Summer 2007

Introduction, written by Jamie

I've been a very lucky man these last few weeks. What with Liz's 50th and a number of guests coming out to visit it seems that Esper hosts a never-ending supply of beautiful ladies. It must be having an adverse effect on me as I've painted two of my toe-nails turquoise. Sometimes I really do struggle with this life-style.

Within the first month of launching Esper we've managed to clock up 350nm, just cruising around the Bodrum peninsular. We've had a lot of good sailing lately. There are some uncharacteristic southerlies in the area, but consistent and strong, so Liz and I have been putting Esper through her paces, which she enjoys very much. More importantly, however, is that Liz is growing in confidence every sail we do. She's learning fast and it's making each sail a little easier for me too, which is always a bonus. We work well as a team and I'm getting more and more patient with her (I was not a very good skipper when we first started 2 years ago). It's all too easy to get short with those closest to you and I find I'm a far better teacher with others on board. Liz has requested that I talk through absolutely everything I'm thinking and doing and I'm encouraging her to read various sailing manuals, which I do all the time.

Esper getting ready for a sail

All this has been a great precursor to a number of friends coming out to visit and has meant that we can be far more relaxed hosts as our confidence grows. One problem, however, is the consumption of alcohol as we try our best to keep our guests entertained. At the time of writing (June 2007) we have no more planned visits so Liz and I can now concentrate on moving further afield and discovering a different part of Turkey. And catching up on our sleep.

Can someone please stow those bloody fenders?

Man at C & A