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.

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Off we go

Well we are nearly ready, actually we nearly left today. It was a bit windy and rainy, so we put it off and got some more work done. I put up some nets for storing vegetables and kitchen ware. I finally got around to putting some shelves in behind my cooker for pots and pans. Things are really starting to find their places. Kate has been cutting out patterns of fabric, so we can finish the cushions off at anchor somewhere. I tuned the rigging this morning and it all looks very good. I fitted my radar reflector up as high as possible last week, yes we have been very very busy.


The Swans really like my rowlocks. Or maybe they just want some more food.
We now have 24 five litre water containers on board which have filled the bilge up completely. This should keep us going for a little longer than a week. We have filled nearly every available space with something and Valmik has gone down in the water a inch or so.




Kate and I getting some Tips from the pro!
Radar reflector going on



Me cutting the foam for Valmik's cushions.Thanks Natalie and Fiona for the foam!!




Our Rough Plan.
Leave on tomorrows tide.
Anchor or pick up a buoy in South deep for one or two nights and finish off some jobs.
Sail the short distance to Harty ferry and anchor for a night.
Go into Oare creek to meet up with a mate.
Go into Faversham creek for fresh veg and fruit.
Anchor in Stangate creek
Sail up the medway and find a mooring.

All of the above might get compressed slightly and we may skip some.

Kate and I are considering then cruising the Black water before heading off down to the South coast.


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