I feel so terrible, enjoying a lovely warm summer, riding my bike with friends, having barbecues; all the while, Constellation is battling sub-zero temperatures, snowstorms, loneliness and a lack of love.

Thanks so much to Jeff W. of Greenport for the photograph!

Also many thanks for all the votes in my recent attempts to win over the ING $10,000 ‘My Dream Is’ competition – [update] Winners already announced, we didn’t win! As they say in Germany ‘Schade’. Nevermind, I’ve gotten this far; we’re unstoppable!

Now, since I’m not doing much sailing at the minute (take a look at that photo up there again), you should go and see what Lee Winters is up to – He’s just started his dream of sailing solo around the world, with Jargo his boat, and his gorgeous malamute friend Georgia. Lee is also responsible for a very possible change of plans next year. Don’t worry, the voyage is definitely not going on hold, but only getting slightly more mad. More on that later.

If I don’t post before 25th – Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate it! With particular attention to all who are alone for whatever reasons. Two Christmas’s ago I was in England, alone on a freezing boat with a stupid idea, a six pack of Tesco’s mince pies, and tea candles to heat the cabin.