BLUEMOMENT

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We finally got out to Fairwinds today - we haven't been aboard since Nov 30th. The outboard started, and when we arrived on board everything was fine. I tightened the alternator belt, drained about 200cc of oil as I seemed to have overfilled her a bit when I changed the oil (on Nov 30th) and fitted a new impeller. The Beta started first turn of the key.

She was completely dry inside, no 'boaty' smell at all, a testament to the Vega's inbuilt ventilation system which ducts air in through vents in the lazarette, under the bunks and out up the mast. Half a dozen strokes and the bilge was empty. We could have cast off and gone cruising. Instead we took the liferaft off - we will have to make a trip to Edinburgh to get it serviced, it is three years past its service date!

So - looks like we picked a good year to leave her in the water. Even the twice bodged NASA masthead wind unit is still working.

Well, I have to say that I'm a real believer in ventilation.............although with a 135W tube heater allied to it, our Colvic seems to have stayed dry and smell free and slightly above freezing even in the lowest temps we have seen down our way in a long time. Of course, plugged into shore power does help, but I've a feeling that even without the heat, the old tub would have been OK. Certainly she starts up after ten secs on the glow plugs and with the heat exchange matrix cleaned out properly, she fair hums along. Pity about the Easter forecast, but I'm determined to get on board for a night or two and with some leave coming up after Easter, I'll be out there................only in the Solent though. I envy you chaps up there in God's own sailing country......................

I must humbly apologize for the current unsettled weather.

I had hoped to make passage round the Mull last week, the forecast Easterlies convinced me to leave it until the coming week.

Deep joy!