April 2013...come on sunshine!!!

Blimey...it's still freezing as I write this from the comfort of the armchair infront of the fire..surely it will warm up shortly. Started the first powerboat level 2 courses back in February and weather was pretty good. Last few weeks have been a little chilly however we live in hope...have enclosed a photo of sailing along the Brittany Coast in the summer to remind you all of what's coming..ever the optimist me!!!!

Sailed from the Orwell for 5 days last week visiting the Walton Backwaters, Brightlingsea with a few great characters. Lucky with the weather but 40 kn Easterly gales on the Friday made it all a bit interesting. Had a brilliant time and the boat held up well. Getting back into the lock at Shotley Point Marina at night with a lively breaking lee shore swell was exciting...

Easter arrives this weekend and we start kayaking and sailing. Radio and First Aid Courses are well attended with skippers preparing for a good season on the water.

Had a great evening organising the 'sods opera' for the Leigh on Sea Sailing Club Cadets. They performed brilliantly and a great laugh was had by all. We've got an exciting sailing program for the youngsters organised this season and I picked up 3 Toppers to add to our growing fleet from Stubbers Adventure Centre bringing the club total up to 7, throw in 2 Wayfarers and a Laser and we're in good shape for an good season on the water.

I love this job..

Another great season draws to a close. A few more powerboat & kayak sessions & then it's into the classroom for the Day Skipper Theory, Radio & First Aid Courses until February 2013. It's been pretty wet & windy this summer however it's never a bad day on the water. A big thank you to our customers who've been brilliant. Plenty of boat maintenance will keep me busy. It's the Bonfire night celebrations at Leigh on Sea Sailing club tonight, taking the kids down for the fireworks & hot dogs. As always a great night with the added bonus of a beer festival this weekend. Sailing the East Coast for a week mid November up to the Orwell, Walton Backwaters etc..lets hope for some good weather which normally means a force 8 gale, freezing spray & frozen extremities. Wouldn't have it any other way...My children tell me its only 50 sleeps to Christmas so with that in mind..have a great Christmas and a happy New Year. Time to plan next years trips..I love this job

Give me sunshine..

What is up with the weather? Crazy nonsense...
Plenty of action on the water, mostly powerboat & sailing courses. The windy conditions are playing havoc with the kayaking. Lot's of seals & the occasional harbour porpoise for company.
The estuary has been busy with boats coming & going for the Jubilee Pageant last week with some amazing marine heritage heading up river.
Clients hav been great with the usual fascinating careers & boating aspirations..from Jo who was sailing round the world, Fabrice who is opening up his own watersports business in Cannes, John from the special forces heading out to the gulf to do some anti piracy patrols to Pete the lifeboatman from Wales who was providing rescue support for the Olympics. Never a dull moment.. I love this job....  

Spring is coming..Powerboat Level 2 brrrrh..

Just started this years Powerboat Level 2 courses on the water...a little chilly with the snow. Great fun and well done to David & Liz. High speed was a bit bonkers with everyone rubbing their hands together afterwards to try and get the feeling back.
The weather people are forecasting sunshine and increases of temperature from 5 to 15 degrees C...whoopy do..we live in hope. Just back from a couple of weeks skiing in Serre Chevalier..big thanks to Mo for looking after me. Broke my leg badly falling off a motorbike in Corfu during the late summer of 2011, so skiing within 6 months is brilliant..specialist has given up hope..no fool like an old fool.

The views on the estuary are simply stunning at the moment with the most amazing sunsets. Kayaking with clients this wednesday will be great fun. Time to get out on the water, see you soon.

Spring has sprung..just a tadge..

Mike

June 2011...Wind, Wind...plus more Wind

It's all been a little bit frantic lately. Very windy since the start of May making conditions a little testing. Great for candidates getting some experience in estuary chop and interesting launching and landing! Still only the odd course cancelled and clients have been great.

Not much going on the social front as way to busy keepng the fleet tip top and teaching. Reece and Graham have been doing a fantastic job on the water.Hoping to get a bit of coastal cruising done over the next few weeks with the kids weather permitting.

Working on Girl Pat our newest addition seen above. She is a beautiful 1920's wooden 25' Shrimp Bawley built in Leigh on Sea. Owning her defies reason however I just fell in love when I saw her for the first time. Bringing down to Leigh for the Fishing Festival on Sunday 31st July and she will be moored up opposite the Endeavour during the summer months. Intend to get her back shrimp fishing in the old fashioned way. Give us a wave if you see us on the water....

Oh happy days.........

2010 - What a great year...

I've had a brilliant year...Back in January I decided to make this year on the planet really special and it's been an epic. Big thankyou to everybody who supported and especially to the children and Gill. It went something like this..

Snowboard Austria

Mountain Bike Kerala

Bollywood Birthday Party..Best Ever

Sailed the French Atlantic Coast

Barcelona, Nice, Sardinia, Sicily by boat

East Coast cruising in our Westerly Konsort, Sergius with my beautiful children

Taught 100's of clients to Sail, Windsurf, Kayak, Powerboat and JetSki. Never a bad day on the water..try it

South of France Mountain Biking in the Black Mountains

Finally enjoying a snowy Christmas at home...Outstanding

Happy Christmas to everyone and looking forward to another great year in 2011.

Mike and Family.

Mountain Biking in Kerala, India 2010

Been riding trails up in the Mountains of Kerala since mid January. Absolutely stunning scenery and plenty of trails for all standards. Most days riding about 30km mostly brown trails, with a red or black each day. Riding with Mike and Rakesh from Mountain Bike Kerala and most strongly recommend one of their trips. Lots of rock, drop offs, crazy switchbacks, tough uphill sections but most of all great company and fun. Only taken 1 puncture in 10 days but been over the handlebars way too many times. A few superficial injuries and heading back down today to the beautiful beach at Varkalla for a well earned bit of R&R. Eating local food from roadside stores at 50p a meal, damned tasty but don't be put off by lack of hygiene. All the locals eat here and after the apprehension of the first few meals it's great, tasty and cheap. I reckon all in it's a 10 pound a day holiday of a lifetime in Kerala once you've paid for flights. However essential to try and avoid the tourist spots where that budget would quadruple.

Evenings consist of a cold quiet beer, cards and great conversation. The local people are brilliant and very friendly with most speaking a bit of English. Don't hesitate give it a try. I'm back on the 15th Feb and looking forward to running the early season Powerboat, Day Skipper & Kayak Courses. See you all soon.... Mike