Boat show

[Peter Kay]

Went yesterday with a long shopping list for the new boat, mostly
electronics, and ended up spending over budget (so what's new?).

Stars of the show for me were: Marine Electronic Services who supplied
Clipper Duet, Wind and GPS repeater, Garmin 128, Navtex Pro Plus, Yeoman Pro
chart plotter, JRC 1000 radar, Raytheon ST1000 tiller pilot and Maptech
charting software for 2k ukp with free delivery as well. They even gave us a
beer whilst parting us from our dosh. SMG Marine who were very helpful but
couldn't quite match the deal, Kemp Sails who were extremely helpful as
usual and are supplying a packamain system. TCS chandlery just for being
helpful with SWAMBO's wellies as were Ampair who we got another solar panel
from. Also helpful were the Yachtleg and Cradle Company and CJR Propulsion,
both of whom could well get some patronage at a later date when funds are
restored.

Black marks to Captain OM Watts who, when asked for a quote for bulk
electronics, couldn't supply the first item and didn't bother listening to
the rest and Mailspeed Marine who's two electronics counter assistants were
FAR too busy on the phone to assist the public. Both lost out on a possible
2000ukp order and will be at the bottom of my future chandlers lists.

First year we didn't go on any boats although time was fairly short with
trains to catch. We saw Ellen McArthur on Kingfisher from the balcony, she
looked about 3'6" tall and was dwarfed by the boat even without mast and
keels.

All in all a good day although we could have spent another day there and
still not really seen all we wanted to.

--
Regards,

Peter
http://www.yachthawkwind.co.uk
Remove everything after uk to reply.

Pics of new boat at:
http://www.yachthawkwind.co.uk/MistressofMourne.htm