It’s a record that we’re out in the river already: Good Friday, 7 April, 2023!

Thanks to the persistent reminders from Rick, ‘Dolce Vita X’, who had the idea for early season ‘sea trials’ for Tidemill Yacht Harbour friends, Steve managed to get us ready to leave the Marina in record time. Having returned from our 5,000-mile European roadtrip (visit ‘On the Road’ for the full story) on 19 March and spending a few days at home, Steve took the Freelander down to Woodbridge with the mainsail etc. to get ‘Cachalot’ ready to go.

Last Autumn, he started to fit a diesel heater, which necessitated moving the manual bilge pump and a few other modifications. During the winter, the hatch cover lived in the back bedroom to receive numerous coats of varnish. Having ensured both the heater and bilge pump were fully operational, it was time to take the winter covers off. Bev brought the campervan down to Woodbridge to join in with the dinner date at Rick and Iris’ to plan the trip. The weather and readiness of vessels determined we’d leave on Friday . . .