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Swagmans Sailing Blog

Swagmans Sailing Blog


Come on in and say hello via a 'comment'. We've cruised our Hanse 46' sailboat from UK to Egypt to the Caribbean mainly two handed from 2004 to 2008 - and enjoyed every minute. We are back temporarily in the UK - but sunshine beckons us again for next summer.

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28th May 2005 - The Fleet is Gathering

Posted at 8:10 AM, Saturday, May 28, 2005

We arrived in Plymouth on the 26th after stopping over one night on a mooring up at Salcomb just so I could watch the Champions League soccer at the local pub!  I skipped off the yacht once we'd found a mooring byuoy in double quick time and left Sue and Robbie to enjoy sundowners in a stunning location.  

 

Rolled back in after Liverpools win (great result and some new friendship established with locals) at 2300.  Found the boat in darkeness.  Both girls were snoring gently and two red wine bottles rolled in the sink.

 

Sailed against the flooding spring tide at 0900 into a light fog.  Gave us a chance to try out our automated foghorn en-route to Plymouth 17 miles west.  Works well.

 

We've had a big electric horn connected to the radio and its fixed under the anchor locker lid.  It certainly makes it easy as we only switch it to automatic use and it does the job.  With the noise it makes, other boats must think we are a huge vessel. 

 

Gerry was waiting as we pulled into Mayflower Marina at Plymouth, and Marcus and Angie arrived a day later.

 

Their arrival sparked a boozy lunch under the bimini in brilliant sun - and then out to crew briefing last night before back to Mayflowers Bistro for a paella and a few more cleansing ales.

 

Gerry and Angie both feeling a tad seedy this morning as we arose to F4 SW'ies from an overcast sky with spots of driven rain.  Spent the day in city buying fresh veggies etc, have the skippers briefing and formal farewell party later tonight.

 

Weathers looking highly variable but probaly not the steady N'lies as previously forecasted.

 

Buggeration.

 

Have said our hello's to a lot of fellow participants last night and they seem a good mob.  I am sure new friendships along with some competition will develop over the course of the rally.  We have yet to be allocated our handicaps but once we have I will advise on those yachts we need to watch out for and maybe cover!  Oh sorry - did not mean to say that that.  Repeat after me. 

Its not a race, its a rally. 

Its a race not a rally. 

er..........

Regards

 

JOHN

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Totally Jealous

Posted by Anonymous at 1:08 PM, Wednesday, June 1, 2005

Hi John, Sue and Robbie
Glad to see treck is going well. And that the traditional beverages are still flowing. The photo of the boat (from a previous log) is amazing, a tad different to Diva.
Look forward to following the race when I can.
Cheers
Helen Purves
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Refuelling at sea "H.M.S.Oil Tanker Swagman"

Posted by Anonymous at 1:18 PM, Friday, June 3, 2005

Now you know why "Swagmans" Stern is so bulbous, its full of fuel !! John usually
likes to use his engine often when the wind is not to his liking, having given away
his reserves at sea it is no wonder that he was`nt 1st over the line !!
Well done Guys we`re following your progress.
Stuart & Moyra (sensible motor boaters.)
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Hi Helen / Stu / Moyra

Posted by swagman at 7:32 AM, Tuesday, June 7, 2005

Hi Guys,
Great to get your good wishes.
It's early Tuesday and we're parked up in Povoa for the next two days with trips planned up country etc.
We're trying real hard not to go to bed pissed but sadly failed every night so far - tough stuff but of course - someone has to do it.......
Weathers hot - lots of sun - great company - so far so good.
Love and Kisses
John and Sue
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