Adam F

I'm busy all weekend I'm afraid mate... I'll save it until next weekend!

Sorry to add to my own thread so early... " I read in BFM about tying a Mepps to the back of my kyak to catch mackeral.... that worked... then look what came long!"

Still looks OK to me. Metcheck is VERY changeable.... By Monday we should start to get a better picture

Blimey - that was quick.... Right.. do your worst!

Ooooooh Nice!! Glad it had a happy outcome. Been there, done that a few years ago - the new lump always helps forget the problems..

OK - we have power assisted steering from the engine, so I guess we have the first one? Bl00dy confusing all this

Update: Spoke to Mark at Alderney angling today - what a friendly helpful chap 4 beds booked at Mark's new guest house with scope for another 1 space if needed.

Thanks Mike - a good point. I see that most makes feature emergancy steering that reverts to 'normal' if it fails. Martin - how do you find the cable steering on Awol at the moment, and how are you planning to fit the auto pilot - dont you need hydraulic?

I can vouch for Alun J's method. Freeze up half a dozen litre milk cartons to 3/4 full (expansion) and bung these in with a bucket of seawater - it will be too cold to put your hand in after 30 mins. It's what I'll be doing from now on, much less hastle than trying to get crushed if youre not in Weymouth. Or have a word with Simon and get on the waiting list.

What do the forum members think about Hydraulic Steering? Is it worth it? What should we go for? We hadnt budgeted for it. We have been rcommended it, but the budget is being squeezed so we are looking to prioritise! If we do go for it, what system do you recommend?

Why? You planning on bringing it onboard my boat??

Slightly naughty.... " Hey will this baby pass the RNLI Seacheck??? "

" Really? - you think we'll make Alderney next weekend??? "

Well, as I said, I'm not skippering so feel out of place taking a lead role, but happy to helppull together. Duncan and Martin have been before so their input valuable. A few points from when we've been in the past: -Leaving nice and early means bleary eyes but makes the most of a rare and special trip. -Macky are usually easier to find this side (maybe not this year!) -As has been said a few common marks to all boats avoids awkward convoys then reliance on line of sight mid channel. -When entering Alderney Harbour - 'Braye' call the harbour master on 'Alderney Radio' once you reach the breakwater, this gives you a few minutes to organise a berth and OK it with the harbour master. -Most berths are swinging. If staying onboard, moor stern on with a pair of ropes from each quarter - the yachties look at you funny, but we dont have two pointy ends and you'll thank me if the wind gets up in the night - the slap, slap of the waves will be some 20' at least away. -On VHF channel 16 or by mobile you will get the Alderney water taxi if you dont have a tender. It is

OK - from a few phone calls, I have the following down for a warm stable bed and a greasy fry up: Adam F Paul D Alun J Neal S Anyone else before I call Mark in the morning? Also - appreciate I'm not skippering, but in the interest of moving the logistics planning along what are the suggested timings? Leave early friday? Convoy? Casual departure radio contact etc... Can I suggest a 'team leader' knocks up a set of marks (wrecks and banks) to enable skippers to be flexible?

Mark, I'll give you a call tomorrow - a few of us need a bed, so it's easier for one to book than indviduals. Cheers Adam

'Bob if we get the new boat to look THIS good..... I'll be happy man!'

Slack tides = ling

I'll have a chat with the Armoury this week. I also know Mark at Alderney Angling has just set up a new B&B. There are plenty of B&B's on the island - the usual problem is getting in at short notice. In previous years Ive needed to book up at least 6 months in advance. The Armoury is great as they dont charge if you get blown off. Plus they do a mega breaky. The downside is if you want to leave the mooring early to get to the banks.

Sorry Mate - brownie points already submitted. Looking forward to it, lets hope the weather plays nice. Metcheck is giving a bit of wind at the moment - but with 14 days to go - who knows.... http://www.metcheck.com/V40/UK/FREE/14days.asp?zipcode=poole

Decorating the bedroom this afternoon. Rach does have a list in the kitchen that 'must' be done before the boat arrives......

Vey nice Dave - a good looking purposeful boat. Looking forward to seeing her up close!

Thanks Mike - I never knew that! You learn every day! Postponing the comp wont be a bad thing (apart from me being forced into decorating!) at least a few more will hopefully be able to attend??

Youre joking Charlie... it's already up there, ask bob!! You are more than welcome, and your advice would be welcome. About 3 weeks we think..... hate waiting!!

What's your budget Codless? Would be interesting to look at other options? I think the Warriors et al have a hull that eminated from the Icelander - take a closer look....