I’m really starting to feel excited about the new sailing season. I have my sail from The Azores to Portsmouth to look forward to in May. I can hardly believe I’m going to be crewing a boat halfway across the Atlantic!
I now have a launch date for my new boat (old boat but new to me). I’m really looking forward to finding out how well she sails. There is still lots to do before she is ship-shape and time is a bit tight, but she’s coming together nicely.
In 2009 I also have new cruising grounds to look forward to. My previous boat, which I shared with a friend, was moored at Whitby. This was great because you could sail out of the harbour at any state of tide. But in my opinion the scope for cruising was limited. If you want to sail offshore from Whitby your options are more or less limited to Norway, which is fine if you have lots of time on your hands.
My new boat will be moored on the west coast of England. The marina is a little bit more restricted than at Whitby. You can only pass in and out at certain times based upon high water. But in my view the scope for sailing is much better. From my marina I can sail to Ireland, Wales, the Scottish Islands and the Isle of Man. So much choice!
Knowing my humble background, if three years ago you would have told me I would soon have my own boat and be sailing half way accross the Atlantic I would never have believed it.
