Had a rather frighting phone call from the yard on Friday. 'Where are the batteries?' How should I know? Last time I had anything to do with them they were underneath the aft cabin bunk.
I got the distinct impression that the left hand did not know what the right hand was doing.
Other little (and not so little) jobs still left to be done a week before launch. No matter how much time is allocated, some things are always left till the very last minute. Must be some arcane marine industry tradition.

In the mean time, I'm very happy and relieved to report that all's been sorted out and that we're still 'on track' for launch. A simple matter of some 'crossed wires'. Crossed wired - electrics - funny - haha - I guess it's the wine talking.

Setback (not funny): hoped for time off work not materialising now. Forget going sailing in August. No time off till the 3rd week of August - time already allocated to moving house. First realistic window for some time off work: sometime in September.
Work: it pays the bills, but it's starting to interfere with our sailing. Boat all shipshape and no time to enjoy her. Insert swearword of your choice here.

Take a look at the gallery too - I created a Refit 2009-2010 folder. Lots of pictures. Might be interesting - or maybe not.

Meanwhile, I've been dreaming about 2011 and 2012. See added side-bar links.
I've been thinking about the 1000 mile double-handed since the race's first edition. Visited Norway with the navy - beautiful country and I've always been fascinated by islands. The Shetland Islands are no exception. Much will depend on the availability crew. My eldest in pole position to fill that slot , but 1. does she want too? and 2. will she be available (exams)? Unless, of course, my other half fancies the job/challenge.

The 2012 Rockall Race seems to me something only the Irish could come up with. Must be the Guinness talking. We could get Guapa to Galway over a couple of weeks/months, leaving the boat whenever I have to get back to work. Getting to and back from that event could well take the entire season but the whole enterprise is strangely appealing. Something that's never been done before and therefore, by definition, irresistible to me.

So, there we are... bit anxious, bit frustrated, but we've come this far... We're going sailing - soon!