Thursday 30th July 2009.

Remember that "calm before the storm" I talked about last week? Well, it looks as though that period is fast coming to a close.

I took a call yesterday from the guys at Multimarine who are working on the boat and the Raymarine electronics installers who have been working flat out this week, to say that Impossible Dream will be handed over to the owner at mid-day tomorrow, Friday 31st July. To maximise the time we will have on the boat, we are driving to Plymouth tomorrow at 0600 to sail to the Solent - we leave Plymouth about noon and, weather permitting should be mooring her up on the Beaulieu River about mid day on Saturday. This will be my first time on ID since the refit and my first over-night sail on her so I shall be able to test out the new saloon berthing arrangements.  It will also be the first time Susana has seen the boat, let alone sailed on her, so there's a lot of excitement and trepidation in the air.  We have a delivery crew of 6 bringing her back and the forecast is for light to moderate S to SW winds so it should be an enjoyable shake-down voyage.  Come to think of it, it will be the first time I have sailed a yacht through the night for 25 years so all sorts of memories will come flooding back I'm sure.  I'll make sure I take my new Henri Lloyd kit to keep out the chill and mustn't forget my Bovril.

We haven't fitted any internet Comms yet so I will try and update my Blog using my 3G Dongle but don't be disappointed if it is Monday before I upload an update. I will however be doing regular Tweets so make sure you follow my Twitter page (bottom LHS of this page)

Susana is currently on the Isle of Wight, at the UK Sailing Academy to be more precise, undergoing her Sea Survival training today.  I got a text at lunchtime which read "About to get into pool. Eek!" to which I replied (as an experienced water "bobber"), "just remember to hold your breath".  Whether she returns tonight or not will determine whether she took my advice.  Sea Survival is just one of the courses Susana will complete before we set off.  Others include VHF radio, Diesel Engine Maintenance, 5 day Competent Crew and a 6 day Ship's Doctor course.  Sadly the UKSA don't run a "how to gut and fillet a yellowfin Tuna" course or I'd have her on that too.

Another piece of great news this week, after a long search, we have found a film-maker / cameraman to join us on the trip.  His role will be to capture on film me navigating and sailing ID, and Susana's role as a carer. Not only will he be better placed to get decent film, but he will also be able to edit and send back video clips to my PR team in the UK.  Hopefully having such a great amount of footage with the possibility of it being made into a documentary, it may well encourage prospective sponsors to think positively towards the project.

It's Cowes Week next week so it is going to be even more busy which is no bad thing. We are going to take ID out several times into the Solent with potential sponsors and Press so, if you see us out there (you, can't miss us), give us a wave.

I will do my best to upload some pictures over the weekend.

On a technical note, please note that www.personalatlantic.com has been transfered to WWW.GEOFFHOLT.COM - you might like to reset your favourite bookmarks as the www.geoffholt.com website will now carry all the updates.

Now, where did I put my lifejacket and my teddy bear?