Test Piece:
The Shipbuilders, Peter Yorke
Adjudicators:
Chris Wormald & Richard Evans
Commences: 09.30am
Live comments
Thoresby Youth, Christine Gent, 20
Region: Midlands
Web of Steel:
A few wobbly old girders to start, but it recovers and it all starts to take shape. A few flying riviets spoil things but it ends up with ship ready for launch.
The Launching:
A relaxed dip into the sea does have a few splashes and a scrape or two on the paintwork. \it’s a sea worthy vessel though despite the odd hole here and there.
All hands at Work:
Busy little bees on deck polish the brass and fix the rigging despite quite a cull of workers overboard. The ship looks good though despite crew shortages.
Maiden Voyage:
Sailing into the sunset serenely enough. Just can’t get rid of those little errors by the crew though. A pity as she dock nicely to finish.
Overall:
A decent one this just spoilt by chips in the overall musical paintwork.
Star Player: Solo horn – Julie Plant – A good woman’s touch is always needed aboard ship.
Kirkby Lonsdale, Mark Buchanan, 19
Region: North of England
Web of Steel:
A few girders fall from the back of a lorry to start but it soon gets sorted with some neat rivet and welding work – especially from the bass end.
The Launching:
Straigt in! “I name this ship – quick off the mark!”. Lots of good stuff when we catch up though from solo cornet and the boiler-room basses again.
All hands at Work:
Horns walk the plank to start but the rest don’t follow thankfully even if there is a bit of sea sickness around. Recovers again though to end with things just about ship shape.
Maiden Voyage:
Serene progress on the ocean waves and some neat touches from the crew too. Just gets a touch tired as she makes it home.
Overall:
Not a bad one – a curate’s egg of the sea!
Star Player: The bass end – unsung heroes below the decks.
Croft Silver, Ian Needham, 18
Region: Midlands
Web of Steel:
Contructed like the Bird’s nest stadium in Beijing to start – girders all over the place. It’s a go slow by the workers in places too. Recovers, but odd this.
The Launching:
Dips her toes before launching in, but it’s found its sea legs now. Tuning is 40 fathoms wide in places. Skipper takes it the speed of a Thames barge which doesn’t help.
All hands at Work:
This makes sense though – despite losing a few overboard this is so much better. The unions are on strike though – It’s a go slow.
Maiden Voyage:
The good ship has lost a propeller. Why so slow Captain? It would take 80 days for a trip to Calais. Decent dock though.
Overall:
One that fatally holed below the plimsole line from the start. Just about made it back to port – at a slow speed.
Star Player: Horn – Gina Needham – a cool head when the call came for the lifeboats.
South Milford Brass, Richard Wilton, 17
Region: North of England
Web of Steel:
More heavy metal on show here than a Motorhead concert. Lemmy would be proud though as it all comes together in spades. Ace!
The Launching:
More misplaced splashes. Imagine the onboard gent’s toilet in a force 9 gale… It comes together again with neat style and feel for the sea. Super solo inserts too.
All hands at Work:
Stylish stuff this. We do lose a few high in the rigging but the captain has tried something different here. Doesn’t quite come off but it’s enjoyable.
Maiden Voyage:
The good ship bumps into a few trawlers on the way but it escapes with a just a few scratches. Great old finish in the home port too.
Overall:
One of the most stylish sea journeys today. The ship was holed a few times but it still made it home looking good.
Star Player: The two bobbing beauties on percussion. Well done girls – extra rum from the MD>
Totnes, Ian Wilkinson, Region: 16
West of England
Web of Steel:
A bit of a spider’s web this – sounds very complex, Skipper sorts things out and the bits and pieces now fall in to place – some literally we’re afraid.
The Launching:
As soon as the bottle hits the hull it’s off into the sea. Businesslike this – a no frills package tour cross channel ferry. Not beautiful but does the job.
All hands at Work:
Cheap and cheerful. Philipino workers don’t rest until the job’s done. It’s all spick and span but the cabins have a Formica feel.
