D-day!

It's d-day today for the potential replacement for Wave Warrior as its survey day. The sale is pending the results of this today.

If all goes well papers will be exchanged by the end of next week and we,ll have another boat in the family and the work begins to get her ship shape for the end of June and her launch. Das captain and I have already been booked for the five hr trip to bring her down from Totnes through Dartmouth, out to sea and her new home in Plymouth.

It's a funny time just waiting as everyone just wants to crack on. She needs a complete clear out, scrub down and I mean scrub down inside and out prior to any work beginning. New windows, hatches, rigging is on a long long list of jobs that must be done before she is fit to go to water.

So here us hoping the survey doesn't throw up a major show stopper there is bound to be something it throws up and we expect that....just no show stoppers as we have become quite attached to her and her potential already.

Fingers crossed!

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A Good Storm Read

If u r stranded in port u can't beat a good read.

This is the latest cast off from das captain which I started yesterday as the rain came down and I finished this morning after a disturbed night from all the turbulence outside!

An amazing story about Les Powles who in the course of three successful circumnavigations he got lost in the Atlantic, made landfall on the wrong continent, lost friends @ sea, survived week long storms and on his final voyage in his late seventies was given up for dead only to arrive back in Lymington a few months later looking like a skeleton.

Yep it has kept me hooked and totally inspired, what an incredible man.





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Another Hooley Is On It's Way

We are back on das bot, after a week away from her. We left Exeter in torrential rain yesterday but as we hit the top of Haldon Hill the sun and brilliant blue skies greeted us.

The marina was beautiful last night, warm sunshine and a lovely sunset. The water leaves its tales of what awful weather there has been over recent times...murky brown after being tossed and churned about with debris galore floating at every point. Das bot is surrounded by a mat of seaweed.

The Norwegians are over here on their annual jaunt to pick up their new Princess Yachts and motor them back across the North Sea. They are storm bound so Jolly Jacks was jammed packed last night, with a great atmosphere.

Unusually the boat was rolly last night, albeit gentle and after a brief burst of sunshine this morning the clouds are back and rain is sporadically coming down. The wind ominously is picking up as the cyclonic low begins to make its way back over and bring yet another almighty storm.

All plans for a spin are on hold, so it's boat chores and then batten down the hatches and ride the force 9-10 hooley out, at least we are in port.

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Location:Plymouth

Nautical But Nice......baking day

It's damp and drizzly again here, with large parts of Devon recovering after taking a battering yesterday.

The journey back from Birmingham yesterday was interesting as the further we headed south, the more the fields and country side were flooded.

Day off today and doing all things charitable. I am on a baking mission for the fayre on Saturday.

I won't be there as come rain or shine we shall be on das bot. We have some engine filters to change amongst other chores.

So the first batch of banana cakes are in the oven.....gorgeous smell now permeating around the house and then it's on to tea loaves, ginger cakes and Nigella,s honey cakes.

Baking is so therapeutic so depending on what is in the cupboard there may be more...until the flour runs out!

Here is the very easy banana cake recipe I am using today....the cake is soooo moist and it's tastes swooper!

125g butter
150g caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg beaten
2 very ripe mashed bananas
190g self raising flour
60ml milk
1tsp cinnamon

Melt butter, sugar, vanilla and milk in a saucepan.

Remove from heat and add mashed bananas and egg.
Stir in flour and cinnamon.

Sprinkle some demerara sugar over the top to give a crunchy top!

Bake @ 150 c fan oven (170 c regular, gas 3) for 35 mins.

Leave to cool and then enjoy!




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Cyclonic!

En route to Birmingham for work and everyone's talking about one thing.....yep you guessed it....the weather.

Flood alerts in Devon, high winds this and a very wrapped up and bedraggled crew this morning.

Hope das bot is ok, it's been up to force 9-10 and not a break now in the weather window for over a week.

On the fingers crossed mode....the cheeky offer for the Wave Warrior replacement has been accepted so fingers crossed again for the survey tomorrow.

Happy days....will it would be if the flipping sunshine would come out to play and the wind and rain blew itself out.
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Its Raining Cats & Dogs!

Love this expression and very apt for today. No bot for us today just domestic slavery and given the temperature drop, a nice roast chicken dinner later.

Come on weather buck up...........I have swailing withdrawl symptoms, though judging from the cylconic forecast, this could be in for the week and beyond............YAWN.

Fingers Crossed

Sat chewing the cud in the pub after giving this bot the once over.

It is a project but with some minor tweaking it could be swailing this season with rest being done in winter. Then it could be spanking!

Father in law has put in an offer...fingers crossed.
















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Early Mornings

I am an early bird, always have been always will be. Whether its on das bot or at home I love the world coming to life.

This morning was no exception....watching the sunrise and listening to the wildlife in the back garden was lovely.

To top it all we have a squirrel fest....there are several nests in the trees and there was a social gathering this morning on the deck which went on for over half an hr.

It was fascinating to watch, big and small, scamming about all over the place....beats a seagull convention any day.

Update on the Wave Warrior replacement.....it's no to the Cowes boat so we are all off on a mission to Totnes shortly to view another.


