Valmik's Adventures: A brief summary of 2013

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.

Friday, December 27, 2013

A brief summary of 2013

2013 Has been a very fun and eventful year for Valmik and me.

The Highlight is most definitely winning the Swale Barge match this year with my lovely girlfriend. I met her on the evening after last years race. She, her father, and a friend saved Valmik from drifting off into the dover straight when my anchor dragged.

I Had a nine day holiday cruising up the river Thames with my lovely girl friend on her Dutch Barge. We had a really lovely and relaxing time. I was amazed at how beautiful the river Thames is in the lower reaches of the non tidal part.

I crewed on a tall ship for seven days from Essex to Oban through the New Caledonian canal. I spent almost all of everyday up in the rigging tying the Ratlines. I managed to get an amazing picture of me planking on the top of the mast as we sailed through Loch Ness.

And lastly I got a job crewing on a big tug boat, towing a boat from Holland to England. The weather was perfect and I had a really nice trip. The boat we towed really wanted to stay pointing sideways the whole trip. We really should of had a big sea anchor/drogue deployed to keep her straight. Fighting chafe was the biggest problem, I learnt alot.