Updates

MW though the companionway (where its warm)

We've just updated some of the other pages on this site, notably the "about Shoestring" pages
with a bit more information and some technical details about the Folkboat design. You can read this page by clicking "about Shoestring" from the menu on the right.

As free as the wind?

I was reading an article at Cruising on the Thames about the costs associated with owning an inland water-ways boat. Its interesting to compare this to our own costs for a 'coastal' boat.

Below is approximately what we currently spend a year (quite literally a shoestring budget)

For our 27(ish) ft Folkboat:

£1440 Mooring costs (8 meters)
£115 Insurance (Third party only)
£500 Servicing and repairs budget
£150 Fuel (for inboard diesel)
£1000 One off equipment (GPS, new sail, etc.)
£250 Lift out/in and anti-fouling

Total annual budget: £3,455

There are of course other costs, petrol to and from Neyland, visiting dues if we stay in another marina for harbour while cruising, books, pilot guides and charts, food and drink, clothing and other smaller costs that are hard to account for.

On the whole the largest dent in our shoestring budget is the marina, yes we could move somewhere cheaper or switch to a swing mooring somewhere, but we are simply happier to swallow the extra expense for what we get in return. (Hot showers and friendly neighbors.)

This will give us, minus petrol costs for the car (around £80 return from London to Neyland and back), a good years worth of sailing, with an average of 4-5 days each month spent with our little yacht and the odd 1 or 2 week cruise.

As we really see this as 'holiday' or enjoyment time, that £3,455 per year to keep her starts to make a lot of sense, its cheaper than the equivalent in weekends away.

But what does money matter, having a yacht like Shoestring is not a fashion statement or status symbol, its a feeling that you could sail anywhere, a sense of freedom and fun.

I would also mention the last look over your shoulder and "I love my yacht" feeling, but that would just be too smug.

Drinks cabinet: Gosling's Black Seal Rum

As the Monty Python line goes: "And now for something completely different".

Gosling's black Seal Rum is a 'Bermuda Black Rum', which got its name from the seals that adorned its bottles after world war one.

This has perhaps the least spiced flavour of all the rums reviewed so far, but this adds to its uniqueness. I have to say it seems to be the only rum that I can drink neat, -just as a sip!

Again, we tried this with diet coke so as to allow the rum's flavour to be tasted. It has a slightly camaralised taste which comes through with both the taste and aftertaste. It does seem to have a heavier feel, as opposed to say another favorite, Havana Club, and indeed its colour is also darker.

This was the first Goslings drink we tried, and looking at their website, they also offer a Gold Rum and an Old Rum. The Gold Rum is moving on to the 'must test' list, and if it is anything as good as Black Seal, then I'll be recommending that too!

I'm going to have to watch these 'Drinks Cabinet Reviews' as a number of people who are looking at this sailing blog keep commenting to me: "All your sailing involves booze at the moment." -Is this a bad thing? (After a days sail, once we eventually get the weather!) I'll be looking forward to a rum, gin or port (or two) at anchor.

Rating: 9/10 Price: £14.99 70cl
Available from Sainsburys at £14.99
www.goslingsrum.com

Sea Fair 2008 at Milford Haven

18-22nd June 2008
Shoestring has been invited to attend the Sea Fair 2008 at Milford Haven. Sadly 'MW' is working at the Royal Opera House that weekend, (His day-job) so I'm calling on Terry, to act as first mate and we're taking Jayne and Shaun along as crew. I'll post more about our preparation for the event, and also reviews and photographs during the event nearer the time.

Preparations have started already with a full set of 'dress colours' for the yacht ordered.

For more information:
SeaFair 2008 official website
Pages from this site about the Sea Fair

(image courtesy of SeaFair organisers.)

Re-painting the canvas dodgers

Lettering before and after

Outside of sailing, my background trainning is actually in Design and Typography. -The study of letterforms. So from day one i've wanted to give Shoestring's name a good sorting. Feeling that the irish script was not one I would choose, but appropriate for the 'look' of a folkboat I decided to stick with it, and in true shoestring fashion, re-cycle them.

They were originally acrylic screen paint painted onto canvas, as shown, I believe the name was added afterwards to the dodgers. The problem with screen acrylic is that in direct sunlight, rain and ample soakings of seawater the acrylic will crack and water will get between these cracks peeling it from the canvas backing.

