Arrived in Jolly Harbour, Antigua, at 14.30 today; after a long slow and bouncy 3000 mile crossing.
Had electrical problems, traced to a loose battery connection and low electrolyte levels eventually. So could not use the autopilot. Hand steered for about 2,600 miles.
Blew out my cruising chute in a 40 knot squall at 1.00 am.
Engine water pump shaft sheared 4 days ago.
Cheap little petrol generator worked perfectly!
Big swells and a nasty cross sea most of the time, so we rolled and corkscrewed most of the way.
All in all slow and tough.
5,500 miles since leaving Plymouth on 12th August.
Now for white beaches, cold beers, and hot sun!
Just had a long hot shower, now going for a steak, egg, and fries.
Regards,
Malcolm
Dr.Malcolm Lewis-Jones
Yacht Amber Sea
malcolmlj@gmail.com
+44-7831-155753
When Anne and I fell in love – with a boat, our stout Moody S38 Storm Petrel – we realised that at some time soon she would have to have her bottom properly cleaned. Years of caked anti fouling were curling at the edges and ready to peel off at the first hint of another seasons dressing. We decided to have our summer of sailing so launched at the first opportunity and had some wonderful days of local cruising and familiarising ourselves with our new acquisition.
After more than twenty years working in the IT industy I have the opportunity to take a gap year and sail around UK and Ireland.
South Coast Forum: Ocean Village
Photo: Mike Gill
Have you ever thought of sailing your yacht to the beautiful south west coast of Ireland? Now is your chance to join a select group of members who after the Scillies Cruise from Falmouth on 26th June will sail on to Cork and ultimately Baltimore. 
I used to have a Salcombe Yawl. That was a while ago - before our son was born. Y132 wasn't the raciest of boats although she could compete in the SYC blue (second) fleet. But what it also gave us was the quiet freedom of the harbour. But with the arrival of the boy she was used very little. "Hold the baby whilst we jibe" was not the sort of phrase designed to ensure marital harmony. We sold her when he was one.
