Getting Away
as told by Mitzie Ruffles
How a Crazy Dream Became a Reality
– A Memoir
Getting Away
as told by Mitzie Ruffles
How a Crazy Dream Became a Reality – A Memoir
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Voyage to the Jurassic Coast
The start of our planned ‘voyage’ to the Jurassic Coast was slightly hampered by Ann catching Covid. Our plan was to leave on Saturday morning head
Jurassic Coast – East Fleet Farm
I would describe the East Fleet Farm Touring Park as a picturesque site, nestled on the stunning Jurassic Coast. Spanning over 50 acres of lush greenery and offering panoramic views of the Fleet Lagoon and the Chesil Beach, although the latter can only be viewed from the side not facing the sea.
Maiden Voyage – Minehead
Having swallowed the anchor, Ann and I decided to get the second-best thing to a Yacht. Yes, a motorhome. They are, however, just like a
About the Authors
Ann and Mike were full-time liveaboards and junk rig yachties for 22 years. They have cruised the Mediterranean extensively over 15 years from 2002 to 2017. They have now swallowed the anchor and are back in the UK to spend time with the grandchildren, they talk about their cruising life on Ruffles Spray, a 13.4-meter steel Bruce Roberts Spray Sailing Yacht a yacht built by Mike and Ann over 5 years from 1996 to 2001. They now continue ‘cruising’ in their Motorhome in the UK and Europe and hope to inspire you to live the lifestyle you dream about.
Ruffles Spray Build: The Complete Story
Hull Steel Work
Over the next four months we made our payments at the dates specified and the
Hull Plating
Next came the bottom plating. These plates went on without any problems both sides were
Round Bilge Section
Next came the round bilge section and what a nightmare it was to be.Steel Kit
Deck & Superstructure Plating
Next on the list was the deck plating and the superstructure. This was started in
Welding
Ruffles Spray was beginning to take shape although the plated hull was only tack welded
“Quick” Fabrication Jobs
Steel tube was purchased and fabricated into stanchions and railings. Lazarette lockers and chain locker
Hatches & Which Rig
Next the question of the companionway hatch. The drawing stated that it should be in
Shotblast & Prime
Now it was time to shot blast and prime the boat. I searched round for
A Sad Day
Unfortunately Ann’s Mum died on the 14 February 2001. She was a wonderful woman who
Painting Disasters
Then it was time to paint the boat. So I telephoned Blakes Paint and was
Hydraulic Steering Fiasco
After all this was finished I fitted the hydraulic steering and the rudder. Ann and
Engine System
Once the cabin sole was in and the foam insulation sprayed I next turned my
Launch Day 31 July 2001
Ann’s daughter Kathryn, my sister Karen, my mother Ilse, Roly and Rowan, Wendy & Franc,