The last of our three fundraising nights for the Kid's Club was on the 24th July and whilst the attendance was not what I expected, I learnt a long time ago that when you are raising money for charity you should be grateful for whatever you are given.

Our sick kid's in The Children's Hospital will benefit to the tune of approximately $5,000 to $7,000.

Whilst the nights speaking about our "Hobart" experience were enjoyable, it was a relief to finish up at Muswellbrook RSL with our wives present, then have an enjoyable time together before we move on.

My thanks go to my crew and their wives for their unfailing support of the nights and of course I need to make mention of "Lucky" (my wife) for putting up with me.

The moulded permanent hatch cover I've been working on is now finished and in the capable hands of Dave Cook at Belmont Smash Repairs for a paint job.

I went to the Sydney Boat Show a couple of weeks ago and continued my dreaming and drooling (like a kid in a lolly shop). I touched base with some existing friends and made some good contacts with suppliers of other equipment that I need.

I have made my choice of firepower to replace my main and secondary winches in the cockpit with that choice being the Lewmar product as supplied by Peter Shipway and the team at Barlow Distributors.

The purchase of the winches and Lewmar clutches is being self-funded but with wonderful support and backup from Peter.

The primary reason I have selected Lewmar is that I have confidence in their ability to perform.

My Public Speaking has kept me busy lately with recent presentations for the Goodyear Tyre Company and The Australian Property Institute with another Goodyear speech scheduled for this weekend and I'm at Terrigal Rotary Club this Thursday night.

Money! Money! Money! I'm about to embark upon a concerted effort to secure some sponsorship as self funding can go just so far.

My web site www.sailsolo.com provides plenty of information as to how one may become involved with Solo Globe Challenge 2000 and so if you can help or know of someone who may, then I would really appreciate it if you contact me to discuss it further.

The new mast inches forward in its construction and is looking great. It is going to be a good feeling to pull a sail up again and go for a "spin." I think it fitting that I have as many of the "Hobart" crew on board as I can for that first sail.

Well that's enough of the chat. See you soon.

Tony Mowbray