TheFlyingBoatman Profile Banner
TheFlyingBoatman Profile
TheFlyingBoatman

@flying_boatman

1,225
Followers
127
Following
1,773
Media
6,326
Statuses

The Flying Boatman repairs oars, paints trophy oars, renovates singles, teaches rigging, and generally messes about with boats.

The Thames
Joined July 2016
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
1 year
@JuniorRowing It's a difficult issue, but it's still fairly clear cut. Just because it's only a very small percentage of competitors doesn't make it right. Just because the current scientific data on the specific topi isn't wide reaching or deep doesn't mean it overcomes the glaringly obvious.
3
2
563
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
Man in my local cafe had a lovely gold box. "Champagne for the weekend?" "No. An Oscar for sound design." Twickenham Studios for Maverick.
Tweet media one
15
21
443
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
@rose_h_s What was it? A guy in a Audi abused his "bird" in the street and then threatened to "iron me out" when I intervened. I was at a loss what to say. Although I did get it all on bikecam, and have discovered his name and business address...
6
4
168
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
Flying Boatman with The Apprentice. "One day all this can be yours"
Tweet media one
4
0
85
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 years
Finishing touches
Tweet media one
1
2
70
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
1 year
And this is why the trailer driver always checks every boat before departure.
Tweet media one
9
4
64
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
Thank you @MilAvHistory for the best laugh I've had for a while.
Tweet media one
1
4
59
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
1 year
Booms - 1 Rigger - 0 @HenleyRegatta
Tweet media one
19
1
60
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
5 years
Row past @HenleyRegatta In 1979 his mother sewed on his badge. He's had this replacement kit done the same way in her memory.
Tweet media one
0
3
58
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
A sonic boom @HenleyRegatta
Tweet media one
12
1
58
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
The @HenleywRegatta has come to a successful end for another year, and two wonderful ladies have been recognised for their great contribution to HWR. Pleased to have helped create these tokens of appreciation.
Tweet media one
4
1
54
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 months
Putting 400 stickers on 400 racks @HenleyRegatta isn't the best job, but sticking your own club's name on a rack makes it all worth it. @Twickenham_RC
Tweet media one
3
1
53
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
5 years
Shiny renovated thing returned to a happy owner.
Tweet media one
4
3
52
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
Watch out! The booms @HenleyRegatta are working.
Tweet media one
9
3
53
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
The Oracle has spoken: I explained that these were Cambridge Blue but The Apprentice replied, "No, Papa. It's green. Cambridge Green." If anyone wants to come and tell her that she's wrong, you're on your own... @CUBCsquad @Concept2UK
Tweet media one
9
1
51
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
A friend shared this image from his workshop. Recently completed. He clearly needs help. @thinkdefence @matthewcpinsent
Tweet media one
13
2
50
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
4 years
Another repaired and renovated boat delivered. She's been through the wars a bit, but not in bad shape for a 35+ year old. Now the holes are fixed, hull sealed and shiny, and all the internal running gear revamped.
Tweet media one
9
1
52
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
1 month
Rabbit is ready for racing in Paris. @Paralympics
Tweet media one
2
2
50
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
@TheDreadShips Everyone overlooks U-boats. That's what they are designed for.
1
1
46
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
@MrCumbers @joncoupland Still hanging on to the windscreen wipers.
0
0
47
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 years
Spotted in Putney. Original equipment still in use.
Tweet media one
3
0
46
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 months
Nevermind your @HenleyRegatta Stewards badges, Leander or Remenham club badges... THIS is the most valuable and rare ticket in town.
Tweet media one
2
0
46
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 years
Rowers: this is why weirs are dangerous
@JWolfand
Jordy Wolfand
3 years
one of those fun days at work playing with water
8
58
418
1
18
45
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
8 months
@MilitaryBanter "The beatings will continue until morale improves."
0
0
44
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
1 year
That's Mrs Flying Boatman MSc to you lot...
Tweet media one
2
0
43
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
When boathouse space is at a premium and you have to 'live' on the trailer. Special angled trailer racks for rigged boats to fit (width ok for driving too).
Tweet media one
Tweet media two
5
5
41
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
The Apprentice gears up for success.
Tweet media one
1
1
42
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
The @HenleyRegatta boat tent is empty, the blazer is back in the wardrobe, and @SleepstoHRR has restarted the rowing egg timer...and I'm back to the joys of stripping paint that is older than me off timber oars.
Tweet media one
2
0
42
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 years
Plenty of trailers in neat rows in Fawley Meadow. @HenleyRegatta
Tweet media one
0
2
42
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
It's only just had the first of five coats of varnish, but she's looking much better already.
Tweet media one
2
0
41
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
1 year
Bit of a "busman's holiday", but very lucky that I could visit the Empacher boat works and get a quick tour.
Tweet media one
1
0
40
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 years
Just in case anyone was wondering what all that masking tape was for.
