We’re off..!

...Or at least I am. For 4 of the LTs an obsession with musicals meant a long-standing commitment to see Matilda took priority, meaning I have flown out to Greece by myself. I’ve been tasked with getting the boat ready, launched and up to Corfu for Genevieve and the girls arrival 6 days later, post their theatre trip. So finally, after a week and a bit packing for the boat, packing up the house, selling the car, and completing seemingly endless bits of admin, last Tuesday I caught the train to Gatwick, spent the night sleeping on the floor of the departure lounge, and departed to Preveza early on a cold, Wednesday morning.

2 days in a mozzie infested, dusty boatyard and Pacific Pearl is launched, and yesterday we (PP and I) started our adventure with a gentle 20 mile trip towards Corfu, from Preveza to 2 Rock Bay, a quiet, secluded and beautiful anchorage. So far, no major problems, although I can’t yet see a day when I won’t be delving into my tool kit or searching YouTube for some “how-to” guidance - pretty much the first and last place for clueless amateurs like myself.

It feels a little weird sailing on my own, not least stopping at such a beautiful place as 2 Rock Bay. Swimming in warm, crystal clear water will always be amazing, but only holds so much joy when there’s no-one to do it with. Still, a good opportunity for some free-diving practise, although to be honest, that‘s a grand description for what is at the moment basically a bit of snorkelling - watch this space on how I progress. I’ve also managed to read my first book since last August - a bit of Patrick O’Brian to get me in the nautical mood, although a journey to the Southern ocean, a collision with an iceberg, and getting stranded somewhere named Desolation Island is some way from how I hope the next few months will pan out.

Today I've been trying to work out how the watermaker works (I think I'm there but haven't built up the confidence to turn it on yet!), sorting more admin out, and enjoying a bit of peace and quiet before the girls join.

Tomorrow I’m onto Corfu where we’ll finally be all on board and the adventure really starts. Can’t wait..