As a postscript to the windlass saga, there was no sign of the new replacement being delivered in time for our departure, due to apparent ongoing production problems at Lewmar, the manufacturers. It would be unthinkable to contemplate an extended cruise without a working windlass, so we had a problem. The decision was finally taken... Continue Reading →

This is another rather anodyne, technical blog which may disappoint those expecting witty (?) tales of derring-do. So, you have been warned! Long time yacht owners will be aware of the corrosion issues at the junction of dissimilar metals. They will be conscious of the need to treat stainless steel screws used on an aluminium... Continue Reading →

I have long coveted a painting of Hejira but all previous efforts to commission a ‘piece’ have failed for one reason or another. So, winding back for a little background, I have to explain about ‘New Blades’, the degree show for the graduates from the various University model making courses, where in excess of 70... Continue Reading →

With the travel hoist booked, you would have thought the exercise to relaunch would be ‘plain sailing’, given all the time to prepare, but not so and the tale of woe continues... Unfortunately, the six months ‘down time’ waiting for the lift onto the keel was not used productively by the retained engineer, despite my... Continue Reading →

So, the 26th of July 2023 marks one year since Hejira was craned out and ‘blocked off’ ashore for her planned refit. The extent of the work is/was substantial, but it would all have been completed in time for this sailing season, had it not been for a six-month delay in being lifted back onto... Continue Reading →