Cracking on the Ribs

Posted on Aug 01, 2024

The Boat Yard have began to remove the sole around the mast step to assess the work required to be undertaken to the Keel and I await an estimate.

The survey told me that one of the major things was there was evidence of cracking on the ribs that the mast plate and foot sit on. That needed further investigating.

The Ericson 380 has a very unique and strong triaxel grid system that connects the chain plates through some stainless steal rodding to the ribs and tri-axel system that sits above the keel, making for a very strong design. What appears to have happened here is that the whole chain pla...

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First meeting with the new boat yard, a cunning plan.

Posted on Jul 12, 2024

Today was the first meeting with Max from Johanson's Boat Yard, Rockland, Maine. The boat was moved there at the end of May 2024. The yard having been recommended to us and we briefly met with Max, the manager when we visited in April and were impressed with his knowledge and passion for boats. Although I woke this morning feeling a bit overwhlemed with the amount that needs to be done for this project, the meeting with Max inspired and motivated me. Having bought some Makita drills/tools and some knee pads I felt ready to start the next phase, although $500 down on the account. The plan at th...

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The Starting line.

Posted on Jul 06, 2024

We had spent around 2 years looking for the perfect boat, a boat that was well built, and could be refitted to safely take on some of the most challenging races in the world. Having previously owned an Erickson 380 this was our preferred choice. Finding one of suitable age, condition and of course within our budget was going to be a challenge. Our search was world wide. We first spotted what was to become 'Our Boat' in December 2023. Advertised for sale in Rockland, Maine, USA. Our negotiations began and from there a new friendship with the former owner and his wife. The idea was coming to fru...

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Where did it all start…

Posted on Apr 16, 2024

I have had a passion for the sea which goes back to when I was in the Merchant navy working as an engineer on the gas tankers. I enjoyed the travel alongside the very real sense of comradeship that being together with ship mates for months brings. Where does sailing fit in?

During the Summer I managed a yacht charter business on the Hamble which inspired me to further my ambition to sail. Having sold a house, I now had the means to purchase one of the yachts, an Erikson 38, named Erica of Falmouth in 2000. With this yacht I decided I was going to undertake a transatlantic crossing, no mean fea...

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Assessing the work

Posted on Mar 18, 2024

The process of assessing the work begins in earnest

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Love at first sight

Posted on Mar 15, 2024

Today I first set eyes on the future "Highland Rheuma" in the flesh and it was love at first sight...

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Buying overseas

Posted on Feb 15, 2024

Anyone who has tried to buy a yacht overseas knows it can be anything but plain sailing!

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Choosing the Perfect Yacht for the Fastnet Race

Posted on Jan 10, 2024

Choosing the right yacht for the Fastnet Race involves careful consideration of various factors, from the type and size of the yacht to its construction, sail plan, and crew accommodations.
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Finding the right boat

Posted on Jan 01, 2024

Finding the right boat for a challenge like this is key to ultimate success.

This week we found her!

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