Day 25 – am
Last night we padlocked the boat to some steel railings by the harbour wall in Trefor, before heading up the road for the offer of a bed at a friends house.
This morning we returned at 7.30 and the boat and gear have been stolen.
Someone with bolt cutters came down during the night and the boat and quite a lot of the gear which was inside the boat have been taken. There must have been at least two people because one person could not move the boat very far on their own. A local resident saw someone down on the harbour in the middle of the night, but other than this we have no information.
I’ve spent much of the morning on the phone with the police, insurance company and sponsors trying to figure out how to proceed. Many people have been very genorous with offers of help and kit loan, which is at least some consolation.
Most of the kit, including paddles, BA, cag, deck, trousers, etc was in the van, which is lucky. Its the safety equipment, including VHF radio, GPS and tracker, flares, spare clothes, tent, cooking kit, food and boat repair kit which have been lost. Also the museum mascot, which was on the boat, has been taken.
Any information relating to the theft or any sightings – please, please do get in touch.
The good news from Joe is that he should be back at Dale, by Milford Haven, tomorrow, starting his few days of catching up. He’s currently 170 miles behind, so hopefully after a few days of easing back into it he’ll be able to make decent progress up Wales towards Anglesey.
James
Oh my god. There is some real scum out there. I hope you get things sorted. You get a rest though. Silver lining.
Hi dude, sorry to hear about this, it’s a shame that there are people like this in the world. if there is any thing me or martha can do, just call.
Hi James,
Just heard about it on the BBC News website. Sorry to hear about it. I hope everything gets sorted out and you can get on your way again soon.
Paul
Oh that’s horrible, scumbags!
Good luck getting it all sorted out – keep an eye out for it on e-bay! Let us know if there’s anything we can do. xxx
Hi James,
Like Paul I’ve just read about it on the BBC – the rotten [expletive deleted]s!
As a landlocked non-kayakking Midlander I don’t think there’s much I can do (if you can think of anything the get in touch) but I’ll chip in some sponsorship.
Gavin
James,
We’re all really sorry to hear about this.
I hope you get back on track as soon as poss.
Best wishes,
Tamsin
xxx
Hi James, that’s awful news. Helen and I will redouble our efforts to help you.
And if they find the scumbag who did this, just let me know – I need some boxing practice.
Keep on the great work, xx
Hi James,
We’re really sorry to hear about this. Give us a call and we will be able to lend you all the kit you need to get you on your way again (boat, paddles, B.A’s, Dry bags, deck, cooking kit etc). The shop number is 01286 879001.
Don’t worry, we’ll have you paddling again by tomorrow.
Look forward to hearinf from you
Phil
Surf-Lines
Hi James, Rotten luck! I personally have been a victim more than once in N.W. My dinghy and trolley were stolen at Caernarfon also my toolcase on the slipway at Menai Bridge whilst putting the boating gear in my car. Fortunately my insurance compay paid out. As a boater who moors in the area, I’m on my guard at all times. Now I use a dinghy which has a trailer that dismantles and is locked in the boot of my car whilst I’m away on a voyage. Nothing is left chained on the slipway – everything goes home. I’ve only been mooring there 3 years.
Hope you can get going again soon
I wish you fair winds and a calm sea.
Hi mate, just saw this on the BBC News website – simply gutting.
I hope that you get everything sorted – knowing you, I’m sure you will!
Dave
Thats a sad reflection on todays society I assume the boat had all the obvious signs re your trip, hope they find it soon and good luck on replaceing your kit.
My thoughts as to regards the thieves cannot be printed
Hi James,
I was just about to say you can borrow a kayak and any kit you need to move on and noticed Phil at surf-lines has already offered. Nice one Phil ! If there is anything that surf-lines don’t have in stock that you need let me know. 07763 866730. I can help with charts, tide stream atlas etc. for the IOM.
All the best
Barry (not too far from trefor)
Hi James
Heard the bad news from your Mum yesterday. I can well imagine how you must be feeling. Can’t believe how mean some people can be. Unfortunately a reflection on to-day’s society. Hope it wont be too long before you are able to obtain replacement gear and are on your way again. Wishing you all the best and loads of luck for the rest of your trip! xx
Very sorry to hear this – a similar thing happened to me last year on the Isle of Sheppey, right at the start of a round-Britain attempt. You’ll overcome it. Not sure what I can do to help from this side of the country, but if you’re still short of kit please say.
So sorry to hear this! I cant believe this! I hope you will have anew kayak asap and that the trip will continue smoothly … fairs winds to the 2 of you!!
Marcus (currently in Hastings, kayaking from Skegness towards Anglesey, clockwise)
Hi James,
You must have been gutted. Let’s hope the generousity of fellow kayak and boat people makes up for this shameless deed.
All the best for a successful meeting up with Joe ( my nephew ) and a brilliant continuing trip. Love the blog!
Wow, James. Some people just can’t resist the lure of a nice shiney boat. Good luck, you’ll come out of this smelling of roses!
Really sorry to hear about the theft, James and wish you a successful conclusion to your journey – if there is anything I can do to help you get back on track please let me know.
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