Shakedown Cruise

Finally got the  boat out yesterday for it's 2018 shakedown cruise after the winter lay up. Not the best of days weather wise with a very dull, overcast day but there was no wind so we had a flat sea to test out the boat systems and engines.

Good to be back on the water after what feels like a very long winter break.

Ready and Waiting

With a brief lull in the cold weather we managed to spend a very pleasant afternoon yesterday scrubbing off the weathers grim on the boat. Also had the pleasure of having a tour around 'Odd Daisy', our new mooring neighbour, my Andy, the owner. One of the biggest vessels currently in the marina she is being refitted for her voyage to the Med latter in the year.

'Kevayling' is now clean and looks as she should, a much cared for, shinny boat.

Ready and waiting for her first trip out this year.

Late Winter Chill

So we thought winter had passed after the beast from the east had dumped a couple of feet of snow to us in the first few days of March. How wrong were we, today the mini beast from the east caused the temperature to drop some 12 degrees over night and now we have snow and bitter winds once again!

Just when we were planning to get the boat out for its first run of the season I have to go back to the marina and put the engine heaters back on.

Let's hope this is it for the year.

Let Spring Begin

Now that the Beast from the East has passed and storm Emma has blown herself out we can get on with Spring Time. Let the cruising season begin!

Beast From The East

The weather men promised that the weather system moving in from the east would bring cold winds and snow and boy were they correct. Between 7" to 8" of snow has fallen over the last few days and now the wind has increased bringing the day time temperature down to -4c.

Managed to dig the car out and get to Chatham Marina and check out the boat, took the opportunity of increasing the engine heater on time to 18 hours a day. Nice comparison photo below of the marina in Summer & Winter!

Maidstone 28/02/2018

Summer

Winter