I'm waiting

I suppose I could say that I'm waiting for my new life to start. But I believe in being happy now and not waiting to be happy.  

   A company I used to work for had a big plan to make them more successful. This involved the staff being indoctrinated into 'The Plan' by attending seminars and presentations. Where we were shown our road to success. In the illustration, at the end of the road was a figure sitting on a throne, content with bags of money. 

    Some branches had the staff working overtime every night for no extra pay. 

Would a national company ever be satisfied with where it was ? Would other competitors appear in the future? Would the staff be congratulated and rewarded?

  The road in the picture might as well go on forever. 

So the message was to strive now and relax later. 

I can't say that I agreed with the mantra. 

I did commend the morals in that customers were not bribed with gifts and all treated the same. 

Unfortunately our competitors were inviting buyers to days out playing golf and lavish lunches and their representatives had a hospitality budget. 

    One rival rep I knew turned up to an appointment with take away breakfast buns for all the staff!

When results didn't meet projection, the 'Big Chief' was sacked and the plan abandoned. 

I rather liked the video presentation that portrayed him as a kind of Captain Kirk aboard the Starship Enterprise. 

So, my mantra is - Be Happy Now.I enjoyed my walk to the corner shop this evening and the film we watched on the tv. 

I wouldn't mind some potential buyers sniffing around our house though. 

Honey we crashed the boat

My brother Martin has been on the same navigation/sailing courses as Alison and I and will probably head off into the sunset as we intend to, once he has finished building his empire with wife Julie, and daughter Zeta has grown up. 

   Martin and his best pal Ste have owned a few boats between them. The latest being a Jouet 35. Purchased in Holland and sailed back by themselves across the North Sea. Not without incident. May I add. They can write about that themselves. The story would teach that it would be a good idea to have quite a few test sails before embarking on a voyage of any distance. 

I digress. 

We were invited to go out for the day aboard her. We met at Hartlepool Marina for breakfast, then over to the Fish key where she was berthed. Ste was joining us later. 

He showed us around the very nicely fitted out yacht and we prepared for the day. Donning life jackets, familiarising ourselves with the winches, changing sails etc. 

When Steve showed up we waisted no time heading out. Martin and I had searched the Internet on our phones for weather forecasts earlier that morning and although deteriorating nothing bad showed up. 

Heading out into Tees Bay the increasing waves were giving us a rocky ride. Steve was getting agitated because of the conditions. Martin on the other hand was relishing the challenge. 

      A while back Martin, Steve and other pal Andy had delivered a race boat to Whitby in rough conditions. Sounded pretty tough when I was told the tale. Both Steve and Andy were sea sick so Martin did all the helming. 

   On another occasion they had a job getting back to port when the winds were unfavourable and they couldn't use the outboard motor as the swell was coming over the stern of the boat. 

    Steve didn't like the look of the weather and through previous experience new how quickly conditions can deteriorate on this coast. Although we were enjoying the ride Steve took command and we headed back to port. 

    I new he was right. But if he hadn't been on board what would our trip have been like?

Another lesson learned I think. Our weather forecasts were too general, not good enough and not pertaining to the sea. There was Navtex on board but the screen just showed a jumbled mess of characters. Also we hadn't heard a VHF shipping forecast. 

   Getting Back into the berth was tricky due to the stiff breeze so Martin gave it some revs. We were all on deck ready with fenders to stop the boat getting knocked. The time came to engage reverse. Didn't work. We kept on going. The boat hit the mooring and rode up skyward. I thought we were going to go over the pontoon and onto the boat in front. The sturdy ( thank god ) wooden fishing boat next to us got a scathing. The owners were on board painting it! OMG. 

We came back down to rest. The fishing boat was amazingly undamaged due to a chunky rubbing strake at deck height. 

Our yacht was also ok as there is a metal plate wrapped around the bow that took the impact. The metal Armco on the mooring however was badly bent. 

