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.
12 Comments
Gillian
Lots of love and good luck!
Cheryll and John
Fabulous we will look forward to volume 2. So pleased for you after a challenging year. Hope you might make it to Menorca if we do. Hope enjoy a well earned month or so of Grand-parenting. Bon voyage. X
Jim and Tina
Well I never, you can’t give up the rocking motion of life at sea. We really admire your adventurous spirit and can’t wait to hear where your next travels will take you, we will watch your blog with interest. Don’t forget we would love to see you if you are over this way
Jenny
Well done for getting back on the water. I have just returned from a trip to The Scillies on Overlord. It was good to be sailing again. I hope everything goes as planned in Portland and you can enjoy your grandparenting duties at last. Best wishes to you all. Jennyx
Ruth Pearman
Well done you two for following your dreams and for finding your floating home, on schedule and on a berth with a view too! Now awaiting good news after you’ve made the necessary arrangements in Barcelona and landed safely with Scott and Kendal. Good luck with it all. xx
Cliff
Congratulations on the new boat AND the new grandchild Cal! Such wonderful news. Glad you are back on the water again! An inspiration for us, as always… Cheers, Nancy & Cliff
Jerry Nigro
Wow! Looks like a great boat, congratulations! I sold my Skye 51 in June to a couple from East Africa. Happy sailing!
Karen and William on Melodrama
But the best type of somewhat crazy!
Wishing you fair winds and following seas for the next chapter on board Lady Mayfair.
Best wishes to Scott and Kendal and to you all as you meet little Cal very soon xxx
Bill & Åsa sailing in the Baltic Archipelago
Somehow I knew we would here from you heading out once more. Congratulations on the new boat and your new family addition. We’re looking forward to hearing about your new adventures.
Mike McGovern
Congratulations on the new boat. Keep us posted on the next chapter
Susie Wright
What a lovely new boat, it looks like you have started your next chapter! Enjoy.
Steven Pauley
Hi Howard & Hope,
Glad to see that you got your new boat!
Can you contact me via steve.pauley@sympatico.ca
As I have some questions about sailing the Med.
Cheer,
Steve & Barb
Lokelani