Zigzu's Log Book

South Coast Cruise

2011-06-13T03:14:00.000-07:00

Well sorry if you have been looking to see where we are. I have been putting our post on facebook as we have been short of wifi or signal for our dongle this trip. We are presently in Poole and excitedly awaiting Ben and Michelle on the evening train. Toilet cleaned, laundry done, floor vacummed! ..... Different subject well marina prices are double here on the south coast and the usually free services such as WiFi and electricity are charged as extras hence lack of blog. £3 an hour on the WiFi. Still as i was told "this is the south coast". I can only assume that those from the south are taking the piss out of us from north of Dover. Never mind, Poole is a lovely harbour and tomorrow we must move on. Portland or Weymouth. Not sure yet.

Bon Voyage 2011

2011-04-29T15:13:00.000-07:00

Well another year and another cruise. This time we are heading south, hopefully to Devon, Cornwall, France and the Channel Islands. But first the East Coast. We are due to embark on Monday 2nd May 2011 but North Easterlies force 4 to 6 are predicted so a back up plan of Hull with John, Anthea, Adam and his girlfriend is the way to go whilst things settle down. Hopefully I keep up the commentary all the way this time.

Pictures From Arbroath

2010-08-12T08:22:00.001-07:00

Stonehaven

2010-08-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

Pictures from Stonehaven

Water in the bilges?

2010-08-11T08:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the shortage of posts just lately. I have been either too lazy, too tired or have had no internet. This leaves me so much to catch up on so here goes, starting at Arbroath. We stayed here for a few days as it is a pleasant little town with good rail links to Dundee and Aberdeen. We visited the ship RSS Discovery that Scott of the Antartic expedition sailed in, explored Montrose but were also becoming concerned about a small but not insignificant ingress of water into our bilges. We decided to ask for a professional opinion and were lucky to find it in the Mackay Boat Building Yard in Arbroath. They shared our concern and arranged for us to be slipped on the town slipway and the leak to be investigated. They did this by filling the bilge with water and watching to see where it came out. It turned out that the seal between the stern tube and the hull had failed allowing water into the bilges. They had the rudder off, stern tube out and sorted in fairly short order and we were back in the water after only three days. The job was made difficult as the hot water tank had to be moved to access the tube. Well a very good job done by Duncan and his team who were brilliant. Thanks loads guy's.

26th July we left Arbroath and arrived in Stonehaven five hours later. The shore line is made up of beautiful cliffs and the sea full of Lobster Pot markers as we slalomed our way through. Our joy at being mobile again soon vanished however as our prop shaft came out of its retaining bracket. Oh dear, Chris quickly got a local fisherman to tow us up onto the beach within the harbour and we contacted Duncan for help. Duncan was on scene the next morning and soon had the problem sorted. The retaining bracket was tightened and a further pair of bolts put in to stop it happening again. We saw two pods of Dolphins close inshore whil'st we were there.

30th July we set off for Peterhead which took 5 hour again. On the way we saw more Dolphins sometimes really close up alongside ZIGZU. Peterhead Marina is pleasant and modern but sadly a long way from town. Ok as an overnight stop and reasonably priced.

31st July We set off for Whitehills around the notorious Rattry Head. We gave it a wide berth going 3 miles off shore to avoid the overfalls. The swell was really amazing lifting us up 20 to 30 ft into the air and then down again. The swell stayed with us until we approached Whitehills. Whitehills is a lovely small harbour with a small crew room, laundry, showers and toilets. All these are immaculately cared for by Bertie the Harbourmaster. Thanks Bertie, you have some of the best facilities on the east coast. Equal only to Wells next the sea. Whitehills also has an excellent Fish and Chips cafe called the Rock and a brilliant pub called the Seafield Hotel.

3rd August. The wind dies down a little and we are able to set out for Lossiemouth a four hour journey away. Lossiemouth is a pretty little harbour and has a large village green sort of town square. It is very noisy with jets flying overhead, practise landing and taking off. I forgot to hand in the key. Very red faced message left on the harbourmasters telephone promising to return it on our way back.

4th August. We arrive at Inverness Marina having seen more Dolphins on the way and outside the entrance to the Marina. The Marina again is very new but also very bleak surrounded by open reclaimed land and an industrial park. We went into Inverness by taxi, found a nice Italian restaurant and indulged as a sort of celebration at reaching the canal.

