Sailing alongside Paul and Skylark before engine trouble

Set back

Slight Setback

Well less than a week to go I have discovered a major engine problem which involves taking off the cylinder head - a big job. Was initially devastated but it will get sorted and I'm starting to be a bit more philosophical about the present situ. It means I'm more than likely looking at a mid-May departure. Still worse things happen at sea and the sun is shining! Stay tuned.

On board "Mermy" in a big swell off Blyth

Back on the Briney

Miller magic

A massive thank you to the gentleman below. Andy generously agreed to service and check Mermy's 18 hp Volvo Penta free of charge seeing as I'm doing this for charity. If ever you call in at Blyth and you have an engine problem - this is the dude you need to see. Swift and reliable - he'll sort it for you. Cheers Andy!

Andy Miller Magic Mechanic

Breakfast time view Ahhhhhh .....

Somali pirate forced to repair damage done by his Uzi

Gary sanding down his stubble

At the Newcastle Blackpool match - Me Dad Gary and Cindy

Hugh of the Yard

Bamboo Gary

Friday April 9th - 21 days to go

Blyth beach Friday morning

More marinas waive their fees to help me on my way.

Teignmouth Darthaven Torquay Pwllheli Mayflower - Plymouth and Craohab in Scotland have very kindly offered to waive fees.

Big bold and black and white - Wey aye man!

Finished at last!

Rope squashed into the mud on the harbour road

3 more marinas waive their fees for the cause!

Padstow Harbour, South Hams Marina in Salcombe and Salterns Marina in Poole have offered me a couple of nights free berthing on my voyage. Very grateful. Thank you!

Ridiculous spring weather

All scraped and ready to be anti-fouled.

So cold the tea cosy came off the pot - that's better!

Oban and Aberystwyth offer their support.

After sending out letters to marinas around the UK, Oban and Aberystwyth have very kindly agreed to waive berthing fees for a couple of nights. Thanks guys! Extremely helpful for myself and the Trust.

March 31st

Heading into Newcastle on the 308 to spend yet more money on chandlery! Just minor bits and pieces. Need to pick up a solar panel at some point. They certainly got the weather wrong today. Sitting here on the bus the sea looks very inviting. There seems to be a lot of brown silt out there - probably due to the heavy rain we've been having recently. When the weather's like it is today the trip doesn't seem as daunting. The other night I was lying in my bunk listening to the wind srceaming through the rigging of the boats around me along with the rain lashing on the cabin roof and I began thinking " Jesus Ivan are you really ready for this - maybes you're putting yourself in a position where you're going to be out of your depth." But then I tell myself, unless I'm very unlucky, I'm not going to be sailing at night in conditions like that. And then the sun comes out with a gentle breeze. Aye that's more like it.

Everytime I'm in that mind set I tell myself that that's part of the challenge - the doubt - trying to keep it at bay. Keep positive and keep chipping away at the never-ending list of jobs that need to be done. Don't doubt your ability. Money and time concerns shouldn't infringe.