10 May 2009 - I might just make it onto the water today
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Hilary's Blog - 10 May 2009
Well, after what has been a good, but frustrating week off the water it looks like I might just make it onto the water today. We've had camera crews galore, which is OK, but takes up a lot of time! The "One Show" (BBC1, 7pm) are going to do a piece (which will be great) but I know that it will take a day's training out of an already tight schedule. Anyway, I'm hoping that I might get on the water today to start training the RIB crew on boarding the Artemis ("Arty"). I know that Simon has some good ideas on how NOT to "ding" my little Artemis... I don't care what we do really, I just need to sail in a way I find hard to explain. To go off sailing is an inherently selfish act, to quote a far better sailor than most of us coud ever hope to be, but one that draws us back to the water again and again, almost regardless.
I must just apologise for a couple of typos on the homepage, one of which was simply a matter of poor research on my part. I did, of course, know that Geoff Holt had sailed aroung the Isle of Wight in his trimeran LONG before me, but I hadn't realised that Alison Gunn, a partially sighted woman from Lymington Sailability had also done it in her Challenger Trimeran. It's just one of those things that got missed when I dictated the paragraph to person A, who then dictated it to person B, who put it on the web site... so apologies to both Alison and Geoff.
It's been a good week at Hawthorn Farm, just outside Dover. Lotti has settled well into her role as chief waste disposal unit (she is a labrador after all) and alarm clock, which isn't always appreciated! Terry has been very good natured (so far :-)) about the big kiss he gets to tell him that it's time to let her out in the morning. He keeps on turning out great meals and the whole ground crew have done what is hardest - to find their roles when we are "in port".
Thanks to the Lions Clubs we have somewhere to stay in Portsmouth, which was beginning to bother me just a little. We rely on the "Lions" hugely, and it's Paul's job to communicate our needs to them. I'm ever amazed at the response we get - often there is a choice of sites, or marinas and berths. This trip simply wouldn't be possible without them. Both Paul and I are "Lions" and I know that I always feel slightly ashamed that I am able to do so little. Even attending meetings is tough as they begin just as I'm getting out of the bath, so I sit on the sofa at home and "attend" via a web link. It's not ideal, but a lot better than nothing!
The "wetties" should be back any second for a bite to eat and a break before I bully them into getting me into my boat. Simon, Toby and Huw have all done an amazing job getting everything ready.
Just a couple of "thank you's". Firstly to Bay Signs of Herne Bay, who offered to put logos on the big vehicles this year, and to Musto, who have produced jackets for us at what I know is a great rate.
Well, I've got some bullying to do, so I'm off for lunch...
Chef Terry in charge of supper (how much garlic went in that one, Terry?)
Page last updated on 13 May 2009 at 01:01