False Start!

We arrived in Fleetwood after a crazy day on Friday - lots of goodbye's, leaving work, packing the final bits from the house, and handing the house over to the letting agents. Eventually, after some to'ing and fro'ing between Asda and boat we were picked up by Grandma and taken to the boat for the last time!

The weather looked bad for Saturday and sure enough when we awoke the force 8 forecasted was coming through. We had a load of jobs to do (seeing the local chandlers - the Yacht Shop, receiving visiting relatives, and my firm had arranged a press photographer to come along (some great pics - will post when we get to wifi) so postponed departure until Sunday.

Well, today is Sunday and we are only 50 yards closer to Australia! The wind was up again this morning but was forecasted to drop significantly. We um'ed and ar'ed a lot and decided to go (fed up of Fleetwood now). At 12:30 we motored out of the marina amongst mutterings of good luck from the harbourmaster and farewells from Dave and Barry (our neighbours in Fleetwood), and Grandma and Grandad waiving from the shore line. The wind was up but we decided to dip our toe in and try - it was fine in the river, but 35-38 knots in the main channel! We discussed it breifly whilst waves broke over the decks and decided that for a first leg (and a 24hr one at that) this was daft, so at 13:45 we re-entered Fleetwood (the lock keeper had a welcome home sign for us!!).

So we're still in Fleetwood, although our berth was taken when we returnedso we're a little further down and the berth nearest the lock gates! Fingers crossed for better weather tomorrow.