Lots of words could be used to describe the crew of Ruffian. Iain always tries to persuade everyone that the best ones to use for him are ‘lovely, adorable and perfect’ and everyone knows that the best word to describe Fiona is simply ‘princess’. Unfortunately the word frugal also seems to be used rather extensively, that is until something needs fixing on Ruffian and then the word frugal couldn’t be used in any context.

After being frugal and filling Ruffian with own brand groceries from Wal-Mart no such economy was made to fix our leaking water pump, only the painfully expensive Volvo Penta parts would do. To reinforce the fact that no expense was spared, not only was it the painted the quintessential Volvo green, but the cover was a shiny gold colour. The cover explains why it was so expensive as this is clearly made out of solid gold.

Just minutes after arriving on Ruffian the old pump was removed, the new one fitted and hey presto, we weren’t sinking anymore. Relief flowed over us as this lavish expense proved to be the right investment to make.

Our sails were also ready for collection as the local friendly sailmaker had love poured love all over them and we were thankful that it was not the sort of ‘love’ that Larry is renowned for dispensing everywhere. Again, being for Ruffian, no expense was spared, only the best sail cloth was used and as we put them on we could picture speeds that hadn’t been attained for months. We can’t wait to see how much faster Ruffian goes when the air blows along the sails rather than through the big holes in them.

With Ruffian back at anchor and all ready to go sailing Iain grabbed the opportunity to sail with someone else. Hampton Yacht Club was a hive of activity and was ramping up for its beer can evening series. Unbeknown to Iain HYC was also running a novice sailing course and the skippers on the docks had been briefed to expect new sailors looking for rides. Iain, being shy and retiring, had no problem talking to all and sundry and when we came across a pimped up J105 he thought he’d found his ride.

The J105 owner asked. ‘So, what’s your level of sailing experience?’ to which Iain thought he was going to have to have a full on interview just to go out into the bay. As he said ‘Oh a few Farr40 Worlds, Swan Worlds and I’ve sailed my own boat here.’ the owner was almost speechless and looked confused as to why Iain was taking a novice sailing course. It wasn’t until Iain had executed an outstanding gybe drop that the penny finally dropped that the sailing course and Iain were not connected.

With our frugal heads firmly screwed back into place the last remaining chore for us was to find propane. This task would normally prove to be a nightmare, as filling our tank in Virginia is a real lottery, but we had wheel and legendary Bill & Linda Knowles at our disposal. We were led a merry dance and Bill chased down red the herrings all over town until we finally happened across a business which, after using it, should have been named ‘The Dangerous Propane Refill Company’.

With Ruffian all fixed and Iain having got his racing fix, it was now time to try and move into pastures new. The weather looks like it has studied Iain & Fiona’s route plan and has decided to do exactly what we ask and so, with a bit of luck and a following wind, we should be pushing off to one of the greatest cities in the world, New York, tomorrow morning.

Ooooo. That looks expensive.


Fully fixed sails. Now it’s just a question of putting them back on.


An anchorage so flat it could be a mirror.


Larry gives Iain a helping paw passage planning.


Zoey. Larry’s arch nemesis.


OK OK. I know I’m in Hampton.


More Bahamian anchoring to keep Ruffian from the rocks.


Colouring in. That’ll be a job for Iain then.