Ready for the off
I enjoyed the ‘Countdown to your adventure’ feature in the May issue about planning for a bluewater cruise. The thing about yachting is that everything takes three times longer than you think it will, and costs twice as much.
We bought our 46ft deck saloon yacht three years ago and spent the last two upgrading and improving her to go cruising. Our plan was to set off this autumn. Coronavirus means we’ve had to postpone that but, fingers crossed, we hope to leave the UK next year.
Getting a yacht prepared is a daunting job and at times I felt overwhelmed by the list of things to do. Among the biggest mental hurdles for me were the skills required for cruising. I’m not that mechanically minded and I didn’t know much about electrics. But other boat owners we’ve met have been generous with their advice and knowledge, and you do pick up a lot as you go along.
I’ve taken ten times longer on some jobs than anyone with expertise would have done, but I’ve learned and got better. What I’m not so good at still is squeezing into all those tiny places you have to make repairs!
Like some of the people in your article, I’ve found it good to have a deadline. Fitting in work and family commitments has made it difficult at times, and I’ve never worked so hard, but I’m glad we have a departure date to keep us on track.
As to how much it all costs, I’m still working this out as I go along. So far, I’d say you should take your budget and then add on another 10% at least. Having a boat is an expensive business, whatever way you try do to it.