OK - I've got some time to spare, so here's the promised write-up of our first proper sail in a long time.

We sorted the logistics (getting to/from Fox's) by scrounging another ride. Once on board first job was getting the genoa on. The new Harking furling gear having been installed last Thursday. Certainly looks the business - vast improvement over the aged Selden which seemed to gives us trouble at the most inappropriate moments.

In the mean time, Steps familiarized herself with every nook and cranny of the boat. The flapping of the headsail seemed to unsettle her for a bit but as we all acted as if nothing had happened she soon settled down. I'm confident she'll turn into a proper seadog given time.

Out of the marina on freeflow - it doesn't get any easier than that. Once out on the Stour we hoisted the main and set course for Ipswich. Unfurled the genoa as we rounded Shotley Spit - finished with engines - heaven.
The next hour and a bit turned into the most pleasant sail in a long, long, long time. Wind hovered around the 15kts mark (occasional gusts over 25kts). Very big grins all over the place. The Orwell Bridge came much too soon. Dropped sails, parked the boat and civilized traditional Sunday lunch.
Hopefully, the first proper sail of many more this year.

In the mean time, I've heard from the yard: the battery charger 'problem' turned out to be a software problem (between my ears). Note to self: things tend to work better when you switch them on.
So that just leaves the prop pitch and the autopilot ram. From what feedback I have received everybody's getting on with the job.
Counting the days/hours till Friday. Off to the boat straight after work.

One last point, I was very pleased to be sailing with a full compliment. Having the entire family there made the boat feel all the more like home. Steps is still settling in and 'finding her feet' and the kids had a right proper teenage moan as usual, but apart from that.... They all acted like a 'crew' - not a raised voice, no arguments, ... Week-ends like they used to be.

Most of important of all, I got the distinct impression than Brigitte is more confident on board. Instead of just undergoing events, she anticipates them without any prompting, points out things I have overlooked etc ... A switch has been flicked, it's her boat too.
Our shared dream of sailing off into the sunset is one step closer.