Maiden Voyage:
Peaceful enough trip to Calais to pick up the cheap booze rather than a long relaxing trip around the Med.
Overall:
A bit hard work this. Set out to do a job and did just that. Not a memorable trip though.
Star Player: Euph – Philip Cleave – A second in command full of quality salutes.
Uppermill, Alan Widdop, 15
Region: North West
Web of Steel:
It’s a big one this – more steel than is needed to build the Ark Royal. Powerhouse rivents add to the sense this is out to make a loud mark. Build for war this one!
The Launching:
Certainly not short of confidence – straight in head first into the sea. It’s dreadnought playing though which need a touch of finesse perhaps.
All hands at Work:
Skipper whips the crew into action like Captain Bligh. The music is close to mutiny too. Needs a touch of Nelson lightness. It’s all guns blazing.
Maiden Voyage:
The ensign flies with intent. This one could have sunk the Bismark. A statement of sea faring power this – certainly not a saga holiday cruise to Ibiza.
Overall:
This really was built for contesting war. Big bass guns and plenty of grunt for the job. Certainly not the QE2 – but it did the job.
Star Player: Tom Gibb – Solo cornet – Extra rations in the galley for all the effort.
Brunel Brass, John Winterflood, 14
Region: West of England
Web of Steel:
Isambard would be proud lads and lasses. Just how proper ships should be made this. Made to last and put together with care and affection.
The Launching:
Careful mateys! Just bumps into a few dignitaries at the launch party and wobbles a little on the Champers at times. A long way to go yet!
All hands at Work:
Skipper cracks the whip and the crew work their socks off. Everything shines as bright as the ship's bell. It's QE2 standard.
Maiden Voyage:
It's port out starboard home stuff. Posh stuff! Sop plays more parts than Alec Guinness in Kind Hearts and Coronets. Great old trip into dock to end too!
Overall:
The second 5 star cruise across the waves today. Quality from start to finish from the whole crew.
Star Player: Sop — Paul Richards — Did his bit and more (for the captain's cause).
Cold Ash, Mike Clark, 13
Region: London & SC
Web of Steel:
A bit hit and miss with the hammers putting things together to start, but then it starts to take shape and it’s all looking ship shape by the close.
The Launching:
A leisurely dip into the cold waters but it’s certainly water tight. Some of the tuning is more than a fathom or two out, but the good ship is still sea worthy.
All hands at Work:
The rum ration has been gulped by a couple of the crew but its busy and enjoyable stuff even if we do lose a few overboard.
Maiden Voyage:
Serene as she goes (despite perc dropping an anchor in the wrong place). It’s good stuff though as the good ship glides to rest in port with a crash of cymbals!
Overall:
Not a bad trip to sea this. The crew certainly enjoyed it too!
Star Player: Solo cornet – Gillian Passey – As bright as the badge on the captain’s cap.
Severn Tunnel, Andrea Ayres, 12
Region: Wales
Web of Steel:
It's double time to get things bolted together in the Welsh shipyard. The rush causes a few rivets to go flying but it's quicker than a cross channel ferry on a booze cruise.
The Launching:
More speed? It's into the drink quicker than Princess Margaret on her hen night! There are accidents as a result even if it's enjoyable stuff.
All hands at Work:
The crew work harder than Philipino cleaners on minimum wage, but all with a sense of fun.
Maiden Voyage:
At last. A leisurely trip and a chance to enjoy the sights. A neat final entry into port too.
Overall:
A quick one this. In and out of port without bothering with customs. Interesting and enjoyable though.
Star Player: Euph — John Ayres. The skipper's 2nd in command does his boss proud.
Lostock Hall Memorial, John Wood, 11
Region: North West
Web of Steel:
Yep! At last a real Meccano set of girders and rivets all in the right place. Build like the SS Great Britain — Isambard Kingdom Brunel would have been delighted! The best by a nautical mile!
The Launching:
Deliberate launch — not quite by a champagne bottle but certainly something sparkly. They've found their sea legs right away here.
All hands at Work:
Careful crew! Easy on the Rum. One or two nearly fall overboard but the skipper keeps a firm hand on the wheel. More good stuff.
