We have a Maiden Voyage date!

Just heard from our boatbuilder and we are to sail Hoddy up to the paintshop on Monday morning. Cant wait. It will be an early start as we have to be away by 7.00am so that we can get through Foxton locks before they close but it should be a great day. Just hope the weather stays a little warmer!

Its like waiting for Christmas!

So close now! We went up today to see the boat for the final time before we take her over and although there looks lots to do its really only the finishing touches. The problem now is the weather. She needs to go to the paintshop but with the ice currently on the canal she will not be going anywhere and David is going away the middle of next week to France for 10 days so it may be that she doesn't go until he comes back.

It was so good to sit in her on the sofa, checking there's space for T & T feeling how cosy its going to be on a cold winters day like today. We've had solar panels added and it was a real bonus to realise that they were actually putting some power into the batteries even today when it was so cold and foggy.

Whilst we were there the boat examiner arrived to check her over to issue the boat safety certificate and we were roped in to help with the tilt test. David found another 3 people and all 7 of us stood on the gunnel on one side to get her to tip to 12 degrees to check that she didn't capsize. I'm please to report that she didn't!

So - is it Christmas yet? We just cant wait to get our hands on her and sail her - even if it is only to the paint shop!