KatieR

That's really good news- glad that all went well for you, any surgery makes for an anxious time. Best wishes for a speedy recovery

Wwhhhoooaa there boys- what's this talk of whacking with hammers, ripping out and going back to basics stuff? So far as I can see, the issue is simple. Indy is a lady. A strong and capable lady. We lady types are complex beings and on some extremely, extremely rare occasions a tad temperamental could be suggested ( if you were brave enough to suggest such a thing, and let's not forget of course, there are a million reasons for it- none of which we might care to share at that particular juncture....) Perhaps treating her to a full spa experience involving crisp paper towels, the warm lovely breeze from Vidal Sassoons finest and a gentle, soft spraying of suitable products alongside a caring and sympathetic owner will be all she needs. Griff- you clearly have some very valuable experience having suggested this course of action...

Hear hear! Brilliant video again Robin- gives an amazing sense of the conditions alongside some stunning scenery along by Beachy Head, a view many of us won’t experience from the sea as you did. And a clear demo of what a strong and capable lady Independence really is. Was a tad bizarre watching it though- I knew the story before I pressed play, but still I found myself with heart pounding and breath bated for how it ends! And yes, watery eyes yet again when Indy scooted past the walls and into GY I stand by my comments on my first ever post on the forum on the day of arrival at GY- the decision you took was both brave and good, and the whole journey showed what grit, determination and true friendship you all have. You should be nothing but wholly proud.

Lovely slideshow Robin and a great track too- made me fill up a bit there, especially what looks like your shot of her arriving at GY. You have a beautiful and very capable boat in Indy, and a group of even more incredible friends. Lets really hope for a lovely, lazy summer of messing about on boats for all of us to look forward too!

Thank you for sharing this update Robin, really good to see what you were all up to whilst I was glued to marine traffic and this forum, and so lovely to see you bringing her into the marina and mooring up. Got a real sense of the team atmosphere amongst the crew from this update too

Seems all very clear to me: Robins boat, Robins decision! Robin bought a lovely boat, she was looked after well by previous owners, upon taking her over Robin and other very experienced Team Indy members gave her a dose of looking at, made a list of things to do to satisfy themselves that she was in great shape (resisted the pun!) for a trip and noted a few bits here and there that would likely need to be addressed for test in Norfolk. Rather than crawl through the requirements, which whilst written can be subject to interpretation ( the only guarantee of correct interpretation is to ask the expert AKA a qualified tester), Robin went down the route of getting the expert in. Voila- the actual list of bits to do, all of which are resolvable, and ultimately getting Indy her ticket to cruise in quick time- spring is coming! (if you studiously igniore the current snow storms ) Must say, I’d probably have chosen to get the expert tester view too- eminently sensible to me - likely to save me time/ money from getting something wrong, and I’m likely to better understand what needs to be done, why and how best. However, as eastcoast and psychicsurveyor said, people do thing differently and that is great too- it’s what makes us human. Personally, I really hope to see Indy cruising ASAP and if one way is get the current ‘to do’ list from Tim , then happy days

Welcome! I’m a relative newbie too, so advice is not likely to be my strong point but I can vouch for it being a friendly and supportive group- and there are loads of experts on here who seem really happy to help the newbie crew!

loved her in Dibley and in Notting Hill- such great comedy moments.

Oh wow, the platter is lovely, I’m sure it will be a brilliant addition to Indy. Am also loving the combined wood/resin- they are simply stunning

Ps ‘hers’ reviews are a brill idea- I love it! For me, the loos and a lack of any detectable smell are absolutely make or break- very closely followed by whether there is a decent wine rack (don’t want bottles going askew when other boats pass a tad quickly), suitable glassware ( thimbles on small stems are NOT wine glasses!) and an icebox for the gin and ice in summer. Not an unreasonable list in my view....perhaps Sheila could consider these areas for her contribution to Captains blogs He who thinks he is captain (!) is holding his head in his hands currently- apparently he’d not fully appreciated why I like the lovely lady we are currently responsible adults for, and that it’s not intrinsically linked to her engine/prop/handling... hmm...I knew there was an engine but the rest? I’m still reeling from the fact there don’t appear to be brakes

Aaahhh, I get it now. I can imagine you would not be pleased- Latham’s delights are not a good prospect tor days on end and he who thinks he is skipper (!!) also needs his fix of the full pub range every visit too. Great that the hire yards spoke- really giod example of customer service from both of them- and even better EA were able to let you on your way after all

I'm quite new to the forum so may have missed something, but sounds intriguing- anything you can share?

