a family sailing blog
The Straits of Messina separate Italy and Sicily and they had a formidable reputation amongst Sailors of old. Greek Mythology talks of Scylla, a monster and Charybdis a whirlpool on opposing sides of the narrowest part of the Strait where only a mile separates Sicily and Italy. Boats trying to avoid Scylla would be sucked... Continue Reading →
We have had a great few days in the Aeolian Islands - a volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The highlight of which was climbing Stromboli – an active volcano that spews lava and other volcanic stuff on a regular basis. Stromboli rises 1000m straight out of the Med and It’s a tough 5 hour trip... Continue Reading →
While the rudder has taken up lots of our time, we haven’t been slacking off on other fronts. In the last two weeks we have removed our old holding tank and all its pipework from the boat. This was an awful job as the pipework was full of the previous owners foul smelling poo!! The poo... Continue Reading →
Like buying a house, when you buy a yacht you get a survey done…we had one done, but our surveyor failed to find a crack in our steering quadrant. Sounds serious? Well it is, and I’m glad we discovered it now rather than halfway across the Atlantic. Bad news, but with 2 kids on board…doesn’t... Continue Reading →
All yachties are keen on their knots and Heath and I have just finished a nice 8 strand rope to 10mm anchor chain splice, and it’s a ripper. What’s it do? Well, boats need anchors so they stay where you leave them. The anchors are attached to chain. We have 60m of chain on board.... Continue Reading →
Since the wind stopped we have had a lot going on. Anyone who has bought and fitted out a cruising yacht will know that getting to grips with a new boat takes time. To have the confidence to set off on your voyage you need to get to understand all the boats systems – so... Continue Reading →
I always seem to plan things...I think its the engineer in me looking for structure...a linear course from A to B. Heather, my wife, plans nothing. She just wades into new situations with a confidence that when things turn to custard, she will eat the custard, lick the bowl clean and go in for a second... Continue Reading →
The planning is done. Cash is raised. Our home rented out. We are almost ready to downsize our life and move the four of us onto a 42 ft yacht. The reality is quite daunting, no personal space, few creature comforts, home schooled kids, limited power and water and having to manage whatever nature throws... Continue Reading →
The Moody 425 has become somewhat of a modern classic. A Bill Dixon design that evolved from the Moody 422, it was first introduced in 1988. Like other models in Moody’s range of family cruisers, it offers spacious accommodation including a huge master bedroom in the aft of the yacht, a good size double berth... Continue Reading →
Sailors are a superstitious bunch and tales of the sea have enriched humanity for thousands of years. One of the most popular items of nautical folklore is the notion that changing the name of a boat angers the Sea Gods, cursing the boat and all who sail with her....if you are bold enough to change a... Continue Reading →
a yacht more to life 