We were all shook up and poor Martin very embarrassed. 

A couple of other yachties came over to see if we were ok and offer comforting words. 

The verdict was that the gearbox had slipped itself into neutral so reverse didn't engage. Martin and Steve said they would strip it down another day to find out what was up. 

As for the Armco, Steve is an expert welder so fixing the damage would be no problem. 

    After a mug of tea we said our fare wells and came home. 

I have bookmarked the Met Office shipping forecast page on my iPhone for future reference but not sure if it is detailed enough. 

 We wouldn't sail in future without a good forecast - very important. 

So:  VHF shipping forecast, Navtex working properly, Met office web site, ask the Harbour Master. 

That very first day we went sailing on 'Black Diamond'. We didn't know how good we got it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What else

There are 2 more topics to consider. 

Diesel engine maintenance and

First Aid. 

There aren't any RYA courses in our area for these subjects. How we are going to cover them is :

Books. 

I have been a mechanical engineer ( grease monkey ) for the past 7+ years so you could say I've done my apprenticeship. Not on Diesel engines mind, but I should be able to follow a good written & pictorial guide. I've seen a couple on the Internet. 

We'll get a suitable book for First Aid on board. I think it's the confined space that has to be considered compared to regular techniques. 

I think also a good talking translator - maybe an IPad app will be of good use. 

If anyone can think of something we are missing please comment. We want to be prepared. 

Cheers

Radio Ga Ga

I'm about up to date now. 

We did the RYA VHF Radio course ran by David Williams in March this year. 

Revising the phonetic alphabet with the family was a laugh. For quite a while there was a couple of letters that we would get a mental block on. Alison was the best. 

  The Venue was the South Gare Marine Club, next to the mouth of the River Tees on an exposed headland. A bit nippy this time of year. We got well wrapped up. 

It was a 2 day course where we learnt about Marine VHF radios, digital selective calling ( DSC ), the correct terminology and the systems strengths and weaknesses. There were 2 radios set up on a closed circuit so that we could practice calling each other. When we had learnt the important calls and answers - Mayday, Pan Pan, Sacurite etc... We were encouraged into nautical relevant conversations which were a bit cringeworthy. It will take a fair bit of practice to become comfortable on the VHF!

Downstairs is a brill. Cafe, only open weekends. Nice and warm with a big log burner for heating. Big breakfasts and a good selection of meals and snacks. So popular we had to book for Sunday lunch. Belly buster! Open to the general public. Look out for the chef's special dessert. 

On day 2 after more practice, we had a written and practical exam. I was nervous about doing this course because I didn't think that I would be very good at it. We needed the qualification, so it had to be done. Instructor David was so thorough and comprehensive that I have no doubt that everyone on that course left with a complete understanding of the operation and use of marine VHF Radio. 

We passed - Alison scoring 1 point higher than me with 100%. 

Here's the marine phonetic alphabet ( the same as NATO'S ). A good skill to have when speaking over poor phone connections or to avoid misunderstandings. 

Have a go. 

I wrote it out myself to make sure I could still remember it. 

Nautical Summer Hols

For Summer holidays in recent years, we have rented a cottage for a week in different parts of the Uk. 

   A yacht's a bit like a cottage that can move around isn't it. Well, that's what we told our 2 sons. We enjoyed sailing so why wouldn't they?

So we chartered 'Silora' and Skipper Paul for a 3 day cruise. 

'Silora' is a 34" Van De Stadt GRP sloop. Safe and solid feeling. Paul's a great guy and he and the boat are available for sailing training etc. via BM Sailing ( advertisement over ). 

We invited crewman Paul from our Day Skipper practical course as he was still waiting for his new contract as a sports teacher in the West Indies and we got on so well. 

Alison and I are early risers and we persuaded Paul to set off early the first morning instead of waiting for the next tide. 

Once out of Hartlepool, Paul, not an early riser, went below decks to catch up on some beauty sleep ( I never said he needed it ) safe in the knowledge that 2 Yacht masters were in command. 