Tweet media one
5
0
41
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
Seen in a school boathouse. Each pot contains the essential rigger bolts etc for each boat. Rowers de-rig and return pot to hole. Boatman/coach bring pots to regatta. Sorted. Nice.
Tweet media one
6
5
40
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
1 year
Got my first launch ride for the regatta. @HenleyRegatta
Tweet media one
2
0
40
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
Very old school.
Tweet media one
Tweet media two
4
1
39
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
1 year
Rowing folks... OARphans and SurvivOARS Service. An online database helping to match up lonely oars from broken sets around the country ("TindOAR"?🥰). Save your budget. Save the planet. Etc. Good idea or not? Feedback and ideas please.
10
4
39
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 months
Rabbit has hopped down to the Fawley Bar @HenleyRegatta to meet friends. She's made a healthy and rabbit friendly choice with a drink full of fruit, vegetables, and leafy greens.
Tweet media one
4
0
38
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
The oldest set of @concept2 oars I've worked on. I can actually see Dick and Pete having personally made these ones.
Tweet media one
0
1
38
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
1 year
If you are in Butler's Field or Lion Meadow @HenleyRegatta and rigging is going slowly, I can help you out.
Tweet media one
6
4
37
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 years
The rower that I rigged using washers to fix the pitch managed to come second in her division at @ScullersHead , beating rowers that she had recently lost races to. Rigging matters.
2
3
37
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
I had to ask a Master Boat Builder to help me identify the timber needed to replace the washboards on a 40 y.o. single scull. Not only could he do that, he even had a piece that he could give to me. Brazilian Cedar. Not available anymore.
Tweet media one
1
0
36
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
1 year
I loaned tools and spare parts to the @rowingcanada boatman, and John has gifted a wonderful new lapel pin for my collection. @HenleyRegatta
Tweet media one
3
0
35
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 months
Both Rabbit and I fashionably dressed in white @HenleyRegatta . Day 1 blazer, Karachi Boat Club, Pakistan
Tweet media one
3
0
35
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
5 years
And here's under the covers of an all timber 1970s Carl Douglas
Tweet media one
2
0
34
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
Although I am fairly sure that this marquee isn't that old, this family have been racing and spectating at @HenleyRegatta since 1956 (earliest badge stitched onto it).
Tweet media one
2
2
34
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 months
Something shiny and new to me this year has arrived. @HenleyRegatta
Tweet media one
1
0
34
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
4 years
The first coat looks good. Hopefully the 5th one is good too...
Tweet media one
2
0
32
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
1 year
Quite pleased with that. My boatman friend who is teaching me the finer points of spray painting gave me a solid 8/10.
Tweet media one
0
0
33
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
After assisting a couple of @HenleyRegatta international crews with rigging, tools, and spare parts I quickly grabbed my toolbox... without checking that it was latched properly. I'd been meaning to empty it and reorganise it anyway. Really.
2
1
32
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
It's nice to see completed jobs arrive with the client and go on display.
Tweet media one
0
0
32
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
I'll be in the Boat Tent at Henley in the mornings from tomorrow. Although not part of my official role, I have my rigging tools and some minor spares with me. If you are in urgent need of help, just ask for me at the Boat Tent Officials office. @SleepstoHRR @HenleyRegatta
3
3
32
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
Update to Wednesday's incident: Have found another witness, my helmet cam footage is crystal clear, and by sheer luck managed to discover this man's name and the location of his nearby business. Oh dear Jimmy, the Twickenham police will only need to walk 150m to your place.
2
1
31
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
You really should visit the gallery underneath the @HenleyRegatta grandstand. This wonderful vase is by @annemariesj
Tweet media one
3
2
31
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 years
Just imagine that the sky and clouds are the blue and white of the Boat Tent. @HenleyRegatta
Tweet media one
3
1
30
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
8 months
Not bad for an urgent job.
Tweet media one
2
0
30
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
A client has delivered 36 oars for parts and repair. I've arranged them into the following piles: Ok Oh dear... Oh my! Oh God!
3
0
29
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
Anger management for boatmen. 🪚
Tweet media one
5
0
30
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
Shiny and ready to collect
Tweet media one
2
1
30
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
4 months
After spending all day @HenleyRegatta I do what any normal boatman does. Go home, cook for the family, prepare for bath/story/bed time...then go to the workshop to paint a dozen oars for a visiting international crew.
Tweet media one
4
1
29
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
Phil the Beef is heading home to Australia. He's talking a @Twickenham_RC blazer and trophy blade with him. Thanks for being our Director of Rowing for the past 3 years.
Tweet media one
0
0
29
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
Ahhh...stuck in traffic coming down the hill into Henley. It all feels real now. @SleepstoHRR @HenleyRegatta
3
0
29
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 years
Logo done. Event title done. Division names done. Next: winning crew names @FoursHead
Tweet media one
2
2
29
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 months
Client has sent images of the job I delivered during @HenleyRegatta . A collection of Stewards, Leander, and Remenham badges on a large mounted rudder.
