Understandably, Ian was a bit worried about Mr X being left in harbour and the winds still being quite strong so we went back early afternoon, just in time. The storm has caught up with us finally and with rain and thunder… we spent the afternoon catching up with the late night and by late afternoon, the storm having disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, we went and explored Ajaccio for a few hours. Nice place on a sunny Sunday evening… We decided that we would come back and explore more on Monday.

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We are about to leave our favourite boat yard and it is going to be hard to go. Everyone has been so nice and helpful over the last few weeks and without the team here we would not have been ready in time.

Special thanks to Emiliano for all his supporting comments and sound advice (liked the fact that he referred to wind steering gear as a “he”, that tickled me). Francesca for her cheery assistance. Ram for keeping an eye on us after dark and not  minding that we used the shower straight after he cleaned it! As for Giuliana, who  took us shopping today, so we had a full larder for our onward voyage, that was so very kind. Not forgetting all the guys who have done work on the boat…we never got introduced properly…  grazzie mille and Ciao folks.

Heading to Corsica…

Arrived finally. We both need a bit of R&R after the last month, sunshine and downtime is helping. But we are still managing to tidy and sort the boat out between snoozettes. So we have fitted most of the security/safety stuff, and I have been busy with sewing new covers for the cockpit cushions… By hand would you believe… quite pleased with the outcome, sewing was never my strong point.

I am also dabbling, somewhat unsuccessfully so far, with fitting mosquito nets on all the hatches. I will need to persever. Trying to make a home… Filled the (limited) space with cushions much to Ian’s distress!

What a week! We should have been flying to Rome to live on the boat last Tuesday… all set and ready to go… unfortunately, Ian’s dad passed away on Friday 17th June. We are still in shock despite his health having deteriorated for the last few months. Very sad time and he will be greatly missed.

Barbara  (Ian’s mum) is coping exceptionally well and is insistent that we carry on as soon as possible with our plans… we have to vacate the house today as the new tenants are moving in tomorrow so we will be staying with her for a few days before and after the funeral and then be on our way next Wednesday.

It is all very emotional,  leaving the house, friends and family, London, Alan leaving us, and all the uncertainties of the new life waiting for us. A bit of Italian sunshine will definitely help with the healing process.

Sailing the world, sounds good doesn’t it?!
Love the concept and I am really very excited about the months/years ahead, however the practical side of making it happen is daunting. We have spent the last few months frantically preparing for the off, packing up, getting the house ready for renting (my department) whilst Ian has mainly spent his time shopping and organising the boat stuff. A bit of a role reversal in our household, shopping is my thing, but boat bits do not inspire me as much as shoes !
The date is now fixed, we will be leaving London to live on board Mr X on Tuesday 21st June.