Back again

It's come to something when I've got a better internet connection in Braunston than I had in Crick, but that's how it is. Both 3 and EE have decent signals here by the Stop House, whereas neither was much use last week.

It was another good show, despite horrible weather on both Saturday and Monday; Sunday was very pleasant. Bad weather does mean that those asking to see the boats are more likely to be serious about it and Sunday was very busy indeed. We had a good few coming back for second and even third looks and some have promised to come to the Open Day in September or have made separate appointments to visit the yard.

Santiago was a great boat to show, not flashy but a classic testament to Braidbar quality. The only thing missing was a cratch, which would have helped a lot during the downpours. As it was, several stalwart owners earned much gratitude by standing holding golf umbrellas over the workers and visitors. A new, larger marquee also earned its keep, even if erecting it without benefit of instructions kept us all occupied on Wednesday afternoon.

I'm sure I don't need to say much about the socialising, which was a joy on every night between Thursday and Monday inclusive.

All in all, we delivered a thoroughly professional effort with a volunteer workforce and never a cross word was spoken.

We got away on Thursday after discovering that pump outs would not be available on Friday, so, having gone into the marina for one, took advantage of the fact that we were in cruising mode to carry on through the tunnel and tie on some good Armco between bridges 10 and 9. The only downside to that was getting covered in hawthorn blossom; the boat looked like it had been to a wedding.

Yesterday we moved on down Watford (no queuing) and tied just beyond the entrance to Welton Haven marina. Here we had a chance to look round Summerborn, the Fernwood boat, with her owners and designers Gary and Julie. It's a classic Fernwood, very nice indeed in a very modern idiom rather than Braidbar's classic timeless look.

We also brushed all the hawthorn confetti off Sanity Again and rinsed the mud off her.

Highlights of today were Sheila's brilliant turn through Norton Junction without reversing, an easy run through the tunnel without meeting anyone and a good run down the locks with Black Velvet.

We've got Ice Breaker ahead of us and Cala behind, so a final bit of socialising is in prospect tonight, after we've scoffed Aberdeen Angus rib eye steaks bought from the Braunston butcher this afternoon.

It's not over until it's over, folks.