The Moment of Departure is Nigh!

Last minute preparations underway, provisions are going to be loaded, one last check of systems, a few pre-runs and loading of some more gear and we are away on the next high tide, with a 4 pm departure. Look forward to seeing everyone there (Fleetwood) to see us off, Next Stop Ireland!

Aussie and Canadian Flag compete with the Flying Fish of Freedom!

Huzar.... Captain and Navigator's Flags fly high, and with support from friends and family near and far, Freebooters journey soon to begin. 3 more days to Estimated Departure date, all systems go, last minute systems and components being put in place. 

Aussie Flag Flying high!

Freedom awaits... finally progress and boat almost ready for the sea! Navigator aboard final preparations being put into place.

Murphy's Law

That inevitable Irish law which always applies at times of great need. The indefatigable fourth law of thermodynamics" as described by Anne Roe, which clearly states: "If anything can go wrong, it will".
Now not one to break laws, of course, I found myself drawn into the unique ponderies of an unassailable topic. In any case, despite check and re-checks, just on the day of need, a key system goes down, which is subsequently followed by an example of bureaucracy gone mad. 
Ok so none of us can avoid the bureaucracy, but does anybody have an antithesis to Murphy's law? An anti-disaster Talisman? An "if anything will go in your favour... it will!" I'm happy to consider all proposals, from kissing the blarney stone to a Faustian bargain.

Relaunch on Friday

Finally after a week of toil and trouble, Freebooter gets relaunched on Friday morning, with a fresh coat of paint, anodes, seacocks and a running gear check. Fingers crossed all goes well on relaunch, I'm thinking a small champagne event, maybe a Spanish Cava! In any case stage 3 of the Freebooter oceanic overhaul will initiate, covering rigging, mast, electronics and sails. The departure date looms closer daily!

Back in the British Isles

After a short journey, finally back on the British Isles. A bit of a homecoming, its been nice to see family and friends, many of the latter of whom I have still to meet (so apologies to all my old friends that I have yet to meet, you are on the list). 

Meanwhile its back to boating and being reunited with my the infamous Freebooter. After being on the hard and moth balled for what feels like forever, I am back aboard tacking inventory,  clearing, and cleaning the boat from top to bottom. I've a busy weekend planned ahead, although its not really about planning. At this stage its more about action, and its a great feeling seeing things come into place.

Still at refrigerator temperatures outside (2-6 degrees Celsius)  which makes working outside (ie swabbing the decks) an interesting (if not freezing) proposition, despite the unseasonably sunny weather. In essence, I am a happy man as long as the rain holds off for a little longer, warmer weather would be a nice little bonus, but not imperative. Timetables have to be met and work to be done, so its full steam ahead.

In the Land of Leprechauns

After a dire overnight-er on the flea-bitten express, I've been surprisingly greeted by a fresh yet very sunny Irish Spring day. Met some interesting people, outrageous characters and colourful language, after only being here for 3 hours. That said I'm at a port!
I take it as a great omen for the adventures yet to come, the luck of the Irish must be upon me...