Julian Megson Ocean Ventures

October has soon arrived.  So has the realisation that I’m not going to get the boat back into the water this year.  The plan was to launch in September and sail her to a permanent mooring in Liverpool.  But there is still much work to do below the waterline before she can be put afloat.

That said and remaining positive, these jobs are better not rushed.  I would be more disappointed – in myself – if I had compromised the quality of the work for the sake of putting her afloat quickly.  Fortunately common sense has prevailed and I have not allowed that to happen, despite the temptation to do so.  Besides, with Winter approaching, I would not be sailing much and the longer she’s out of the water the better she will dry out.

I feel slightly more at ease knowing that there is not much more I could have done to speed things up.  Although I do wonder if I could have found a way.  The weather has been dreadful and has hampered progress and with the usual commitments at home it’s not always possible to get away for a full weekend in order to get stuck in.

There have been times when I’ve found myself hopelessly out of my depth with the refit.  Fortunately for me, I have had some amazing help from a good friend, Duncan, who’s kindness has been overwhelming.  His time, skill and know how have been invaluable.  I’m learning all the time that there is more to sailing, than sailing.