What a great story. You are making me think that it's time to take the wife and kids on a European vacation next summer. I'll save the part about the Telstar for rent until after we get there.
BTW, the centerboard case is commonly the source of leaks in the cabin's bilges. It is grafted onto a hole cut in the hull and if that seam is breached (which you can't see from inside and can hardly see from the outside) it will drive you crazy tracking it down. It is better to simply reglass the entire seam.
Andrew,
I am impressed your first towing journey was to Italy.
I bring mine on a one hour journey home behind a 2lt diesel Passat which is really too light a car, and it is not a pleasant experience.
Holidays are full of memories and I expect you will dine out on that story for a while.
Having taken it so far what about Croatia in 2013? If you need a crew then I'm your man!
Cheers,
Jonathan
PS. I would be interested in seeing a picture of the trailer.
Jonathan Sykes
8m Telstar - "Morning Star"
Chichester. UK.
