Well, there are now only 4 weeks to go before Impossible Dream leaves the UK and starts to make her way down to the Canary Islands so work continues at a frantic pace. The extensive Raymarine kit has been installed and we are now just finishing off a few technical wiring and synchronisation issues.  There is so much equipment involved, that it is not an easy job ensuring that it all talks to each other. And this week, the AIS is being installed which will enable other boats to see where we are and our course / speed.  If you have not seen what AIS looks like, CLICK HERE to see boats fitted with AIS around the UK (in real time, right now). Click on an area to expand the map. Another useful piece of kit to be installed will be a remote control linked to the auto-pilot so I will be able to change course from the comfort of my bed.  Not quite sure why I will need to yet, but I’m sure I’ll find a reason.  And another great piece of news is that the generator is going in tomorrow too; after a 6 week wait, we’ve been getting somewhat edgy but that is really great news – we just have to hope that it works OK.

This Friday sees the start of the PSP Boat Show.  Impossible Dream will be at the Boat Show from Monday 14^th September to Thursday 17^th September inclusive on Feature Berth 525.  Visitors on the Thursday may have to wait a while as HRH, The Princess Royal, will be coming aboard to inspect the boat and meet a few of the sponsors.  I’m obviously delighted that the Princess has shown so much interest In the Project; hopefully it will help raise the profile of disabled sailing yet further.

Talking of media interest, my PR team have been busy in recent weeks.  I believe there is a piece in tomorrow’s Daily Express (Tuesday 7^th), a feature article in The Sunday Times this coming Sunday (In Gear supplement) plus loads of radio and TV.  CLICK HERE to see a piece on last week’s BBC TV South.  Thanks to Lucy at KTB PR for all of her hard work.

This weekend just past I was pleased to be asked to speak at the 25^th anniversary dinner for the Sailing for the Disabled group on the Isle of Man.  We flew in Friday for the dinner at the Hilton that evening with more than 150 guests.  SFTD on the IOM own a 42ft yacht and make in excess of 200 sailing trips a year which is a terrific % of usage.  Thanks to everyone there for making me feel so welcome and for looking after us and entertaining us, right up until we flew home yesterday.  Timothy was particularly impressed with the bronze statue of Norman Wisdom at our hotel.  For further info on the SFTD CLICK HERE.

Susana is earning her water-wings this week.  Having done her Sea Survival course last month, this week, she is on an intensive 5 day Competent Crew course; I spoke to her last night and she hasn’t jumped ship yet so that bodes well for the Atlantic crossing.

It’s been a busy week for sailing stories, what with Michael Perham becoming the youngest sailor to sail around the world (what an amazing achievement) and the young Dutch girl who wants to sail around the World aged only 13.  So many stories. So much controversy. So many views and opinions. I think perhaps I’ll keep mine to myself. Coincidentally, as I was giving my talk to the SFTD in the IOM this weekend, I realised that Saturday 5^th September was the 2^nd anniversary of the completion of my circumnavigation of the British Isles – my thanks to The Times, The Telegraph and the BBC for remembering my teams' achievement two years on. Being September 5^th September, Saturday was also the 25^th anniversary of my accident, not that it merited much of a celebration, more a moment of quiet reflection.