8 June 2012, Kettering, Tasmania

Life is fine aboard illywhacker, she is still as good as new, cosy and warm below decks in this Tasmanian Winter and host to many interesting cruisers on their way through this part of the world. We were fascinated to meet Jeanne Socrates, a very competent single-hander of my age on her 3rd non-stop circumnavigation attempt. Three times fate intervened to force a stopover due to a roll on one occasion and gear failure on others. When she arrives at Port Townsend in a month or so she intends to re-stock and take off on her 4th attempt - phew! Her website is www.svnereida.com.  We also met Paul and Caroline from the Dutch Beneteau, SY "Giebateau" who seem to like cold climates, sailing from 80 North in Spitzbergen to similar latitudes of Antarctica. Their interesting weblog is Giebateau.weblog.nl
I must admit to itchy feet when meeting such people but there are other adventures brewing in my life as the next blog will show.