The maiden voyage

The early morning of the 8th of May brings a soft breeze off the Atlantic, nudging our tired courtesy flags to start their show. Three weeks later, it all feels like a bit of a blur, a somewhat surreal handover paired with the arduous task of making the boat seaworthy. Far Out now stands proud once again, her subtle shape is not missed by eyes that might have strayed to the mess on deck, her boom sits firmly on the mast, everything feels different. There is something to be said for any relationship that is bourne out of hardship, this one is no different, I am firmly infatuated by Far Out; she is excellently laid out inside and so solidly built, her proportions leave nothing to be desired.

This will be my first journey on Far Out. Even the simple fact that we are moving is a blessing to be grateful for, these are trying times for the entire globe. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to sail into the med with. Dan the big brother, Greg the coffee guy, Vitto the yacht designer and Janos the Hun, Janos who supported me throughout my time here and whose sense of humour, wisdom and experience are only preceded by his unfettered ability to talk your ear off with his brilliant stories. Already in one afternoon we moulded together as the team who would form the cogs of this slender machine.

My plan is to rhumbline straight to Gibraltar and be sucked into the med by an Atlantic breeze that is to be aft of our beam. Judging by the current forecast, we may have to refuel somewhere on the South coast of Spain, but that is yet to be seen.

Briefing is at 0800. I will check in again when possible.