The Final Countdown!

I’m probably not the most patient man – as people close to me will attest – so waiting for the start of my voyage has not been easy. There has been a lot work over the winter months, on and off the boat, preparing for this singlehanded circumnavigation. Do I have any worries? Happily yes. Worries make you to anticipate and plan and prepare more thoroughly. I’m not taking this challenge too lightly and I think I have mitigated as many of the risks as possible. Also of course there is some excitement at the idea of this mega (for me!) voyage. Of course, with my professional background, I had to have a ‘programme of work’ (AKA a to-do list!) leading up to departure day. However, as Robert Burns said: “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft a-gley.” I’m hoping this is just a bit of Scottish pessimism not a prediction of what’s to come!

The programme was to move from this:

to this:

Progress so far seems good! In recent weeks I have painted the boat’s bottom with anti-fouling (not an easy or pleasant job on a twin keel boat but positive because it’s a significant task leading up to re-launch!). Soon to come is some really positive stuff such as refitting running rigging and sails, loading cushions, carpets and curtains (what a posh boat!), galley and safety gear and umpteen little tweaks and safety checks. Boat owners will know that the list of possible jobs is endless but usually not everything gets done! The weather in March can be very unpredictable so I am trying to stay well ahead of schedule.

You will see from my previous posts that I would like to use this personal challenge to raise some money for Rainbow Living – a charity that provides accommodation to enable young adults with learning difficulties gain independence. Below is a link to a VirginGiving page and I would really appreciate any donation you can make however large or small in support of my solo circumnavigation:

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/voyagesofthalmia

So when does preparing for the circumnavigation become doing it?

Thalmia will dip her bottom in the (currently very muddy) Exe on 8th/9th April. A short trip is then called for – a “shakedown” cruise for a couple of days to make sure everything is properly secured and working well. The departure will then happen as soon after the 20th April as the weather allows. And if all is well we’ll head East towards Ramsgate via the Solent before heading north to Scotland, hoping to give the lie to Robbie Burns’ forebodings!

Next blog update at launch!

Laid-up but not laid back!

It’s Autumn and it’s lovely to see a murmuration of starlings …. except when they choose to roost en masse on a forest of masts with consequent droppings all over the decks! A yacht like mine is not intended to have a poop deck!

A forest of masts

On 17th October Thalmia was lifted out onto Topsham Quay by Trout’s Boatyard. Carefully handled by them and jet washed she was then stripped of sails, halyards, cushions and almost all loose items. She’s now ready for routine servicing and fettling. Last week for example I poured white vinegar into the pump that works the heads (mariners term for the loo!) – the idea is that it will break down the build up of limescale and prevent a blockage! Not something I want to sort out in a tranquil anchorage in a Scottish loch! Also been curing rust (nothing serious!), cleaning, waxing and varnishing. Topsham Quay has again become a regular weekly destination – my winter man shed!

Preparations for next year include fitting an AIS transponder (Automatic Identification System) which will broadcast my position to other vessels and anyone else who wants to know where I am (via an app). Also a diesel heater to warm my toes and dry my clothes (I may have to accept some bad weather along the way!) Thanks to Trout’s Boatyard who tackle the jobs beyond my DIY competence!

At home my planning for the trip proceeds with numerous charts and pilot books which currently cover the dining table (sorry Ruth!). Reading others experiences are making me aware of all the preparations I need to make. It takes some imagination to keep positive with the recent cold wet weather but my levels of enthusiasm grow as I anticipate cruising some of the superb coastline we are blessed with. I’ll post again in the new year to keep you informed of my progress – thank you for following Thalmia and me!

Voyages of Thalmia – Sailing around Britain in 2020

This is Thalmia on her mooring at Starcross Yacht Club, River Exe, in April 2019. A Westerly Fulmar built in 1980 now based in the Exe estuary. 2019 was a good year with trips East to several creeks in the Solent including Keyhaven, Newtown, Wooton and Beaulieu and our usual summer cruise from Exeter to the Isles of Scilly, visiting many of the islands and enjoying a very relaxed sojourn in Green Bay on Bryher.

Newtown Creek
Green Bay, Bryher

Soon it will be time for Thalmia to be lifted out onto Topsham Quay for storage over winter and preparations for our voyage next year. I have made many modifications over the last 3 winters since I bought her, and sailed her back from Hayling Island in November 2016. I think she is well set up for my most ambitious trip so far around the coast of Britain – but she will get more attention between now and launch date in April 2020. She will then be 40 years old and me – a mere 69! Also for me, over winter, there will be lots of reading of pilot books and passage planning at home.

A word about my wife – she is being very generous in letting me have these 3-4 months away sailing around our wonderful coastline. There was one condition – that I raise lots of money for the charity she gives so much of her time to. Rainbow Living supports adults with disabilities, mainly learning disability, by providing accommodation to enable tenants to live with their peers as independently as possible in supported living. There will soon be four Rainbow Houses in Devon, three in Exeter and one in Torquay. You can read more about the charity via the links at the head and the foot of the blog.

I shall be sailing mostly solo on this trip although I am hoping to have some company on at least a couple of short stages. The idea is both exciting and daunting in equal measure. Managing the boat and managing myself will be quite a challenge. Keeping in touch with home and with others via this blog will be an important part of making it work! Knowing that the charity will be getting some additional funds will be an added bonus.

Please add your email address below and get notification when a new blog is posted.

Thank you for following Thalmia and myself on this voyage.

%d bloggers like this: