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Year 5, Day 282

Good job I didn't hold my breath - he's still not finished the water maker installation. However, it's very nearly finished, with just the power cable back to the electrical switch panel needed. He's also fixed the problem with the over-size feet on the A frame. He said the brackets to hold the solar panels in place should arrive soon.
They have now moved all their furniture into the new apartment but have got an unexpected 'guest'. Frances was decorating her room in Luke's house and fell off the steps. She's got a broken foot and is now staying with them so they can't leave just yet. If we delay leaving for too long we may miss the window of opportunity this year and we'll have to wait until May before we go anywhere. He's moved the deadline for leaving to mid-November.

Year 5, Day 257

They are still living with me despite taking ownership of their new Apartment on 31st August. Luke's purchase is still not completed and they cannot get their furniture out of storage. This includes tools etc. which he needs to install the water maker and the A Frame. However, things look like they will move quickly for Luke this week and I expect them to have moved into their place too.
Although in position, he has some adjustments to make to the 'feet' of the A Frame but says he has a way to fix this and expects to have it fully in position by the weekend. He can then fit the solar panels. I won't hold my breath.

Year 5, Day 235

After he went back to work for his final week she stayed behind and gave me a thorough clean inside. I now feel much better! She went away on Friday and then they both came back today. They are quite pleased too as they exchanged contracts and will be moving into the new apartment on 31st August. If he still wants to leave and sail away this year he'd better get his finger out as there's lots to do.

Year 5, Day 223

They turned up late today and looked (and smelt) like they had been working hard. They had - the move went ahead today and they now live with me (oh what joy) as the purchase of their new home has not yet completed. This means all the furniture and other items from the house are in storage and will have to be moved again.

However, the target for Year 5 was 'sell the house' - and this has been successfully achieved. Big question is: 'can he get us ready in time to go away this year ahead of schedule?'

Year 5, Days 207 - 217

Port Haliguen

Days 207 - 213
Day 207

We arrived at 6:45am. Although alongside initially, he spotted a finger-berth on the visitor's pontoon and we moved there. They then went to bed for a couple of hours (Frances hadn't got up yet) to catch up on their sleep (and stop him turning into Mr Grumpy). There were no clouds in the sky and they wandered off later and went looking for more 'provisions'. They were hot and bothered and laden with goodies when they got back. He put the bikes together but one of the tubes was perished so only one was useable - great pre-holiday preparation then! After a walk around the local area they had dinner and went to bed.

Days 208 - 211
They spent their time getting up and going out on their bikes. Most trips were into Port Marie, vey close to Port Haliguen. It was very hot and sunny most of the time although a couple of nights we had some rain. They ate out a couple of nights and spent the late evenings watching films into the early hours. On Sunday, they planned the passage for the next part of the holiday. Also, as it rained most
of the day on Sunday I got a (much needed) clean. She seems to be managing very well on her leg so it must be improving.

Day 212 - 213
It was wet and miserable as we slipped the mooring at 8:30am and headed off - towards Jersey! This was 'plan B'. He said we had spent too long in Cameret and Port Haliguen to allow any travel further South. Anyway, despite the change in plan, they seemed very pleased with their time in Port Haliguen and agreed that they would return given the choice. There was no wind for most of the day and so we motored on flat seas. About 8pm the forecasted wind picked up and he was able to set my sails. By the time it got dark the wind was at 28kts (F5) and I was zooming along at 8 kts! It was very hairy going through the Raz de Sein and at one point Heading (direction you are pointing) and
Course (direction you are going) were 90 degrees apart due to strong winds and tide. If not enough, the other side has a 'washing machine' waiting for you and the waves were high this evening. However, for the most part, he steered close to land and missed the worst of it. Once through the narrow channel the sea settled to just 'rough' and we headed up around the outside
of Ile D'Ouessant. Overnight the wind dropped, come onto the stern and my sails started flapping so he dropped them and we motored on. Despite a forecast of F3 - F4 the wind didn't pick up sufficiently again and we motored into St. Peter Port.

Jersey

Days 214 - 216

We arrived in St. Peter Port as the sun rose and were tied up on the visitor's pontoon by 7am. Thank God that engine has been switched off!!

They spent time going backwards and forwards to the shops and, when it rained heavily, to the cinema. Once they left on their pushbikes and had lunch in the Yacht Club - very nice! Looks like we're going home soon as he's checking tides and weather.

Day 216
Up early and off we went. Refuelled and headed out to sea. Wind very favourable and we were able to sail almost immediately leaving port. However, big seas meant it was a bit uncomfortable. Once out past La Corbiere lighthouse the sea flattened and eased a bit. We made very good time to Hanois Lighthouse and then on and up past the west coast of Guernsey.  Once land was out of site we headed towards Berry Head avoiding the Traffic Separation Scheme (but not the traffic).

Home

Day 217

We arrived back on the pontoon at Brixham just before 3am and they put me and themselves to bed. It was up early again and I was cleaned and they packed up and headed off. I think they're moving house soon!