I am taking some time away from the Medway area of Kent and have ventured on my annual pilgrimage to Avoriaz in the French Alps. I have a couple of budding young skiers who can’t get enough of the white stuff! This year, the end of season snow falls have been very good and there is plenty of snow. Easter skiing allows for the best of both worlds. At this time of year the seasons are changing and the weather systems fight for supremacy. So, on some days it can be very cold and ‘wintry’ and on other days the spring weather wins over and you can find yourselves skiing in ‘T-shirts’ and getting a good sun-tan. On reflection, the weather in the UK can be similar although our island climate means that things change far more quickly and perhaps it is less predictable. It always surprises me how accurate the mountain forecasts can be and I have often wondered ‘what is their secret’. I have written before about mountain folk, as I see a lot of similarities between people who venture out to sea and those that head out and up mountains. It must be something about challenging yourselves against the elements.

However, at Boatshed Medway I might be away but I am still working. I have practically ‘decamped’ my office to France and as you might imagine, at this time of year I have been very busy organising viewings, sales and taking on new boats. I might be away but its business as usual and at present I have finalised sales and have a fair few ‘in the pipeline’. I have a small team of helpers back at Boatshed Medway HQ and I am always available thanks to the wonders of today’s telephone and internet connections.

Now is a good time to get that boat on the market. This season has started with very active buyers and demand remains unchecked. In fact, for some types of boat I would go so far as to say there is a shortage. Whilst in recent years prices have been falling, I feel that there are some signs of prices stabilising for well known brands of motor and sailing boats alike. Boatshed Medway has found that for this year, sailing, motor, fishing and houseboats have been selling in equal proportions. If you are actively looking to purchase then now is as good a time as any, with many buyers getting some good deals. If you are a buyer or a seller then please log onto the Boatshed Medway website in order to get the latest available boats both in the Medway and Kent areas and those in the wider Boatshed network of worldwide offices. http://medway.boatshed.com/

There are a couple of weeks left to this year’s skiing season and if you are looking for a skiing holiday then I am sure that some good last minute deals can be purchased if skiing is your thing. Ski Club

We always go to Avoriaz in France as this fulfils our criteria for a good holiday holiday Avoriaz Website Fine well manicured slopes that cater for all levels, an attractive and thoughtfully designed resort and a generally friendly and warm atmosphere from the locals. I know many people who always change resorts every year and I am sure the variety and challenge of exploring new areas makes for a fun time. For me, I prefer to return to Avoriaz as I like the familiarity of the area and I enjoy reacquainting myself with some of the local people who live and work in the area. Again, boating is very similar. Some are always pushing further afield visiting new ports and areas whilst others prefer to return to ‘old haunts’.

Avoriaz has a good range of local shops, bars and restaurants. Whilst in the magazine shop, I did browse the various sections and checked out the boating magazines. Work is never far away! Whilst I might be some few hundred miles from the open coast, thankfully I found many a familiar publication and must conclude that boating remains of interest no matter how far away from the sea or how far up a mountain.

Once again, I am seeing high levels of enquiries from prospective buyers and would encourage any owner who might be considering a sale to get their boat on the market with Boatshedmedway as soon as possible. For buyers, please email or call direct so that I can note your requirements.

Suzzanne McDonald
Boatshed Medway Yacht Brokers
Tel: +44(0)7940 583396