Not been going anywhere. And with weather like this, we've not missed much. My other half is still hard at work for another couple of days before we take a break from it all in - hopefully - sunny France.

On the boat front it's all been 'behind the scenes' action. I've been mailing and phoning around for quotes.
I've had it with this rolling, 5 year plan of upgrades and repairs. When Guapa next disappears into a shed/yard she's coming out all finished. This may take a while, I don't care - at least it'll be the end of it.
I've got quotes for most of the bits that still need doing: hull/gel-coat, standing rigging and furling gear, engine. And some of the bits left unfinished in May.
Then I started thinking - always dangerous - why not ask a yard that can do everything for an 'all-in' quote? Might very well be worth my while. So that's the next step.

Finances: how to pay for all of this? And as with anything boat related - odds on it won't be cheap. I've ruled out quantitative easing - even if I started printing my own money, who would have it?
Two viable options:
1. Thanks to Mr Bush and Mr Blair there's no shortage of wars/armed conflicts these days. Afghanistan's got that certain 'je ne sais quoi' about it and nearer to home there's always exotic Kossovo. About 6 months in either should raise enough.
2. The second, and much preferred, option: the sale of the ancestral home. Since dad died mum's keen to move to a smaller and easier to maintain place. 'My' bit should also raise more than enough. Of course, the house might sell tomorrow or it might sell next year.
If I want to go sailing next year, I think I'll have to go to war. Ho-hum.

How about getting Guapa to that all singing, all dancing boatyard? Fox's - just up the river - is the obvious candidate. Only snag - no engine. Can we get there? With the right wind it should not really be a problem. Forecast for Saturday doesn't look too bad (apart from the rain).

Out of necessity, we might at least get one proper family sail in this summer.