DJANGO: Our first sail

I never knew taking delivery of a boat would take so long. Since shaking hands with the dealer (back in November) it’s been on a rollercoaster ride involving lawyers, surveyors, sailing instructors and chandleries.

We’ve finally taken officially delivery of DJANGO. Now it’s time to hit the water.

This is our first sailing boat. Years and years of saving and hours and hours of preparation and we’re finally on the pontoon ready to untie the lines.

It’s an amazing - yet daunting - feeling. My first cast off and I’m nervous. Yes I’ve been on those courses, yes I’ve watched hundred of Youtube videos and yes I’ve berthed boats this size but honestly I’m still nervous - very nervous.

It’s March in the Med so the weather isn’t yet stable but the weather is glorious. We plan a day out in Comino followed by a couple of nights in Gozo Marina.

I’m ready, I ask Amber to go to the bow and ready the lines. Here goes. Wind - check. Engine - check. Propeller - check. Traffic - check. Kids - check. I ask Amber to free the port bow line, while I free the port stern line - check. I ask Amber to free the starboard bow line, put her in gear and free the starboard stern line — we’re off. Relief, we made it, we’re out.

Fenders away we prepare the sails. Wow. Amazing. We’re sailing up to Gozo and it feels incredible. The kids are very excited while I’m distracted with sails and lines. I love it.

We head north and cruise into Comino bay for the day. Anchoring is no problem no nerves there but I’m beginning to get nervous about berthing in Gozo and to be honest using the radio. It keeps me distracted all day. After lunch we decide to head to the marina and tie up for a couple of nights.

Before I enter the berth I practice reversing and try to work out how the boat behaves and try to feel how strong the prop wash/walk is. Although nerve racking, berthing is pretty straight forward. I need to work on my communication skills but it goes well and we don’t break any boats - phew.

We have a great few days and are getting excited about the freedom and adventures we’re now able to take. Sailing is definitely my new hobby.