5th August. Entered the canal at Clachnaharry Sea Lock approx 0800h. The lock is reall well organised and staff were there ready to take our lines. We were soon through the second Clachnaharry Works lock into Muir Town Basin and tied up in Seaport Marina. The Coop Supermarket is close by so we stocked up and prepared to set off up the canal in the morning enjoying a relaxed day on the boat.

6th August. We negotiate the four locks at Muir Town followed by a further lock at Dochgarroch and swing bridge at Tomnahurich. We then entered Loch Ness and Wow, its big and its surrounded by mountains. It took 3 hours from one end to the other at Fort Augustus. Fort Augustus is very pretty with its flight of six locks. We stayed here two days deciding we didn't see the point in going up the six locks and having to come down again the next day. It was time to turn round and head for home.

8th August we head back to Seaport Marina at Inverness refueling and staying overnight before getting back into the Moray Firth on the 9th and making our way back to Lossiemouth. I missed my brother Mark all that day and couldn't get him out of my thoughts. I miss him very much, especially at that point as it was the last thing we had planned to do together. Sail the Caledonian canal. Got rivers in my eyes. God bless you.

10th August we arrive in a very wet Whitehills. The weather is set to change so we decide to stay in Whitehills until it blows over. Today is the 11th and boy has it rained so have got the blog up to date...... Yipppeeeee

More Pictures 15th July 2010

2010-07-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

RRS Discovery in Dundee.
(Scott of the Antartic)

Kris and Jenny

Eyemouth Herring Queen Festival and Other Pictures

Eyemouth and Arbroath 15th July 2010

2010-07-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

Well a while since I updated Ziggy's blogg and a lot has happened so where to begin. We seem to have slowed down in our journey up the East Coast partly choice and partly windows of opportunity in the weather. Good days for sailing when we want to stay somewhere and bad days when we are ready to move on. We are presently harbour bound in Arbroath due to fog and a Bft 6-7 south easterly wind being predicted tomorrow. This is causing a big swell of 1.5 to 2 metres. Hope to move on up the coast on Sunday/Monday. We were fortunate to be in Eyemouth for the Herring Queen Festival and took several pictures of the Herring Queen and attendants. Several of the fishing boats were decorated as were some of us yachties. Sadly we said goodbye to our friends from Belgium Kris and Jenny. They are heading for Edinburgh.

We are now in Arbroath which is nice and central on the East Coast Railway so have been to see Dundee and Montrose. We have eaten an Arbroath Smokie. Quite pleasant but lots of bones like a kipper. A catarmaran was escorted into the dock last night having caught its propeller in one of the lobster pot markers in the fog. Several markers are sadly on the leading line into Arbroath which seems rather irresponsible but perhaps there is a reason. I dont know.

A few more pictures for now and will get some of Arbroath for next time.

Northumbrian Castles, The Farne Island and Dawn as we leave Eyemouth.

Amble and Warkworth

2010-07-07T01:49:00.000-07:00

Amble and Walkworth pictures

Amble 7th July 2010

2010-07-07T01:24:00.000-07:00

Still struggling to download pictures from Chris's camera and my phone but haven't given up. Hope to include them later when i have resolved the problem.

Amble....

We arrived in Amble on Monday after a short and very windy journey from Blyth (about 3 hours and B'ft6/7). Had to make a large detour around two fishing boats and Coquet Island as we approached the harbour. They were drift net fishing for Salmon. Coquet Island and Amble both make a splendid sight as we entered the harbour mouth. We made our approach from the north to avoid Pan rocks sailing close to the pier which is the deeper water and suddenly we are at the Marina. Amble Marina is off to Port and Warkworth Castle stands ahead in the estuary as we turned into the Marina. We made our first approach at our designated berth but had to make a hasty retreat as the wind was blowing us along far too fast for us to manage on our own. We moored on a large empty berth instead but moved onto our designated berth later with help from Ben other Marina staff. The Marina and staff are pleasant and helpful. This, the beauty of Amble and surrounding countryside make this a worthwhile stop so we have decided to stay for a couple of days. We seem to be shadowing another couple from Belgium Kris and Jenny. Both of us seem to be following the same itinerary. Well i will let the pictures do the speaking. The sun is shining and we need to get moving. byee

More Pictures 4th July 2010

2010-07-04T03:58:00.000-07:00

Royal Northumberland Yacht Club Clubhouse

Blyth Harbour

Blyth Sunday 4th July 2010

2010-07-04T02:47:00.000-07:00

Had a blustery sail from Hartlepool to Blyth Yesterday. Left Hartlepool at 0900h and arrived in Blyth at 1330h a distance of 30nm with an avg speed of approx 6.5kts. Today, Sunday is very windy with gale force winds expected so staying here in Blyth. Ben, Sam, Devon, Zoe and Craig are also coming to see us later. Chris also has some pictures which we need to download. Well a few more pictures from the last few days. They are from our journey between Hartlepool and Blyth.

