I recall that Tom promised to let you know that we had acquired 'Jet Lag', and we are delighted to have the opportunity to join the Victoria Shadow Association.

'Jet Lag' has now been renamed and is registered as 'Rebwelly'.  We bought the boat from Tom at the end of last season, too late to make it worth putting her back in the water following the survey. We can't wait to get afloat.

Patsy and I are both relatively new to cruising. We had three holidays on the Norfolk Broads when the boys were quite small (now 28 and 25), plus a wet week on the Thames about 8 years ago, and we recall these as among the most enjoyable and relaxing of all our breaks. With the boys 'off our hands' - in theory, at least - we decided to realise one of our ambitions, to have a boat of our own. We saw the best part of a dozen prospects, but the Shadow seemed to us to be well ahead of the competition, and here we are.

'Rebwelly' will be launched following the weekend of 5/6 March. Anxious to learn as much as we can through direct experience, we have undertaken the Spring maintenance ourselves, including polishing the hull (phew!) Tom was extremely helpful last Autumn in giving me detailed instructions in the operation and maintenance of the Shadow, and I have several pages of closely spaced notes in the file. Nonetheless, I shall be pleased to have completed the dewinterising and to have cleared the first lock and I am currently considering taking some tuition in the basics afloat.

Patsy and I plan to be active members of the Association if we can. I look forward to meeting as many members as possible, as the year progresses.