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RSYC Rally to Poole Harbour  2/3 May 2009

 

Julia and I went down to Selene on Friday afternoon and I got a number of jobs done. Then we went over to Gunwharf to celebrate 16 years since we met. We ate at Pizza Express and although we had to queue (they don't take bookings) we didn't wait too long.

 

Early night, as I was up at 0400 and got the boat away at 0500. The wind was pretty much on the nose all the way and was light too, so I motor sailed passing a few hardy yachts sailing but going nowhere fast, and I wanted to take all the tide I could to Poole, even though it was neaps.

 

Julia remained in bed asleep, and I woke her with a cup of tea at 0800, and we were by now well into Christchurch Bay dodging lobster pots and fishermen in small motor boats. It had been a beautiful morning coming out of Portsmouth, but was already clouding over and the day ended up being one of sunny spells.

 

We motored into Poole Harbour at 1000 and were moored in Parkstone Yacht Haven on G22 by 10:30. I cooked us breakfast and then had a snooze till 1200. We then cycled into Poole and I had a couple of beers at the Brewhouse as usual. Today I had Monkey and "Beer". We met heavy metal fans Jason and Amy sat outside in the sunshine, and enjoyed watching Poole go by.

 

We then cycled back and had another sleep. We were a bit late waking, and thus dressed in a hurry for the pontoon drinks party beside Paul Frampton's Victory and then we took the usual fleet of taxis to and from the Royal Motor Yacht Club. We shared with Gerry and Wendy Addis and sat with them at dinner too. It was great to catch up with them. Good meal, but quiet in the club as there was a private 70th party upstairs and not as many locals around as last year. We also met Trevor and Heather Nichols from Ossian Warrior which is moored on D pontoon at Haslar.

 

Gerry and Wendy retired and we had drinks aboard Arabesque with Bob and Jackie, Paul Frampton and Richard and Angela - Paul's crew. We got the tour of Paul's boat and admired Richard's painting upon the wall!

 

Next morning was again sunny spells but still with a cold W or NW wind. I cycled off to get the papers and did my "paper Boy" bit delivering to Victory and Arabesque. We read the papers and then set off to cycle to Studland, crossing on the chain ferry. Distance to the village was about 5 miles, so a nice ride. We had a beer at the Bankes Arms and saw Arabesque anchoring off the beach. We went down and met them ashore, and met son Richard and his friends and their daughter.

 

We then all went up to the pub for more beer, and Allan and Gillian from Twister of Mersea followed by Adam and Louise from Aquaholic came up and joined us.

 

Julia and I then cycled back and enjoyed Pims in the cockpit. Still a bit chilly but nice out of the wind in the sunny spells. We then motored around to the SE corner of Brownsea Island and anchored along with the others Arabesque, Aquaholic, Twister of Mersea and Kamara.

 

 

We didn’t bother to go ashore and had our BBQ in the cockpit. Although Arabesque rafted alongside Aquaholic for their BBQ, no social invites were received, and as we were tired we kept ourselves to ourselves and retired early.

 

Next day we lazed in bed a bit, had a lazy breakfast and hauled up the anchor about 1100 - still supposedly a bit early for the tide in Poole Bay but fine for the entry to Hurst.

 

The wind was W 4-5 and gradually increased to a 6 in the Solent, with quite lumpy seas. I caught the ebb out of Poole - which nearly carried me over the chain ferry chains as I waited for it for the first time and was surprised to find a little current with me out to sea to the South. Looking at the tidal diagrams, I should have had some against me, but we carried a little tide all the way to the Needles, by which time it was slack. I gybed into Christchurch Bay and another big gybe off the beach set us into Hurst off the North Channel. We sluiced into the Solent  and did another massive gybe off Sconce. Julia was quite tired and cold and we abandoned the downwind zig - zag with crashing gybes and motor sailed back into Haslar as we were both keen to get home. The sail to Hurst had been fantastic and quite fast, so we had had our exhilaration.

 

All in all a great rally and very enjoyable weekend. We love our folding bikes so much and enjoyed the good company of our fellow cruisers.

 

RSYC Rally to Royal Lymington YC 25/26 April 2009

 

A windy beat into wind and tide was hard work (SW 6)  but very enjoyable on the Saturday. We then had lunch and cycled to the Gun at Keyhaven, and then drinks aboard Heidi. 40 people on board! Great dinner as usual at the Royal Lym, and a good night's sleep.