Old, faded and cracked paint.

So to replace the paint work I'm using a fabric paint, the type you might use for homemade t-shirts: Textil Plus, more details on this below.

The dodgers were originally held in place with plastic cable ties, and this is how I'll put them up afterwards, its quick and long lasting. After we took them off Shoestring, (and drove the 270 miles home) I placed them in the washing machine on a 30C rinse and spin. As the idea is not to wash off the existing acrylic but rather to rinse off salt, no detergents were added. I then let these dry off overnight giving them a gentle brushing in the morning to remove any loose acrylic specks.

Then it is simply a very time consuming, but rewarding careful freehand (or with masking tape if your feeling less brave) tracing around of the outlines of the letters. This is where a flat brush comes in handy, as you can use its shape to fit around corners and letters with less accuracy. The flexible nature and high 'glue' content of the fabric paint means that you can paint-over both canvas and the old acrylic, sealing it inside.

Once the fabric paint is dry, I found a few areas needed an extra coat of paint and touch-ups so this was done. Then leave over night again for it all to fully dry.

When dried and looking how you want it, use an old bedsheet and an ironing board, set the iron to about 2/3rd of its highest setting and then give the back of the dodgers a good iron. Don't iron the side with any paint on, but give the back of that area an extra going over. The heat from the iron evaporates any water left in the paints mixture, it also melts the paint slightly into the canvas.

Port and starboard dodgers, one nearly finished.

All done and ready to re-attach. I've got to wait a few weeks drive back down to Shoestring, so i'll be folding them carefully between the old bedsheet so no brass eyelets in the canvas or creases rub across the new paint.

There is of course one or two areas where I've slipped and put a small smudge or a wobbly line, but thats part of the charm, lovely handmade wooden yacht: hand-painted signage. For around £30 I could have the lot done in computer-cut vynil and it would look perfect, but I always think its the little imperfections in things that show a crafted item. (know one else will notice anyway.)

Materials used:
Size 6 flat rexel brush - £2.99 for a set of 6 sizes
Small 15ml jar of Textil Plus in white (link) - £3.99
Water
Clean cloth
Old bed sheet
Cable ties - 99p
(masking tape optional)
Iron

Textil colours
The Textil range of fabric paints was chosen for three reasons, 1) ease of application, 2) flexibility when dry, and 3) Its water-resistant qualities.

It is also available in the shades below, 070 White was used on our navy canvas dodgers, and in one good application and 'touch-up' overcoat the white become solid. -As there is more space I might add "www.yachtshoestring.co.uk" in a smaller type-size underneath in a different colour, but that can wait a while.


I'll post updates and photos to show the durability of textile paints when being exposed to 'sailing conditions' and salt water, hopefully all good news. Please do let us know if this has helped you at all by commenting below.

The drinks cabinet

Just a quick photo of our now famous, but rather small, drinks cabinet and a preview of some more reviews to come.

Also coming soon, over the last weekend I removed the dodgers, (the canvas panels strapped on either side of the cockpit to keep some of the wind and spray off), not only to give them a quick freshwater wash, but also to re-paint one of the most important parts of the yacht, her name! They had got rather cracked and faded since it was first added to the canvas panels in what appears to be screen printing acrylic.

I'll be posting a full, re-painting and restoration article soon with 'how-to' details.

Neyland Yacht haven on a clear march night

A lovely moonlit (but cold) night in our home birth at Neyland Marina on the Westfield Pill. and below in day light. -Both at low-tide

Cold and wet, but a lot of fun.

Well, still too windy (force 6-7) to take her out for a sail, but this weekend Shoestring was host to my mum, Jayne, and my baby brother, Shaun. We arrived at 11pm Thursday night after one of the worst drives to Wales i've ever done. -We left at 4pm, and spent 2 hours in traffic on the M25.

Shaun loved being in the cockpit and 'upstairs' on deck

He also found a friend. -Who kept coming over to say hello!

Friday we walked over the Cleddau bridge into Pembroke Dock, did some shopping and returned to Shoestring. We bought some filler and sealant from Mrs Hayne's chandlery to attempt to sort some of the leaks in the roof. With temperatures not much above 3C we soon got too cold to continue, but some good progress was made. I also took the opportunity to try and do some slight alterations to her rigging, mostly around the sheets to the headsails.

