The crossbeam is on a plane as I write - should be at the boatyard on Monday 2 Feb, the day before the rigger!  Phase one complete, fingers crossed that actually installing the thing will be less problematic.

We have spent most of the last week on the boat as it has been quite windy and we had a drama with the anchor. Both strong winds and tides in this bay mean the boat swings considerably around the anchor. At some point, the anchor chain and bridle got snarled in a huge piece of scrap metal on the sea floor. It took 4 hours and some careful manoeuvring to get free, fearful that if the anchor itself got caught we would have to hire divers to come and help. Hence our reticence to leave, while the winds are still blowing.

We have had the distraction of the International Sailing Federation World Cup here this week. All contestants are in dinghies between 12’ – 20’, with Olympic and Para-Olympic teams here. There are hundreds of them and many sail past too close for comfort. No collisions yet although the large safety motor boats that tow them in after the races are the ones that give most concern, and cause the most wake. We have been bouncing around all week too.