave Pandora in ... for some months because we will go to India with another boat next winter. Wi will spend a lot of time in Egypt and Red Sea. Anyway we will be able to go to the next meeting in Amsterdam.

20.10.2005

From friend Glenn Lewis

....I found your info on anchors very helpful, as I work out my specific needs for my 36ft. powerboat. Thanks again.

Glenn Lewis.

31.08.2005

From Commodore to all BMC USA members:

Dear BMC USA Chapter's members,

On behalf of the BMC I want to transmit our condolencies for the terrible devastation caused by hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and other zones in the south of the USA. We hope you and your beloved ones are fine and have not suffered in this disaster.

Best wishes to all of you.

Guillermo Gefaell

BMC Commodore.

Answer from Ellie Naill, USA Delegate:

Dear Guillermo,

This has been a great national disaster – we are not materially affected on the west coast – but our emergency services organizations are sending many people from our area. They are having large crash courses in how to help in an emergency because there is not enough emergency personnel. I wish I were younger – I would love to help, but my help at this point is fervent prayers. Sometimes us human beings forget how delicate and fragile we really are. We should all consider this a wakeup call to remind us of the good and important things in life – our loved ones and the brotherhood of man. It is amazing how the frivolous things we fret over disappear at times like this!

Thank you – and keep our southern brothers in your prayers too.

The Banjer 37 Motorsailer Club mourns for the victims

of devastating hurricane "Katrina" in south USA.

15.08.05

Colin Whimster, BMC's UK Delegate sends an SMS from the north:

"SULASGEIR heading east from Kirkenes today rounded North Cape, 71 deg 11 min north, morale high, no scurvy, now west and south to Tromso"

13.08.05

Ton Koot, BMC Treasurer, writes an SMS from his Channel Islands trip:

"Today we sail along the Belgium coast. Next weekend back home. Angus & Leslie invited us for supper at their lovely home. Very nice evening. Till now weather good. In Holland bad. Galicia hot and dry?..."

21.07.05

From friend Sytse Z., who found an unknown (To the BMC) Banjer:

Hello,

For many years I like the Banjer 37 as a sturdy and well looking motorsailer though I have never owned a sailing boat by myself. Even so I am

impressed by the nice website of the Banjer Motorsailer Club (BMC), a good platform for the BMC members and others who own a Banjer motorsailor. It gives a lot of information about history and technical matter. Congratulations for the BMC team.

As I understand many owners are a member of BMC yet but on the website I have read that BMC is looking for another 4 hulls of Banjers that are (probably) finished by the buyers after purchase.

As a owner of a (single screw) "Channel Island 32" motor yacht (fast sturdy Pilot-type) my boat's home location is at the lake "IJsselmeer" in Holland... It was some months ago that I spotted a sailing yacht over there with a Banjer-like hull. Earlier I did not recognized her as a Banjer because of her non-standard finish.... She has only one main silver-anodized mast (short, non-original), a wooden fore cabin and a wooden aft cabin (both plywood), an open but covered cockpit, etc. But the hull is undoubtedly of a Banjer !! Maybe the owner is already a BMC member. If not the following information could be of interest for BMC and this boat is one of the missing Banjers BMC is searching for.....

Recently I took a picture of this boat and attached it to this e-mail. The original is 2.5 Mb but I compressed it to a rather handy size without

affecting the quality.....

Thats all for now. I hope this information will help you in searching.

Regards,

Sytse Z.

Answer from the Commodore (Sytse's e-mail address seems not to work)

Dear Syste:

Thank you so much for your kind info about this Banjer and your nice words on our web site!

We didn't knew about this particular unit, so your info it's most important for us. Some Banjers were home made after Eista closed its activity, but we do not know how many have been built this way. They cannot be considered as original Banjers, but anyhow they have at least a Banjers' hull.

The Banjer you inform us now, seems to be one of those units, inspired in the arrangement of a Type A-3 version; the one with rear cabin, central cockpit, and a windshield. The special thing is the mounting of a single mast, which is not usual at all....