Many congratulations, lovely photo

Thank you everyone for the really lovely welcome- it really does mean a lot. I know we have a huge amount of learning to do, but finding such a friendly and supportive group as this will stand us in good stead, I'm sure. Also lovely to hear that I may altready have a kindred spirit in Grace with the shared love of shoes and wine- now there are two areas that I can claim a tad more experience in than boating

She truly is a lovely boat and you should be hugely proud to be her current responsible adult I have no doubt whatsoever that you will settle in with her in no time, you and Indy have already had an amazing experience together which many will never have. If she continues to give you that social vibe, I'm sure you will not be short of very willing guests! Relax, take your time and soak it all in- above all, enjoy! You have a lovely summer season to look forward to with Indy (with many more to come) and those friends you choose to share her with. K

Whhhoooaaa tiger.....Yorkshire men putting big coats on??? They didn't go via the Arctic circle...conditions were wholly awful, but I'd be surprised if the 'long trousers' rule was even enacted....

I feel quite strongly that Team Indy shouldn't just get an apology, they deserve a full, clear and honest explanation from Peel Ports about what happened and why, and a reassurance that lessons have been learned and the situation won't be repeated going forward. Even if we summise for a second that there were real and genuine reasons why they couldn't lift the bridge as previously agreed, the lack of contact, information and honesty in the throes of the situation were, IMO, not acceptable. This could have, and absolutely should have, been dealt with differently. I also suspect that there are real and demonstrable financial losses here- additional fuel costs incurred when pushing Indy to meet a deadline that PP had agreed which would not have been necessary if they had confirmed earlier that it was a no-go, additional travel costs when a change of crew was required, loss of earnings for the need for an additional day to get to destination, and so I'm sure it goes on. If this is the case, perhaps PP should be recognising this also and making that good too- even If they only call it agesture of goodwill. If it was only to buy a bottle of rum for the coffee next time Team Indy are aboard, it would be a start... Now if I stop summising there is any evidence of genuine reasons, and go with the 'early dart/gin palace' theories, then it would be game on

Hi all I’m one of the newbies inspired to join during last weekends epic adventure. Quick bit about me- first ever trip to Norfolk 4 years ago, we assumed responsibility for a 37/38ft boat about 3 years ago (you can tell already I’m not great on technical stuff) and have gone from position of being able to write everything I know about boats on a diddy post it note- you know, the inch square ones- to now being able the fill a larger post it note.... Still a mountain of stuff to learn, but am sure I will get there. Eventually. Katie

I’m pleased to hear that Peel Ports have responded in such a timely manner, but its disappointing that they have not managed to deal appropriately with all points raised. Good on you and Robin for not letting this lie. Whilst I’m sure there are no answers in the world that could make up for both the personal and emotional impacts Mondays situation caused for all of Team Indy, nevertheless it’s the very least you deserve. Let’s hope Peel Ports manage to deal with this properly now, and don’t add insult to injury!

Brilliant news Robin, and great pics too. I for one will be raising a glass to you tonight, wishing you and all Team Indy much health and happiness! Relax, rest, but mostly - enjoy!!!

Well said Lulu! Robin- wishing you much enjoyment aboard your lovely Indy

The bridge had better open this morning, or there's a distinct chance of a large gang of NBN members making an assault on the control box to take over.....

The photos of the sea passage made me feel quite sick, but not even close to how I felt this afty when the bridge wasn’t opened. I’m totally gutted - can’t imagine that’s even close to your feelings on it. Quite literally a heroic effort from Team Indy this weekend. Wishing you all a peaceful rest tonight, you clearly deserve it. Also hoping that Indy slides nicely into her new berth tomorrow and we perhaps get a pic of her safely installed in her new home, ready to be pampered, polished and preened as she deserves to be- she’s clearly proved her mettle this weekend just like her fab crew

First post for me ever on any type of social media or forum, but had to write. I've been watching from afar right from the beginning, from the BA story, Robins first blogs, his brave decision to follow his dreams, right up to his most recent, both brave and good, decision to give himself space today. Amazing job Robin, Griff and the whole of Team Indy, in getting this lovely boat ready for her move and then this tricky journey to a wonderful part of the country. I honestly think watching this whole thing has shown the most grit, determination and the best demonstration of true friendship and support I've ever seen?? Genuine thanks go to Robin for allowing us to share this experience with him, and Griff - not far now, get Indy home safely and then get the biggest tots of rum you can muster for all the crew... ?