I’ve just received the invoice for hard standing on Constellation since purchase, which comes in at ?Ǭ£760. So, until that’s paid, my boat isn’t going anywhere… Ouch! That is only up until January, so another bill of a similar value will be due again in July, plus launch fees.
Note to prospective sailors with large dreams: From the money I’ve spent so far, I could have purchased eight around the world tickets from Australia. So, picture yourself working at an hourly rate of roughly double that of someone ‘pulling beers’ in a London pub, with the task of having to buy eight around the world tickets in six months…Plus living expenses. And then imagine you have to do it all again to pay for everything else! I’m not playing the ‘poor me’ game on this one, just putting things in perspective. Don’t let perspective ruin your dreams though, a certain amount of blind madness is what makes the world go round.
But, on the topic at hand, Constellation will launch in July or end of June, at which point she’ll be sailed to Germany for more work and sailing practice. I am considering two dates: The 28th of June, which is a Thursday, or alternatively July 2nd which is a Monday. I am having a Yanmar mechanic survey the engine, since it’s been out of commission for over a year, so dates depend on mechanic availability also. I will stand there pestering him with questions to no end in order to get my money’s worth!
Tudor, who is doing the hard yards on restoring a real boat (those nice ones made out of wood) has kindly sent me two books for further reading. Keep up to date on his progress at Roach’s Adventures. He’s is looking at a May launch, which with any luck I will be able to attend. I don’t know anything about launching, so I imagine I’ll just stand next to him, looking at his terrified face as the boat is plunged into the water. Maybe I can make him a cup of tea or something. Thanks Tudor!
Updates are going to be a bit slow over the next while, as my primary concern is purely work and little to do with boating at all. If you haven’t already, consider going on the mailing list which sends out a note every time a new post is made. I promise not to sell your email address*
nick
*Unless offers are made over and above ?Ǭ£760, in cash 
