Navaia Newsletter: Bossy Boots, Ready at Last
Last time I wrote about Bossy Boots, a new mast was being stepped at Jeremy Rodgers.
That work is now complete — and the transformation is remarkable.
With all fresh running rigging and the lines led back to the cockpit, she feels like a completely different boat. She’s far easier to sail short-handed and, in many ways, feels like a much more modern yacht. I’m genuinely amazed at how much this single change has altered the boat, while still preserving everything that makes a Contessa a Contessa.
Not everything went perfectly, of course.
On relaunching and moving back to a berth in Lymington, the marina unfortunately scuffed the hull. Thankfully, they immediately accepted responsibility and have arranged for a full repair in the new year. These things happen, and it was handled exactly as it should be.
A few days later we sailed her back to Hythe on a beautiful winter’s day. Fifteen knots of wind and reaching almost the whole way. The Solent was quiet — that special winter stillness — and my dad and I really enjoyed the sail together.
She sails exceptionally well. Even with cruising sails, she’s quick to get going and feels balanced and eager. When the wind finally dropped, we motored the last stretch and noticed an issue with the alternator charging. A few calls to the engineer later and it was off to a local specialist. Thankfully, one of the cheaper problems you can hope for, and now fully resolved.
Then came the big day.
The surveyor arrived to officially assess Bossy Boots for commercial use.
This is a tough test at the best of times — and especially so for an older yacht. But months of preparation meant we were ready. Every piece of safety equipment is either new or freshly serviced, and she is, without question, in better condition now than she has ever been.
Coding a boat is a huge step. One I didn’t fully appreciate when I first started this adventure. I understand it now — why it exists, what it protects, and what it gives back. It’s about safety, trust, and confidence for everyone who steps on board.
And with that, Bossy Boots is ready.
Our first paying customers are scheduled for April, and I couldn’t feel more confident about what she offers. If you’re interested in joining us this season, take a look at www.navaia.co.uk.
With the boat now in such good shape, I’ve been able to bring forward my racing plans. From 2026 I’ll be competing in the Contessa 32 inshore series in the Solent, alongside a handful of offshore races with the Royal Ocean Racing Club, with the aim of qualifying for the Fastnet Race in 2027.
Before that, my Swiss friends are coming over for the Round the Island Race, and next summer we’ll sail Cowes Week together as a family. I don’t expect to win — Contessa racing is fiercely competitive — but that’s not really the point. We’ll sail well, have fun, and enjoy being out there.
Which brings me to the final upgrade — for now.
A new set of sails from Sanders. We’re staying with Dacron for durability and usability, but moving to a radial cut, finished in a smart Onyx colour. Practical, tough, and fast — and they’re going to make Bossy Boots look fantastic.
This really does feel like the end of one chapter — and the start of the next.
See you on the water,