Stuck, originally uploaded by nathanleefloats.

Having trouble getting into bridlington. Sea and wind picked up from the south. Hm suggested we wait for the tide to turn, presumably to slow us down a bit. Kudu is now a surfboard.

I’ve had a stressful evening. Everything has happened last minute, and meant I’ve not had time to do all the things I wanted.

Over the last two days I put Rob’s new website live, and we’ve had a whole array of problems with the hosting provider. This has meant I’ve spent most of today playing web developer, which was then fantastically topped off by all his email being lost in some completely unexpected result of transferring his domain names; thus began a two hour IT support session, which I’ve not long since finished.

The upshot of this is that the boat is still in a bit of a mess and not totally ready for sea, but she’ll have to do. I collected the pile of washing up that needed doing and shoved the dirty pots under the galley. If I can a calm crossing tomorrow It’ll give me something to do then, else, it can wait until whereever I stop.

I need to get to sleep, so I’m not doing anymore jobs tonight. This post will be the last thing I do, but I’m going to bed unhappy with the state of Kudu.

I’m setting my alarm for 0100, getting up making a brew, shoving anything heavy away somewhere secure, then setting off at 0200 in the company of another two boats. One of which will promptly vanish off at a great rate og knots, and the other, I shall hopefully be in the company of all the way to Grimsby, although, there’s murmerings of a plan to continue to Scarborough. We shall see I guess.

Oh, by the way, if you would care to take a look at the new Harbour Chandlery web site, click here. I still have a bit to do with it, and I have yet to build the shop side of the website, but that will be done as soon as I can. Rob really does go out of his way for his customers, so if you’re looking for boaty bits, he’s well worth a call.

I’ve just had such a cracking experience sorting out a last minute policy with these guys that I thought they deserved a mention.

The staff were incredibly friendly, and arranged a quote very quickly. I told them exactly what I was doing, and that the boat had no permanent home – this was no problem. They even extended their 13 mile limit for me, to take into account the offshore hops I have to do.  The price was very good too. Highly recommended.

Oh heck, there’s a HUGE thunder storm right above me. I’m feeling a bit more at ease now the boat is insured.

Anyway, if you’re looking for insurance, give Ashley Tippin a bell at Mercia Marine on 01684 564457

No, that’s one fork lightening too many. I’m legging it to the chandlers for a coffee.

Nathan out.

Mercia Marine

I was insured with Navigators & General but, in true Kudu form, the policy has just expired. I need to renew it before I head out to sea, so I gave them a call, and guess what – they won’t insure me.

Because my boat is under 23 feet, I can only have the small craft policy, at that is limited to 12 miles offshore. The next leg will take me over 20 miles offshore. Thank you Navigators & Generally not sailing that far.

So, now I have the wonderful problem of trying to find an insurance company, in a day, that doesn’t require a survey.

One word springs to mind. Bugger!

Today is going to be a busy day.

I’ve got a few website jobs to finish for Harbour Chandlery (transfering domains and setting up a new hosting package!), gear to stow, supplies and fuel to buy, passage planning and so on.

I’ve met a lovely chap called Chris who owns a beautiful wooden Stella. He’s on his way up to Scotland, after setting off from Cornwall in May (he’s doing better than me ). We’re gong to head up to Grimsby in convoy, which is making me feel much better about this hop. The only downside is the departure time – 0140. I don’t like setting off that early since I’m usually tired and not at all happy to be deprived of sleep as I get cold and wet, but nevermind, it must be done since we’re at the mercy of the tide.

We’re on neaps, so there’s not gong to be much kick from the tide. I reckon it’s going to take about 10 hours to cover the 53.4 miles to Grimsby, so long as I can get Kudu going at around 5 knots. This is pretty much flat out for the little boat, so I’m aware that it may take me 12 hours. The Stella is a fast boat, and with more water line length than Kudu, is capable of going quicker. I just hope I can keep up.

Breakfast, originally uploaded by nathanleefloats.

Now, this is what i call a proper breakfast. The girls in he bean 2 the coast cafe gave me a leaving gift. A couple of their homemade scones, and a couple of pots of clotted cream. The jam was my addition.

Thank you, girls!

I am going to enjoy this.

Methmatics, originally uploaded by nathanleefloats.

Here is £30 worth of methylated spirits. That should see my far in to scotland i reckon. I had only a few drops left and you never know when i might be able to get some more.

In other news, i got to sail a laser 2000 dighy today. We gotthe kite up and i have never, ever, been so fast in a sail boat. Up on the plane, and away downwind.

Talking of wind, it’s not looking ever so clement over the next few days. I’m hoping it gets better soon.

We are sailing!, originally uploaded by nathanleefloats.

Out on the water, right now. Woohoo.

High tide, originally uploaded by nathanleefloats.

We’ve got a very high tide here at wells. It’s gone above the harbour wall

Small boat owners, originally uploaded by nathanleefloats.

These two just turned up along with a few others. They are private boats. The larger of the two has three leather chairs spanning the bridge, although i reckon there’s room for five. Very busy here tonight.