 

Sunday, the wind went SE, so another beat, but not so windy, but still quite hard work as it was lumpy. Off to the Office on the way home as usual.

 

Sail around Portsmouth Harbour 18 April 2009

 

Our French friend Philippe came for the weekend with his new girlfriend Veronique, and we took them for a sail around Portsmouth Harbour.

They both really enjoyed it.

 

 

Day trip to Cowes and Gunwharf Quays 15 April 2009

 

Ed and James were down for a few days after Easter and they both were keen to go out on the boat. As it happened, I had booked the Sea Lift in Cowes so that I could fit the new gaiter that protects the saildrive. The old one came off last Autumn.

Although we have been on the lift a few times before, this one wasn't great as the port rubbing strake was broken as we lifted. So we spent the first quarter of an hour getting it sort of back on. I have to get this repaired at the Sea Lift's expense in due course.

We did the gaiter all right, but as they were late it meant that we didn't have long in Cowes. In any event, we did whizz over to Shepards and went for a drink with Richard and Helen who were on their way back to EYH.

 

We then motor-sailed back to Portsmouth, where I had us booked into Gunwharf where we tied up and went for dinner at La Tasca, before then taking Selene back onto her berth after dark. A great evening was had, and it was a lovely day.

 

Weymouth for Easter 9-13 April 2009

 

The strong Southerly scuppered our plans to go to Cherbourg, and the forecast said that the weather would be better to the West, so we went to Weymouth. It being a big spring tide, I was able to carry us into Weymouth in seven hours averaging 8 knots. The weather stayed good but the sea state was very confused into Weymouth bay and I had to hand steer as the new auto helm, simply couldn't do it. We managed to get in for the last bridge lift, and got tucked up into the marina.

 

The staff were very friendly - typical of a Dean and Reddyhoff marina, and we ate out in town and retired tired. It chucked it down overnight and the next day was grey and drizzly but not the expected rain all day. We shopped, drank at the George and booked ourselves into the Galley Bistro for the evening meal.

 

Saturday, the sun shone, and we took out our new Brompton folding bikes which we bought from Malcolm and Mave. I have been riding mine nearly every day, and this was Julia's first time. We cycled the Rodwell Trail to Portland and saw Paul at the Portland Marina office. We did climb up Portland, but it wasn't very bike friendly (unless you have a mountain bike) but we did see some great views at the top.

 

We then cycled back into town and drank at the Boot where we got chatting to the locals. We organised a bridge lift with the Harbour Master and booked ourselves onto the waiting pontoon as we had an early start to take the east going tide on Sunday.

 

Paul Mason came down for a couple of beers and motored with us under the bridge and onto the waiting pontoon.

 

I cooked aboard and we saw a band in the King's Arms literally above us on the Quay, and went to bed early.

 

Sunday, Julia stayed in bed and I got us away at 0600. Motor sailed to start with as it was flat calm, and so was able to take the inner passage at St. Albans / Anvil Point. The wind then picked up enough for a super reach across Poole bay and we motored again through Hurst as the wind had died again. We took up position on the Dan Bran Pontoon at Lymington and the ECA rally gradually made its way down from Cowes. We went up to the Kings Head after Dick and Alice had arrived, and Kotka and Clarabelle came in and they all came up to the pub and we had an afternoon session.

 

Julia cooked aboard and then a few of us went up to Lymington Town SC for a drink.

 

Monday, we motored back in glorious sunshine and enjoyed the cockpit for brunch in Haslar, followed by drinks at the office - again in sunshine, and a BBQ at home later

 

Cowes and Lymington - Boys weekend 4/5 April 2009

 

Andy and Richard joined me for a boys weekend on the water. We sailed to Cowes and moored in Shepards, then enjoyed a few beers in town, and a Thai meal and drinks at the Island Sailing Club to round of Saturday.

 

Sunday, we sailed downwind under chute to Lymington where we enjoyed Moules in the sunshine at the Kings Head. Motored back in the sunshine, only to get thick fog about a mile off Portsmouth. Liaised with QHM over the VHF and got in safely.

 

Bembridge - Selene Hosts the ECA Rally 28 March 2009

 

Malcolm and Mave joined us on Friday morning, and we zoomed over to Bembridge in a WSW F6, so it was a nice reach. The weather stayed fine and we were able to sit in the cockpit and enjoy champagne on arrival. I cooked us an evening meal, and we somehow managed to demolish another bottle of port.