    We were holding a steady pace and making sure the boys were settling in and being a part of it. Having a go at the helm etc. Zak was a natural, Gene not too keen. 

The wind started to pick up and we could see a squall approaching from the south west with accompanying rainbow. 

We were ahead of it and decided to run with the increased speed so that it would pass behind us rather than reef the mainsail, slow down and get a soaking. 

   The weather helm increased alarmingly as we accelerated onwards. Crewman Paul was rock solid on the tiller but we took turns, to share the burden. We nearly made it, just catching the tail end of the squall - hoods up heads down. 

We kept most of the speed and when Paul awoke and came back on deck he looked a bit bemused. Scratching his head he said "Thats Tynemouth there" pointing. Looked at his watch "that's the quickest I've ever got here".

   We explained our course of action, a bit worried that we would get a telling off for race car-Ing his yacht. He was fine about it but in the same circumstances again we would reef and alter course slightly to reduce the strain on the boat and ourselves. It was a bit hairy. 

    We spent the first night at Amble marina. The 2 Paul's liked an evening at the pub. We found a place with a pool table to keep the Boys amused.  

 A nice port popular with continental yachties. Amongst the Yachts was a moody 40 that caught our eye. It was owned and lived aboard by the marina office receptionist who was Dutch ( I think ) 

Also a Colvic 40ft ketch that we had seen for sale at Hartlepool was having its teak decking replaced by the owner. We had a chat. 

2 yachts that appealed to us out of the many. 

On day 2 we visited Blyth. A more industrial port. 

The marina yacht club is a converted light ship and looks fantastic inside and out. 

After lunch we sailed back to Tynemouth and up the River Tyne. Lots to see. Stayed the night at a quiet Berth outside St. Peter's Yacht basin.  A bit too quiet, the Boys were bored. 

    Day 3 back down the Tyne. I remember Paul making us toast. I remember Paul being sick of making us toast after the first loaf. The boys were hungry. Food always tastes better outside, as we covered the cockpit in crumbs. 

And back to Hartlepool. No.2 son Gene had decided he didn't like sailing and spent a good portion of the trip sulking in the fore cabin. 

Back at Hartlepool marina we all helped clean 'Selora' ready for her next crew. Well, all of us except Gene who went ashore and waited. Mutiny? Paul wasn't best pleased. 

I'd blame the parents myself. 

Hang on a minute.

Getting Trained Up.

Learning how to sail. 

Sailing wise there is no substitute for practical experience, but if you haven't got a yacht of your own, chartering one is expensive. 

Alison's brother has a 30 ft Colvic motorsailer moored at Whitby. He offered to take us out on it. 

Once out of the River Esk the sea was quite choppy as we bounced about uncomfortably. Sleeker yachts than ours cut gracefully through the water past us, heading in the direction of Sands End. 

   Alison's brother David did not want to risk putting up the sails with an inexperienced crew, so we turned around and went back to port. Don't blame him but we were disappointed. 

    We decided to hit the classroom and enrolled on a RYA Day Skipper night class. Taught by the very knowledgable David Williams. 

     Julie came with us to gain some nautical knowledge as her hubby Roger was up to Yacht Master. 

It was all pretty new to us and we found it quite difficult, especially without much practical experience under our belts, or a boat to practice what we were learning. 

      We are so glad we did the course though. We would have probably gone sailing regardless and been a hazard to ourselves and others by not knowing navigation, tidal streams, what each buoy signifies, the rules of the road etc...

There were others on the course with plenty of experience who learnt a thing or two also. 

       When summer came we booked a 5 day, 1 night Day Skipper Practical course with B & M Sailing aboard 'Silora'. 

Skippered by Paul Gretton. 

Everything came together, as what we had learnt in the classroom was put into practice. 

We hadn't done the Competent Crew course which we should have done first. 