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April Showers!

Wikipedia describe April showers as a term that denotes spring rains in some parts of the northern hemisphere in  the UK and Ireland, during the month of April which often causes major heavy downpours!

The culprit is the jetstream and its position bringing large depressions and strong winds and rain in from the Atlantic.  As in Wikipedia's description, in one day the weather can change from springtime sunshine to winter sleet and snow.

So whart a difference a week makes, its blooming freezing again and we have been lashed with wind and gales and gallons of rain! YUCK, and yes we,ve even had sleet!

In true form its been blowing a hooley and is going to carry on over the weekend, so our glorious start to the swailing season has been temporairly interupted as there will be not bot this weekend unless the weather bucks up on sunday so we can nip down for the day and get in a quick swail.

The central heating is back on and  I was in winter clothes yesterday and about to do the same today..........nooooooooooooooo the travesty of it all.

Whilst I was at work the boys headed off to Cowes to check the sadler out.........productive day and now the pontification begins as to whether to go for it or not.  Its not been as lavished as it looks but could it be the replacement for Wave Warrior............decisions, decisions.

Stonking Swail

The thunder cleared out any warmth overnight, as whilst the sun was out it was brrrrracing today out on the water.

After a late start and very wrapped up against the elements we headed out to the Sound.

Engine off sails up and out and away we went. Spent over four hrs just zipping around all over the place, it was fab and the new sail got its new workout and thumbs up from das captain.

There is nothing better than just zipping around at seven plus knots and a twinkly sea, watching the world and the sea go by.

Part two of our day was giving the engine a full workout so we bypassed the marina and headed up The Tamar, past the bridge to give her a good run out. Thumbs up from the captain again, so all being well we will be heading out of port for a weekend away from Plymouth..swooper!


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The Boys Have Fixed It!

It was a good day yesterday in RedSnapper land, das captain headed off early to pick up our spanking brand new headsail whilst I sat in the sunshine and waited for my father in law to arrive to commence water impeller duties!

The aft cabin cleared so full access to the engine could be had the work began. It was a fiddly job with lots of sighs n cussing....slow progress to get the old one out.

The pace progressed post lunch by this time the captain had returned and both went at it full gusto.

We went for a stroll in the sunshine as the anticipation of it all was just too much.

We left in lovely sunshine but the dark clouds were gathering on our return, not on das bot though, job done and successful.......phew.

Our season is still on and we can plan for a new engine in the winter.

The toughest job of the day was to get the aft cabin door back on which was removed for varnishing and has been a tough nut to crack to get back on, an hour later it was on and we were rewarded by huge cracks of thunder and lightening which scared the living daylights out of us all.

We were about to abandon ship and head to the pub but after 30 mins it disappeared, we sat and watched a huge convoy of boats out on the Sound wend their way back to port.

We had just enough time to get the new headsail up.....goodbye trusted number 3 that has served us well over the last month and welcome the new genoa.....woof woof, she looks stocking although the real test will be out on the water today.

It nearly didn't get up the mast as partway through it was furled mainly around me and I could have been mummified for life if it hadn't been for my hollering back to the cockpit to an oblivious captain.

So all good vibes aboard last night where I made supper and we toasted the boys over some beers and wine on a job well done.











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Location:Plymouth

Sold!

Yep, Wave Warrior has passed her sea trials and survey and will be exchanging hands over the next week.

My father-in-law left sailing and built this motor boat from scratch (just the hull). It took him several yrs of hard labour, I remember when I first met das captain, he was a permanent feature at the boatyard slaving away.

The boat is a real piece of workmanship inside and out, everything perfect and crafted with love.

What it could never do though was replace his love of sailing which he still yearned for, hence the decision to sell and go back to what he loved best.

So das motor bot is sold and the search is on for a new bot, one that is sturdy and that my mother-in-law feels comfortable on, who has lost the confidence with full on heeled over sailing motion.

They love our bot for sail and also space so the search has been for a smaller Sadler to ours. There is a lot of junk about (no offence to Sadler sellers out there) but there is a cracking one up for sale so the boys are off later this week across the water to check it out.

I hope it fits the bill for everyone so they can start a new swailing chapter in their lives and get back to doing what they love as much as we do.
























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Location:Mayflower Marina

The Answer To Our Engine Woes

Love having a day off on a school day, after working mon-fri for several years it feels really decadent!

So not many decadent activities for me today bar a trip to town later.

Need to crack on with some domestic slavery, catch up on a mountain of washing and get the boat bag packed for when das captain finishes work later today.

Off to das bot when he finishes work and then a mission to fix the engine to get us through the rest of the season.

We had to abort the attempt last weekend as the complete kit (as promised by the dealer) was not so complete and we left empty handed from the Volvo dealer in Dartmouth on our way back home.

Our frustration was softened by a lovely lunch overlooking the River Dart.

The good old Internet has come up trumps so tomorrow it's all to your muster stations as the boys go for it.

Fingers crossed it does the job otherwise it will be serious BOAT (bung on a thousand) well actually bung on several thousands which we would rather do later in the year!

The new head sail has finally arrived so all being well we,ll be test sailing both over the weekend.