 

Saturday was still windy, similar to the previous day, but not too much rain. We all walked to South Quay and poked around the boat jumble, and then returned aboard Selene to welcome the rally participants. First to arrive were Dick and Alice aboard Tringa 2, and then Kotka with Richard, Helen, Charles and Nicky and Pete and Natalie. Then Tony aboard Elwing 2 followed closely by Jeremy and Nicky (and bump) in Ransom.

 

Just when we thought there would be no more, Graham and Val Holt appeared in Satisfaction, and we rafted them outside us. Julia and I went to the bookshop, but it wasn't open, so after a quick pint in the Vine, we returned and prepared for the drinks party.

 

The usual drinks party ensued, and then we repaired to the Brading Haven Yacht Club, and 16 of us sat down to dinner. (APB having come by road) Great food, and a great evening. We got a taxi back, but as everyone was so tired, there was no late drinking session.

 

 

 

 

Sunday was pleasant but with light winds, so after breakfast and some pontoon parading, we saw all the boats off, and then motored back to Haslar, where we had more lunch, and took delivery of our Brompton folding bikes from Malcolm and Mave.

 

 

 

 

Ocean Village for Peter Whatley's 50th Birthday party 21 March 2009

 

Motored in no wind up to OV, and enjoyed the nice weather by walking into Southampton. Gordon and Christine came aboard for drinks about 1700 and we went up to the party about 1915.

 

Great evening - Black Tie and the food was the same as the Pudding club evenings.

 

Sunday, lazy sunny morning - had breakfast in the cockpit. Sailed under cruising chute all the way to Gilkicker. Afternoon spoiled by the toilet blocking up, and the bilge pump packed up. I spent the whole afternoon stripping out the old sewage pipes which all need to be replaced, and nearly sliced my thumb off when hack-sawing through one of the rubber pipes as it was reinforced with wire, so the blade jumped. Blood and sewage all over the place - yuk.

 

Got to get new pipe and get these jobs done ahead of hosting a rally next weekend!

 

RSYC Rally to Warsash in the River Hamble 07 March 2009

 

Had a good sail there with the wind allowing us to beat al the way up to the Hamble. Wind strengthening all the time. We were only given a bit of pontoon to hang off and were pinned there by the wind.

 

We took the pink ferry over to Hamble Village and had lunch (Welsh Rarebit) in the King & Queen, and then walked all the way out to Hamble Point and back.

 

I then started to feel unwell, which sadly persisted through the drinks on board Rex's boat and the meal. We were in good company at dinner on a table with Peter and Wendy, Gordon and Christine and Bob and Jackie.

 

Overnight I was violently ill and we left as soon as we could in the morning, motoring back before the gales blew in later. I came home and went to bed!

 

 

Trip to Swanwick in the River Hamble 21 February 2009

 

Neil and Jane arrived on Friday evening, and I cooked us cassoulet.

 

Although Saturday promised no wind, there was a light and usable breeze and some lovely sunshine. Jane enjoyed some helming, and we had a game with her making her guess where we were going. We had yet another great sail to windward and Jane enjoyed her surprise as our intention was to go to Swanwick so that she could see a boat she really likes at Deacons Boat Yard. ("Nonsuch").

 

 

We were given only a small amount of pontoon, but had no mooring problems, and had a leisurely lunch in the cockpit.

 

We then walked round to Deacons and after some waiting got taken out to see Nonsuch.

 

Afterwards, we tried to eat in the Jolly Sailor, but it was fully booked, so we took a cab to the Bugle in the village, where we had a super meal. We then had a drink in the Royal Southern, where Monica was very welcoming and they even helped organise our taxi back.

 

Sunday was a grey no wind kind of day, so we motored back and Jane cooked us all a splendid brunch. They departed on their long drive home, and we popped into the office on the way back.

 

RSYC Frostbite Rally to Port Hamble 7 February 2009

 

We had one of the best sails to windward for a long time, with the wind a NW 5/6 with some lumpy gusts, we enjoyed ourselves tacking on the shifts as far as Gurnard and then up into the Hamble on a couple more. The weather was kind and it wasn't too cold.

 

We got moored up and shot into the King & Queen for lunch and caught the Six Nations rugby, got a good seat and saw England struggle to beat Italy.

 

We retired to the boat and I fixed a locker catch that had given up the ghost, and then we went for drinks aboard the Westerly Fulmar Trivial Pursuit, hosted by Paul and Jan Crouch.