The Tricomalee

Views from the pontoon at Hartlepool

Pictures of Hartlepool, Sunderland, Newcastle and our berth in Blyth

More to follow.........

Hartlepool

2010-07-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

Sat here in a windy Hartlepool hoping for a little less wind tomorrow. Well so much for the record since I last wrote. Met up with Steve from the HCA Grimsby in Scarborough. He had sailed there on his boat Amigo. Steve, Steve II and Colin were all regulars in the Golden Ball and took little finding if you needed them. Thanks for all the help and on the engine trial round Scarborough bay. Well we said goodbye to the lads and set sail for Whitby where we met Keith and Hilary again. We went to the Elsinor and enjoyed a couple of pints of Camerons whilst listening to an excellent Rock'a'billy Band playing fifties music. The new facilities at Whitby are excellent and we were able to catch up on the laundry. Enjoyed an excellent mixed fish salad at Trenchers. It had a little of everything with a good portion of mixed salad.
We tried leaving Whitby on Tuesday but had to return with a diesel leak. It turned out to be from a badly seated diesel filter so easily fixed. Eventually left on Wednesday 30th June 2010. We saw our first dolphins off Redcliffe at 0645h dst. There were two of them diving in and out of the water for about 10 minutes. We were unable to photograph them in time. Well Hartlepool has a brilliant museum with a Royal Navy Square rigger called the Tricomalee and the Quay front set up as it would have been in times past. We have a Morrisons and Asda's close by too. See you all soon. Clive

Whitby 28th June 2010

2010-06-29T01:23:00.000-07:00

Hurray! Finally everything is fixed and we are in Whitby. We decided to set sail from Scarborough on Sunday the 27th June and after a short 3 hour cruise we are moored safely in Whitby Marina. We were both pleased to make Whitby after so many problems and we have just begun to relax. I went to St Mary's with Holy Apostles Church on both Sundays whilst we were in Scarborough. They have a lovely relaxed service in the Parish House with modern worship songs which is just what I like. Thankyou to everyone and for making me welcome. God bless. We were also able to enjoy the armed forces day there with marching bands, helicopter displays and lots of stalls everywhere. I have lots of pictures on my phone but I have not worked out how to download them as yet. Meanwhile some more pictures of this part of our journey from my camera.

ZIGZU in Scarborough.

On our way to Whitby.

Our berth in Whitby at night

Chris on the phone...... Smile for the camera......

Well just to prove that there are no secrets anywhere, we are moored next to a fisheries protection vessel here in Whitby and one of the crew is related to one of the Filey Lifeboat crew who rescued us and towed us into Scarborough. Thanks again guy's and girls. Bye for now.

Scarborough 24th June 2010

2010-06-24T01:53:00.000-07:00

Our first moorings before getting a tow to the pontoon.

A lot of the time in the last few days have been spent working on the engine but we have still managed to enjoy ourselves. Sadly we went to Whitby on Tuesday to throw Chris's wedding bouquet into the sea. Chris wanted to do this in memory of Mark as it was his happy place and where Mark and me have spent many happy hours fishing. God bless you mate, we both miss you so much. My eyes still watering thinking on it. Love you, you are my best mate and brother, you should have been with us next week. BIG HUGS.

On to happier things when me eyes clear. It was a really pleasant surprise when Keith and Hilary turned up on Libero. They are from Grimsby HCA and Keith introduced us to a drink called Dark and Stormy. Dark and Stormy is Rum mixed with good quality ginger beer and slices of lemon. Very nice and it was a great moral boost to have company from home. We also met a dutch chap called Marinda who is on his way to the Shetlands and then Norway. Chris and I have discovered Alzoni's Ice cream parlour. Brilliant milk shakes and ice cream. We have to limit our visits. Well waiting for the replacement exhaust. Hopefully it will arrive today so a few more pictures and see you again soon.

June 24th 2010

2010-06-24T01:38:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, well things have not gone well lately. Still in Scarborough having fixed a broken alternator belt, a broken impellar, one electrical fault, one suspect lift pump (replaced with an electrical one), replaced tired copper washers on bleed screws and changed all filters. We were about to set off on Monday when the exhaust swan neck broke in two. Still if we have to be stuck at least Scarborough has real friendly and helpful People. Thanks to loads of people, especially Filey Lifeboat, Alan and Bill who helped with the engine, Lowis and gang from the harbour mastering team and last but not least Biff and mate for towing us to the pontoon.

