On the hard in Portsmouth, RI. Splashing May 10th or thereabouts and moving to New England Boatworks - where we plan to move aboard for good around May 15th!

Hope to see you out there!


Bill Balme
s/v Toodle-oo!
Outbound 44

Bill Balme

Toodle-oo! is back in Whitehaven, Cumbria. I say back, because we were here 5 years ago. I have to say, Whitehaven is one of the most improved towns I've seen. Last time, it was absolutely filthy with loads of trash in the water, the people were downcast, the shops were dour and many boarded up. This time, the harbour is much cleaner (still some way to go) everyone is more cheerful and there's more going on. What's more, there's tons of money coming into the region and the town has some ambitious projects including a 180 bed 4 star hotel, a tech center, new office block, etc. And - the marina is great, the staff all very helpful and friendly and the marina is full! Is it a top destination? Maybe not, but with the Lake District so close, it certainly is a place worth considering.

We're here for the winter before heading off on the Celtic Cruise in May and then on up to the Outer Hebrides... we hope.

If anyone's passing by Whitehaven - please stop in for some refreshment aboard Toodle-oo!

Bill Balme