Weird, even surreal situation at the moment. Not laid eyes on the boat for nearly two months now. Not a word from the yard (to be honest I've been either too tired or too busy to chase them up) and only the briefest of words from the 'eyes and ears' on the ground. I guess any news is better than no news at all.

So, here goes: pleased to confirm that work has indeed started. The boat's in the shed now; bottom seems to have been scraped and/or blasted. The old engine and the rudder have been removed and there are 'rumours' that the new water tank has been fitted, So far, so good.

Also had some rather disconcerting feedback regarding the rigging. I know it's due replacement and it is on the list of things to do soon; but from what I heard it was a miracle our mast stayed up at all. Don't know what to make of this. Will take a closer look when I'm back (hopefully around Easter).

In the mean time, I'll just let them get on with it. Fox's are a professional yard and I hope they know what they're doing. As long as we're on track for a launch early May I don't care how and when they to things. If there was a serious hitch, I'm sure they'd let me know.

In the mean time, the thought of getting back home is increasingly foremost in my mind. Right now, I'm somewhere as far removed from sailing as it's possible to imagine. In fact, thoughts of going sailing seem alien in this environment. The things we do for money...

Sailing: will I still know what to do? It's been such a long time - way too long. I hope it'll be like riding a bike.

Lot's of stuff's been happening on the home front too. Brigitte's been laid off from work. Company shutting down UK operations. After 8 years with them, it came as quite a shock I can tell you. Not all doom and gloom though; she's already got a new job lined up. Hired by the first company where she interviewed. You can't keep a good woman down - even at times like these.

Evita's been concentrating on exams and uni next year. It'll be either Surrey or Brunel - biochemistry. I get the distinct impression she's looking forward to uni more than just a bit. Kids: they grow up so fast. I hope she'll still have the time to come sailing from time to time. Just for old time's sake - and to humour her dad.

Last thing on my mind: finding a berth for Guapa. We will remain in the Orwell area for the foreseeable future, but no longer on a swinging mooring. As from this Summer, I'll have a lot of free time on my hands - time to go sailing. But out of necessity most of it will be single-handed. Sailing the boat on my own is no trouble at all, it's the parking and getting on/off that's a bit daunting. I want somewhere sheltered to make these things (a lot) easier. Fox's is the first choice, but they only have a few berths for boats our size. Both Ipswich marinas are a possible alternative. To be investigated.

There we are - two months and a bit till we go sailing again. Things can only get better.