Building my new workshop in Hinesburg, Vermont was a big part of my summer. Even though it kept me very busy, I still found time to get out and enjoy summertime in Vermont. As a relocated Brit, I’m very happy to live and work in northern Vermont. Close by is Lake Champlain with its sailing, fishing and beaches. The Green Mountains are 30 minutes away offering challenging skiing and hiking, and now that fall is here, blazing colors and fall foliage. For me, my summer relaxation (when not on the construction site!) is sailboat racing on Lake Champlain.

I grew up sailing in Baltimore Ireland, and used to race with my sister in a small dinghy called a Mirror. We didn’t do very well, and I really preferred to cruise the magnificent coastline of southwest Ireland in the old 1920’s wooden boat we owned. It was when I move to Vermont that I found the love of sailboat racing, and now crew on a 37ft Pearson called Magic. For the past 18 years, I’ve been spending my summer evenings and weekends racing at our local yacht club on Lake Champlain. There’s tough competition, serious racing but all good natured, and of course, sometimes a beer or two. With fall officially here, we’ve wrapped up the sailing season, and went out with a blast a couple of weeks ago. Thirty knots of wind and bright sunshine, it was quite a ride! Next up for my fun, waiting for the snow to fly, and skiing!

p.s. If you look closely, I can be found on the boat just above Magic's name.