Koeketiene on Tour

With the approaching storm front (Storm Babet) I thought I'd take the boat out for a quick day-sail one last time.
The forecast was 'borderline' (E veering SE 18-22kts, gusting 25-30kts) but it wouldn't be the first time the met service erred on the...

Well, not quite.
This has NOT been my year. Whenever I felt up to setting off in the direction of 'somewhere' fortune seemed hell bent on keeping me where I was. I've had everything thrown at me: too much wind, little/no wind, engine troubles, family...

Life lesson for 2023: lower your expectations.

Summer 2023 has, so far, been 'not great'. And we've yet to see any improvement in August.The first week/10 days were characterised by little or no wind. And just as things were starting to look...

A couple of days down the road, but no further along.
Summer's proving very unseasonal - cold, grey, windy, damp... All things you associate with autumn or winter. I'm sure it won't surprise anyone when I tell you that apart from a day-sail to Les...

On Wednesday afternoon I brought the boat into Benodet in view of an early departure Thursday morning.
It's always easier to bring stuff aboard when the boat's alongside - and there's the added benefit of access to shore power.

I didn't...

We're finally there: at one of those 10-12 windows of opportunity. Time to go sailing a bit further offshore before I need to be back home.
Late last week, it looked like my wish would be granted. A Biscay crossing (either La Cornuna or Gijon) looked...

What's happened these last few weeks? Not much.
It's been a month beset by variable, unpredictable weather; shore based real-life problems and an engine scare. Though, I am pleased to report, there have also been a few small victories.

A...

Today, Soya (Westie - 18 months) went sailing for the very first time.

I can't say she was very excited about the whole thing as she slept most of the time. With reason probably as it was an entirely uneventful trip in the most benign...

The last mile is the longest.

The forecast was not good. Thunderstorms and severe gales were forecast to hit us this afternoon. Since it was only 12NM to my home port/mooring I was in two minds as two what to do. Would I sit it out and stay in...

The day once again started very early yesterday. Up at six to prepare the boat for sea and a quick dash to the boulangerie at seven to get some breakfast. I was there a couple of minutes early and a couple of locals were also waiting for the place to open....