Mainly because I'd had plenty of holiday experience on my parents cabin cruiser and Alison's family were keen on boats. 

   In retrospect it wouldn't have done us any harm and we would have gained a more gentle entry into the workings of a yacht. 

As it was we were on a steep learning curve and agreed with Skipper Paul that if we weren't up to scratch after the 5 days he would just 'pass' us as competent crew and not Day Skippers. 

   Paul was very patient with us. Especially Alison, as I had told him of her mental problems. If we were doing something wrong he would just let us muck it up, explain where we went wrong and we'd do it again. 

The same applied to the other two guys on the boat also. David and Paul. We got along well. 

At the end of the week we did the night sail part. How different it is to day sailing. You listen for the buoy's bells and have to keep a keener look out as the shore lights are dazzling. 

    Alison and I were given the task of doing the pilot plan to get us back into Hartlepool. We were chuffed, after a successful pilotage, when Skipper Paul told us it was the best plan he'd seen. 

    We both passed the course as Day Skippers. 

Here is a video took at Runswick Bay. 

Bob Moncur sailing course rare downtime - YouTube

► 0:46► 0:46

www.youtube.com/w...

Jul 8, 2010

http://youtu.be/R6N9SNkleiA

Another year another night class. 

We enrolled on the RYA Yacht Master course. 

Julie didn't come with us as she said Roger would be doing the skippering and she was already way over qualified to open a tin of chilli-con-carne. 

   We both passed the course and were glad that we had gained a more comprehensive knowledge on our chosen subject. 

Another step closer. 

'Been Sailing?

Our plan was taking shape.

 We had reason to do it. We had the will to do it. Did we like sailing?

We set to find out by booking a day sail on the 'Black Diamond' a sail training yacht, moored not far away at Hartlepool Marina. 

In retrospect we had the perfect day. 

As well as the skipper and mate there was a father and son on the same trip that were very pleasant company. Forgive me for forgetting their names but is was 5 years ago. 

The wind was blowing well. The sea moderate and the sun shining. After tea/coffee, safety briefing and kitting out with life jackets we were ready to lock out. 

We headed south with favourable winds. The motion of the boat was smooth and deliberate. I couldn't help think of the fathoms of sea beneath us but I felt safe on this graceful yacht, she was in harmony with the elements. 

I was worried about sea sickness, so I took the tablets offered before we set sail. I had been sea sick before on my parents cabin cruiser when I was a boy. 

The tablets did the trick. 

Alison had worked on cruise ships and never been sea sick once, even when hurricane Gilbert hit Jamaica. 

      We were becalmed after a few hours. The skipper dropped a fishing line loaded with feathers and pulled mackerel time after time which we were shown how to gut. The fish was fried in a pan for us to taste. Delicious!

The wind picked up again and we continued. The young man on board was very interested in weather and drew our attention back towards Hartlepool. 

'Look a twister' he shouted. 

'Don't be daft' was the general consensus. We were wrong.  The wind started to blow. 

The next day there were photos and reports of the Twister over Hartlepool. A good job we sailed south or we may have had a very rocky ride. 

We took turns at the helm and learnt to read the wind instruments and wind vane  at the top of the mast. 

The skipper was in radio contact with another training vessel anchored at Skinningrove. 

A 70 ft. Wooden cutter crewed by kids under instruction. 

The skippers were old friends and there was friendly banter over the VHF. As we approached, our skipper wanted to impress and we rounded the other ship at full speed as we all waved. It was like something out of Pirates of the Caribbean! 

We headed off close hauled out to sea at over 9 Knots. The boat was now heeled over. A state of sail that I thought I wouldn't like. It was the best bit!!!!

Now I know why the standing area behind the wheel was V shaped. At a heel you were standing level. 

It took concentration to keep the vessel close to the wind and not steer through it. If you've been sailing you know what I mean. 

We were now in a race as the other ship had slipped anchor and we were both heading for Hartlepool. 

