Sea trials today

Today, I and a friend of mine Andy sailed a gentle 10 NM passage from Shotley to Ipswich lock for lunch and then back. More accurately we motor sailed as there was very little wind, but the aim was to give Alexandria a work out and establish that all systems, sails, engines, hardware etc were working properly after recent servicing. I am pleased to report that they are! 

We had a great day, blessed with sunshine, gentle wind and good company on one of the first warm days of the year. The river Orwell is a pretty river and I felt very pleased to be sailing on it, notwithstanding the incoming 'phone calls. 

By way of a test, our AIS trail is below. 

We leave on 16th June, a date which is creeping up quite quickly now, and for which I feel suddenly a lot more prepared. 

I am looking forward to the challenge, and let's see what the forecast brings as we get closer.