We're gearing up for 2-3 weeks of cruising that will start next week. We plan to pop out of the Solent and sail as far west toward Lands End as far as we feel like.
The weather has decomposed a bit since May-- the last two weekends have had gale force winds and rain on the Southern Coast of England, and it was blowing F8 yesterday when my son and I dropped two new house batteries into the boat. So, we may have to take our time if the winds and weather continue in this pattern.
This morning, we were watching some cruising videos to get in the mood, and we saw some of the Dashew videos and the SetSail website. Cool stuff, but it amazes me how large and complicated their Beowolf and similar boats have been. Here's a good example:
YouTube - DashewOffshore's Channel
It's clear they have having a great time with their fast averages and fresh water to spare, but it sure is different than our sailing these days. (Heck, we even pass on pressurized water, much less hot water or refrigeration.) One of our big upgrades this spring was a simple led anchor light that plugs into a cigarette lighter and hangs off the boom-- not very high tech, but useful.
Maybe things will change, but for now a simple boat for us. Now if we can get some weather windows to get to Poole and beyond.
The weather has decomposed a bit since May-- the last two weekends have had gale force winds and rain on the Southern Coast of England, and it was blowing F8 yesterday when my son and I dropped two new house batteries into the boat. So, we may have to take our time if the winds and weather continue in this pattern.
This morning, we were watching some cruising videos to get in the mood, and we saw some of the Dashew videos and the SetSail website. Cool stuff, but it amazes me how large and complicated their Beowolf and similar boats have been. Here's a good example:
YouTube - DashewOffshore's Channel
It's clear they have having a great time with their fast averages and fresh water to spare, but it sure is different than our sailing these days. (Heck, we even pass on pressurized water, much less hot water or refrigeration.) One of our big upgrades this spring was a simple led anchor light that plugs into a cigarette lighter and hangs off the boom-- not very high tech, but useful.
Maybe things will change, but for now a simple boat for us. Now if we can get some weather windows to get to Poole and beyond.