Introduction to the adventure

In 2008 Drascombe adventurer, Douglas Hopwood suggested a rally to Venice and Croatia.  This linked in with planned retirements and wish list destinations for Anne and I.  Jack O'Keeffe, who works in Croatia signed up and introduced John and Nancy O'Reilly and at the last minute, David Camlin.

The trip involved towing and sailing boats in Italy and Croatia over a 3-4 week period in September 2009. 
The social mix of the team was an unknown quantity as were the challenges ahead.  As expected the Drascombe spirit shone through to make this a fantastic experience.

We drove/ towed 3330  miles and sailed/ motored 177 nautical miles.
We spent 26 nights sleeping in the Coaster cabin.

The entries are shown in chronological order. 
Click on the pictures to see a larger version.

27 August 09

This is just a small portion of the gear to take to the boat waiting at Ashlett Sailing Club, Southampton.

Squeezing gear into the car.

28 August 09

Unwrapping Gadfly at Ashlett.

Loading the gear.

Gadfly at Ashlett ready for overnight stop.

29 August 09

Pauline and Barry cycle to Ashlett to wave us off.

Hitched and ready to leave Ashlett.

Overnight stop with Douglas and Margaret.

30 August 09

Dover to Calais ferry

Calais beach

Lunch in France

Arrival at Chalons en Champagne in the middle of an agricultural festival

31 August 09

Chalons Municipal camp site.

Lunch on a French river bank.

Swiss border and the motorway charges deplete the bank balance.

Relaxing at Lucerne after challenging navigation of the convoy through the city.

1 September 09

Petrol stop in Switzerland.

The long tunnels were intimidating.

Lunch stop at Lake Maggiore.

Boat haul out eyelet bolts shear off and the boat attempts to twist itself off the trailer on bumpy roads.

Arrive at Venice base, Fusina campsite very late after Jane (sat nav) freaked out at the new Venice motorway system.  Spent 2 hours trying to get off the motorway.