Dear Islander,
The first bit of good news I can impart to you for 2004 is that ex-Palma yachtie; Mike Wood was released from the Greek prison just before Christmas.
It still isn’t clear if he has to report in on parole on a regular basis but naturally, if he has it his way, he’ll never step foot on Greek soil again!
Keeping his sense of humour he sent me a Christmas card before his release with Santa behind bars (made with his felt-tip pen).
In a letter in the last issue, Christopher Sardo of Latitude 39 mentioned a questionnaire for you to air your views, grievances and observations.
This is now available on the net at www.latitude39shipyard.com.
This is your opportunity to make your thoughts heard- I urge you to take this opportunity.
The story re MCA visits to the South of France should be a warning: surely it’s only a matter of time before the MCA decide to pay us a visit here in the Balearics!
The front-page story is also one that should be remembered and whatever you do don’t part with any money until you have double-checked the validity of any deal that you’re offered!
Anyone going to the London Boat Show?
I’d be very interested in your opinion of the new venue in London’s docklands.
As I’m writing this I’ve checked the weather forecast for the opening few days of the show; rain, rain and more rain with high winds!
I feel that boats look terrible in bad weather and it’ll be interesting to get a reaction from anyone who went to see the yachts moored outside the centre on the Thames.
Steve Lenton´s letter will probably be of interest to many of you who have not yet completed all the modules for the class 4 qualification.
Steve cannot seem to nail them down on their constantly moving goal posts!
If and when he gets a reply he’s promised to share it with us all.
That’s all for now but remember if you’ve got something on your chest we’ll be happy to air it- keep the letters and comments coming in.
Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2004.
John Rule