At the end of last year, when planning my 2025 adventures, I made a conscious decision to enjoy May in the UK, and spend more time in the garden enjoying the British Spring before heading off sailing. I’m glad I did. April and May have brought largely fabulous weather, and I have spent much time outside with friends and family, enjoying trips to the Isle of Wight and staying fairly local.
An early trip out on Spellbinder beckoned though, and at the end of March I took my best man Anthony, and his daughter (and my god daughter) Kinvara out for a trip to the Beaulieu river. It was quite cold, and breezy on the way back, but we had fun and Kinvara proved to be a fine helm!
An early outing a short time later was with the Squadron Sailing Associates (SSAs) – from Cowes to Newtown Creek and Lymington. A few yachts gathered, and the SSAs were divided between them. I had the pleasure of having Jeremy, Georgina, Anastasia and Octavian aboard, and we enjoyed some great food and company. That the water temperature was 13 degrees did not seem to prevent swimming in Newtown Creek though, although I politely declined. When it is north of 25 degrees I begin to be tempted!
The usual maintenance has been calling though, and I took my usual annual trip to Bosham Quay to dry out and wash off. This time I was accompanied by my good friend Charles in his yacht Caris.
The Coppercoat applied in 2017 is still working fine, although thinning a bit at the waterline. When next out for a decent period I will probably re-coat the first foot or so.
We had a good time, finishing off in the pub with local friends. As the forecast weather was due to deteriorate, I single-handed down the Bosham Channel at midnight, with Charles following behind, and left him to anchor while I motored back to Gosport.
Sue and I also had a great weekend with neighbours Marcus and Jennie. We had lunch in Cowes before heading up the Beaulieu River beyond Buckler’s Hard and picking up a buoy. We enjoyed the tranquility up there and had a thoroughly sociable time.
Plans are now focussed on getting to the Channel Islands in early June, then along Northern Brittany to Southern Brittany. July and early August is likely to be in the West Country. May the fine weather continue…
The Travels of Spellbinder 
Bien lus merci mon ami.
François Menagé
BALZAC | Real Estate Investment Management
M: + 33 (0) 6 07 42 16 54
E: francois.menage@balzac-reim.comfrancois.menage@balzac-reim.com
112, Avenue Kleber, 75116 Paris
http://www.balzac-reim.comhttp://www.balzac-reim.com/
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If you’re in the West Country in July, Nick, bring Spellbinder to watch the Looe Lugger Regatta on July 25-27. You could possibly crew on Guiding Star: I’m still trying to sell her and hoping a friend will skipper her to the Regatta while I bring my new boat Hopeful. Much singing, dancing, eating and drinking as well as three fiercely-contested races. https://www.facebook.com/looelugger
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Thanks Paul – will let you know if I’m in the vicinity!
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Très heureux, Nick, de te lire ! Nous vous souhaitons une excellente saison!
Le mois dernier je suis aller préparer Sea You pour les navigations de l’été prochain. Nous serons début juillet aux Baléares.
Par ailleurs, j’ai remis le site à jour :
https://so51seayou.wixsite.com
(Enfin ! 😂)
Toute ma fidèle amitié,
Nicolas
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Bonjour Nico
Heureux de découvrir que tu navigues encore – bon vent pour l’été. Ton site ne semble pas marcher…
Amitiés Nick
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Nick,
Trust all’s well with the mighty Spellbinder…great to see you at the WSC gig.
How do you obtain tidal information for 2026 without buying the Admiralty Tide Tables?
As ever, Calum
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Calum – I use Imray tide planner: worldwide tides for a year or two for a small price.
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