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The Lock

Just some photos from the weekend coming in and out of Sutton Harbour. We came in @ high water so the lock was straightforward. Cool views coming in and out.

























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Clang, Clang, Clang!

Our motley crew certainly had the best of the weather because as predicted the gale force winds came in with a vengeance last night.

It's dark and very grey here this morning with lashings of rain thrown in for good measure. There is zero visibility out to sea, I can just about see the edge of William Yard from here.

The wind is howling a hooley and halyards are clanging (except ours) all over place. At one point during the night I was longing for longed armed seccuteurs to chop them all into silence.

There will be no swailing for us today, the plan was to fit the new water pump for the engine and then a test sail. Let's see what the captain and his dad have to say when they get up...I can see Wave Warrior being tossed about from here!


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Easter Swailing

It was a tale of two halves yesterday, grey and cold, then we were blessed with some sunshine in the latter part of the day.

After a breakfast of sausage butties for our motley crew we headed up the river.

The forecast for Sunday was gale 8 so with our novice crew aboard we binned any long distance plans.

Cruising up the river is no bad thing so we dropped the lines and wendered our way out.

It gave ELG the opportunity to helm and show das captain what she is made off.

Post lunch we headed out to sea, all of us wrapped up and a blanket across as it was a tad chilly.

It was spinnaker city as the racing boys were out in force with horns blasting all over the place.

Sails up, engine off we had a blast swailing around the sound for the remainder of the afternoon and best of all the sun came out. The water looked stunning.

Our night time berth was Sutton Harbour bang on the Barbican, we timed it right to avoid the lock.

A quick beer and then supper aboard. ELG had a knot making lesson from das captain and passed with flying colours first time round, she has been promoted to first mate and I am walking the plank later.

A few rounds of Rummikub where we were all whipped by ELG and then it was time to crash....all that sea air had wiped us out...a great day.












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JackSpeak

Das captain bought this book the other week which has had us in stitches!




Basically it's a comprehensive guide to slang used by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

We have had to censor some reading whilst in the presence of ten year old ears but we are acquiring a whole new vocabulary!

It's brilliantly illustrated as well throughout!







Any visiting motley crew will be subjected to JackSpeak so watch out!

Think it's time now to go and make some elephants footprints, which I hope doesn't result in everyone cocking one's dish later!

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All Is Quiet

I just love this time of morning as the sun comes up, the odd squawk from the seagull, and the odd squeak from the fenders, the rest is just quietness.

The motley crew are still asleep after their dose of sea air yesterday. We had a gentle swail across the sound to Cawsands where we dropped the pick and had some lunch and then we came back again. Time flies when you are having fun and yesterday was no exception.

Despite the sun it was a tad breezy at times so ELG resorted to wearing her dressing gown under her life jacket and we all had a giggle at a slightly bright shade of luminous green jacket a certain person resorted to wearing!

With everyone now with their sea legs, we shall be off today on a longer jaunt with everyone staying aboard tonight ..cosy!






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Location:Mayflower Marina

Happy Easter!

The sun has got its hat on...hip hip hip hooray!

The forecast looks swooper which is good as we do have an absolute novice sailor as part of our motley crew for the weekend and you wouldn't want a perfect storm as an introduction to
swailing!

Most importantly the Easter Bunny knew we were leaving so has managed to pop by and deposit some Easter goodies!

My Easter present was das captain arriving home minus his James May hairstyle!

This galley slave had never quite got accustomed to the James May / Dave Grohl / Deadliest Catch look and is loving the newly shorn locks!

Happy Easter everyone x




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Winding Down For The Weekend

The weather has been vile this week, but I have been back @ work so haven't cared!

We have a motley crew for this weekend and the weather at the mo is a mixed bag.

The new headsail is ready at long last so hopefully we will be picking that up at some point. We,ve also bought a new water pump for the engine which we (well das captain) will aim to fit as well.

Hopefully that will stop our engine woes for the season, but it will be a new one for next year.

So best I get packing ready for an early start tomorrow. The food is bought, drinks cabinet stocked, my neice is bringing Rummikub , should be a swooper weekend.






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Location:Home

Off To Work I Go!

Happy days, back to the madness and mayhem for three days only and then back to this.....bliss!















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Last Day Of Hols

It may be breezy but the sun is still shining down on RedSnapper here in Plymouth so the shorts are still on for one more day @ least.

Fab day yesterday, das captain helped his dad bring his boat round to park her for the summer. Whilst the ladies had went for some cultural entertainment and went and saw Phantom of the Opera at the theatre.

It was swooper duper, an amazing production that I thoroughly enjoyed. The boys however on our return did not appreciate our musical rendition of it at all!

Other good news is das bot is fixed...well for now. The throttle issue and getting it in an out of gear is but the water pump to the engine isn't.

We are pontificating what to do and are going for an epoxy patch up job for now but a new engine is looming, let's hope that will do the job until winter.

As for today we are going to make the most of the sunshine and head out for a swail before packing up and heading back home.

Good news it's only a three day week for me this week and then we are back again for Easter with a motley crew aboard.


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Location:Plymouth