WednesdayJune 16th 2010

2010-06-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

Today's forecast is for a force 3 to 4 with moderating sea's as we decide to leave Bridlington at 5.30am. We leave under the shelter of the cliffs until we reach Flamborough Head where we meet a big swell and head straight into the wind under engine. We make a large detour around the headland and head off towards Hartlepool. At approximately 0830h we are 2 nautical miles off of Filey Brigg when the alternator belt shreds itself. We decided it would be best to head into Filey Bay as it would be dangerous in the swell and we would risk broaching if we stayed. We eventually make the bay with a very hot engine and anchor with steam escaping the engine. We are hailed by another yacht who were alarmed by the escape of steam but all is well and we fit a new belt. After about an hour we set off again and ten minutes later the engine dies and we have to sail back into the bay. There is a blockage in the fuel line and we are on a lee shore so ask the coast guard for assistance. Filey Lifeboat comes to our rescue and tow us into Scarborough. The tow is the fastest ZIGZU has ever travelled through the water and we are doing 9.7 knots. Quite exhilarting under different circumstances. The crew are really great and help us to moor against the wall in Scarborough. More of this to follow........

Bridlington

2010-06-18T05:21:00.000-07:00

View from the new pontoon

Bridlington.

Wedding

2010-06-18T05:08:00.000-07:00

June 11th. The Wedding. Grand do with reception at the Marina. Got the girl of my dreams. Love you babe. Life looks soooo goood.

June 14th. Unexpected events meant delaying our departure until the morrow giving more time for more prep.

June 15th. We are off at last. 0530h and its farewell and adieu to Grimsby. Force 3/4 on the nose with big swell of about 1.5 mtrs which is 3 mtrs in up and down terms. We eventually make sight of Flamborough Head. We decide the swell is too big and make for Bridlington where we anchor for 4 hours before there is enough water for us to enter and spend a night on the new pontoon's. Very nice they are too.

Prep for Scotland

2010-05-22T21:57:00.000-07:00

Well ZIGZU has been out of the water in preperation for our cruise to Scotland. Bottom cleaned, three coats of Viniguard, two coats of two pack paint and two coats of antifoul. Upper paintwork and varnish work refreshed. Engine serviced (by myself this time), new oil, replaced oil and diesel filters, cleaned air intake filter, adjusted alternator belt and compressor belt, checked gear oil and needs topping up, raw water strainer cleaned, etc. New exhaust alarm fitted and working. Replaced bolts on stuffing box as one had sheared off. Replaced cockpit drains and replaced bow roller Nylon rollers. New Manson Supreme anchor and Kong swivel fitted, Wax oiled anchor chain/chainlocker. the list is endless. Also preparing for our wedding in three weeks time. All exciting stuff. Chris retires at the end of this week. that will be really good. Enough for now.

2010 The Western Isles or bust,

2010-05-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

Well another year and we are off again. Sadly without Mark. Mark died in a car crash on 22nd March 2010. He will be missed so much bless him. He has been an absolute star, always there to give a hand and always with a happy cheerful word for everyone. You are missed me old parrot.
This year's escapade is for three months. Our intended goal being the western Isles. Zigzu has been out of the water and had her spring clean and ready to go so come on June 14th and may the weather be fair.

Bridlington revisited

2009-09-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

2009-09-28T05:51:00.000-07:00

and even more

2009-09-28T05:48:00.000-07:00

and there was more, five days more......

Bridlington

2009-09-28T05:37:00.000-07:00

Stuck in the mud in Bridlington (Harbour Fever). Clive, Mark and Phil, three musicians on a boat in the mud. Well only a little poetic license. Saved by fellow mud persons Matt, Bob, Peter and Chris. God bless you. The seaweed was very tempting at times.

Hartlepool Marina

2009-06-21T16:19:00.000-07:00

Hartlepool was a splendid and friendly marina. Where we were soon invited to the small craft club for an evening of Karaoke with reasonably priced beer. Thanks Dave and guy's. The Marina facilities were clean and pleasant to use. There is a fantastic maritime museum with a square rigged naval ship. There is also a large Morrisons and Asda's nearby and the Marina is surrounded by modern bars, bistro's and restaurants. These did not infringe on us at our moorings however and we had an exceptionally fine Thai meal at one of the restaurants.