Tweet media one
Tweet media two
0
0
29
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
Rabbit has been busy this week
Tweet media one
4
2
28
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
6 years
The ultimate rigger jigger. Gold anodised titanium from the tool kit issued with a McLaren F1 sports car. Sadly I had to hand it back to the man from McLaren...
Tweet media one
2
1
29
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
That's it for the workshop this year. Have a wonderful Christmas.
Tweet media one
5
0
29
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
5 years
That's another job done for another year...roll on Wednesday! @HOR4s @Fullers
Tweet media one
0
4
28
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 years
Tight as a drum.
Tweet media one
2
0
28
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
My work here is done. Club now has two boats back in service. Time to fly home.
Tweet media one
1
0
28
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 years
My schoolboy Latin is a bit rusty, but I'm fairly certain this says something like "bowsiders can get in and sit down".
Tweet media one
3
4
28
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 months
Finally delivered, despite dreadful holiday traffic.
Tweet media one
5
0
28
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
10 months
And done. Where's my beer?
Tweet media one
2
0
28
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
Quality Control Department in action
Tweet media one
4
0
27
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 years
Seen today while visiting another workshop.
Tweet media one
4
3
27
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
9 months
When 40+ year old boats arrive complete with period correct fittings...
Tweet media one
2
0
27
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 years
Arrived in the workshop. Pair of trophy oars from 1896 and 1897.
Tweet media one
1
1
26
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
Completed jobs ready to ship.
Tweet media one
2
0
26
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
Took a break from fixing boats.
Tweet media one
1
0
27
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
If you can't afford a custom single scull from @CDRacingShells , then one of these wonderful marquetry boxes in the @HenleyRegatta gallery would satisfy you. By
Tweet media one
3
1
26
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
I'd better roll up my sleeves and get to work then...
Tweet media one
4
0
26
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
"How do we get stickers on our boat?" @HenleyRegatta has a special 'Sticker Patrol' sneaking around the Boat Tent. Meet Malcolm and Roger, The Sticker Fairies.
Tweet media one
0
0
26
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
Come to the tropics to fix boats, they said. It will be fun, they said.
Tweet media one
4
0
25
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
4 years
The clear coat always brings up the colour. Ready for delivery (in a couple of weeks).
Tweet media one
2
0
24
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
5 years
Wondering if there was any interest in a service that helped to match up oars that had lost their partners (ie usable blades from now incomplete sets)? This might save a few clubs some money and prevent waste. An 'oarphans' service?
5
4
25
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
First one spotted in the wild
Tweet media one
3
0
25
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 months
First blazer of my 2024 @HenleyRegatta . My "home" club in Melbourne, Australia. Richmond Rowing Club.
Tweet media one
2
0
25
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
Just completed a complete repaint of an older trophy blade that had been dropped and severely damaged. Spoon repaired and paint job recreated in detail from photographs. @ThamesTradesmen
Tweet media one
1
1
25
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 months
John is a true gentleman and a little bit of what makes @HenleyRegatta so special.
@HenleyRegatta
Henley Royal Regatta
3 months
"Every year's a different experience" 🎨 Meet John Hooper, the man bringing colours to the #HRR oars 🙌 #HRR24
0
11
104
0
0
25
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
The Apprentice is spoilt. I admit it. Here is the 'pudding' I made tonight. Caterpillar from a KitKat finger and some smarties.
Tweet media one
4
0
25
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
4 coats and no polishing yet, but pleased with progress.
Tweet media one
1
0
24
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
10 months
Test rowed and sold!
Tweet media one
1
0
25
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 years
Boat is now done (aside from rigging it!).
Tweet media one
3
0
25
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
1 year
Two blues in the workshop today
Tweet media one
1
0
25
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
1 year
Someone collected a trophy blade from my home last night and was quite surprised by the contents of my garage. I sheepishly admitted that I had a thing for dirty old oars.
Tweet media one
3
2
24
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 years
The finished product. Every oar needed a couple of tiny touch ups where paint was able to sneak under tape joins, but will look great mounted on the wall.
Tweet media one
3
2
23
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
Boom boom
Tweet media one
5
0
24
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 years
The weather is finally looking good for Qualifiers. @HenleyRegatta
Tweet media one
0
0
24
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
1 year
Mystery object ready for shipping...
Tweet media one
5
0
24
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
3 months
Rabbit gets her first launch ride @HenleyRegatta
Tweet media one
1
0
24
@flying_boatman
TheFlyingBoatman
2 years
A copy for a rower who wasn't able to get a blade back in the day. All done with the aid of photos from a crewmate. Oh, and Happy Birthday from your husband...
Tweet media one
4
0
24