Summer cruise 2008 - only 4 days away, yet I get this unreal, detached feeling. What's up?

Anyway, like previous years, the aim is the Channel Islands. We've only gotten there once, but remain ever hopeful.

The plan, such as it is and very much subject to change. First stop possibly - Ostend - finally get that impeller leak fixed. This is very much weather dependent. First week's just a crew of 2, maybe 3 if Yanni comes along as well, so no funny business. I might decide to skip Ostend and head straight for Ramsgate. We'll see. It'll just mean hands to the pumps every hour of motoring.

Ramsgate - very much a fixture. Yanni's already looking forward to meeting up with his friend Jordan again. Seaside dump - possibly - but I like the place.

Next, a longer trip. Brighton - 85NM. Hopefully not to windward. Soulless, concrete jungle. And expensive to boot. No love lost there.

To end the first week: Portsmouth. Not that bad, for a day or two. According to the women, the shopping centre's quite nice. For me, it's a chance to meet up with some old friends. Brigitte should be joining us then. All aboard.

Only a short trip Yarmouth. The place is quite nice. Just hope it's not crowded. Still, on a mooring outside you're away from the worst.

Braye - Alderney. The one time we did get to the Channel Islands, that one was my favourite. Nice beach, couple of more than decent restaurants. Hopefully more of the same this time round.

Guernsey - last time we stayed in St Peter Port. That was with another boat. Guapa draws a bit more than Yanita. So I would opt for Beaucette, but I fear it my be a bit too quiet for the crew.

And that's when we start heading back. Back to Braye, for a day or so. Watching the weather all the time. I want a decent weather window for the first long haul.