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I have finished my Challenge Training until the weather worsens in November or so, when I will be doing some more training out of Plymouth. At the moment we are all pretty busy organizing our trip around the UK (actually only England and Wales as we will be cutting off the top of Scotland by going through the Caledonian canal). Debanessa is back in the water after being epoxied, anti-fouled and having a new anode and a stripper (rope cutter mounted ahead of the propeller) fitted.

I thought that was all we would be able to do before the off on the 26th of July, but I have just arranged for North Sails to build a spinnaker (3/4 code 3 with snuffer), so now I must move on getting the starboard side winch, clutches and organizer as well as all the extra bits of string (halyard, guys, sheets, uphauls and downhauls) sorted.

The engine needs a service and for it's intermittent overheating problem to be sorted, the winches have been serviced last weekend, the Navtext Pro and Radio/CD player need to be fitted, and then we have to buy a few more bits and pieces from the chandlery and stock her with food and water for the six day passage from Southampton to Inverness.

Health wise, some may know that I have been diagnosed as Diabetic (thanks Dad, it looks like I didn't only inherit my stunning good looks from you). I have it all under control at the moment, without any medication, by just being careful to balance what I eat to what I burn. For those who are interested in the gory details, you can look at my Blood Sugar levels via www.TheChalmers.com, click on "Ricky" and then on "My Blood Sugar". The good thing about it all, is that it has forced the issue of weight, exercise and fitness. I have got back down to a sensible weight and am much fitter and healthier. Of course the Challenge training and sailing has helped a lot too.

The last Challenge Delivery I did from Hamburg to St Malo (France Brittany coast) was a bit of a hoot. We got caught on a lobster pot and after about a half an hour trying to sail off it, I went over the side with a Challenge Business knife (supplied as part of the kit). The knife was useless but I did manage to eventually cut the rope and then after a bit of a struggle, free the whole mess off the rudder of Challenge 29 (ex Save the Children, now EDS). 20 minutes in the water, but excellent experience. I have a better knife, my diving gear including a 3 litre bottle. The wet suit, flippers and goggles will be a bonus too if I ever need to free Debanessa from the clutches of a fishermans pot. The Stripper should also help avoid fouling the propeller and maybe the rudder too.

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