I'm copying this message to Ton Koot, the BMC Treasurer, so he can try to get in touch someday with the owners and find out more about this unit. I will also post your message and the photo at our web pages to help in the search.

Thanks again for your very kind contact and info. I wish you pleasant sailings on your very nice boat, the Channel Island 32.

Best regards,

Guillermo Gefaell

BMC Commodore.

12.07.05

News from SULASGEIR OF LORNE:

I hope you are well and having a good season....

Sulasgeir is now at Norrtalje about 50k north of Stockholm. We had a good trip in May/June down the west coast of Sweden, through the Gota Canal, in the islands and then into Lake Malaran to Stockholm.

I am going back with friends on 28th July to go north to Haparanda and then overland to Kirkenes and round North Cape to Tromso. I will write up the account in September - if every thing goes well!

I have found a press release on the internet about Seffle Marine.

See www.hme.nl/companies/archive.asp?NewsID=583

It says that all the trade of Seffle have been taken over by Promac. Also see www.promac.nl

So that is good news: my steering leaks a bit and I think I may need to replace the pump behind the wheel at some stage.

Best wishes

Colin

20.02.05

Interesting correspondence about Motorsailers & Motorsailing, Banjers and Roggers:

From Ives in Belgium:

After 30 years pure sailing wet,even with our oil skins, we bought a nab 35 (rasmus), after that we get motor boat: Powless 38 for confort and easy live aboard.But motoring is against our way of life. We were thinking for a boat with not only a wheel house but also with spacious deck saloon and we meet her In ramsgate... Not really a banjer but a rogger 36. It is the FIRST TIME we owned really THE BOAT we want and fully corresponding to our navigation programm!!!France,brittany,East coast rivers, and we hope it now, scotland. I can send photos if you want.We ask you if it is possible to be member of your club? Many thanks for your very nice and interssting site.

Yves.

Dear Yves,

Congratulations for your new Rogger 36! It is a wonderful boat and you will enjoy it for years to come!

We are most greatful for your interest in the Banjer 37 Motorsailer Club and for your nice words about our site. But really we are a "Banjers Club" and not a "Roggers Club". As you may already know, there is a Roggers Association named the "Rogger Motorsailer Club" in Holland, admiting world wide memberships. I think you should become a member of that Club as it will be most interesting for you. They have a web site at: www.rogger.net . Its Chairman, Hans Havers, is a good friend of mine and a most nice person. He encouraged me to beguin with this Banjers Club thing. He speaks fluent english and I think also some french, and will be delighted in receiving you as a member of the RMC. Why don't you get in touch with him? His e-mail address is: rogger@zonnet.nl I'm copying this message to him, for him to know about you.

Well, Ives, this is all for the time being. Contact Hans and become a RMC member. On our side, you'll always be considered a "Banjers Friend" and your visits to our pages and whatever collaboration you would like to give us will be most appreciated.

With kind regards,

Guillermo.

Again from Ives:

First, thank you for your quick answer. Two: I'm more interested by the part of your web site called "motorsailers & motorsailing" I'm not an "ellitist"(presque en francais dans le texte) that's why I dont want to be a member of a club just only because I'm the owner of a boat from this or this model , I'm just looking for people who are sailing with the same feeling than mine . Certainly I'll be member of the rogger site (I know the site).Many thanks for all and I'm being sure we'll enjoy the boat.

Dear Ives,

Thanks for the nice rogger's photos.

Regarding the boating philoshophy, I agree with you that the main question to join a Club (If we think we have to join one at all!) is about what's our own way of understanding boating and sea. From my point of view, owning a motorsailer is almost a way of life and a way of understanding sailing in its own, as well as a way of understanding sea. But unluckily there is not a Motorsailers & Motorsailing club, organization, or whatever. There are plenty of cruising associations and clubs, where motorsailers have their place, for sure, but not a devoted Motorsailing one. And I do not know if such an organization would have enough interest for motorsailers owners, as many of them feel themselves more as being part of the cruising community rather than part of an hypothetical motorsailing one.

