Talk:Sparkle (catamaran)

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I am 90% sure this was also an initiative by Stoke Mandeville Hospital, but I may have faulty memory Fiddle Faddle 22:57, 8 May 2006 (UTC)

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SPARKLE Was found in May 1992 by Welshman Paul Bennett. It was worst for wear in Portsmouth after apparently beeing bought with a rubber cheque (UK) (Check U.S.), which bounced to the bank and back again. Paul Bennett negiotated a settlement with SPARKS and became the proud owner of the 45 foot LOA Catamaran! Sparkle was then transferred to Belgium, Kline Willowbrook and was fully restored and modified as an all purpose motor sailing vessel. She went to the Mediterrian Sea in 1994 via the canal routes through France with less than 100mm to spare at various lock gates en route. Sparkle spent the next 3 years on the the French Coast and the Canal system in France.

On returning to the UK in 1997, en route to Cardiff, Wales, from Le Harve, N. France she developed an engine problem from the oil cooler as it took on sea water. Although eventually rescued by the French LifeBoat system, which took approximately 5 hours to launch, she was brought to port near Cherburge. The costs involved with the rescue and storage of Sparkle made outright ownership impossible to keep her. Sparkle was sold at salvage price the purchaser was from Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales, who again restored her to Bristol Fashion and she once again went to sea. The last news of Sparkle was that she had been rescued once again by the French LifeBoat Service and a global Tug Boat named the "Firm" and appears to have been towed into an unknown port in NorthWestern France. This was apparently due to a Force 8-9 Gale which smashed the bows and so was taking on water.

Reported that both Welshmen onboard were recovered safely, however, Sparkle and what remains of her are unknown. In that respect the previous owner Paul Bennett, of Cardiff, Wales would like to find out where "Sparkle is?", he can be contacted on (email removed) by email, as this is one boat that should'nt have seen it's last seas!