I thought I would just write a bit of an update and keep this blog going with some momentum. Getting the site built is moving quite well, and I think the front garden has been saved (see last post). Nothing is certain about the location, but I know I have one. This means I will definitely be ordering the CNC kit by mid-April and will be starting my build by the start of May; it’ll be warmer by then, hopefully – the downside of building in Scotland.

Now what will I be doing until then? Well, I will be continuing the research aspect of the project. I am really enjoying that. The builders’ blogs have been great, as I thought they would be, and also the Facebook 5.80 builders page. I have started a folder of things to order and people to contact, such as steel fabricators for when it comes to the keel, etc. I have begun to think about so many aspects of the build and make plans as I don’t want any nasty surprises along the way. It also allows for good lead times for things to be ordered. However, apart from that, I do have one small thing that I need to address – LEARN TO SAIL!

I have experience on the sea and own my own boat, as I have explained before elsewhere in this blog, and I have a number of courses under my belt when it comes to boats with engines. However, sailing – nope, nothing, and I am now facing my first big challenge in a couple of weeks. I have sailing courses booked for the first two weeks of March, and by the end of them, I hope to have obtained my Day Skipper Certificate (Sail). Before that, I have to brush up on the Day Skipper Theory course that I took two years ago. So it’s back to school big time. I would say I am enjoying it, and I am; what I am not enjoying is forgetting everything 5 minutes after I read it. Therefore, it is taking me a long time to grasp some really simple stuff – memory is a bugger after 5 years of retirement. Anyway, I will update you all in March after my sailing courses – now that sounds like I have a readership 🙂