Maybe I personally would like to join such a "Motorsailing Community", as I think motorsailing is a kind of sailing philosophy in its own, but I have written to many motorsailers owners associations looking for a possible interest, and the feedback up to now has been zero. On the other hand it is interesting to see the big amount of visits to our site's Motorsailers & Motorsailing devoted pages, since we published it a couple of months ago. Around 1.200 page views per month and growing. Perhaps...?

Regarding our Clubs, the Banjers' and the Roggers': What I can tell you is that none of us is an "ellitist" or pretentious person, as far as I know members of both Clubs. We are plain and normal people, who like sailing, like motorsailers, are in love with our boats and want to join other nice people with the same kind of feelings. In addition, we think it is most convenient to be able to share sailing experiences and maintenance tips for our Banjers and Roggers with other fellow-members. No obligations, no impositions. Just being in love with our boats. That's all.

Best regards,

Guillermo

08.02.05

From BARCAROLLE former owner and BMC member

...I write to inform you that Barcarolle has been sold during the last weekend to a very nice couple from Denmark, they found her on your Buy&Sell page and I think they will contact you soon to become members of the club.

Having been a family member since almost 30 year back Barcarolle has given 3 generations, my parents, me and my brother and sisters and finaly my children, many wonderful memories from trips all around the scandinavian coasts and canals.

I think she will be in very good hands and continue to flourish and seduce people with her beauty wherever she visits a new harbour.

I will continue to keep an eye on your web site and if there is anything I can help you concerning sailing in the scandinavian waters, feel free to call or sending an e-mail.

With Kind Regards

Leif B.

14.01.05

From Jeremy, in Florida

I have a motorsailer that I am trying to research its origins. I would appreciate any help. I have included a few pictures.

Thanks for any help.

Jeremy

Dear Jeremy:

Thanks for your kind message.

I do not know the brand or model of your motorsailer, but I'll post your mail and some photos at our web pages, to help you to spread the word and so widen the possibilty of somebody being able to identify her. You should also send your request to some of the boating magazines, such as Practical Boat Owner, if you haven't did it already, because that allows you to reach much more people.

Where are you from and where did you purchase the boat? Knowing the country/zone may help.

Best regards,

Guillermo Gefaell

Guillermo,

Thanks for the information, I had not thought of asking the boating magazines. We purchased the boat about 8 months ago in Ft. Lauderdale FL. The boat is according to the title a 1963 Vega, 36' motorsailer. With further research we question the authenticity of the boat type. We have been unable to find anything that resembles the boat with the exception of the Banjer 37, but there are key differences that would not make it a Banjer. We cannot contact the owner because the boat was part of a US Marshals seizure of some sort.

Well anyway thanks for the help.

Jeremy

Dear Jeremy:

I've found this in the web:

96.355

UNIDENTIFIED; 36 ft. Vega 36 motorsailer

Designer, William Garden; Design #437; Builder, Vega Marine Corp.; Date made after 1960

Web page is: http://www.mysticseaport.org/library/manuscripts/coll/spcoll096/spcoll096.html

I hope this can be of help.

Best regards,

Guillermo.

11.01.2005

Missing Australian Ketch.

Nicole Jones Major sends us this message:

To whom it may concern,

I am looking for an Australian vessel called 'Blue Laguna' or 'Blue Lagooner'. It supposedly is a ketch but now it could be a schooner. She is roughly 38 - 45 ft, she is totally wooden all over, has 2 wooden masts, a bowsprit, roughly 6 brass portholes along the hull in a blue stripe that runs the whole length of the hull. She was in excellent condition and is roughly 40 to 60 years old. The cabin is a creamy colour and besides the blue stripe in the hull the rest of the vessel is white. The name is on the stern with 'Australia' written underneath.

I am pretty positive the name is 'Blue Laguna' or 'Blue Lagooner' but I could be wrong & she could have a name change by now in time. I am 100% positive the vessel has Australia written on the stern. The stern goes in on a 45 degree angle.

