Ready to go

 After a couple of weeks of sailing and motoring I have made it to the start in Plymouth. I've met up with the other skippers and so far no significant problems.

After 48 hours of sailing from the River Medway I reached Langstone Harbour where I spent a couple of nights before going to Gosport. At Gosport I stayed a night and included a visit to my mother. Then on Sunday I set off for Plymouth with no discernible breeze so I motored. The engine held up well and I reach Dartmouth within 24 hours where I picked up a mooring for the night. There were even more moorings than I remember and not as off the beaten track as I had remembered. On Tuesday I motored round to the Tamar and anchored for a couple of nights in the Lynher River. That was very rural and secluded. On Thursday I motored up to Cargreen to see who was around and saw Tom's old boat, Arctic Smoke. On the high tide I turned round and motored to the Mayflower Marina. There I met a couple of the skippers, both of whom I knew from previous events. So all settled in, laundry done, diesel topped off, a final shopping trip for fresh food and I'll be ready for the start. Tonight is the social event so it will be good to meet challengers and invitees.

Finalising Admin

 Last work days completed, arrangements for those at home in place, final equipment gathered in an overnight bag, satellite tracker / messenger sorted; what can go wrong? I leave the River Medway this weekend to make my way to the start which is in Plymouth on Sunday 8th May. 

Final preparatory sail

 Just back from a few days sailing round the Thames Estuary, no problems and several jobs done including servicing the engine. It was cold but good with a mixture of wind. Several hours spent with the cruising chute up and self steering looking after business. 

Jester Starters

A provisional list of starters has been posted and yours truly is on the list. Hopefully there will be more and I'll get to meet everyone including those who have yet to confirm. It is starting to get real from an external perspective, so far it has been about me getting ready in isolation.  

Almost ready

 Final checks are complete, the list is down to things like anti-fouling, loading stores and admin. Sat nav is set up and family members are being inducted in the messaging methods. Medical insurance has been resolved and I am itching to get going now.

Main halyard winch

 Not too happy with being on deck when the wind gets up so I decided to route the main halyard back to the cockpit and install a winch. Needs to be tested but seems OK.

Cheek block on mast, upstand block on the coach roof and winch with cleat under the sprayhood.
 

Weather hampering progress

 I have a few more jobs to do: finish bilge pump install, fit modified cabin sole, main halyard to cockpit and a thorough tidy up and stores onboarding. The weather is set for a few named storms this week!

And the long range forecast is for F12 on Friday

The next window for work on the boat is mid March as I need to be on the scrubbing dock.