Maiden Voyage:
A real 5 star liner this one! Smooth and very nearly trouble free right across the Atlantic to a great docking at New York.
Overall:
Super stuff. Well done Captain and crew! A tremendous old trip on the ocean liner.
Star Player: The young trio of percussion crew hands — child labour never sounded so good!
Wincanton Silver, B. Kelloway, 10
Region: West of England
Web of Steel:
The odd girder made out of plasticine it seems — a bit wonky in places. A bit of patching up though and the basic hull is in place and ready for launch. Gets better.
The Launching:
A speedy launch straight in the deep end. Finds its sea legs with neat solo spots and basses stocking the boilers. It's full speed ahead though.
All hands at Work:
Crew on double time rations. Careful skipper — don't flog 'em to death. Brave stuff but the speed sees a few hands fall from the rigging.
Maiden Voyage:
Just needs more time to enjoy the view from the starboard side. It's been a quick old trip this right to the end.
Overall:
A difficult trip on the open seas this. Had its moments after all the hurly-burly, but it needed a more relaxed feel.
Star Player: Basses — Kept the boiler red hot from start to finish.
Skelmanthorpe B, Philip Garlick, 9
Region: Yorkshire
Web of Steel:
The sparks are flying to start as some rivets miss their target. Needs a health and safety check this at times but its full of life and purpose.
The Launching:
More like it. Big bold and colourful launch to sea with a sense of purpose and a feel for the musical waves. Good solid stuff and watertight too!
All hands at Work:
A muscle-bound crew this — tattoos and arms like Popeye. No messing, job done and not one crew member lost overboard. Cracking stuff.
Maiden Voyage:
At home on the ocean waves. This is quality playing despite the odd bump into smaller vessels here and there. Keeps on course straight into harbour at full speed ahead.
Overall:
On that got better and better as soon as they left dry land. Perhaps they needed a bit of extra shore leave!
Star Player: Horn — Jonathan Bates — A real siren of the sea.
Tadley Concert Brass, Paul Chapman, 8
Region: London & SC
Web of Steel:
A web of intrigue to start but once they check the blueprints it all starts to make sense. Now it really takes shape despite the odd misplaced port hole or two.
The Launching:
Straight down the slipway and into the sea. There are a few leaks below the plimsole line to fix, but it soon becomes watertight with good ensemble welding.
All hands at Work:
PLenty of hard graft on display but also neat touches of first class cabin service too. Everyone mucks on to good effect.
Maiden Voyage:
More uneven sailing at times but we do get periods of calm water too — right to a bold docking at home port.
Overall:
The journey on the ocean waves was hard work at times but they made it back to shore without taking on too much water.
Star Player: Sopranon — Martyn Chapman — a fearless soul up in the crow's nest.
Lofthouse 2000, Andrew Whitaker, 7
Region: Yorkshire
Web of Steel:
More of a web of scrap metal at times to start but it soon comes together and the nerves are banished. Now they've got the plans up the right way up — it's so much better.
The Launching:
It's a quick old launch into the briney. Lots of purpose though and neat touches too from fine flugel and solo cornet. Less haste though!
All hands at Work:
Hard working crew this and it pays off. We lose the odd one overboard but the decks are shiny and now ready for the high seas. Confident stuff this.
Maiden Voyage:
As staely as a galleon as Joyce Grenfield used to sing and despite the odd bit of flotsam it reaches port without further trouble.
Overall:
The dodgy bit of building work to start will cost but it recovered into an impressive cruise.
Star Player: Flugel — Katie Bailey — A little cracker of a cabin girl.
Hemel Hempstead, Graham Weekes, 6
Region: London & SC
Web of Steel:
A few of the girders are welded in the wrong place with missing rivets, but it recovers and starts to take shape in time for the launch.
The Launching:
More like it. MD is a light hand on the tiller and it benefits from it. It's found its sea legs now and is ship shape.
All hands at Work:
Spoke too soon. Crew are working like slaves on a Roman Galley at turbo pace. Speed kills even at sea and we have lost a few hands here. A pity after a good start.
