It's been an odd kind of summer: boat already to go and no time to sail her. With hindsight, it may not have been such a bad thing. You have to remember that we've not really done any serious sailing in two years. Skipper and crew were feeling a bit rusty.

Over the weeks, we got to know Guapa again. Just establishing some sort of routine again. How does she handle? Has the new engine/prop changed the way she handles close quarters? Has the new furling gear changed anything? All questions that were answered these last few weeks.

New engine's a dream - very pleased. The feathering prop has changed our experience under sail (gained more than 0.5kts) and performance under engine has changed for the better too. One of my better purchases. Harken Cruising furling gear did not disappoint either. Cranky old Selden Furlex but a distant, bad memory. Makes you wonder how we got on before.

Another 'big' change has been our move from a swinging mooring off Levington to a pontoon berth at Shotley, just a few miles down river. Whilst the mooring was more idyllic, the pontoon berth is a lot more comfortable - just walk on and sail. Still not entirely convinced, but very much in a minority of one.

Some sailing impressions.

For the first time in nearly three years, the kite got another airing. Lots of room for improvement (sail trim), but I'm quite pleased that we managed it without any snags. Practice will make perfect.



That particular day, we also enjoyed a cracking beat back from the Ore entrance to Harwich. Pleased to report that Snorky (autopilot) handled most of the work.
- boom reefing points need some minor attention, as we found out only yesterday.



Even when out yesterday in winds of consistently over 20kts Guapa proved she's in better shape now than she ever was.

Points to be rectified:
- finally traced the cause of our 'humid' bilges. Some taps/joints in the fresh water system are weeping more than just a bit. They need replacing this winter. As we've only been out for (extended) daysails this year, the lack of fresh water on board has not been a major issue.
- below the boat still looks like a tip. Every time we set foot aboard meaning to get to grips with that particular task, weather was nice enough not to go sailing.
- the sails will need replacing sooner than anticipated. Main's got rips in several places now, luff's started fraying and both main and genoa have lost shape more than just a bit. Hope to place my order at Southampton Boat Show.

This has been the year (so far) to mark the end of the new beginning.

As mentioned before, we've still got one target for the year: going abroad. It will have to be sooner rather than later. Before we lose Evita to Uni and the weather becomes too unpredictable.

We intend to go sailing through the winter. We've been without boat for soo long, that I'm not even contemplating laying up for winter. Winter sailing has it's attractions and the plan is to seize every possible opportunity.

Nice warm glow of contentment inside. It's all been (more than) worth it. And the best is yet to come.