From the editor

For readers of these blog posts we start with apology for any glitches to start with. We are still getting to grips with the technology - hosting, posting and sending out e-mails to subscribers when anything new is posted. I am sure we will get slicker but we are still deeply satisfied (and somewhat mystified) when something works as it supposed to!

The first part of this journey will be nothing special for many of you who are already experienced sailors and apart from eating heroic amounts of seafood on the way out of Normandy and up the West Coast of Ireland not requiring much in the way of special skills. However we will be keeping the log updated for those who are family and friends and who may not have much experience of sailing - although our ‘media advisor’ (looking at you Sophie) has given us some very strict instructions on content.

We will also be posting some more background to the preparation and outfitting of Belle Colombe for this voyage. So our Engineering Correspondent and IT Systems Correspondent will be enlightening you about the mysteries of the mechanics and electric string (and there is a lot of it). Our Catering Correspondent will be sharing with you how the boat is rationed (the barbecued rotisserie lamb shoulder bought in the St Vaast Saturday market was excellent by the way) and stored for the passage. Our Wines Correspondent may provide more detail on our rather well stocked cellar.

And of course from time to time the skipper will no doubt make his own amusing and authoritative contributions.

If you have any questions or suggestions please let us know by replying to the notification emails or direct to bellecolombe26@gmail.com