Summary

Early in 2008 I bought a little, old wooden Folkboat called Valmik. I was going to spend a few months on repairs and begin sailing her around Europe, with Australia being the final destination. As my knowledge of boats improved, so did the thoroughness of the restoration. I decided to become very involved in every aspect of construction, doing almost all of the work myself: making my own sails, doing the fit out and all woodwork, splicing my own rig and wiring in the 12 volt electric circuit. Self-reliance, I suppose, is the goal. Follow the link to my photo albums for a detailed documentation of the work and some videos.

For a long time now, I have been striving to achieve my goals and begin an adventure. I had planned to complete a circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland in the summer of 2015 with my wife. Unfortunately, this will not be possible and I went back to work. Valmik is ready to sail, however, and I am finally in a position to start enjoying her for what she was designed for. Of course there is a never ending list of modifications and enhancements with a small section for repairs. I will be sailing as much as possible and documenting my adventures on this blog.

My plan is to build up to a epic solo sailing Adventure.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Well I've been thinking really hard (yes it hurts:) and have come to some Difficult decisions. Firstly If I do decide to head off this year I will be rushing like mad to get the boat finished! I will also be sailing with a debt  and not much funds at all. Which also means I wouldn't have all of the equipment that I would like for a safe cruise, carefree as possible, wherever I may chose to go. It is a hard decision to make, Valmik being so very nearly ready, but I need to sort myself out financially before I Head off.  I will feel a lot better for it! And already do!-)  Almost every time I have Gone sailing so far on Valmik it has been rushed.

A Repair job that I first thought would take me a few maybe six months to finish turned into a restoration. It is getting close to two and a half years of full time work on the boat. It has also seen me flying back to AUS to sort out visa's, Twice. I have only really had a paying job for about a year and a half in this time. And am always generally indebted!

So I am planning to do some small short sailing trips this coming year, as many as possible!!
I also will be looking for a full time paying job!
I think I will go sailing up the East coast looking for this!
I will continue to slog away getting this whole thing started.

I think the Cost of a brand new fiberglass  Folkboat is around £30 000.   You can buy an old wooden one in good condition ready to sail for about £10 000.     
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