tophatyachts.com

So after a a few months looking on the web, and a few days looking at Top Hats between Newcastle and Sydney, I've purchased 'Pelagian' a Mk 2 currently in Sydney Harbour. As far as finding a boat that talks to you, this one's quite chatty. So far the conversations gone along the lines of... 'OK. Replace the plumbing fittings with a real water-box, fix the seized winch and double clamp all the skin fitting hoses, then I'll take you for a sail.'

Not to mention that the current topic of replacing port lights-not windows is also timely!

Looked at a number of other Top Hats. 'Saracen' in P Macquarie must be one of the oldest Mk1's - not because of the inches of Guano & barnicles on her, but she's got chain plates instead of V brackets and all brass fittings, including a brass & wood anchor line cleat. 'Abeltje' in Newport has 6mm s/s shrounds & stays - massive rigging. All had very individual character.

But for now its getting to know Pelagian - and doubtless asking questions as I go.

Rod

Congratulations Rod! Welcome to the world of Top Hat ownership!

You should be ready for the gathering on June 2 by the sound of it! See you there.

Good on ya Rod. Sounds like ya knew what you were looking for. All the best with ya new boat.

Congrats Rod,

You have many happy hours ahead of you.

Could you PM [see panel on the left] me the contact details for that Mk1 at Port Macquarie please.

Phillip.

Hi Rod and welcome,
Good to have you on board. Where will Pelagian be based?
Cheers, John

Welcome aboard Rod, hope to catch you on the water some time. MkIIs are great boats, in spite of what jealous MkI owners say.

Cheers,
Mark
Storm Petrel(MkII)

Pelagian is currently in Berry's Bay, North Sydney, not sure about longer term location at this stage. I'm in Canberra so anywhere Batemans Bay to Hawkesbury. All closer than my last boat which was in Qld... No, Lake Burley Griffin or the fountain outside Parliament house are not options

I'll miss the June 2 meet - nightduty roster - hard to change with limited notice, but I'm keen to make any future meet. For now, I'm just happy to get underway getting to know the boat.

Cheers, Rod

Congrat Rod on your beautiful new boat.