Spring is here - although my garden flowers and rhubarb are suggesting it has been here for a little while!
However, with the SSW (Sudden Stratospheric Warming) a couple of weeks ago and its looming effects, I know it won't quite feel like spring in a couple of weeks, I hope you are ready for some chilly weather. The Balearic Islands are still reeling from the impressive rare dumping of snow courtesy of storm Juliette yesterday (their last notable snow was seven days of snow in 1956 and two days in 2012).
It also brought mainland Spain temperatures down to below -15ºC and the Spanish Met Centre (AEMET) gave a warning of 8m waves (time to stay tucked up in the local hostelry I think). I am rather hoping that the "Polar Jet Wobble" keeps the high pressure we currently have where it is. I am sure you will agree the spectacular "Northern Lights" displays we have had over the last few nights have been a rewarding bonus for us all.
By now, many of you will have had your boats out of the water for a winter maintenance period and are in the process (if not already) of popping your pride and joy back in the water. I am sure you have checked the hull for damage and come up with a plan and list of the plethora of other jobs you will want to finish in timely fashion (perhaps even with target completion dates). You will have given her a good airing and a spring clean from Bow to Stern. She has been serviced and you have stocked your pantry with essential foods to keep you going whilst doing all those tasks. Your chart plotter has been updated, (your paper charts if you have them, are also updated) and all your safety kit is current and in good working order. Have you made plan for the season of the places, transits or visits you want to undertake? It might help motivate you to get those tasks completed quick time.
Whilst pottering along doing all those tasks on our own may be your idea of perfect solitude or your equivalent of the "garden shed or man cave", having a friend working with you is often much more fun and motivating to share the journey towards getting to sea. You never know they may have some solutions to your problems you haven't thought about and they may have some great bread making skills!
Having had a break from the water, how are you going to bring your personal skills back up to speed?
Some thoughts
These are just a few examples of the things you might want to consider before you get to it. Whatever you do in preparation for your season, have a safe one.