1972 - 1984 | Onedin Line

NOTE: Some of this is identical to what is written on Wikipedia, as both were written by the author of this website, stardust5980 (aka celesteshipping5980). 

NOTE TWO: Huge thanks to Kenneth Kennedy and Kerry Kennedy for providing Kenneth's book 'ALL AT SEA' which provides almost all of the information on this page.

Onedin Line

- In between these various trips improvements to the ship would continue, such as the engine being controlled by a system of motorcycle chains, sprockets, wire, and a hand brake from a car. This made the ship far easier and safer to sail, as the engine could be controlled right in the wheelhouse, negating the need for verbal engine orders to be given. By this time, Kenneth had owned De Wadden for three years and was now able to handle her reliably. The fishing trips continued, the ship being manned by Kenneth, Alec, and Dick. Kenneth had a bar installed onboard for use as a distraction when catches were poor.[1]

Soon, a surprising call came in January 1977, from none other than the BBC. They wanted the ship to film for the 'Onedin Line', a show set between 1860 and 1886 about the rise of a fictional shipping company owned by the titular character James Onedin. At first, Kenneth thought it to be some kind of an early April Fools joke, but an hour later at five o'clock, he received a call from Mrs. Bidwell, a member of the Onedin Line production team. She asked if the ship could be brought down to Milford Haven for filming in the new series which would be starting in March. Kenneth agreed, giving no consideration of the difficulties of sailing a sixty-year-old schooner all the way from Dunoon to Southern Wales. Mrs. Bidwell said someone would visit to inspect the ship, and if she was in suitable condition a contract would be produced. A man soon inspected the ship and she passed, with a contract being made promptly. Once the excitement of becoming film stars had worn off, they had all realised how difficult getting down to Milford Haven would be.[1]

In all, they had five weeks to get ready for the trip. A job list was made and it continued growing every day, By the end of week one, they had over a hundred tasks to complete. The fuel and water tanks were filled, the engine inspected, and the sails fitted. Crew availability also became an issue. Dick could not get the time off work, but fortunately, Mike, the son of Terry, the man Kenneth had bought De Wadden from, agreed to come aboard for the trip.[1]

References

1.  Kennedy, Kenneth M. (1985). All At Sea. Retrieved 2023-12-16.