I am looking for help in finding this vessel or anyone or any company / business that has come into contact with this vessel at anytime either 50 years ago or today. This vessel has been kept in an excellent condition right up until it was last seen in New Zealand waters in January 1998. I need the help of yachting experts/ builders that have great knowledge on wooden ketches & schooners, as this vessel is an Australian vintage beauty but sadly part of a New Zealand tragedy involving 2 missing New Zealanders. I am researching / investigating this crime and I urgently need the help of some Australians that may know of this vessel or could help out some way. If you can't help with any knowledge even just telling your colleagues and friends as this vessel has been around for 40 to 60 years. Some-one must know of this vessel some-where at some-time some-how. I'm pretty sure this vessel could have been used in illegal activities in the late 1990's. Also I would like to know the origins of this vessel from it's conception..What type of ketch it is and the history & who built her?

I AM ENCLOSING IN THE ATTACHMENT A PICTURE OF THE VESSEL - THIS PICTURE IS NOT A PHOTOGRAPH BUT A COMPUTERISED CREATION OF WHAT THIS VESSEL LOOKS LIKE- IT'S MOST CLOSE LIKENESS. The rigging and rope designs could be removed nowdays.

Who I am: I am party to a team of professionals seeking information regarding an unsolved crime and you have my complete assurance that my inquiry is legitimate regards to my research. If there is any information you can impart to me it will be greatly appreciated. If you have any knowledge at all on this vessel we will acknowledge ourselves to you in due course. As a part of this investigation any information you give me and how I receive it will be strictly confidential and will be treated in a professional manner at all times.

Thanks for reading this,

Kind Regards

Nicole

nicole_jonesmajor_@hotmail.com

30.12.2004

The Banjer 37 Motorsailer Club mourns for the victims

of the devastating tsunami in the Indian Ocean.

19.11.2004

From KOALA

Dear Guillermo,

....we met LiLo in Bonifacio (Corse) in April 2002; they told us that they were planning to sail to Greece, to stay there for some time and then to sell LiLo. We exchanged our email addresses and phone numbers and we have been in contact for some time; at the beginning of year 2003 they told us that they were in Porto S. Stefano (in the Nothern Tirrenian Sea); after that date, we received no answer to our emails, and their cell phone seems to be disabled.

A friend of us at the beginning of November has seen a Banjer in Aprilia Marittima, in the Northern Adriatic Sea, with the same colors of Koala. He does not remember exactly the name. We plan to go to Aprilia and we will try to get in contact with that Banjer owners.

Best wishes,

(25.12.04; Note from the BMC: Thanks to another member we now know LILO's actual lying port)

01.10.2004

From Friend John Deacon (In BMC Guest book)

j.deacon@terra.es

I had the great joy to crew a Banjer from Bordeaux to Cyprus (where I was then living and working for EMI) in June of 1970. The owner, a Canadian businessman (John Maclean?), had had extra equipment added to the boat in UK and a crew change became necessary at Bordeaux due to some electrical problems. A Norwegian and I brought the boat through the Canal du Midi ready to depart from Sete. We brought the boat, with the owner aboard, to Kyrenia where it lay for some while (the owner then being attached to the UNDP). Later, when the Turkish army invaded in 1974, an officer delegated some troops to seize her in Kyrenia harbour and sail her to Turkey. The owner never saw or heard of her again.

I have always hoped to see another Banjer again but never did so but I was delighted to find your website. Happy memories indeed.

John Deacon

15.07.2004

From Morten & Pia, in Denmark, looking for a Banjer

Next year we want to buy our own banjer 37. I would feel more safe to do this, by getting the best advise possible about buying, maintainance, tips etc. - and that must be here. My wife and me want to make our future Banjer 37 our home, but has anyone done this before? - and how can we get in touch with these people, and learn from there experience?

We would like to buy the boat via the the "Banjer 37 Motorsailer Club" site, but can we advertise this on your site?

