As soon as the book hit the streets, people began asking for signed copies, which is nice. Interestingly the hard copy was as much in demand as the soft cover …

I’ve had two glitches: a few weeks ago, I sent all my stock to Salty Dogs Christmas season shop in Maldon – fronted by Photographer Den Philips – keeping back copies to cover the orders I still had to fulfill.

I need to go back a ‘bag’ another couple of copies to keep punters happy!

I had one email saying:

‘I have bought several of your books as  Christmas gifts and he (Dad) also enjoyed a recommendation I saw on your website for another boat book.
Anyway, if you could sign a copy for him ‘Mike’ that would be much appreciated…’

Then this fairly fulsome piece from a lady on the the first half of her read…

‘I thought your first chapter was very thoughtful and encouraging to get men to get checked. It can’t have been easy writing about your feelings. I’ve told friends your story (a brief version) to encourage them too. I think of the time  when you were going through it all and I can’t imagine what it must have been like for both of you in different ways. I’m just so glad you are so well now.’

Then, continuing:

‘I’ve read more and remember putting a bucket up the mast to go through the bridge in the Swale. Your time on the barge was so much nicer than a weekend I spent on Xylonite…

You provoke so many memories that I read the books twice to really enjoy the books properly usually with east coast rivers open too so I can see your route or a map for the walking.

Thank you for writing another one.’

Thank you!!

I had a card from a sailor in The Netherlands, thanking me for the safe arrival of a book, he said: ‘I have received your book in good condition! Now I am looking forward to a lot of reading pleasure…’

Another chap and his wife contacted asking for a signed copy, wrote:

‘I hope that you will keep sailing and writing those great books of yours because we’ll keep reading them!! ‘

Yes, kind reader, I will keep sailing for as long as good grace and health coexist, I promise… As for further writing, hmm, I don’t know – too early yet.

And, thank you to all those who have so far bought a copy of this book, it is greatly appreciated.