Old Hartlepool

Entering the marina at free flow

Excellent Museum

Hartlepool, an absolutely excellent and friendly marina. If your lucky an invite to the small craft club is worth while. We ended up staying three days.

Scarborough to Hartlepool

2009-06-21T16:11:00.000-07:00

Another lovely day but again light airs from the north east. We eventually find a few squalls as we approach Hartlepool but an otherwise lovely days cruise with views of Robin Hoods Bay and Whitby. The depth sounder was showing big shoals of fish which we guess are Mackerel. We are surprised at how busy the entrance to the Tee's is as we make our way through the traffic towards Hartlepool. A very industrial landscape on the south side but Hartlepool is delightful.

Our berth in Hartlepool

Mouth of the river Tees

The industrial scene off Redcar

Whitby from the sea.

Scarborough Castle

Bit Breezy

May 2009 Grimsby to Scarborough

2009-06-21T15:56:00.000-07:00

Our first proper cruise this year. After being out the water for two weeks in April Zigzu's hull has a new coat of paint, new anti-foul and is ready for the off. We were originally going to Holland but due to crew changes we decided to go for Holy Island in Northhumberland instead. Our first port of call was Scarborough. We had a lovely day for our journey but light airs from the north east so the motor did most of the sailing. The new moorings at Scarborough are on pontoons and very nice, unfortunately the channel that has been dredged alongside the pontoon is only wide enough for one boat unless it is high water. This means that you can only get out if no one is behind you. Several people were going aground passing on the outside of the moored boats. The harbour master was very pleasant and helpful. A pleasant and comfortable mooring.

ZIGZU at Scarborough

The view of Flamborough from ZIGZU's cockpit.

"Hey is that Dolphin's." "Yes two of them but no pictures"

More of Flamborough

ZIGZU's New paint work

2009-06-21T15:48:00.000-07:00

ZIGZU's after her spring clean and new paint job. May 2009.

Haslar - Brighton Pictures

2008-11-24T06:03:00.000-08:00

Haslar Marina to Brighton

2008-11-22T14:21:00.000-08:00

Lovely morning with a new crew member aboard. Steve has joned us for the second half of the cruise as Ben and Lisa have had to return to work. Steve's a cook by trade so we are looking forward to some finesse in the cuisine department now he's on board. Rocket fuel coffee is now on offer so ne excuses about falling asleep. So far ZIGZU has been exemplary at sea. She can be a bit of a handful at close quarters however and needs a firm will and firm handling to keep here on course. She does not go to port when going astern, no not for love nor money. As we leave Haslar we are well outside the traffic seperation zone but a large cargo vessel sails very close to the port hand buoys and we are very near to being pulled in by her wake. We have to pull well away from her as she steams past us. Thoughts of the Ouzo pass through my head. We then have a lovely sail all the way to Brighton. The entrance to Brighton Marina is a bit rough as the sea bounces back off the piers ready to pull us in if we were not ready for them. We negotiate the entrance safely however and are given a berth for the night. Very pleasant Marina with good showers. They did seem to be rolling about though, didn't think the shower block was floating? Meet Chris here and we go out for dinner. Chris has driven all the way down to spend the night with us bless her. It's love and it's great. Found out that the Furuno chart plotter runs out at Dover and try to get another chart for the East Coast. I am told the plotter we have is now out of date, eight years old. Well no one does charts for it any more. Neither Navionics or Furuno. Shows a lot for the life expectancyof these things. You have to buy a new Unit, what a surprise. Anyone having a secondhand chart card please contact me. Please... Good old Brighton. Great place for real ale but we have to go in the morning.

Even More Pictures

2008-10-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

Lisa hauling on the mainsail furling sheet.

Pete inspecting the halyards

Mark, Alias Capt Birdseye

Under sail

Ben relaxing in the sun.

Victualling

More picture's

2008-10-30T06:50:00.000-07:00

What colours the topping lift?

Motoring

What is it I have to do next?

No it's not here, now what was it?

Weymouth-Haslar Marina Gosport

2008-10-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

0650h start from Weymouth. Wind starts well with 20 knots but soon drops to 8-9 knots. Another pleasant day motor sailing. Making good progress and averaging 6 -7 knots. Negotiated the Needles without any problems and make a safe arrival at Haslar Marina. The Marina is right on the end of Gosport high street so stock up with victuals from Morrisons. We also have a crew change here. We lose Ben and Lisa and are joined by Steve. Pete goes off to see a friend in Portsmouth and the crew go out on the town. I end up watching telly and enjoying some time on my own with some beer of course. Will miss Ben and Lisa.

