We survived Easter, a milestone in the boatyard calendar, a time traditionally associated with frenetic activity. “Will she be ready in time” must be one of the colourful phrases taught at Sea Schools along with futtock shrouds deadmen and devil seams. I thought up some new ones when we were asked to fit a new Diesel heater the day before Good Friday. After a struggle it got fitted “in time” but then the owner got clobbered by wife for garden duty, he missed a decent sail and the joy of a snug cabin.

The last winter although lacking in snow and frosts appeared to us to have been blessed with prolonged windy periods. In fact ‘Molly’ the yard cat who dislikes windy weather as only a cat can predicts wind by hurtling around the shed knocking over tins of paint and hiding in dark corners. With a bit of lateral thought we ought to be able to breed from her and market the offspring as some sort of maritime weather forecaster. The wind although fine for the sailors on the river certainly gives problems when mooring up and we have witnessed a few bumps and scrapes although the fine scar on the starboard side of my ‘Atlantic Horizon’ was entirely due to Mutford Lock moving to port, you do understand.

Bow thrusters much derided by those who do not have them are a great help in tight spots. To handle a vessel with both bow and stern thrusters can be akin to performing aquatic ballet and truly it is most satisfying to handle craft so equipped in windy conditions. I watched a cruiser depart from his mooring last week and it was blowing very hard. He just inched forward out of his slip, a couple of squirts on his bow, a touch astern on his port engine another squirt for a second or two, ahead on starboard and with a deft touch on his wheel and he was away with no fuss whatsoever. What made the performance so stunning was that the wind was very strong and it was the chap’s first boat and only his third time out of what was a tight mooring. Is it so surprising that many wives give husbands bow thrusters for birthdays and Christmas presents?

I must get back to filling and polishing my scar and perhaps think about buying some larger fenders.