Steve's July talk. However, it seemed no one was prepared to miss out a second time and he didn't disappoint.

Steve provided what was probably the best toolbox presentation in the time I've been with ABBA. His workshop appeared to be endlessly self-sufficient with the machinery and equipment to work on every aspect of new builds, repairs and refits working in metal, timber, fibreglass, etc.

Steve says it's been about three years since they were commissioned to build a new boat. In the changing economic environment he has needed to adapt his line of work and take on smaller more complex work – it's a niche area for which he has the necessary skills and is happy to be recognised as a person capable of fixing complex problems.

Steve works, I think, with just two other staff. They were working on a 1946 Couta boat that had started life as a fishing boat but was now a family friendly sailing boat also used for racing. It was having its deck replaced and some repairs to the transom. He was also working on a major refit of a large timber harbour workboat from Esperance built in the 1950’s.

What made this visit so interesting were the boats were clearly works in progress. The workers left as we arrived and the workshop hadn’t been meticulously cleaned or staged to present a certain image. Tools, new ply, timber components and repairs were clearly there to be seen and Steve was prepared to explain every aspect of the methods they use and his preferred materials.

I doubt if anyone did not have several questions to ask on topics ranging from mechanical rebuilds, deck replacement, fitouts, pre-painted ply, silicon/silastic, building in fibreglass, lofting and even how to use an electrical current stainless steel polisher after welding. Those were just a few topics covered in the two hours or more were there.

It was a very special opportunity to meet and see Steve Ward at work. We thank him most sincerely for his generosity and time.

THE SPEIGHT REPORT

Harry Speight presented an informative selection of photographs at the September Technical from his recent trip back to England where he had returned to see his Mother.

He used his spare time to visit some of the most interesting sailing areas and marinas in the country. Harry visited Hampshire, Dorset, Isle of White, Southampton and Hamble.

Harry was most impressed by the Contessa 32. A boat that he even gave some thought of urchasing and bringing back to Australia.

He seemed to find many examples of this craft and went on to visit the boatyard in Lymington to meet and talk with the builders where they are still in production.

It appears the region is boater’s heaven with almost every conceivable sailing craft or ship using the waterways.

Marinas looked more like car parks but there were still period pieces such as this lapstrake dinghy, used regularly. Many thanks Harry.