Stirring

After the sail across the Atlantic, the sailing "bug" that had been lying dormant - well off and on - for far too many years was re-kindled. So in a moment of madness, I decided to buy a small sailing boat.

First the bank were very accomodating on the basis that a boat of some age has a lower depreciation than a brand new one; plus in simple terms will have proven herself. So after many weeks of collecting particulars, creating spreadsheets to analyse all the measurements, visiting lovely little marinas up and down the country I ended up at Bosham.

Now Bosham is in Chichester Harbour not far from Portsmouth and is just staggeringly beautiful with a tiny quay with a narrow creek where my boat was moored. After a while of clambering on and off boats I was getting a clear-ish idea of what I wanted and what I needed, plus what I could afford.
I was downsizing each viewing especially from the luxury of the beautiful 50ft yacht Ushomi I had sailed the Atlantic in. Anyway there she was, lying quietly against the current in Bosham.

Not certain it was love at 1st sight but it was that feeling of connection and contentment; I am told us older folks are to expect as we sense that twinkle change to watery eyes.

So on the spur of the moment I asked the price, knocked of 25% and stuck my hand out - the agent grabbed it and I thought how simple.....

I drove home that day; thinking; what have I done; on the other hand what will I do; what can i do. Got home and picked up my Patrick O'Brien - Master and Commander and imagined myself on my little Trapper 500 going full tilt at the French.

The deal still had to be done; but I had at least stirred myself into action...