Tuesday 1 May Dover PIC leaving DoverWe did get away at 1500 Tuesday, and were off Shakespeare Cliffs in a NE wind gusting 7 (26knots or close to a gale for the uninitiated) pushing us along through a confused sea with large surfing waves behind us. Cloudless sky, bright sun, but most of us in heavy weather clothes (Nick wasn't, but he's  a hardy beast!).  Hoping to clear all the headlands overnight and reach Cowes early afternoon tomorrow.Tuesday 1 May Rye...

Monday April 30th.� DoverNearly ready! Cath and Benj spent Sunday night on the boat, but slept disppointingly badly with much rock and roll from the severely gusty wind and frapping from neighbouring boats. Monday has been a day of frantic activity, and Vega is now victualled and just about ready for the off, which is more than we are! Our families (Lucy and Rob, with grand-daughter Grace, and Melanie and Mike) and our good friend Robyn came down to th...

Hi: we're cheating a little as we haven't left home yet, but are still in Taverners, while final preparations for the trip go on. Currently Cath and Benj are on the last days of a week's babysitting with grand-daughter Grace, but managed one day off to put up the sails on Vega and have a couple of hours' 'shakedown' sail out in the bay at Dover harbour.  All systems seemed to be working well, and although there is plenty left to ...