An early start today. Left Esher at just before 0700 and arrived at Universal for a day of cleaning and putting things away.

It’s amazing how much stuff came off Yaga. So much so that I decided to allocate one of the stern cabins as a workshop and storage area. I barely managed to fit it all in. Yaga, for a 30 foot yacht had so much clever space on her.

WIth that job done, which took me most of the morning, I started on the bilges. I managed to soak up 5-6 litres of what tasted and was salt water. I managed to speak to John, the previous owner, and he confirmed that he had taken the log out recently, so it may have been that, will keep an eye on it. Everything looked reasonable and I also emptied the shower tray bilge area, which had a slight blockage.

I bilge area was remarkably cleaned and in great condition for a 20 year old yacht. Paint was all intact and the bow and aft area were bone dry. With dehumidifier and heater on, I left the floors up and had a spot of lunch, which comprised of a pancetta and mushroom and chilli omelette.

After lunch, it was time to attack the cockpit locker. This was a similar and quicker job. I the days clean up process I found interesting items belonging to both previous owners, which ranged from engine spares, cockpit cushion covers, lifting keel sliders and surprise surprise a pound coin in the aft cabin bilge ?

Time to go home with satisfied and with a feeling that I am bonding and becoming a part of my new Seraphim.