Hoffman Knight Charters

Now Champers is safely on her berth in Valencia, it is time to say goodbye to her for a few weeks !! 😢

Many thanks again to Rob Harvey for getting both her and the crew there - although a lot of fun has been had along the way, it was down to Rob and his hard work & passage planing that made it the successful journey that it was.

As Rob Harvey enjoys a few more days in Spain, both Nic Coulborn and Malcolm Knowles head to the airport for a flight back to the UK.

Frodo and I are very excited to be seeing Nic again after 4 weeks, as well as very much looking forward to our motorhome trip at the end of June to be reunited with Champers ourselves !!

Finally, once again, a massive thanks to our skipper and crew ……. Rob Harvey, Simon Knight, Malcolm Knowles and Björn Hägglund - we could not have done it without you !! ❤️

Today was a little trip into Valencia ….. check out where Champers is based, get some paella and explore our new home !!

Nic Coulborn Rob Harvey Malcolm Knowles

A little overcast and grey today ….. so whilst we wait for the sun to reappear, and now that Champers is in her new home, time to get some maintenance issues sorted out !!

First - coffee and list writing
Second - laundry
Third - rewire the electric cables
Fourth - dry out for forward cabin carpet (leak has been identified and rectified) 🙈

No doubt there will be more jobs to accomplish over the coming days !!

Nic Coulborn Rob Harvey Malcolm Knowles

An epic journey of 1692 nautical miles and taking 24 days to complete has come to an end !!
Champers has arrived safely on her new berth in Valencia Mar.

Personally I would like to thank our skipper Rob Harvey for getting Champers and the team there safely. Thanks also to Simon Knight for being #1 carer to Nic 😉😂 and Malcolm Knowles for making sure everyone had their morning cuppa !!
I know combined all three of you, along with Björn Hägglund, have made this trip one that Nic Coulborn will never forget.
Absolutely “Living the Dream” !!!

Although this particular journey for Champers has come to an end - we hope the adventures will continue as we explore her new home in Valencia, Spain.

Thank you all for following this epic journey, your comments and words of support - stay tuned for further updates on Champers’s adventures in Spain !! 🇪🇸

Nic Coulborn Rob Harvey Simon Knight Malcolm Knowles Björn Hägglund

Exploring Cartagena was fun …… bit of sightseeing, beer and pizza - tough job, but someone has to do it !! 😉
Another early start again yesterday - leaving just before 4am !! The plan was to reach Dénia, unfortunately the rough sea conditions meant this part of the journey was cut short, as Champers and crew came into Alicante instead.

It was time for one of the team to head home 😢 … After more than 3 weeks onboard, Simon Knight had time for a final beer in the sun with the others, before having to catch a plane back to France due to work commitments.
Massive thanks Simon for taking time out of your busy schedule to be part of this epic adventure !!

So began the final leg of the journey this morning !! Champers and remaining crew set off at a more reasonable time of 8am today ……. Valencia the next stop and final destination. With about 67 nautical miles to cover and, at a speed of 10kts, about 7 hours to do - Champers should be arriving at her new home Valencia Mar this afternoon.

Nic Coulborn Rob Harvey Simon Knight Malcolm Knowles

What an unforgettable evening for the team aboard Champers in Almerimar Marina !!

What started as a relaxing night alongside turned into something special when a local entertainer appeared on top deck, guitar in hand, and treated everyone to an impromptu live performance at sunset.
Great music, great company, plenty of laughs, and a few glasses raised made for one of those magical evenings that will be talked about for a long time !!

After a fantastic night, there wasn’t much time for a lie-in !! The alarm sounded well before dawn, and by 5am this morning Champers was underway, leaving Almerimar behind and setting course for Cartagena.

With around 110 nautical miles ahead, the crew settled in for an 11-hour passage along the beautiful Spanish Mediterranean coast. Watching the sunrise from the helm was truly spectacular.

From an epic evening in the marina to a long day at sea, life aboard Champers continues to deliver unforgettable memories.

Now safely alongside in Cartagena, time to relax and enjoy the sunshine ……. maybe a cold beer and some tapas 😉

Nic Coulborn Rob Harvey Simon Knight Malcolm Knowles

Set off early this morning …..
It was goodbye to Björn Hägglund and then back to the open seas heading to the next destination.

Another 9.5 hours further along the coast took Champers and team to Almerimar.
With the most stunning sunrise as we left and dolphins to keep us company, it was a beautiful part of this epic adventure !!

Nic Coulborn Rob Harvey Simon Knight Malcolm Knowles Björn Hägglund

• Two nights in Gibraltar
• One generator fixed
• Five guys with slightly sore heads after a night on the town !!! 😂😂

Today Champers and team set off further along the coast - the plan was to reach Malaga as Björn Hägglund has a flight to catch tomorrow back to Sweden ……. however with no room in the marina there, it ended up a slightly shorter passage - a stop at Fuengirola instead.

A stunning evening meant a chance to catch up with some laundry …… even if Champers became the clothes horse !!! 😂

Nic Coulborn Rob Harvey Simon Knight Malcolm Knowles Björn Hägglund

Couple of days to catch up on …….

Next stop after Olhão was Cádiz which was about 10 hours at sea !!

From there it was another 6 hours to reach Gibraltar - which is where Champers and the team are now currently.

With a generator issue to sort out it means the crew have a little time to enjoy themselves …… heaven help us !!!! 🙈🙈😂😂

Some gorgeous sunrises and sunsets were seen, along with plenty of dolphins (look out for the video !!) Then naturally a few beverages once safely moored up 😂
Please don’t ask about the last photo !!! 🙈🙈

Nic Coulborn Rob Harvey Simon Knight Malcolm Knowles Björn Hägglund