Best regards

Morten & Pia

Answer from the Commodore:

Dear Morten & Pia:

We are most glad to know about your intention of becoming members of the Banjer community.

Banjers are wonderful boats, strong, sturdy and reliable. If a Banjer has been properly maintained, there should be no major problems, but I recommend you to ask for an independent survey of the boat you finally choose, because we have not to forget they are boats around 30 years old.

Several of the BMC members do live aboard, altough many of them are difficult to contact, due to the fact they are travelling around. But some

of them are contactable. A paradigmatic case is Mr. Brian Hull, in Papua New Guinea, who has lived for extended periods on board, keeps his boat in top condition and is a most friendly and nice man. I'm copying this message to him, for him to know about you.

Whenever you decide to proceed with the purchase, please let me know, and I'll place an ad at our Buy & Sell web page. Let me tell you that the BMC doesn't involve itself in the process of buying-selling of the boats, all we do is inform through our web pages about who is interested in buying or selling. Then it's up to the parts.

I wish you luck in your search for your Banjer and I look forward to receiving you soon as members of our Club.

Best regards,

Guillermo Gefaell

Commodore

From Brian Hull to Morten & Pia:

MORTEN & PIA,

I HAVE OWNED MY BANJER "DUCK SOUP" SINCE 1984 & LIVED ABOARD SINCE 1986.

I AM A REAL ESTATE AGENT BUT PREFER TO LIVE IN MY BOAT.

WE HAVE A WONDERFUL MARINA & CLUB HOUSE (ROYAL PAPUA YACHT CLUB) IN THE CBD OF PORT MORESBY.

BANJERS ARE VERY COMFORTABLE TO LIVE ABOARD FOR ONE OR TWO PEOPLE - THE AMOUNT OF ENJOYMENT ONE GETS FROM ONE'S BOAT IS INVERSE TO THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ONBOARD.

I HAVE CRUISED MORE THAN 60,000 NAUTICAL MILES, CROSSING OCEANS & COASTAL & RIVER PASSAGES & FOUND "DUCK SOUP" TO BE AN EXCEPTIONAL SEA BOAT.

BANJERS ARE 50/50 MOTOR SAILORS & CAN BE USED EITHER AS MOTOR ASSISTED SAIL BOATS OR SAIL ASSISTED MOTOR BOATS - I ALWAYS USE THE LATTER MODE AS I LIKE MY COMFORTS SUCH AS REFRIGERATION, WATER MAKER, HOT WATER FOR MY SHOWER, BREAD MAKER, CONSTANT RUNNING INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS AUTO PILOT, RADAR, GPS, CHART PLOTTER, GAS DETECTOR, NAVIGATION LIGHTS & INTERNAL LIGHTS WHEN NECESSARY, ETC. ETC..

GUILLERMO IS RIGHT - THESE BOATS ARE 30 YEARS OLD & YOU MUST CHECK FOR OSMOSIS, DRY ROT, THE ELECTRICAL WIRING, THE INTEGRITY OF THE CHAIN PLATES, THE INTEGRITY OF THE SEAL ON THE HATCHES, THE CONDITION OF THE ENGINE & DRIVE TRAIN, THE CONDITION OF THE SAILS ETC..

UNLESS THE VESSEL HAS BEEN CONSTANTLY MAINTAINED & UPGRADED YOU MAY NEED DEEP POCKETS &/OR A LOT OF PERSONAL TIME, SKILLS & PATIENCE TO UPGRADE YOUR VESSEL.

INITIALLY I PAID US$60,000 FOR "DUCK SOUP" & I ESTIMATE THAT OVER THE LAST 2O YEARS SHE HAS COST ALL UP US$2M.

WHEN BUILT IN 1976/77, "DUCK SOUP" COST HER BELGIAN OWNERS UK97,000 POUNDS - A LOT OF MONEY AT THAT TIME.

ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU LIKE & I WILL ATTEMPT TO ANSWER THEM.

15.07.2004

From friend Christopher, in the UK, willing to know more about Banjers:

.......... I do not own a Banjer, but would like to know more about them before eventually finding one to buy.

