Well, not the start we were hoping for. After seeing the forecast for winds to stay in the south it seemed the only decision to turn around and head round clockwise. A short stop in Bangor in Northern Ireland gave us a chance to make a few repairs that were needed.It is incredible to think that not even two months ago Ruffy (Rough Diamond) was not even in the water and here we are back at sea together.

The boat is fitted with a wind vane for self steering. This means that most of the time the boat steers herself and only harbour entrances need attention on the helm.

We have GPS linked to a Yoeman chart plotter which makes light work of the chart work and if the electrics fail we have a paper chart on the table with positions plotted with time and log. Some people now seem to like electronic chart plotters but for the life of me I cannot get along with them at all. Ruffy is fairly traditionally rigged with slab reefing on the main and hanked on forsails which means you do have to change sails from time to time but means you have the right sail for the right wind and the centre of effort where you need it. Every time I have been on a boat with roller reefing the thing always has a problem and the sail never set properly. With a little more effort you have a more comfortable ride. The bunks are fitted with lee cloths to keep you in them at all times although had I thought to have mentioned this to our new crew he would have had a better nights sleep. Oh well he knows now.

We do not appear to be eating as much as I thought we might and the stock of food seems entirely satisfactory although I might say something else at Cornwall.The crew as a whole are working well together and we already feel a strong team and it is great having two guys on board who can fix things very quickly. This morning the generator surge protector decided to pack up and in ten minutes we had a working generator albeit minus the surge protector so power now runs through the boat system that has it fitted anyway.Future trips need more solar energy if we could meet our little demand we could give up the generator which would please me no end.

The issue of no engine has not been an issue so far. If anything it is less stress. However the proliforation of marinas and their ever smaller entrances may well dictate in the future we have to have something even just for marinas. It is not great though that you have to spend yet more money on something you don't really want so you can get in a crowded marina and pay them rediculous amounts of money for lets face it a shower.

The crew have been very supportive of my sudden need to be on shore for one day this week which is unavoidable. I will return to the boat within 24hours and off we go again. We intend to stop in Oban for a day so heaven only knows what state they will be in by the time I get back I have certainly had my fair share of nights out there and many that are to say the least hazy.

This time at sea is so precious to me. We spend so much of our lives doing what others want us to do and paying bills that to have some time that is to follow your passion in life is the greatest thing. For me a love of the sea started at such a young age with my Grandfather putting me on oil tankers with the pilot. He himself was a captain in the merchant navy and his uncle was a captain in the last days of sail. Maybe we have come full circle!

For me the best time is night sailing with a clear sky. You really do realise how insignificant you are in the universe which is no bad thing from time to time. Things that you worry yourself sick about over time become completely irrelevant and rightly so. Maybe prior to deciding to go to war polititians should go for a night sail
and comtemplate it thoroughly.

It is enjoyable not to worry any more about the future and just concentrate on getting to the next way point as that really is all that matters, well that and feeding the crew, although Iain has now taken more to Tunnocks biscuits than my breakfast which does not say an awful lot for my cooking. Ali has now gained the boat record for the biggest sandwiches ever seen. One of them and you are full all day although he seems to be able to motor through them.

Thanks again to all for messages of encouragement and a special hello those at Blackpool Area Divers and let me say there is no better place to learn to dive than with them. Hope you are all well and take care, Keith.