Finally we managed to pack up our house in Woking and get away. After numerous trips to the tip, charity shops and neighbours, not to mention posting parcels to various friends, we have escaped. We got down to Valent on Monday 1 Aug, and then it took us a further few days to get everything stowed away in various nooks and crannies. Valent is now well stocked, and on Thursday we finally set sail – only not for the Canaries and our trip.
Unfortunately it has become apparent that Valent needs to have a couple more items addressed, 1 of which is potentially a safety critical item. In order to get this work done we will need to return to Southampton around 9 Sep and Valent will get 2 weeks of focussed attention from Andy Willett and his team. The main item is possible stress fractures in the bolts securing the foredeck plate. These are responsible for keeping the forestay attached to the front of the boat, and ultimately for stopping the mast from falling into the sea. The second item is some delamination in the upper deck – not safety critical, but good to address now before it leads to water ingress (particularly as it is above our bed).
So, instead of a leisurely trip across Biscay, down the Spanish coast and across to The Canaries, we are having a 5 week South Coast/Channel Island cruise before returning to Southampton. On completion of the work we will be ready to depart pronto around the end of Sep. This will make for a rapid trip across to warmer climes, with the aim to arrive in The Canaries by 24/25 October.
In the meantime, we are enjoying this wonderful summer and have so far spent an uncomfortable night in Worbarrow Bay (near Portland), a very pleasant few days in Salcombe and are currently in Plymouth, departing tomorrow, Wed 10 Aug. Our plan is to keep going West and aim for the Helford River/Falmouth and possible The Scilly Isles.
In the meantime I keep fixing the little things – the outhaul block split, the galley pipework sprang a leak and we needed a catch enhancing so we can lock the cooker in place.
For those interested in knowing where we are at any time, please take a look at the new page added, “How to follow us at sea”.
Oh Will thanks God you found out of it now and not in the middle of the ocean and the same time all of you can enjoy the lovely weather we are having here. I hope the Valent can have the repairs needed soon to have a safe trip around the world! Looking forward for the good news.
Thanks Egle.
There’s nothing like a last minute drama but now’s the time to find these things (and keep you on your toes)! At least the weather is lovely for you here at the moment so enjoy, and it will all work out. We’re looking forward to your updates from around the world xx
Thanks Shirley
Sorry to hear this Will, but very glad you’ve found it now. You’ll have a great time this summer around the south coast and Channel Islands 😃
Thanks Sarah.
I am surprised and somewhat disappointed that you are having potentially serious structural issues with an Oyster. Was she Ill used in the past?
It would appear on close examination that Valent had a collision in the bow area in the historic past. As we have no knowledge of this we cannot ascertain the exact circumstances or the nature of the repair. Hence erring on the side of caution and need to check the bolts/plate for stress fractures. The deck delamination is one of those things and annoying. Probably caused by the davits.
Thanks Will. We are watching your progress and wish you and your family well. One day we too will have an Oyster 55 😃
Thanks for the update! You will get there soon and it will be amazing. Look forward to the next chapter x
Hopefully!!
Best laid plans and all that, but glad it’s happening now rather than the other side of the world, sounds like you’re all keeping your spirits up and having a lovely time in the channel.
Love to all
Paul
Thanks Paul.
Wow!! Sophie looks like Suzy in that pic!
Safety first my friends.
Let us know if we can help when you’re in Soton? Can always take our caravan to a local campsite for you all… Bit like a boat only no lee cloths.
Thanks Katie. Made me giggle.
Safety first as always. This is really going to make the actual departure so much more worthwhile!!
Hope so Chatan.