Winter in sunny Blighty

Some pictures don't need captions and i'm sure these fall into that category. The tale that would go untold here is that these two strapping lad's fitted this engine while I went to work to bring home the bread. Good friends aye?

The extent that people have helped out really amazes me. For example, Linda spent a whole weekend sewing me new cushion covers - they look fantastic and I never would have had the time or money to do it. My poor neighbours had to slave away polishing, sanding and antifouling her while she was out of the water. I hardly paid for anything in the yard - I was given antifoul, a new battery, crane time etc all for at the most a few beers. Through it all Smarty's been there and involved in just about every job on the list.

Although far from finished (is a boat ever?) the Double Bruyn is day by day becoming dryer and tidier, but more importantly stronger and more reliable. The big jobs we sorted this winter were replacing the engine and mainsail, strengthening the rudder and fixing the standing rigging. I also spontaneously bought a fridge at the London boatshow. How ironic, after 2 years of warm beer on board i buy a fridge when beer would freeze if i left it outside?!

It certainly was a harsh UK winter. It has been bloody cold on board, one day is was -6deg. I don't have great heating but always seemed to get by with lots of layers and blankies. I'm going to wait till July to buy a heater ;-)

Anyways, lots to look forward to now. At easter we're planning a trip to Guernsey, have a race to France called the 'Royal Escape' lined up for June and am also hoping to bring the boat to London and tie up to Tower Bridge. Life is gooood!