A truly amazing experience.
The crew mix was spot on - we all got on together really well. Plenty of humour, but enough knowledge and experience to make decision making easy. Huw had done his homework, and the tides, chartwork, pilotage and navigation went without a hitch.
The weather was kind. No strong winds or rough seas, yes it was cold, but the right clothing combined with short watches and plenty of hot drinks made that a doddle.
Teething problems. The paddle wheel log failed, and so did the echo sounder. The Eberspacher heater didn't work initially, but Huw had a fiddle and it pumped lovely hot air for the rest of the trip. These things are to be expected. Even the most well found boat has such issues, and a newly purchased boat, more so. We expected teething problems, and they were not an issue.
Bearing in mind the time of year, I'd say we sailed defensively. We didn't push it, stayed outside the islands in the dark, stopped briefly to check fuel and oil. We really didn't want problems caused by our own mistakes, and we didn't cause any.
And lastly, I think it is something that will stay with all of us for a long time. My particular highlights were the Menai straits and crossing Cardigan bay in the dark, starlit, with Strumble head lighthouse creeping closer on the port bow.
Magic.
