Launch and sea trial

Standing and watching breathlessly as they put slings under Sirocco, drive an enormous lifter up to her, and slowly lift her off the supports, I can hardly believe it's happening.

We walk behind the lifter at a snails' pace, full of awe - like a wedding party following a bride to the altar! We walk past a line of 68ft clippers, all in Fremantle for a stopover during their round the world race.

Now we are at the slipway, and Tom opens a bottle of champagne, instructing me to pour some over the bow just before she touches the water, and say a few words. Well, I poured ok but couldn't say anything as tears were rolling down my face! Tom took photos which I haven't got yet, sorry. However, here is one of her in the water:

At last - in her element. We filled up with fuel and set off to the northeast out of the marina.

We raise the main, then un-furl the headsail, switch off the motor and she glides effortlessly and silently through the clear, blue water. She handles like a dream, I don't think I have ever felt quite this blissfully happy - just one thing wrong, Mike isn't here to share my joy. We play around for an hour or so, then slip back into the marina, find a pen and tidy her up a bit, then secure her for the night. What a day - what a yacht - what a blast!

Oh, and by the way - we finished the champagne :)