Answer from the Commodore:

Dear Christopher:

You can find many useful information within our public web pages at www.banjer37.net

Banjers are strong, sturdy and reliable boats if properly maintained, although we have to take in account they are 30 years old boats. So I

reccomend you an independent survey, in the case you finally decide to buy

one. I'm copying this message to Colin Whimster, our BMC UK Delegate, for him to know about and your intentions. You can talk to him about Banjers and he'll probably may be of great help in advising you and even getting you in touch with some of the UK members around your area, so you can visit one of the boats.

I think Colin is now cruising North Europe waters with his Banjer, so maybe he's not easily contactable. Just in case, I'm copying also this message to John ......, one of the UK members, to find out if he can be of help.

Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

I look forward to receiving you soon as a new member of the BMC.

Best regards,

Guillermo Gefaell

Commodore

Again from Christopher:

Dear Guillermo

John........ phoned me today. I must say, you're damn fast!

John has invited me for a sail on his boat, and I very much look forward to discovering more about Banjers.

Good sailing

Christopher Sandeman

02.06.2004

From new member MAGUS

Banjer "Will o the Wisp" just passed through our little harbor, informing us of your club. We own & live aboard our beloved "Magus", Hull 50, built in 1971 according to her little brass plate. We bought her in 1985 from Jim Horowitz in North Palm Beach, Fl. She has taken us all through the eastern & Southern Caribbean ...... We like to think we''re aging gracefully together, Magus & us.

We would like any information anyone may have about Magus''s earlier years.

28.05.2004

From friend Frederic Paquay, selling his motorsailer (Not a Banjer) BALISTES

Country: Belgium

Telephone: 00 32 2 763 14 78

E-mail: fred.paquay@skynet.be

Comments: Private owner of a Dutch Steel Motorsailer. I have read your site with much interest. As my boat is now up for sale on the web through my own website ( http://users.skynet.be/cpt.paquay/) I keep receiving lots of questions from prospective buyers concerning the actual handling/use of a motorsailer.

Would you mind if I made a link on my own site, directing prospective buyers to your site where they would find all the answers to their questions?

Feel free to visit my site for full details of my motorsailer.

Yours Cpt Paquay

10.05.2004

More from the Secretary:

Antilope is now in Narbonne. I left Port Bou after a windy week, waves up to 10 meters, complete new for them around there. I went to Port La Nouvell through the Golf du Lion, to enter there after a day the Canal de La Roubine, to pass Beziers ( Via canal du Midi - lovely route with nice locks, aquaduct and tunnel, also a nine locks area). Unfortunally the channel is not the deep as described in the books so I had to return. It is regular 1.50/1.60 while 1.80 was told. Also the channel is not 3.50 under bridges but 3.30. It was raining and bad weather. It was not the south of France I knew. But we will survive.

We returned to Holland, to come back later. I will then sail to Sete to enter the Rhone. In the mean time I will order a spare part for my vetus waterlocksystem. It broke down and is bringing exhaust water into my boat.

19.04.2004

FROM BMC Secretary, sailing back from Mediterranean to Belgium:

Last week I came from Denia, via Valencia, Barcelona, L'Estartit, on my way to Port St. Louis du Rhone, with my Banjer Antilope. Finanly I was facing a very strong Mistral. After passing the Golf de Rosas and Cabo Cruz, the weather conditions at that time, 7 to 8 bft, waves 2 to 3 meters, did not create a good foundation for completing this trip and finish it at Port st Louis du Rhone. Antilope is now in Port Bou, the first (for me the last) marina in Spain. I already delayed my start in Denia for four days, due to same kind of wheater conditions in that area.

Next week I will try again . This time only by motor. While the masts and sails are down, I then will sail via Port Nouvell and Sete to Camarque, to enter there somewhere the channel. Antilope is now ready and prepared to enter the area of Rhone, Saone and french channel via Lyon, to go back to Belgium / Antwerp.

