June 2008

June was spent with us toying with a 1995 Bowman 48 – Longbow and a Bowman 45 –Piano- complete with piano onboard! (In Antwerp for the day with Garry and Jude)

Mike went to Miami to look at a Sabre 45 and was disappointed –so back to the drawing board!

July 2008

So, whilst back in Les Mayons (to celebrate Hannah and Will’s engagement!) we heard of an immaculate 2002 Bowman 42 coming on the market in Plymouth. To avoid, literally, “missing the boat”, we offered and were accepted before even viewing her!

She’s called “Magic Frog! – Not for long! Oh yes! ---And her Hull No 007!

2 dolphins leaping around us as we left Plymouth – obviously going to be a lucky boat!

Back from France, dashed down to Plymouth, loved her, bought her, (despite not having a walk round bed and a front opening fridge!) had her surveyed , part loaded with gear we brought down in a one-way car hire – loving her despite having exploded a bottle of lemonade all over me and the galley!

Just to make Mike happy we motored most of the way to Dartmouth– no wind! 4 attempts at parking. Mike called the lady who took our money “this gentleman”, sun shone, thank goodness or it would have been very gloomy.

En route for Cowes, roused myself at 5am (Mike having done most of the night watch) trying to look helpful with a bottom lip like Al Jolson having sunburnt it the day before!

Lovely to have Pam & Brian on board with their valued advice, as always.

Pam writes: Delighted to be on board. I have confidence she will be the right both for both of you, Enjoy! You have found yourselves a fantastic boat!

Had a lovely meal out with P&B. We left them agreeing our next meeting might well be in the Carib next winter 2009- who knows!

Lovely sail to Brighton – most of the way. Brett and Sherralyn came over for dinner (M&S special deal meals !)

Then finally on to Dover!

Much hilarity in all marinas we’ve stopped in as everyone asks us to repeat the name – no one believes someone would call a boat “Magic Frog”! Bless Fan, Pete and Will who are coming over with the rest of our kit from F&P’s loft. Very muggy day- glad we’re not having to ferret around in their loft! Of course, it then pours down with rain. Anyway, all our kit eventually stowed on board in lovely Dover and we are off for a curry!