2023 was shaping up to be a promising year. I had the beginning of the year scheduled for a nice 6-week campaign with an electric car company, offering more substantial pay compared to my usual agency gigs. I could visualize it all – finally paying off my boat, getting all the #Garmin #sailpack upgrades in place, and completing the solar installation. Back in December 2022, when the agency booked me, my 2009 Insignia with 143k miles on the clock needed some attention. It was essentially held together with duct tape and hope. After investing in new tires, a clutch replacement, DPF flush, oil change, and various other repairs, I found myself a thousand pounds lighter. Additionally, I had purchased a new mainsail for the summer, opting for #HydeSails at a cost of £1800. I could already picture my wife sunbathing in a bikini on the deck, reading a book, while I pottered around the boat. Sounds amazing, right?
Seizing the Moment The campaign was initially scheduled for December 2022, and everything seemed set. It was set to kick off in mid-January. After receiving the booking forms, I contacted the mechanic and went ahead with the sail purchase. The plan was simple – between my Christmas job and the EV gig, I'd pay off the remaining loan balance I had used to buy the boat and cover the mooring fees for the year (a total of £2k). It meant I might not have much money left, but I would be free from debt and fixed expenses. I've always been the type to pay for everything in advance, which is why I drive an older car—it's the one I could afford, having purchased it for £2k with 90k miles on it two years ago. I do a lot of driving!
Hitting the First Roadblock Just a week before the campaign was set to begin, it was #cancelled! Agencies typically don't offer any compensation when they cancel bookings. With no alternative bookings in sight and rapidly dwindling funds, I scrambled for work but could only secure three half-days in January. From then until August, I've struggled to find an average of only 2 days of work per month, depleting my savings rapidly. On top of this, living costs have risen, making it even more challenging. Many event companies now pay just slightly above the minimum wage, including holiday pay in the rate.
End of an Era Unfortunately, after 5 years of being with my significant other, we decided to part ways. This is heart-wrenching not only from an emotional perspective but also due to the practical implications. We shared experiences, and the cost of marinas, fuel, and food will change significantly.
Turning the Tide As they say, the tides change, and so does the situation. The weather this summer in the UK has been less than ideal for sailing. Some of my sailing buddies either went for day sails or braved the foul weather. On the home front, I managed to secure a few more gigs while temporarily staying with my parents. With just four more paychecks, I should be debt-free! I'm looking forward to that.
Upcoming Boat Projects With no outstanding debts this winter, I plan to tackle several projects, including the exciting task of installing a #electricmarinetoilet and holding tank. I'm also aiming to obtain my day skipper certification, considering I've owned the yacht for 5 years now and it's about time I learn how to use it properly. I'll be documenting these projects on my YouTube channel @SerenityCoastUK.
Light-Hearted Humor Lately, I've been jokingly telling people that I'm like a solar panel. I only seem to work efficiently in the sunshine, and my efficiency drops to 22%. Moreover, if it gets too hot, I'm not at my best.
A Message for My Followers If you've been following me on social media (links below), you might have noticed my recent absence. The reasons mostly mirror what I've shared above. I'm going through a challenging period right now, just trying to make ends meet. Speaking of making ends meet, if you can help out, there's a donation link below. Every penny counts! Boat maintenance, fuel, marinas, and other expenses add up. As you may have seen in my previous post about my accident, I've received no income support from any agencies or the government, despite having worked since I was 16. This lack of support has significantly slowed down my adventure plans. I have aspirations to add a solar arch and take a few training courses.
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