Roger Angel
The story of Roger’s ownership of Boleh has been recorded in a booklet ‘Arising from the Ashes’ written by his friend Dave Sully. Introducing the booklet, Dave mentions that it was mainly based on memory, most documents having been lost. He was, however, intimately involved in Roger’s restoration of the fire ravaged Boleh and their subsequent adventures which he relates with style and humour.
Fire!
Photographs following the arson attack show the size of the task which Roger and Dave took on when Roger bought Boleh for one pound as an insurance write-off in 1978.
Rebuild & Recovery
Over the next 3 years Boleh was gradually repaired and prepared for sea in Rye Harbour before sailing down memory lane to Dover – her home in the 1960’s as a training vessel for Royal Engineer Apprentices, including members of Roger’s family.
The Adventure
In 1981 Roger, Wendy, Dave and Boleh were ready for their big adventure, reported in the local press as they headed for the Mediterranean. The voyage was eventful, with triumphs and disasters recorded in Dave’s account, before Boleh finally settled in Majorca.
Roger, Boleh and Spanish Royalty
The highlight of Roger’s ownership came in 1993 when Boleh took part in the ‘Barcos de Epoca’ (Classic Boat) Regatta off Majorca, racing for the Trofeo Almirante Conde de Barcelona. This prestige event was the Spanish leg of the international Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge, with the fleet reviewed by King Carlos and Queen Sophia.
Dave’s Account
Dave Sully, like his friend Roger, came from the Hastings area and was a keen dinghy sailor, becoming an RYA Senior Dayboat Instructor. A former RAF engineer, Dave was actively involved with Boleh until the very end of his life – as he said himself –
“On reflection I now see what a large part of my life `Boleh` became when Roger assumed her stewardship”.
An Affair between a man and a boat
You can read Dave’s lively account of the ‘Affair between a man and a boat’ – his subtitle for the story of Roger and Boleh – by clicking on the front page of ‘Arising from the Ashes’. . . .