11.02.2004

From friend Antonette:

Banjer Vaya con Dios is for sale at de Valk Yachtbroker in Bruinisse Holland.... Lisana is.....and Atalanta is for sale at brokers Hetterschijt in Willemstad, Holland

Answer from the BMC

Dear Antonette:

Thank you very much for your kind information.

"Lisana" has already become a member of the Banjer Club, and we are waiting news from the future owners of "Atalanta" and "Vaya con Dios". Anyhow we would like very much to receive the actual members of these two boats as members, until they sell their Banjers (There is a free membership available to all Banjer owners), just to have the Banjers properly listed at the Club's records, but we were not able to get info from the brokers about them. Let's be patient...

We appreciate very much your help and interest in Banjers.

Best regards,

29.01.2004

From member DUCKSOUP in PNG.

DEAR GUILLERMO,

.....LAST FRIDAY 23/01 2004, I RETURNED TO PORT MORESBY AFTER 41 DAYS TRAVELLING VIA THE GREAT BARRIER REEF TO CAIRNS IN FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND FOR CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR - WE TOOK NINE DAYS TO GET TO CAIRNS AS WE HAD SE HEAD WINDS & SHELTERED FOR FOUR DAYS - THREE WEEKS IN CAIRNS BEING TOURISTS & BUYING EQUIPMENT & CATCHING UP WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY - THEN FOLLOWED THE COAST TO THE TOP OF THE CONTINENT OF AUSTRALIA IN NE HEAD WINDS - FOR A FEW DAYS WE RESTED & CAUGHT UP WITH FRIENDS IN THURSDAY ISLAND THEN SET OFF AGAIN IN SE HEAD WINDS FOR PORT MORESBY WINDING OUR WAY THRU THE LAST OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF ARRIVING HOME FORTY DAYS LATER....

....WE COVERED APPROXIMATELY TWO THOUSAND MILES MOST OF WHICH WAS TO WINDWARD - WE AVERAGED ONE LITRE PER MILE 0R LESS - ALL EQUIPMENT INCLUDING MECHANICAL REFRIGERATION, ALTERNATOR & COMPUTER PERFORMED WITHOUT A HITCH - CHANGED TWO FUEL FILTERS & TIGHTENED BELTS ON ALTERNATOR ON ONE OCCASION ONLY.

OVER THE WHOLE 41 DAYS WE DID NOT ENCOUNTER ANOTHER CRUISING YACHT EXCEPT TIED UP IN MARINAS IN CAIRNS & PORT DOUGLAS & ONE YACHT RETURNING TO AUSTRALIA WHICH WAS ANCHORED IN COOKTOWN...

26.01.2004

From Seahorse Marine friends.

A Happy, Lucky, Healthy

and Wealthy Year of the Monkey !

(From Jan 22, 04 to Early Feb 05.)

From

The Seahorse Marine Team

www.SeahorseYachts.com

16.01.2004

From member GROS BALOO

22.12.2003

From Mike McGinley:

Comments: searching for Skip Elias, Villanova University classmate 1971 via e-mail. He was featured on your side on the Por Vida down around Tonga in 1994. If located ask him to please contact me re: Villanova e-mail loop.

Thanks

Email: mcginlm@lmsd.org

05.12.2003

From Ann Miller, ex Banjer owner and BMC member

I give you my heartfelt gratitude to have allowed me to participate in the Banjer Club....We have now sold our beloved Banjer due to my husband's poor health. We very much appreciate the help given to us by allowing us to advertise in your Trading Place. Thank you so much for your help. We now have an empty dock in Florida and would welcome anyone who wishes to dock for a night or two.

Again our heartfelt thanks,

Ann Miller

03.12.2003

From Tom Hewitt, looking for a Banjer

My wife and I would like to buy a Banjer 37 -preferably in the UK, but would be willing to travel to Netherlands or elsewhere in Northern Europe to view. This summer we saw the Banjer 'Tahelia' ... in west Wales. We liked the look of her very much and so our search has started!

30.10.2003