Fugazi

I would like to have a small microwave on board for cooking the bacon sarnies and warming up pies etc. Not sure if it would be better to go for a 12v portable "Wavebox" for

This is a very similar theme to a speech made by the Australian Prime Minister John Howard earlier this week that upset a few people:- "Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks. Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote: 'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.' 'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom' 'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!' 'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.' 'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.' 'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.' 'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted."" Very Patriotic but not very PC Gordon H

Just look at that weather yesterday, looks like summer.

What a great day to be out on the water yesterday, why is it never that calm in the summer? The conditions were just perfect for some serious cruising from Christchurch down to St Aldhems and back via Swanage, Old Harry and Poole Entrance. passing a few familiar faces on the way. Very impressed with the effortless and relaxed 20 knot cruise speed the extra 40 hp gives and Fugazi now has the first few hours on the engine. Still running in so limited to 4500 rpm but as that equates to 30 knots there won't be many day like yesterday when I would be able to run at full throttle. Must get some full seat harnesses fitted for that one! Gordon H

Bring on the quarks, I love that bit of quantum physics. Gordon H

Alderney Angling are fully booked! Gordon H

Reading this I'm disappointed that we recreational anglers still seem to be in denial regarding depleting fish stocks. Were not the cause of the problem it

Your right Jim its a bargain, I won't mention how much my Merc 75 4 stroke cost me again to service last November. However, I'm now looking forward to the pleasures of low cost 2 stroke servicing in future! Gordon H

I've got a lightweight folding sack truck that might just come in handy! Gordon H

Took no chances and rode bicycle to work yesterday, walked in today, leaving my 4 x 4 gas guzzling behemoth parked on drive as usual. Glad I did as 3 people in the office had minor body work adjustments to their vehicles driving in. On a brighter note, hiding under the hedgerow a small cluster of snowdrops was trying to push up through the snow. Gordon H

Adam, Just to clarify, I haven't tried to book anything yet as I don't have a place on board with anyone going. Gordon

Can't book anything unless anyone needs crew and can offer me a space House trained and bath at least once a year Flexible on days and dates. Gordon H

I think Fugazi is a bit small to make the trip, so if anyone is looking for crew please PM me as the FPO has just signed a 4 day pass! Gordon H

Gordon, You seem to have missed out the stage I still relate too, Tri Nightly! Gordon H (Long standing member of the over 50 club)

Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Gordon H

Not just a wet berth, I have recently emptied Fugazi completely and filled a garden summer house with the contents! Unbelievable how much rubbish had accumulated in 4 years so I will have to be very choosey about what goes back on board this season. Do I really need >10kg of spare fishing weights and enough pots and pans to start a restaurant, 200mtrs of rope, etc, etc? Gordon H

I like the format, nice to use if it's accurate Gordon H

Good news to hear its all sorted, that's what these shake down cruises are all about! I'm looking forward to mine in two weeks time Gordon H

I use an Optimate during the winter months and my boat battery is still good after 4 years, I picked it up second hand for

Belated best wishes Gordon, just catching up on the forum as the weather here is rubbish at the moment. Gordon H

Only one day remaining for me out here on the Costa Blanca, but today the temperature plummeted to 6C. Reading all the catch reports for the last few weeks I was looking forward to getting back and into the cod fishing, but now it looks like I've missed all the fun. Still I'm looking forward to Fugazi having a new engine fitted when I get back and news that my application for early retirement has been accepted. Gordon H

We had a great days fishing in the mountains on Tuesday, I prepared and cooked the trout I caught for dinner tonight. I was really suprised at how reddish pink the meat was and the superb taste, nothing like the last one I caught at a trout farm. That only tasted of mud and put me right off trout for years, but after this and trying some of Wedgers smoked trout I think I could get into this trout fishing lark. Weather here is the coldest its been for 20 years, only reached 18C today and that's the best we've had since boxing day. Gordon H

I would love to but unfortunately I have to go trout fishing in the Costa Blanca mountains! Gordon H

Thanks guys, I'll get some in the New Year when we're back from Spain. Stainless seems to be the right choice as I've found out that the self adhesive rubber type keel strips are not suitable for bunk roller trailers like mine. Regards, Gordon

Does anyone know where I can buy stainless steel keel band for my Raider 18? The Raider website says you can only have one factory fitted and this must be selected as an option when you order a new boat. I managed to find a website selling aluminium pre-drilled keel band strip by the metre, but I couldn