Shaun, excited as ever to be on a 'Boat' at last, confused completely by what a 'yacht' is, has claimed the forepeak cabin as his 'den', allowing mummy to sleep there if she has to. We spent Friday night being blown around as a good force 7 wind from the north hit.

Saturday morning with snow fluttering around and Shaun finding it hard to keep warm, still no complaints though, we went for a coffee in the Brunel Chandlery Café then packed the car for home.

Actually sailing ?

I'm getting restless. Its nearly the end of March and the weather is still yet to become "properly spring". We're taking my Mum and 5 year old brother, Shaun, with us to Neyland tomorrow, we'll hoping that Sunday the weather will be there to take Shoestring out for a sail... yes really with sails up and everything!

We will be back on Monday/Tuesday next week so i'll make sure that photos go up this time, no doubt with a few more stories of our adventures.

You may also notice i've added a few more links in the side bar to other sailor's websites and blogs, naturally with a Folkboat slant, but ones I think are entertaining and interesting to read. If you have time please do check them out.

Review: Decathlon 'Sports' deck shoes

Getting comfortable shoes is a challenge these days, (middle-aged pipe smoking moment) and getting ones that you can wear while soaking wet, trying to walk at odd angles and climb over teak fittings, bits of seaweed, running water, all the while ropes and sheets are trying to trip you up at every moment.

So while looking around for some new deck shoes recently I found these in Deacthlon, priced at £24.99 they seemed like good value, and they are. While durability is still being tested they are comfortable dry out quick and provide lots of grip on Shoestring's wooden decks.

While colour options (and even sizes) maybe limited this range of deckshoes using modern materials and 'odour-free' designs seem to be good value. One word of note with all Decathlon / Triboard clothing is check sizes before you buy, sometimes they do come up a little odd.

Available from Decathlon Priced at £24.99 -Decathlon stores vary in their stock (and sometimes their prices) so be sure to call in advance.

A few site updates

We've just tweaked the site a little, hopefully improving the layout and making it easier for you to find your way around and read all about our adventures and reviews. Just added a new image for you, not sure if I've posted this one before, it's Milford-Haven Lock again, from the 'first adventure'.

Please do email or comment with any problems or comments on the new layout.

Drinks cabinet: Captain Morgans Rum

Another Rum I hear you cry, don't worry I'm still getting around to Gin, Port and Whiskey reviews...

Captain Morgan's rum is a another spiced rum, with a slightly lighter flavour than its competitors. -I don't count previously reviewed Sailor Jerry's among this group as Sailor's is really a different breed.

Cap'n M's is a nice drink enjoyed with Coke, had neat you may find it 'goes to your head' a little to quick. This rum has a slightly more 'spiced/fruit' flavour than say Havana Club Rum, which we'll review soon too. It can taste a little plasticy when mixed with 'full' coke, but with Diet coke the rum's own flavour come through stronger, enhancing the drink.

It has to be said that with Cap'n M's you know what you are getting, a good solid 'rum' flavour that is consistent between bottles, and widely available from almost anywhere. A good staple drinks cabinet rum, which hits the spot when needed.

Rating: 7/10 Price: £11.99 to £12.99
Available from: Almost everywhere
www.captainmorgan.com

The calm before the storm.

Sunday:
Sunday was lovely! We got up early, checked the mooring lines -a new hobby of mine I think...

We headed over to the Brunel Café at the marina for a latté and to seek the advice of Mrs Haynes at the chandlery, (she really does know everything about yachts), on how best to go about patching up Shoestring's scratch in the woodwork. She helped us out as ever recommending various vanishes and techniques. -£40 odd pound later we left with all we needed.

We spent the afternoon working on Shoestring, after a quick trip to Haverfordwest to get some sandpaper and shopping. The car smelt awful as we realised a container of Paraffin had leaked all over the boot!

We headed back tot he Marina, and spent a sunny afternoon re-varnishing the woodwork, while MW cleaned and polished the windows and sprayhood. - I'll post a full review of the varnishes and cleaners used soon.

After all this work, and numerous mugs of tea, we went for a walk enjoying the warm weather along the Brunel cycle route, (NCN 4). The route follows along the Westfield Pill, a former creek used for ship building, and the terminus of the long closed Great Western Railway.

We saw Otters and what we think was a Bull frog, together with many ducks, swans, and a whole variety of bird life.