Our competitors had a much faster vessel, our Skipper told us, due to its greater length. 

We had headed out to sea for a reason. To get a more favourable wind on the way back. 

We arrived back to port with a decisive lead. 

What a day!

We concluded 'We liked sailing'. 

If you fancy having a go look up 'Sailing North East' 

'Black Diamond of Durham' also participates in the Tall Ships race. 

Whether barmy or wrecked

Our reasons for wanting to sell up and sail are pretty unique to us. 

Yes, we have a comfortable life and are quite happy where we are. 

Alison 

When Alison got ill I thought that she would have a complete recovery in a year. Not the case. I now know that when something like that ( complete mental breakdown ) happens you will never be the same again. 

Moving to the seaside was like moving to a different life. 

We didn't keep in touch with our old neighbours and friends. Not that we had many friends as we were too busy working and bringing up our 2 sons. Mainly because Alison was embarrassed about her condition and our financial downfall. Also social agoraphobia is the main diagnosed symptom of her condition. 

This meant that she couldn't bear crowds of more than a couple of people. Couldn't bear someone standing up if she was sat down. People hovering. When I took her to a supermarket, any mildly loud noise, such as a couple of trolleys knocking together and she cowered alarmingly as if a bomb had gone off. 

After a while I too could feel the electricity in the air that you get when people are just going around their daily business. This awareness is magnified 1000% in Alison's mind. She would just run. So I know now, when to get her away from a situation. 

Her condition is managed with medication and avoidance. 

She has improved slowly in the last 8 years. When we first moved in she couldn't go next door but one without being accompanied. 

We met Pam not long after moving in. Our children are a similar age and went to the same school. She became Alison's best friend and popped 'round regularly. 

   Pam also took Alison out shopping or lunch and even to the local auction rooms. Alison had to sit right at the front with her head buried in the catalogue. One day the Auctioneer ( quite a stern man ) wanted to know why she wrote down every selling price. It was just so she could concentrate on something to distract her from the other people there. 

Getting a dog helped massively. A reason to get up when I was at work and a companion on a short walk. She never made it to the beach unescorted but the nearby shops became in range. 

Pam also got a dog and they often walked together. 

Pam moved to Wales for family reasons. We still keep in touch. 

Our neighbours probably don't think there is much wrong with her as they have never known her any different. 

She is a shadow of her former self. 

I don't mind too much as I always told her I liked it when she was ill. A cold/flu or wot not. Because she always had twice as much energy as me, had a zest for life and made me live mine. 

Alison had built herself a career in sales and marketing and business was booming. 

She hasn't driven a car since. 

Miles

I'm not in the best of health myself.

My van driving job was becoming unbearable due the chronic tendinitis I had developed in my ankles. My back slipped a disc every so often and ached most of the time. 

I had started to get frequent migraines and trying to quit smoking left me in depression. 

Doctors weren't much use so I had to try and help myself. 

I took up yoga to help my ankles. Didn't fix them but helped me get by. What the yoga did do was almost completely cure my bad back. Result!

After keeping a migraine diary for a couple of years I found that I was allergic/ intolerant to refined sugar. 

It still catches me out now and again. 

So meals out are a danger zone for me. I won't even go round my parents/relatives for Christmas dinner. And the cherry on the cake is, even a few sips on a pint of beer starts a banging headache. 

I was on tablets for depression to keep off the fags but I had an allergic reaction to the medication so started smoking again. I was determined to quit but think that I tried so hard that I damaged myself in other ways. I know that I will never be the same again also. 

Even through this I hadn't had a day off work in 5 years, but when redundancies came around I was top of the list. Maybe they new I was struggling. I was glad to be picked. 

We are entering Britain's Got Talent as a guitar/singer duo this year. That sob story should get us through a couple of rounds. 

( Not really )

What a pair we are. We were always a perfect match. 

