After almost a 12 month hiatus as live-aboards, we are back. The pandemic definitely blunted our plans but in the end, June, we managed to fly to Spain and find our next boat, Lady M a 2001 Moody 54. She is a very nice, well loved, blue water boat and much better suited for welcoming guests onboard, although she is a few feet longer than what we were looking for. After comparison with some other boats we settled on her and, following the survey in early July, we moved on board on July 24, 2021. With the aid of Carole and Mike our gear (24 boxes and two folding bikes) were picked up from our apartment in Swansea on the 23rd and delivered to the boat in Barcelona on July 25; amazing! We have spent  a few days sorting out gear and making an inventory of our and the the previous owners items, that they kindly left behind.

Ian and Lorraine, the previous owners, had sailed her for 15 years and were sad to depart. Brexit had negatively impacted their plans. They are a great couple and now new friends.

We have quite a long list of action items following the survey, which we need to complete by March/April next year. The next few days will be quite hectic talking with riggers and a yard, where we hope to do much of the work.

We have decided to stay in Reial Club Maritim de Barcelona, which is well protected, about 30 min from the airport, and central to downtown Barcelona. The view from our berth towards the ornate customs building with the Columbus column behind and two tall ships docked is fantastic.

On Thursday we will be flying to Portland, OR for the arrival of grandson #2, Cal. Hope, especially, is looking forward to grand-parenting duty. We will be back in Barcelona on Sept 8.

Yes, we are somewhat crazy, but hopefully the boat and our voyages around the Med over the next few years will keep us ‘young’ and active.