We walked back deciding that we'll treat ourselves to a roast dinner at the 'Bar Restaurant' at the Marina. - Very very good food, at extremely good prices: £19.50 for 2 roast beef dinners, mountains of vegetables and 2 pints of ale.

We then headed back to Shoestring to settle down...

8pm, the barometer dropped of the scale beyond 'storm'
8.15pm, the rain and wind hit...

Shoestring shook and rolled trying to drag the pontoon with her. But all held safely. As the wind got up, boats around us also rolled and shook in the force 9-10 winds. We looked out the windows as all around us the waters swelled and swept past. -We were also on spring tide, so the Spring high-tide hit the storm tide creating one hell of a current under her. -Stern onto the wind Shoestring wanted to roll around.

Despite the wind and rolling we were quite happy, that is until the dripping started. The roof started to leak, in 8 places. Unable to stay dry inside the cabin, and the bilge pump clicking on, our sleeping bags were soaked from water dripping above the bunks. We took the decision to sleep in the car, packing our waterproofs and basics for the trip across the pontoons.

We packed bits into the car, then decided to go for a walk in the exciting storm, seeing other poor yachts in the marina side onto the wind being blown around and up against the pontoons.

We headed back to the car, deciding to move it slightly away from the waters edge and slept.

Monday morning:
We woke looking at still Force 7-8 winds, and a very high tide. -We actually had to step over around 2 foot of tide and then walk UP to the pontoons. Bits of wreckage from boats and rubbish were dotted about. Shoestring remained safely on her morning waiting for us, we wiped down the interior and gave her a quick clean.

We both had to be at work tomorrow, so we packed up and headed home, despite the dreadful weather and the leaks we had a great weekend.

I'm still worried about the bilge pump packing up and her sinking from a leak in the cabin.... Oh well, just need to have faith.

Shoestring at home

Shoestring all safely tied up in her new home at Neyland.

Book review: Sailing around the world alone by Joshua Slocum

In my view this is the definitive "sailing adventure book". I love this book and have read it over many times, enjoying the sense of humor and honesty of the author.

From leaving pin-tacks on deck pointed up right to 'warn' of barefooted intruders at night off South America through to hallucinations and ghosts of sailors that helped him through a storm.

It is refreshing to anyone, experienced or not, that even the greats make mistakes. He is very honest and open in his writing style, capturing that sense of adventure that any 'around the world voyage' will inspire up.


His talk of his Yacht; The Spray is very interesting as he looks at her both as Skipper and builder, taking pride in her handling and usefulness.

For anyone sailing on a "Shoestring" this story is very relevant, as the book continues you realise that the really was sailing on a shoestring budget, trading and cargo carrying around the world as his voyage continued.

A throughly recommended adventure story. My copy, again a second hand edition, includes his previous adventure: The last voyage of the Liberdade, 1890, is also a great story. New editons, without the supporting story are available on Amazon, but try to get a good secon-hand copy with the additional story for anywhere between £1 to £5 from bookshops.

A spare day in Pembrokeshire

Saturday:
Saturday morning we slept in, MW got the Taylors paraffin cooker going to make tea, while we had cereal.

We used the showers and decided what to do for the day. We ended up deciding to retrieve the car from Milford Haven, and also get a coffee from the chandlery at Neyland. -We also stopped off to say hello to Mrs Haynes at the chandlers, who was very pleased to hear we had arrived to Neyland successfully.

We got advice from the café regarding busses to Milford Haven and set off into the town. Although there are no cash-points in Neyland you can get cash-back from the Co-Operative mini-market.

The bus to Milford Haven runs hourly, and was very reasonable at £1.50 per person. We arrived after a senic and enjoyable bus ride to collect the car.

We spent the rest of the day exploring nearby Pembroke Dock. -A town on the opposite side of the Cleddau to Neyland, but as large as Milford Haven. We prefer it as it has many more useful shops.

I spent the remainder of the day testing and adjusting the lazy jacks on the mainsail, and fixing a broken halyard.

In the evening MW made homemade beef burgers with vegetables with Welsh cakes for desert.

With still no sign of the wind or rain we had a slow evening spent onboard reading and listening to the radio.

Milford Haven to Neyland under engine.

Friday:
We arrived mid-afternoon on Friday, with warnings of gales and storms on the way over the radio. We found around 6" of water in her bilge over the week, which was solved by switching on the bilge pump!!!

