Volvo Inspiration

Just re-watching some of the last volvo challenge and seeing some of the guys I used to knock around with in the the early days. Feel inspired now to get going and to do a bit more weather study. Need to really start driving some of the work on now as I want to get the boat ready for the season by early March.

Have been making sure the PC is up to date with tides and manuals etc.

Have ordered camaera mounts etc as now have some media interest so need to start collecting footage.

Waiting and poetry

Well the bits keep arriving and all I seem to be able to do is plan for the summer and keep asking various people if the jpbs they're doing are done yet. All in all I feel like a small child in the back seat saying "are we there yet" constantly.  I keep reading the mags and have got back into the gym but at some point I want to stop preparing and go sailing.

 If I close my eyes I can feel the night chill and the rythym of the boat or feel the warm sun on my bare feet and the wind at my back.  Anyway the business of earning the money to fund these dreams continues and Finn (my 5 year old) keeps drawing boats for Daddy. I may have to resort to a bit of diving to get some water back into my life but for now I guess its the sailing mags for me.

I have even had time to catch up on some poetry writing and will say Happy Christmas and leave you with one of my recent efforts.

"Purpose"


Night has come and waves fluoresce
And dance and jump as if to play
And push as she slips on and straight
With purpose, dignity and truth

An easy groove is what we want
As time is eaten, miles devoured
As dawn breathes warmth on frigid bones
And bacon sizzles in the pan

It’s simple here, no bleating voice
Disturbs the rhythm nature drums
And has since life and light was breathed
Across my belovéd sea

And I will teach my son to breathe
To sniff at freedom’s salty breath
And set his compass for the sun and moon
To steer towards the stars

Drogue and steering arrived

A very large box turned up from Scanmar - Haven't opened it yet but looks like we are all set for the emergency steering. Also the Drogue has arrived in Ireland so looks like progess.

Crew dinner booked at Tarbert

I just booked up Pascal's for the Thursday and Saturday nights at the Scottish Series. Bungle agreed it just seems like we were there  yesterday! I heard we might get a proper BBQ summer this year so here's hoping!

Drogue and Emergency steering on the way

Just found out that our series drogue is ready and should be winging its way
to Ireland. The emergency steering from Scanmar is also on its way but seems
to be stuck in customs clearing at the minute. We will probably wait until
we get Rainmaker to the Hamble to fit the rudder but will hopefully get a
chance to try the drogue out on the delivery/qualifier.