www.smallsailboats.co.uk Bill's Boats Home www.smallsailboats.co.uk Scout Kayak Racing Kayak Phillida Hilyard Shyauk Small Zeta Pandora Buccaneer Big Zeta Kingfisher Aziz Shipmate Harriott Micro Caleb Hina Catamaran             I moved from the South West of England to the South East for career reasons; there I joined the Up River Yacht Club at Hullbridge, Essex.  It wasn't long before I was the proud owner of a small coastal cruising catamaran designed by James Wharram.  Club members were very helpful with my restoration of the boat and in launching her.  We simply lined up six people either side of the catamaran; then we carried her to the water!  Afterwards beers were provided for the willing helpers. The Hina Catamaran's name was 'Twinstar', but she was known as 'Twin Coffins' by Club members.  She gave me much fun.  I cruised her to Calais and Boulogne and entered several local races.  During one of them she was dismasted.  My eldest daughter of 10 years was the crew at the time and she took the event very calmly, enquiring in a measured and thoughtful manner how we were to return to the sailing club.  She was satisfied when I told her we would use the faithful Seagull outboard engine.  After lashing the remains of the wooden box-mast to the deck we proceeded to Hullbridge. During one race, after a new metal mast had been installed, the catamaran did what the designer said was impossible, that was to capsize her! Wanting to try another boat, I sold 'Twinstar' to a couple of young lads who kept her at Whitstable where she was damaged during the infamous gale that destroyed Margate pier, but the two owners subsequently rebuilt her.  If she's still around, I'd love to hear from the owner(s).