On Friday I had the privilege of launching 'Aransas', saying the time-honoured words and christening her hull with the appropriate liquid.She's looking gorgeous now, with her polished hull and the new anti-fouling paint. All sorts of electronic gear has been acquired, and we think we can get it all up and running today, including the radar. I have a lot more wiring to do - so far nothing's gone bang after my ministrations, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. It's all a matter of interpreting the Raymarine 'instructions' correctly.

Stuart's friend Ian has arrived, and between them they've persuaded me that it's a good idea to sail to Cancún and maybe Belize with them, probably Wednesday or Thursday depending on the weather (which is foul at the moment) and then fly back. Thing is, a) if I stay here I'll be bored until I can ride again, b) Ian's a doc and has had a play with my shoulder and has plans to do things to it for me, and c) it seems like a good idea.

So I've been kitted out with wetties and deck shoes, and Janie the landlady will look after The Old Dear till I get back.