Busy, busy, busy...

18th & 19th September

This is going to be one of my quickie blogs, as we are rushing around helping set up the Open Day and Owners' Weekend at Braidbar at the moment.

Yesterday we made a prompt start, knowing that we would be involved in a boat shuffle at some point in the morning. It's one of those minor examples of Sod's Law: in the past, when we've been a bit relaxed about getting up in these circs, we've had someone knocking on the roof at 7.30, and have ended up narrowly avoiding moving boats in our jim-jams.

(Ho, ho, yes I know, "Is that a 60 foot boat in your pyjamas, or are you just pleased to see me?")

This time, we were ready bright and early, and didn't shuffle the boats until mid morning. Nonetheless, it was good to be out and about, and we were, I think, able to make a serious contribution to further improving the look of the yard.

Braidbar had a boat due to go out on its acceptance trial today, Friday, so their staff were working flat out to get it ready. We were planting pots with pansies, stringing bunting, and sweeping and tidying all over the place.

We were joined in the afternoon by Iain and Luisa, and they brought Braidbar 100 into the yard today. Arcturus, Farne and Sebeq all arrived yesterday, and have been joined by Cala and Cedar today.

The new boat, Calm Down, was very nearly ready when her owners turned up just now, and will be going out later this afternoon. Cala will then come in and we'll have four boats for visitors to look round tomorrow, as well as the shell so that they can see what the builder starts out from.

I got a lift into Poynton after lunch, and stocked up on beer, wine and the last bits of food. It's starting to feel quite festive already, and with any luck we won't be too weary to enjoy it! The weather forecast is holding fair, at least by this summer's standards, and I think we're going to have a great time. I'll let you know on Sunday, all being well.

Meanwhile, if there's anyone out there with a genuine interest in seeing a set of Braidbar boats, various ages and styles, come along to Lord Vernon's Wharf, Higher Poynton, Cheshire, (SK12 1TH for the satnav) between nine and five tomorrow, Saturday.