Kid before Christmas!

So just two more days until I travel the 130 miles round the M25 and down the M3 to Poole to collect the Potter - and then back again. Just collecting her is costing more than I had intended spending on putting her in the water - always the optimist. As I don't (yet) have a towbar on my car I've had to hire a suitable vehicle from a local firm that seems to specialise on such things (Rav 4 - have to "brush up" on my hairdressing terms) along with a flatbed trailer. I'll review these after the trip and put up the details of the companies - I'm sure I'm not the only one who needs this sort of service when moving 'projects'.

The trailer that comes with the boat is in need of TLC like the Potter herself - certainly new bearings and a suspension strut as well as a good rub down and some rust eating paint - but that can wait until the boat is near ready.

I've managed to persuade one of my sons to come with me as I may need some muscle during the loading and unloading process. Also managed to borrow some ropes and straps from my Dad who spent a large part of my childhood sailing Enterprises, OKs and Finns before venturing further afield with a Freedom 30 and eventually an Illusion. If you haven't seen these fantastic little yachts take a look at Dylan Winter's Blog entry at Bembridge Harbour - http://www.keepturningleft.co.uk/the-journey/illusions-at-bembridge-harbour/. They deserve to have a bigger following and are certainly a great way to learn how to race keelboats.

So fingers crossed the collection goes OK and hopefully there'll be some photos on the blog in a couple of days. I'm working on the principle of the more photos the better as they may help someone.