Maiden Voyage:
Cuts a better sight on the seas now. Odd little accidents but it has even been a purposeful trip to shore.
Overall:
A very uneven one this. Great in places but holed below the decks too often I'm afraid.
Star Player: Euph — Colin Reeves. A steady old seadog of experience on the high seas.
Amington, Wesley Kendrick, 5
Region: Midlands
Web of Steel:
A bit of a shipyard accident to start but it recovers. The hull is a bit clunky in places — more an Antarctic icebreaker that a Cutty Sark? Solid.
The Launching:
A powerful launch suggests a journey to the colder oceans. Not many musical sun decks on show but plenty of sturdy playing impresses.
All hands at Work:
MD works his crew like Captain Bligh. No slackers and all the work is shipshape and sea worthy.
Maiden Voyage:
Skipper spring a surprise with a stop off in the musical Bahamas! Great stuff with top notch solo cornet a fine lead. Great ending too!
Overall:
A magical mystery tour by the captain. Set sail then changed tack to fine effect. Interesting one this.
Star Player:
Solo cornet — Steve Hill — A captain's best mate.
Renfrew Burgh, David Hutcheson, 4
Region: Scotland
Web of Steel:
A solid as an old River Clyde steamer this. Could do with a bit of finesse in the construction, but this is not being built for the America's Cup.
The Launching:
More no nonsense stuff. Straight down into the water with the odd splash or two but it's safely afloat.
All hands at Work:
Great work from the boiler men in the basses and euph. Not quite the same in the cabins of the cornets but all the work is done on time.
Maiden Voyage:
More solid cruise ship playing. Skipper does well at the helm even if it just lost a bit of steam to end.
Overall:
Pretty good one this. The Scots know how to build a solid old ship.
Star Player:
Basses led by Kevin Jerome — kept the good ship going at a rate of knots.
Tarleton and District Brass, Gillian Bould, 3
Region: North West
Web of Steel:
Slick and well put together this hull. Just the odd dropped rivet and occasional clumsy bit of musical welding, but good stuff.
The Launching:
Not quite launched with a bottle of Champers, but the boat is shipshape and watertight. Well played by the soloists too.
All hands at Work:
Well done skipper! Sensible tempos ensure no one is lost overboard. Does bob a bit in some choppy seas but gets through without taking on too much water.
Maiden Voyage:
More good sailing from crew and captain. Just knocks the harbour wall before docking but we reach dry land safely.
Overall:
A good old voyage on the contest high seas this. The odd moment in choppy waters but it was still enjoyable.
Star Player: Colo cornet — Tom Pickering — A very classy Fletcher Christian.
Irvine & Dreghorn, D McKellar, 2
Region: Scotland
Web of Steel:
Plenty of well driven rivets and bolts put the hull in place, although there is the odd wonky girder or two.
The Launching:
A slick launch down the slipway led by classy csolo cornet. Just the odd moment of seasickness but it's safe sailing.
All hands at Work:
A little troublesome for the crew but they soon settle down above and below decks. Nobody lost overboard though.
Maiden Voyage:
Calm seas led by fine euph. It's a Mediterranean cruise this — safe and solid back to port.
Overall:
Well done captain and crew. Odd moments when it ran into choppy waters but the good ship Irvine did Scotland proud.
Star Player:
Solo euph — Dawn Spence — Great playing from bow to stern.
Crosskeys, Kerry Bowden, 1
Region: Wales
Web of Steel:
Pretty solid stuff with the odd missed rivet or two here and there. Ship shape though.
The Launching:
A few unsettling moments to find the sea legs but then it's good playing from all the crew. Well done solo cornet.
All hands at work:
This sounds hard work. Plenty of musical sea sickness in choppy waters, but we get through the storm.
Maiden Voyage:
Nicely played with a sense of relaxation right to a bold return to port.
Overall: Not a bad Maiden Voyage but we did lose a few of the crew. Reached port with a few scratches to the hull though.
Star player: Solo cornet, Karla Howe — a fine first mate.
