First Sail on Lucy M

After 6 moths of repairs and renovation, Lucy Morales, the 24' ALPA 740 yacht is finally ready to sail. So Lynn and I took advantage of a quiet half-term week to take her out for a sail this morning. With a pleasant force 3 wind blowing off the shore, conditions were ideal for a first sail with flat seas and plenty of wind to drive her along. I was very impressed with the speed she achieved. Sailing like a small yacht that she is, she heeled over in the gusts, but never to an alarming degree. It will be interesting to see how she responds in bigger waves!

Dan's and Sarah's visit

It was lovely to see Dan and Sarah and their dogs, Spooky and Deefer this weekend. We took a trip out to Mattiscombe Bay to enjoy the wind and waves. We are a bit of a VW club as you can see. Dan played in the waves and Deefer dug for gold!

On the Moors again!

Lynn, Lydia and I took a trip up onto Dartmoor last Saturday where we braved the wind and rain to visit Great Mis Tor, Roos and Staple Tors. See the pic of Lydia for before and after shots!

Ten Tors

This weekend saw the 2011 Ten Tors challenge event where 2,400 teenagers walked either 35, 45 or 55 miles (depending on age) over two days camping out on Dartmoor for the night. Julia was part of the Training Ship Dartmouth team and completed the task jubilant but tired. Plucky kids!

2011 Dart Music Festival

This year saw me very busy with the Dart Music Festival. As well as the usual band concert on the Friday evening in the bandstand, I was called upon to conduct the song I had written for the children to sing - a Dart Music Festival Anthem. On top of this, the Kitchen shop in Fosse street was celebrating its 25th anniversary, so the owner, Pat, asked if I would play my accordion as part of the celebrations. Well, I don't need to be asked twice when it comes to playing the accordion, so complete with my brand new Bugari accordion, I played outside the shop to the delight of all! The serious look on my face is concentration!!!

Final Ten Tors Training session

This week Julia and her hardy compatriots took to the hills for their final Ten Tors training session, successfully completing the 35 miles over two day. Plucky lot! Selection for the team takes place next Tuesday.