We paid a whole £54.60 for a week's mooring at Milford Marina, then waited for the 16.09 freeflow through the lock to start. Knowing gales and bad weather were forecast we decided to stay under engine down to Neyland, -with mainsail on standby incase that failed.

We radioed into get an exit slot, eventually being granted permission at 16.30, another nightmare undocking from Milford. This time we got caught by a cross wind and scratched the side of Shoestring on the pontoon. -more on that later.

So off and through the lock, clearing it we caught for a little in a cross current rocking her quite a lot, but this all cleared as we passed by the Petrol terminals, and around past the Weir Spit buoy.

Suddenly all calm, light winds, no waves to speak of, and lovely sunset sky. We quite enjoyed the short 4 mile cruise, MW taking the helm most of the way while I checked position and pilot guide for the approaches to Neyland Marina.

We were very tempted to cruise on further -maybe even sail in the wonderful weather, but after the radio warnings and listening to other ships talking about oncoming storms on the VHF we decided to head into Shoestrings new home.

Instantly we felt happier, no locks, no tankers or commercial vessels, just a few tight maneuvers around the bend, and waiting for a motorcrusier to dock ahead of us.

We found our mooring, tied up and MW put the Taylors Cooker on. -He's had fun with that this weekend.

We settled down, explored the new marina and had a drink (or two). Feeling quite happy with our first 'proper' cruise.

Sadly although I brought the camera, the battery was dead. Sorry!

Drinks cabinet: Sailor Jerry Rum

On board Shoestring we make it our effort to keep a well stocked drinks cabinet for unexpected vistors, end of a days sail or simply to have a "I NEED A DRINK" moment. -We all have them.

So starting the series we have Sailor Jerry Rum. A blend of Caribbean spiced rum with vanilla and lime. Unlike other strong rum, this goes down very smooth.

Apparently Sailor Jerry Collins 1911-79 was apparently the most famous tattoo artist of all time. He was the first to go to Japan to learn the sacred art of tattooing back in the 20s. He set up shop in Honolulu in the 30s decorating sailors with his distinctive designs.

Sailor Jerry rum is based upon Sailor Jerry's own personal recipe he used to serve his customers.

TM's mum introduced us to this one and it was well received, earning itself a place in Shoestring's cabinet. A nice drink either neat or with Coke, however we recommend mixing it with Diet Coke, fresh Lime Juice, and ice. -no lime slice or it may get too 'fruity'. Now i've wrote this review, I need to buy a bottle.


Rating: 9/10 Price: £14.99 to £19.99
Available from: Ocado, Waitrose or local off-licenses.
www.sailorjerryrum.com

Just got back

We had a great weekend!   - Shoestring's now birthed at Neyland Marina!

Sadly we had to sleep in the car last night though because of The STORMS oh well.  I'll blog a proper summary later.

The cooker and the toilet

Our Taylors 029 cooker did start off as a total nightmare but only because we were doing it all wrong!

Find the saftey cut off valve for the paraffin and open it.

Under the burner (where the gas comes out) there is a little dish where you put some meths, ours has a little soak pad type thing but yours might be different.

Don't be stingy with the meths! It needs to burn for a while for it to heat up the paraffin and turn it to gas. We found this out the hard way.

Once your ample amount of meths has burnt out, turn the cooker knob and gas should come out, if it does you can light it with a lighter. If there is no gas its not hot enough. Alternatively you can also turn the knob just before the meths is just about to die and this should light the gas. Do not turn it on too soon as the meths goes mad and you get a huge flame.

This should now be burning with a nice blue flame that can be controlled with the knob.

When you have finished with the cooker, first turn of the safety valve and let the gas burn until its all gone, then turn off the cooker knob.

I managed to make chilli, steak and veg and a cooked breakfast. It also heated the boat up lovely with just the one burner on.

The toilet was a lot less complicated. Firstly, remember to open both of the toilet sea cocks. Once you have done your business close the lid and push it so it forms a seal. Then pump fully 10 strokes, wait 5 seconds and then do another 5. Lift the lid and if there is any water left pump until it is all gone.

Off again tonight

We're off to Pembrokeshire tonight to stay on-board and hopefully move her to Neyland Marina tomorrow morning (6am high-tide!)

So while were away here's some photos of our lovely folkboat for you to look at.