2008-10-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

8th September 2008 DARTMOUTH - WEYMOUTH
Another good days sailing across Lyme bay. Wind is only 7-8 knots. Pleasant sail with nothing to report. Arrived in Weymouth safe and sound mooring alongside a pleasure boat. Lovely showers here and very good fish and chips at a fish and chip shop by the bridge. Early start in the morning. Aiming for the Haslar Marina at Gosport.

More picture's

2008-10-03T06:01:00.000-07:00

Pete having another cuppa.. How many's that Pete?

Jolly cold Lisa....

Off at last

2008-10-03T05:33:00.000-07:00

Moored on the Yacht Club pontoon Dartmouth

Early start as we set off for Brixham. We leave Plymouth with no problems and motor sail along the coast towards Salcombe. Zigzu averages around 6 knots. As we sail towards Dartmouth we try sailing and Zigzu responds with a steady six knots in the force 5 south westerlies. When we switch the motor on there is no response from the engine. We are forced to ask for assistance from the coastguard and three boats offer us a tow into Dartmouth. We are towed in by a Catarmaran and an engineer is booked for the morning. I am now red faced as I have accidentally knocked the propshaft brake on with some cushions and this has caused the safety switch to disable the engine. We switch the engine back on and refuel at the barge ready for the trip to Weymouth in the morning. Whilst in Dartmouth we have guests for tea, Fi, Steve, Mia and Amy come to see ZIGZU and admire ZIGZU's graceful lines and they are suitably impressed. On Monday, my previous embarrasement with the engine is saved because as we leave the berth, the exhaust alarm goes off and we have to return and request a visit by the engineer. We have a split in the water intake hose to the Jabesco pump. This is the pump that pumps water to the engines heat exchanger. This has unfortunately damaged the impellar. Fortunately we have a spare and after an hours delay we on our way again. We head off for Weymouth. Yahoooo.

Still Waiting

2008-09-30T06:40:00.000-07:00

Plymouth Saturday 6th September 2008

2008-09-30T06:12:00.000-07:00

We are storm bound in Portsmouth with breakers rolling over the outer breakwater into Plymouth Sound. Hoping for better weather in the morning.

Who put these bumps here?

2008-09-24T05:44:00.000-07:00

ZIGZU punching through a force 6/7 reached a SOG of 11 knots for one short period. She loved it.

Our first adventure

2008-09-24T05:34:00.000-07:00

Which way is Grimsby?

ZIGZU is here at last.

2008-09-24T05:23:00.000-07:00

ZIGZU is now resident in the Meridian Marina Grimsby having completed her first adventure sailing from Plymouth to Grimsby in eight days. She visited Dartmouth first followed by Weymouth, Haslar Marina Gosport, Brighton, Ramsgate and Lowestoft arriving in Grimsby at 2300h on the 14th September 2008. There were lots of events on the way which I will relate in a few days time. Meanwhile some pictures.

2008-07-22T11:48:00.001-07:00

Insurance and Berthing Fees being sorted. Still on line for collection in September 2008. Cannot wait to get started.

2008-07-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

Things are moving ahead at last. Deposit paid and sale to be completed in September. ZIGZU will then move up to Grimsby and stay there for the winter before starting her adventures in the spring 2009. She will need shot blasting and a new paint job before she sets sail so quite a bit to do as yet. Really exciting now and having to wait for the cash flow to catch up.

The Next Step

2008-06-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

ZIGZU is almost there. Agreed a price and looking at getting things into motion at long last. This is very exciting and a lot to get organised. Yahooooooooooeeeeeeeeee

2008-05-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

This is ZIGZU our preferred option but this is not looking good at the moment.

Survey

2008-05-13T09:52:00.000-07:00

A few problems to be sorted following ZIGZU's survey. These will need to be resolved before a purchase can be agreed, if not plan B and a different boat, a 38 footer. Also a bit of delay in the cash flow but hopefully this will still work out ok. Looking at doing the Med Red Rally 2009. Would be fantastic.

ZIGZU's Cruise

2008-04-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

ZIGZU is a 36 foot Ketch motor-sailer and is shortly to start a new life as a live-aboard cruiser. This has been a three year project and the plan is for her to begin cruising in September 2008. The purpose of this blog is to record her adventures as they happen and keep her friends informed of her progress. This is our first entry on the blog and things are beginning to get exciting as she is about to be surveyed. More to follow in what we plan to be a daily entry.