Welcome to the first Newsletter

 

 

18^th March 2008

 

Big news indeed…

 

 

Just one hour ago, ‘Canasta’, a stunning 42’ Grand Soleil became my new boat and a massive boost to the w2n project. Well, subject to a survey and sea-trials of course but from what I’ve seen and read, that should just be a formality. So, maybe I’m jumping the gun slightly but I’m so excited about it. It occurred to me on Friday that I had been using this particular yacht as the benchmark against which all the other potential contenders were measured. The Grand Soleil is widely regarded as a ‘performance blue-water cruiser’ and being just a little older than many of those I’d seen, the build quality is outstanding. She was built in Italy with long-distance cruising in mind and has even been slightly modified to suit shorthanded (or single-handed) sailing.

 

As many of you know, I have been tempted all along by the lure of a modern or even new production boat. The Beneteau Oceanis 40 is certainly beautiful with her lovely broad cockpit and spacious interior but she would have completely blown the budget. So many people, far more knowledgeable than me, singled out the Grand Soleil from my shortlist as their boat of choice. I had serious doubts about the suitability not just of the Beneteau but of most modern production boats and I really feel I’ve made an educated and well-advised decision.

 

The w2n project is being underwritten by a very limited budget and it is comforting indeed to know that there is still enough money to upgrade some of the navigation equipment and add a few essentials and personal touches. I can really get things moving now though and will be begging, borrowing and stealing to get her ready for my departure in about six months.

 

 

Media Coverage…

 

I bought ‘Yachting Monthly’ yesterday and was delighted to see that on page eight, they have published a news item about the w2n project. Entitled ‘Dicing with Life’, it’s just a brief introduction to the concept but having spoken to the editor, I’m told that the magazine is keen to follow the project closely. I’ve also received emails from Voiles et Voiliers in France and Yachting World both asking for photos to accompany editorial. Well, until now, I’ve had to make do with some rather generic pictures of me at the helm of various boats. Today’s developments though will be a massive boost to the project not just for morale but for publicity as I can now present the boat, the w2n branding and me as a cohesive package.

 

 

The ‘Wicor’ Man

 

Again, I might be slightly jumping the gun here but I’m fairly confident that ‘Canasta’ will be moved to Wicormarine in Fareham. I made arrangements in anticipation of today’s news and have, in principle, secured a quiet pontoon mooring that’ll be accessible on all tides. I spoke to Scott Waddington from Wicormarine yesterday and was told that the boatyard has been associated with several high-profile circumnavigations not least of which is Sir Chay Blyth’s unsuccessful attempt at the Golden Globe in 1968 aboard Dytiscus. In fact, it was Scott’s father who taught Sir Chay to sail! Besides this historical precedent, with Portsmouth just half an hour up-river, this entire area is synonymous with sailing and would be a very appropriate place from which to officially launch the w2n circumnavigation attempt.

 

 

Marathon Madness

 

Ok, so this has got nothing at all to do with the w2n project but those of you who know me, know that I try to complete the London Marathon every year. Well, this year is inevitably going to be my last for several years and once again, I’ll be raising money for the Spinal Injuries Association. This year, I’ve raised the stakes a little. Not one marathon – three – in one month! London will be first on 13^th April, the Neolithic Marathon next on 4^th May and finally, the Halstead & Essex Marathon on 11^th May. London and Halstead are both very flat road courses but the Neolithic is a challenging hilly route across Salisbury plain finishing at Stonehenge.

 

SIA is very worthy charity so please click on the ‘justgiving’ link to pledge some money today.

 

 

 

 

That’s all for now. Thanks for your interest in the w2n project and please don’t hesitate to contact me with your comments and thoughts. Please feel free to participate in the forum on the w2n website and introduce your friends to the project.

 

All my very best,

 

 

Rob

 

 www.w2n.co.uk

 

www.justgiving.com/robclark2

 

 

W2N Global Ltd.

4 Hampshire House

Tunbridge Lane

Liphook

Hampshire  GU30 7SP

UK

 

+44 (0)1428 727795