It doesn't come out too well, but the clock is engraved with 'Shoestring'


MW asks for more tea.


The (nearly finished) refit on the navigation area. -New chartplotter installed, I've retained the older Apello GPS as a back-up. We're going to put a folding chart-table in over and under this soon.
We also had a couple of visitors stop by in the Marina to say hello.
And this was while stuck in the lock for 6 hours before the now famous pirouette.

I'm taking the camera again this weekend so i'll make sure we photograph and further adventures. (and give a report of the journey from Milford Haven to Neyland.

Book review: Voyaging on a small income, by Ann Hill

This has to be one of the best books on yachts I've ever read. Actually no, not just on yachts or sailing but something more interesting. Adventure!


The book, although at a glance slightly wordy, is very well thought through, with practical advice, (we got our Taylors Paraffin cooker going after read their cooking session). This great book covers everything from, designing and building a yacht from scratch through to useful advice on anchoring, sailing, rigging and simply surviving a day to day life of adventure.

I'd happily recomend this book to anyone, we have a copy for home and to keep onboard shoestring. It is available from Amazon.com / .co.uk but also often from many secondhand book sellers. My first copy came from Any Amount of Books, in Charring Cross road London, and cost a whole £1.50.

A new copy currently costs £9.86 on Amazon.co.uk (click here for link)

The first weekend. Featuring a pirouette in Milford lock.

After arriving late Friday night we set loaded ourselves up and walked along the pontoons at Milford Marina to Shoestring.

Our next course of action was to get the stove on, both to heat the cabin and to make a cup of tea. Packed (or stowed) eveything and then set the front bunks up for sleeping.

Saturday morning we spent going over the yacht, checking systems, equipment and all the other associated parts that make us move, stop, turn, or simply stay still.

We checked in at the Marina to sort our mooring out for the week, then decided to test the freeflow through the port's lock to head out.

Checked over once more, hanked on the headsail, uncovered the main, made ready all sheet lines and equipment. Engines on.

We radioed out for permission to depart. Granted quickly by the Pierhead control. Then had the fun of un-docking. -Shoestring, does not like reversing under engine at all!!!

Then after rounding the marina (and missing another boat moored up opposite), we headed out through the lock.

We didn't expect the tide and current to be quite so against each other, and we had a lot of fun side onto both and being thrown around.

Wind picked up quickly, and with both an unfamiliar yacht, a 'rusty' skipper, and beginner crew, I decided to head back to port after 1/2 hour. -Also a jammed mainsail.

Radioed in for permission to re-enter the lock. Granted after a tug left, so we proceeded.

Upon entering we were told there would be a 1 and a half hour wait for the next lock, no problem.

Halfway through sluicing the lock the jammed and we were stuck there until the next freeflow at 10.30ish that night.

Moored up in the lock we spoke to the Skipper of a Dive charter moored up behind us, who seemed to like the look of the old girl. (shoestring).

After a trip to Tesco, involving a climb up a very precarious ladder from the lock pontoon, and the trip back down we made dinner, and waited until the lock opening.

At last after the an out going tug, we made ready to enter the Marina. Got permission, then left, almost... Classic schoolboy error... We let off the bow mooring line, into the wind before the stern.

A pirouette performed in lock under wind and power followed, without incident, then we headed in for a thankfully uneventful mooring on our birth.

The following day we spent sorting and servicing. We drove to Neyland Yacht Haven in the morning to use the Brunel chandlery, we met Mrs Haynes there, who was both very helpful (showing us which deck cleaners to use, and advising on charts), then we used the lovely café there for a coffee and cake.

We then drove off to Haverfordwest, for the nearest DIY store to buy more paraffin and other equipment. When we returned I fitted our new Standard Horizon Chartplotter, while MW gave her a good clean and scrub down.

We spent sunday night relaxing onboard after quite a busy day, MW cooked us Steak and vegetables on the Taylors cooker, (I believe he is going to post full instructions on this soon.), and we laid down to read and rest as a small gale blew up outside pounding the deck with rain, but stopping quickly.

Monday morning we secured all the sea cocks, isolated the battery supply, and then got ready for the journey home to London. One nice surprise was that the amazing team at BoatShed Wales, had managed (with a bit of wrangling), to get us a birth at Neyland Yacht Haven. We simply need to move her there this week.