On Saturday night I arrived back in London after a 13 hour drive back from the south of France. I’d been invited out there by a friend on the marina to stay at his holiday home in Frejus. Not only was it the first time I’d visited the south of France, a destination to which I’ve promised myself I will return, but it was a total relief as I took his Hobie Dragoon out into the surf on the beach and promptly set off around the bay between Port Frejus and St Raphael. Eight months stationary in St Kat’s had not caused me to forget ho to sail after all. I even had a hull out of the water at one point. 
Oh, I stocked up on wine too. 1 Euro 11 cents for a bottle of red. I thought it might be like vinegar, but it’s actually quite nice, so I bought a load of them, as well as one nice bottle for a special occasion. Still, that’s Kudu’s wine cellar sorted for the immediate future.
Not wanting to spend any more time in London than I have to (it’s too expensive) I set off to my parents’ in Lancashire on Sunday morning. Carrying two very large and very heavy bags, I lugged home a load of city clothes, shoes, DVD’s and assorted junk I won’t be needing for sailing adventures, and have deposited it in the ‘rents spare room. Sorry mum.
I’ve also ordered two 20w solar panels and a charge controller. The only thing I’m lacking at the moment, is somewhere to mount my winches. I can’t sail without them so I’m getting nervous. I need to get some stainless steel mounts made up. I have the drawings, but there are no local metal work shops and I don’t have access to a fax machine. I thought about making some out of hardwood, but apparently nowhere sells that either!!!! I think England has lost it’s ability to make things.
Oh, also, breaking news. I’ve just bought a cheap mini DV camera, so hopefully I’ll get the hand of editing and post some videos during my travels.
Oh, more breaking news. I’ve just got off the phone to Mailspeed and I should be able to pick up my outboard at the weekend. Relief – they’ve only had it since February! Apparently the big end bearing went, which is good after two days use I think. I’ve got to run it in again though. I might have to potter around St Kat’s east dock for a while.
you don’t need winches
just buy some blocks and double up the sheets
fairlead to sail, round a block and back to fairlead – bingo – two part purchase
Dylan
ps looking forward to the videos on you tube
I’ve already bought the winches, a purchase made when I actually had money to do it in January. However, it’s looking doubtful I’m going to be able to get this steel work made up in time, so I might opt for the blocks as a temporary solution just to get me up to the east coast rivers.
I wouldn’t look forward to the videos too much Dylan :p It’s much harder than it looks I’m finding so I’m not sure the results are going to be ever so spectacular. I got Premiere 6.5 which runs like a dog on my mac, so am having to resort to iMovie and that’s not very powerful… I haven’t done video work before, but comparing it to my music stuff in pro tools, it’s very lacking… that’s my excuse anyway :p
I simply cannot wait to get sailing now. A week on Saturday!!!
Nathan, check the email that the contact form on http://www.NathanWhitworth.co.uk points to or email me direct. I may be able to get the steelwork made up for you.
Hello again,
Well I can’t wait either don’t worry about not being top quality videos at least it will give us an idea.Talking of which, come on Dylan give us some more clips…. Please.
Nick.