Well……. What a glorious summer we have had. Beautiful warm days with breezes to fill the sails. Ironically, my husband and I have not managed to take ‘Wander Forth’ (our Seaforth) very far at all this summer as both of us have been so busy. As a newly retired person, I have to quote the much-used question, “How did I ever find the time to go to work?”.

The year has flown by in a whirl of decorating, gardening, lunching, theatre, and new pastimes. Chris has been very busy at the boatyard too, so longer voyages have been out of the question this year unfortunately. We have still enjoyed life aboard, however, mending, updating, and just pottering about, ending the days with a nice glass of red whilst watching the sun set. Mac boating life is just so relaxing.

My Commodore’s rally in June (to coincide with the famous Pin Mill Barge Match) was disappointing as no other local Macs were able to join us. However, a week later, some members met at Shotley for a lovely relaxed evening meal at ‘The Shipwreck’

Chris and I also had MOA members join us at the annual Barbecue we hold in Ipswich every August Bank Holiday. We were exceptionally pleased to welcome the newest of all members – Rodney and Christine Kerr. More of this event later.

I am looking forward to seeing members at the 2018 MacMeet and AGM which is on February 23rd 2019 at Warsash Sailing Club. A large proportion of our members are based on the south coast, so I am hoping for a good turnout at this event, as the journey will not be too far for them. Fuller details can be found on the back cover of this edition of the Journal.

It’s almost time for ‘Wander Forth’ to be craned out of the water ready for a winter of minor repairs, varnishing, painting and anti-fouling. The year has gone so quickly, but at least that means it won’t seem long until it is launching time once again! In the meantime, may I wish you a lovely Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year.