It's now just over a week before Impossible Dream starts her journey back from Multimarine and the guys are working flat-out at the yard to get her ready, thanks to everyone at Multimarine and at Waypoint 1 who are, as I write, up to their ears in cabling as they fit all of the Raymarine electronics.  Grapefruit Graphics did their business on Wednesday this week as you will see from the photo.  Still more to be done for sponsors but it was essential we got the www.geoffholt.com logos on the bow before she gets back to the Solent.  Although, looking at the photo, it looks like someone has pulled the plug out, it must be those imposters from across the harbour in Plymouth.

With 3 days to go in the British Airways voting, I find myself now in first place out of the 8 candidates.  I just need to maintain the momentum for another 3 days and we could win those tickets for Elaine & Tim to fly out and meet me at Christmas after my crossing.  If you have not yet voted, please have a go, it's free and only takes a couple of minutes, CLICK HERE for more info. I've been told that voting numbers are in their thousands - can I just say, whatever the outcome, thank you very much indeed, it means a lot to know that so many people have taken the time and trouble to vote for me, it's very humbling.

A couple of quick updates for you. The Help for Heroes speaking event last week (see previous Blog), succeeded in raising a whopping £20,000 which is great news.  Secondly, I'm delighted to say that we now have 250 registered users on this site - thanks to all of you.  I hope you enjoy these blogs and don't forget, because you've registered, feel free to comment on the blogs.

I will give more detailed information nearer the time but those with their diaries handy, might like to know that the boat and I will be exhibiting at the PSP Southampton Boat Show between the 14th and 17th September courtesy of National Boat Shows who have very kindly provided a free berth - it's Feature Berth 525 if you are really that organised.  There's a competition to win a guided tour of ID and win a few freebies on their website so do take a look.  CLICK HERE for details.  Please do come along and say "hello"

Incredibly it seems only yesterday that we watched Scarlet Oyster sail out of Cowes on her voyage around Great Britain to raise money and the profile of the Ellen Macarthur Trust.  Yet, as of today, she is nearing Largs on the west coast of Scotland having alread sailed up the east coast and throught the Caledonian.  It is an incredible voyage for a tremendous cause - do please click on the link above to read about the Around Britain voyage.

One group who have been long-term supporters of me and my project is a group called PHAB. One of their regional officers, Gordon Robbins, made a short video of me at their sports day last year. CLICK HERE to watch the video.

Well, all parents will know it is now the Summer Holidays so I found a few hours spare to take Master T to the Beaulieu Motor Museum yesterday. The highlight was without doubt the Top Gear Exhibition which was full of the usual childish, but highly amusing (and boyish) rubbish. Pic below of Tim with the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  Didn't see Lord Montagu - perhaps he was out scouting around his wonderful gardens or something but we took a look around his magnificent palace, very nice it was too.  I would have signed the visitors book but couldn't find it.