Our dear Bluebottle, who carried us across the Pacific, and shared many exciting and memorable moments, is no longer owned by us, but has a wonderful new owner, Mark. He has made an open invitation to go sailing with him, and Joe has already been out on the Derwent river with Mark several times.

He came on board to help prepare the boat for sale, and became curiouser and curiouser! Eventually he had her run through many tests and inspections, and bought her.

I'm heading off to the Isle of Wight to sail with my sons in August, in Cowes, famous sailing centre in England. Adrienne and I will tour the UK and Europe, including a stint in Tuscany, for my son's wedding. Then off to the good ol' USA! She has a 50th high school reunion, in Long Beach California, and we'll go North to Seattle and see old sailing friends in British Columbia. Three months away!