To date we have been entirely self funding during the purchase, recovery and restoration of ON1008 “James And Mariska Joicey”, back from semi – derelict state, washed up on the shore in Co.Donegal and back to operational condition. I have done much of the work myself wherever possible and with the very welcome and generous help from supportive friends; Dr Rob Galvin, Wrighty, Derek J Briggs (former owner of ON1009 “Jack Shayler And The Lees”), Al Milne, our Mam & David, my sister Helen, Lee Benson, Richard & Lee at Portrush, Captain Dave Paine, Davey Moore and of course Kristina Aurora Bentzen Simonsen who’s innate Scandinavian design instinct was central to the fore cabin bunk installation. Oh and not forgetting Martin Strawbridge for photographs, encouragement and excellent filled Sodas on many lunchtimes!
Occasionally some paid help has been utilised when it has been practicable (and affordable), particularly in the early days when vast amounts of stripping out and preparation of the hull etc. was required. Also the excellent services of “Wally the Welder” have been invaluable and indeed we couldn’t have completed the required welding/fabrication tasks without him, quite often giving up his time off on the weekends to fit us in!
Special mention has to be made of our good friend Bernard Condon who initially very generously guided and escorted us to Coleraine Harbour for the restoration to continue in a well supported and secure environment. His enthusiasm, generosity of time, knowledge and advice have been instrumental in the restoration. Occasional invites to dinner at home with him and his lovely wife Marion have been very much appreciated, great company, food, hot showers and a comfy bed, succour for the body, mind and spirit!
The team at Coleraine Harbour have always been very supportive and knowledgeable, special thanks to Stephen, Robert and Harbour Master Lisa, not forgetting former HM Pat and of course Captain Belfast Gary Rogers for his help in September 2019!
AJ Marshall (Special Steels) Ltd., of Unit 89 Marston Moor Business Park, Rudgate, York YO26 7QF, Mike Yeadon and the company very generously supplied us with a sheet of 6mm COR-TEN Steel free of charge, this was particularly welcome as I was struggling to find any supplies of suitable COR-TEN Steel anywhere at the time, a sculptor gave me the contact at AJ Marshall after some weeks of searching!
Ongoing Sponsorship. With the return to full operational condition of ON1008 “James And Mariska Joicey” finally happening in August 2021, later than planned after the COVID pandemic of 2020/21, we sailed down to Cornwall took up a new base at a mooring near Falmouth from where she will regularly attend maritime events and rallies promoting the RNLI and its historic lifeboats. Last year (2023) J&MJ was in attendance at the Fowey Historic RNLI gathering followed by the Falmouth Tall Ships event, both in August. This year we are planning to attend various events to help celebrate the RNLI 200th Anniversary including the celebration at RNLI Poole HQ which we have had the honour of being invited to in order to represent the Solent Class historic lifeboats. Obviously operating the boat and the ongoing maintenance generate considerable expenses and we would be very grateful and interested in hearing from any sponsors and indeed private individuals who would be interested in contributing towards costs of continuing to keep ON1008 “James And Mariska Joicey’s” sailing feasible!
Every contribution is fully appreciated by all of the J&MJ team.
