Just how much does it take, in terms of liquid assets, to turn dreams into reality, to convert flickering mental images of swaying fronds into real living and growing palms on a South Seas beach? And how much of the rewards of life’s labours can safely be devoted to sailing without leaving the kids in rags and risking a terminal loss of enthusiasm for the water (or worse, for a life together full stop – with potentially painful and expensive consequences) on the other side of the marital bed? Note to catamaran sailors: yes, you can have a hull each if you fall out, but the two hulls need each other if you want to go sailing.

Fateful questions are these no matter how expansive your dreams and, indeed, your resources. People considering a self-build project need to be especially meticulous in their cost-assessment: underestimate the cost – in material, time and/or relationship terms – and the consequences could hardly be more grave. Let me make it clear that I speak from extensive experience on this subject, in fact I spend a significant portion of my time taking confession from sailors, listening attentively to what they have to say and then, should I happen to be asked, doing my best, quite forcefully where necessary (even when it hurts), to help them avoid repeating the mistakes others have made before them. >continue reading

ARRIVALS 19th june 2012

12. Basil Panakis in Jaba
11. Andy Lane in Bula
10. John Apps in Glayva
9. James Stock in Fly
8. Howard Chivers in Sandpiper
7. Nick Bridges in Dolphin
6. Thomas Jucker in Marta
5. Denis Gorman in Lizzie-G
4. Paul Mead in Independence 2
3. Tony Head in Triple Venture
2. Roger Fitzgerald in Ella Trout III
1. John Margarson in Muffin

AT SEA

Latest known positions and messages/news:
Edward Zajac in Holly: “Dear Eric, Holly’s position from 18.06.2012 1548: 41º33’.5’N; 12º 4’.5’W Best greetings, Marek”
Trevor Leek in Jester:
Nigel Stillman in Greta L:
Tim McCoy in China Blue:

RETIREMENTS

Chris Garbett in Jasabe
David Knowler in Headway III
Bill Churchouse in Belgean
Peter Pochon in Merganiser Too
Howard Brown in Mary Ellen
Jonathan Hopper in Francesca
Peter Evans in Federwolke
Ken Docherty in Solo
Tony Stattersfield in Contessina
Paul Turner in Lasten
Philippe Hautfenne in Libid’eau
Jean-Jacques Lassale in Grigou
Chris Cowlard in Roulette

reported from Ewen Southby-Tailyour UK

MISADVENTURES IN THE WINDVANE SELF-STEERING MARKET

Are you sitting comfortably? Here comes another unlikely – but entirely true – tale from the world of windvane self-steering. If you were still steering by hand in the 1970s (or if, indeed, you were yet to be born), you will have to take it on trust that the events I am about to recount really happened.

In 1976, ownership of Windpilot passed to me, Peter Förthmann, in exchange for a steel yawl. I lost my boat, but gained a job I loved and saw my horizons expanded beyond all measure – albeit at the price of one or two rather unpleasant experiences. Life (mine at least) has always been a magical mystery tour of shocks and surprises though, so my encounters with my fellow purveyors of vanegear fit well into the established pattern.         continue reading here please