So Alison will be happy on a deserted ocean. I will be able to control my food ingredients. And we can travel as if on holiday and visit many different places without busy airports, crowded cities, lots of people, dangerous catering and driving. 

In the past, we never returned to a holiday destination as our favourite part is not knowing what is around the next corner. 

And we are never happier than when we are striving towards something. 

Original? Ok we stole the idea.

Where did we get the idea?

A couple of years after we moved in to our present home we decided to get a dog to help us exercise and give us a reason to frequently visit the beautiful coast line on our doorstep. 

Then we got another dog and the plan was to take them with us when we sold up and sailed. This very recently took a turn for the worst rather tragically and I can't bear to write about it as yet. 

   Anyway, we were in the local Pet Shop ran by owner Julie ( ably assisted by Lindy ) and in conversation she mentioned that herself and husband Roger had plans to go sailing the Med on their own boat on retirement. 

    When we got home we both agreed it was a fantastic idea. "Why don't we do that" one of us said. The seed was sewn. 

Julie and Roger are doing things properly. Keeping a house, saving up and will be pensioned up with a regular income.

 They bought the yacht, a Hallberg Rassy 39 ( quality ) and treated us to a day out on it. Thanks. 

How could we do something like that and what are our reasons for wanting to? 

What do we know about sailing?

How could we finance such a thing on our meagre income?

Our careers had hit a wall and rapidly spiralled downwards due to ill health and company restructuring. 

We downsized from our executive 4-bed detached in the north east's premier housing estate. 

We turned this into a positive by moving to the sea side, where we would have liked to live if it wasn't for work commitments.

 Being near the A19 was vital for our jobs at the time. 

It was like being on holiday for quite a while. Despite Alison's mental breakdown and the 16 hour a week job that I had fallen into. Best job I've ever had though. Alison was under a psychiatrist and I became her registered carer. 

The 16 hour job gave me the time to look after her and take her out as she had become house bound due to agoraphobia and fear of panic attacks. Also we qualified for working tax credits. Thank you Tony Blair. 

This meant enough money to live on, with  free dentist treatment and doctors prescriptions.

You can put your violins away now. 

 I didn't feel like a scrounger as we had paid in to the system plenty over the previous years. 

So for us it would be all or nothing. We couldn't afford to run a house and a boat. 

The good thing is, we do own the house having made a good profit selling the previous one. We had missed out on every other property boom so it was about time we were the winners. It was good to sell on the 'crest of a wave' so to speak. 

Cont.....

What about the kids ?

Alison and I have two children, 20 year old Zak and Gene who is 18. 

Gene has been sailing with us and hated it. He is nearing the end of his 2nd year at the areas Art College and is on track for a University place come September. 

   Zak is more hands on and after an apprenticeship with his Dad ( me ) at a Tool Hire shop has landed a job at a Foundry. Thanks to my boss Jim. Hard work but decent pay. 

    He's moving in to an apartment in a couple of weeks time and looking forward to having his own space. 

     This of course was a very important part of our 5 year plan and seems to have worked out well. 

Would we still be selling up and sailing if the kids were jobless and at loose ends?

A resounding yes. 

We realised early on that there will always be reasons to stay, big or small things there to stop us, responsibilities, commitments, fear of the unknown you name it. 

The boys would be/are invited to come with us if they wanted to. We are getting them both a passport so that they can fly out to rendezvous with Mam and Dad for free holidays. 

Can't be bad. 

2nd Viewing!

The fourth couple to view our house are coming for a 2nd viewing tonight. They are bringing their parents along. So fingers crossed. 

Just having a breather between frantically tidying up. 

They liked the character of the house and its attributes. I wonder if Mam and Dad will agree. 

Objective

What's the plan?

Perhaps I should of mentioned this on the 1st page. 

We plan to circumnavigate the globe at a leisurely pace - 10 years or so. 

We want to visit many places and countries. 

Who knows we may never come back. But I suspect the UK national health system will look more attractive as we get older. 

We have led quite a dull life in recent years so we are not thinking of lying on sunny beaches but the adventure of it all. 

Despite our objectives - as soon as we set sail we will have accomplished many of our goals. Such is the ties and roots we build for ourselves. 

One thing that I've realised for a long time now is that possessions can own you and not you them. 

In other words the more you have the harder it is to let it go. 

The Ideal Yacht

SPEED -

 is not important to us but we like nothing better on a sailing trip than when the engine gets switched off! 

That's when a sailing yacht's motion becomes harmonious with the sea and the wind. 

As long as we are making progress the time it takes to get there will be unimportant as we will already be home. It may of course be a different story if a storm is on its way 😗. 

HELM -

Also steering from outside when a squall hits seems nonsensical ( a word that was used by a fellow Yachtmaster classmate about one of the teachers explanations.  Much to our amusement as we were finding it difficult to follow also. Thanks Maureen. He knew his stuff mind )

So an inside and outside helm was chosen. 

KEEL -

After of course reading 'Sell up and Sail' by the Coopers a heavy displacement was preferable as we may have a lot of 'Stuff' being live aboard and the extra weight would be less of a problem. 

A long keel was chosen. Which should be the best in heavy weather and not bob about as much when at anchor. 

Also when you climb aboard a yacht in a marina and it doesn't tilt with your body weight it inspires confidence. 

SIZE -

We need a comfortable floating home that we are not going to get stir crazy in that is sailable by two people and not need a crew. About 40 ft we reckon. 

ENGINE - I'd rather have too much power than not enough. My experience of navigating the river Humber with my parents, when I was a boy, in a cabin cruiser was rather terrifying, especially when the engines weren't powerful enough to make headway against the tide when we overshot our intended mooring!

Fuel and maintenance costs also scare the hell out of me though. 

Location -

That is not going to be important to us as we have decided to start our adventure wherever we buy the boat. 

Initially we imagined buying a boat and kitting it out in the UK but what's the point? You can kit out a boat almost anywhere. 

You're ideal boat may have completely different attributes to the above. I am in no way an expert in all things nautical. 

House For Sale

Not exactly Buckingham Palace but has been a very comfortable home for the last 8 years. Bigger inside than it looks and a 90 ft. Garden. The for sale sign blew down in the wind after a couple of days. It's not called Windy Hill Lane for nothing. Sometimes we are awoken in the night by tin cans blowing UP HILL!

   The back garden is like being in a totally different micro climate - sheltered and a real sun trap. 

When we get a yacht the wind will be our friend propelling us on our way. 

It's getting exciting

The house is on the market. After 2 weeks we've had 4 viewings - all very positive. The latest viewers really moved in mentally and we are hoping for an offer.

'We' is myself Miles and my wife of nearly 23 years Alison. We live in the north of England. 

Five years ago we came up with a 'five year plan' to sell up and travel the world on a sailing boat. More of that later. 

Yacht/boat wise we are looking for a 40 foot or so, long keel sailing yacht. 

We've had 5 years to contemplate what type of boat would suit us and the job in hand. 

We've searched mainly on the Internet. Had experience on sail training yachts, been on a couple of friends vessels and had an exploratory trip to Plymouth on a coach trip ( that was gruelling but enjoyable )

In this present economic climate our house isn't worth as much as we had hoped, but yachts - especially in Europe - have come down in price to suit. 

We need the money in the bank before we can seriously negotiate buying a boat. 

Alison has got really itchy feet and can't settle. I'm plodding along as usual. I never really believe anything till it happens. We are a good team. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me ( and visa versa I hope )

So I'm reluctantly letting go of my worldly possessions - from my extensive electric guitar collection ( I am taking 2 max ) to numerous cut off electrical cables with the the 13a plug still attached ( just in case )

We have been watching ' The hoarder next door ' on tv which has helped me a lot. Alison on the other hand will only need :-

CLEAN UNDERWEAR AND A PASSPORT !