Nope, that faded pretty quickly after we became accustomed to swanning about on real ones, all over 82 feet (25m).
Our trip from Palma to Gibraltar was an eye-opener: that fuel line just hung there for what felt like hours as the hundreds of pounds worth of diesel pumped across from shore to ship. I almost weep filling the friggin' car! I also bore witness to what happens with age when owners start to loose their balance and try to make it from tender to boat. All the money in the world doesn't make up for personal failures as they come avisiting.
It would have been fun until my sixties, had I had the bread, but I realised that a small boat I might have afforded in those days is no answer to anything, and a big one of my dreams robs you of privacy because you need crew. Nothing is perfect. In all honesty, even if the lottery comes up, I would never have a boat today. They are for a certain period in your life, and always a massive responsibility.
This one was a great buzz, though, especially as when we got back to Palma we just had to say thanks and pick up our car and head back up to Puerto! The owner? A broker was waiting for him as we arrived, with details of another boat the owner was interested in buying. Satisfaction? Just like cars, I guess, the idea is always better than what you have after you've had it a month or two.
Rob
