Without completing or selling the 20ft Sharpie, I bought Thalia, an old couta boat.

She is 28 ft long, sloop rigged, lead ballast keel, built in the 1960's from King Billy pine and glassed over. Later, an owner built a cabin from plywood; she has a self-draining cockpit, 2 cyl. Yanmar 18 HP diesel, with mainsail, jib, and an MPS or reacher/drifter. Down below: V-berth plus 2 more bunks, galley sink and metho stove, toilet, VHF radio, brass oil lamp!

When I found her, last February, the SS shaft was corroded at the nut which holds the prop; she had to be hauled out and a new shaft made. Thalia (Greek muse of comedy!) sails gently, has a three-quarter rig and adjustable backstay. This rig is new to me, and I'll need to learn how to get the best out of it.

Went for a 4-day cruise to Barnes bay, DÉntrecasteaux Channel with Mark, who is the new owner of Bluebottle; he is a fisherman, and caught some flathead and couta. No wind at all, very peaceful but no sailing to speak of. Fun!