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Swagmans Sailing Blog

Swagmans Sailing Blog


Come on in and say hello via a 'comment'. We've cruised our Hanse 46' sailboat from UK to Egypt to the Caribbean mainly two handed from 2004 to 2008 and enjoyed every minute. We are back temporarily in the UK - but sunshine beckons us again for summer 2009.

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October 2005 - Already Planning for 2006

Posted at 8:44 AM, Thursday, October 6, 2005

We've been discussing our goals for 2006 and decided to move onward in the Med by taking part in the East Med Rally from May to July.

 

This rally - running from Istandul down the Trukish coast, on to Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, Isreal and Egypt - has traditionally attracted 80 or so yachts who like us - see some comfort in exploring this part of the world in company.

 

It ios low cost - 250 eu per person for whole trip or even one leg.  With just Sue and I on board it will be good value.

 

We'll aim to get back up to the Agean for early July and decide then where we'll base Swagman for the rest of 2006.

 

Going to add some boat extras before we go.

Watermaker. We've bid on a small US unit called a Katadyn on ebay and expect that to arrive direct in Palma within 2 weeks.  At US$2,200 plus shipment plus tax - compared with UK£2,800 + VAT - it made good sense to order overseas.  Only designed to make 12 or so litres per hour, but that should be adequate to keep our tanks filled even if we shower each day.

Removalbe Davits for dinghy.  Towed we've found the 3.4 + 6 hp knocks around a knot off Swagmans boatspeed.  Simpson Laurance appear to do good kit so likely to t be them.

Folding Bikes for easier shore time. We've gone for Bike in a Bag after personal recommendations.

Bigger Headsail.  We've ordered a Code 0 headsail to supplement the Gib and spinnaker.  For other 461 owners - it will be on its own demountable furler and allow us to storm along once the breeze is slightly cracked - and also pack down into that magic lazarette.

 

We anticipate taking Swagman on it's 'deliver trip' leaving early or mid April to cover the 1,500 miles from Mallorca to the rally departure point in Istambul.  

 

Cheers

JOHN 

 

 

 

 

 

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Bikes

Posted by John Graham at 6:34 PM, Sunday, October 9, 2005

Bike in a Bag a big mistake. Expect to replace it within a few weeks when it is rusted so badly that it will be dangerous. I am afraid that you get what you pay for with folding bikes. Take plenty of spares; even spokes for small wheels are virtually unobtainable outwith UK.

<< Hi John,
Appreciate the views on Bike in a Bag and I'll let all know how ours go over this coming period. We are taking them down to the boat for the winter months only next week - so if they do start to rust as you say - we'll know pretty swiftly.

We chose these after seeing one carried two years ago on Rally Portugal and after getting good reviews from the user. He also has a Brompton and found the Bike in a Bag much better all round.

We'll see how they go and really appreciate the advice.

Regards
JOHN>>



Edited by swagman on Oct. 13, 2005 at 1:39 PM
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Katadyn Watermaker from WestMarine (USA)

Posted by swagman at 3:19 PM, Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Just in case others might have a simialr interest - this unit was delivered into Palma this week - and incurred a further Eu410 in import duty / taxes.

So if you wish to make any comparison with a UK purchase - total cost delivered ($ to £ and Eu to £ from xrate.com) for me was £1,537.00. That's a saving of £1,753 over UK price of £2,800 + VAT - less than half price.

Looks like I'l be using WestMarine again especially for bigger purchases.
JOHN
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Corinth Canal

Posted by Anonymous at 11:50 AM, Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Hi John, I've did (as a delivery skipper) a neat job bringing a Bavaria 32 from Slovenie tot Turkey in march 2003. The weather was verry bad. No wind or to much wind from the wrong direction... The part from Corfu, levkas and the Corinth Canal was hard bud we managed. We've did it in 2,5 weeks.... and after all it was fun.

So good luck next year!



Frank - Eternal Flame
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Davits

Posted by Silversailor at 6:05 PM, Monday, October 31, 2005

I looked at lots of systems at the US Sailboat Show earlier this month. I suggest you look at the new davit system offerred by Garhauer. Very strong and reasonably priced. Their products are generally excellent.

Silversailor
South Haven, MI USA
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