Southampton Boat Show edition

The Owner has just returned from a couple of days "helping" on the Swallow Boats stand at the SBS. When I first arrived at the show, I felt lost - Swallow Boats were nowhere to be seen in the small boats section. I had to join the crowd that trudged over not one but two bridges to the furthest reaches of the show (except for the Marina) to find the stand.

Swallow have been "upgraded" and now mingle with the likes of Benneteau, opposite the food bars. At least coffee is easy to find!

The stand is now enormous (by small boat standards). Gone is the little set of steps that let one climb into a BC 23. Instead, there  are steps up to a platform that is at BC 23 gunnel level, with Equinox, Andy Dingles' new boat (in a rather becoming Burgandy red),  nestling against one side of the platform. Seemingly towering over the other side of the platform is the NEW BC25, with a  gloss black hull and white upper works. She boasts twin rudders, a Pilot House, electrically operated Dagger Board, built in shower and loo, clever sliding arrangements for cookers, sinks and fridges and a host of other "big boat" features. She's been built to a high standard under the watchfull eye of her prospective owner. He and Matt are still adding refinements......

Meanwhile, the interior finish of the BC 23 has been further developed and I'm pleased to see that one or two external improvements have been made to overcome niggles that I (and no doubt others) have expressed to Matt. He certainly listens to his customers.

Friday seemed to be a Swallow Boats association reunion event- I am sure there were more existing customers than potential ones. Saturday was completely different - the BC 25 attracted most of the attention and many interested and admiring comments.

I've returned home with several ideas to incorporate into Vagabond when I get the time (and money!). (Not to mention a GRP repair kit....) Time is going to be bit short in the next year, for I'm returning to University next week, to my "Alma Mater" (UCL) almost 50 years to the day when I first passed through it's gates.....This time I'm embarking on an MSc - I'm told it involves writing essays and taking exams again.....but at least it might help to keep the dreaded Alzie away. Provided the exams and the dissertation don't get in the way, I may get some sailing in too!