 

Dinner was at the Victory Inn, and it was a great evening. We sat with John & Ann Bass and Roger & Penny and James Hanratty.

 

There was very little wind on the Sunday, so we motored back and got back in time to have lunch with the Square Brewery crowd at the Queens Head in Steep.

 

ECA Frostbite Rally to Cowes 10 January 2009

 

The weather has been very cold for as long as we can remember and it was indeed a real frostbite rally. Selene was covered in ice and it was very cold. It was misty and calm, so we motored over to Cowes on Saturday, and joined Richard and Helen who were with Dick in Tringa 2, Dave, John and Bev aboard their boat, and Graham turned up last about 1400.

 

We all repaired to the fire at the Anchor and then had a rest before drinks aboard Tringa, followed by dinner at the Island Sailing Club and further drinks at the Duke of York. A good time was had by all. The Saturday was Richard's birthday, and he celebrated in style.

 

 

Sunday would finally see the weather change and a great breeze got up along with glorious sunshine, so we enjoyed a sparkling sail back into Haslar. The new auto helm works a treat, and it was a very satisfying sail. Tide time meant an early start so we were all tucked up in the Square Brewery at lunchtime, and by nightfall a gale was blowing in.

 

 

Portsmouth Harbour December 2008

 

Fitted and set up the new auto helm - here's the track! All seems to work really well.

 

 

 

Gins Xmas Party 13 December 2008

 

The wind was blowing and it was raining Saturday morning, and although I knew that the front would clear, Gina rang to say she'd rather not sail with us, although she would drive to Gins and join us for the dinner.

 

We went down Haslar, and it really rained, so we read the papers and waited a bit. The wind died before the rain went, so we didn't even get a sail and motored to Gins as the rain gradually stopped. Wasted no time getting there!

 

We tied up outside Lance and Kay in Prop Rider, and Ben & Suzie came outside us later. We invited them all for drinks at 6:30, and we moved onto Ben & Suzie's boat at 7 as they had even more guests coming for drinks.

 

We met Gina up in the club house. The Xmas dinner was a bit subdued, as 20+ people had cancelled through illness. We had booked on the basis of the music being good (disco) last year, and we got boring jazz, which got hardly anyone dancing. The food standard has dropped back to very average, and it wasn't as good a night as we'd hoped for.

 

Things didn't get any better as the weekend wore on either, as when we got back to the boat, we realised the Eberspacher had stopped, and it wouldn't start again. Gina, who had decided to stay over, now had to drive home, as we decided to go home also. We weren't staying in a boat with no heating and in a couple of hours, we could be in a warm car on the way home.

 

Unfortunately, we had to get Ben to let us out, which did cause him a few problems we gather, but he seemed fine about it when we spoke the next day. We ate foul tide all the way, so it took an hour longer than usual and the fog came into 100m viz as we came into Portsmouth!

 

No idea what's wrong with the heater - will have to go down and see what's wrong during the week. - Not such a great weekend! - Oh well.

 

As it turned out, it was only a fuse that had dislodged, so the fix was easy. I finally got the new autohelm I had ordered at the January Boat Show, and fitted this - all it needs now is a set up trip around the harbour.

 

 

RSYC Rally to Newtown River 22/23 November 2008

 

Julia & I set out from Haslar on the Saturday into a good 4-5 NW, and sailed from Haslar bank almost into the Newtown River. Great beat with some lumpy gusts.

 

We motored in around low water and took the shallowest buoy giving the least distance to Shalfleet Quay. We relaxed during the afternoon, and I took a reccie in the dinghy to prepare for going up the Creek in the dark later.

 

 

We then went to the quay along with all the other dinghies and walked to the pub at Shalfleet, where we enjoyed a very pleasant evening. John & Ann Bass were hosting and Bob & Jackie were there also. We met Adam and Louise Greig on Aquaholic (who had Alan and Gillian crewing them) - Adam knows our doctor! Gordon and Christine Agnew were there on board Laurella Jo with Paul and Priscilla Rea.

 

David & Diana Robertson were there also aboard Latimer Lady and two crew (??) and Rex was there with Paul Frampton and two other chaps.

 

We met a couple at the bar who were interested in joining the RSYC - Peter and Sylvie (French lady) aboard La Recompense and we invited them for drinks after the meal. We made it back in the dark and entertained our guests.

 

The overnight forecast wasn't good, but there were supposed to be drinks on board Heidi at 1200 and then we planned to take the tide home. It blew up during the early hours, but we thought nothing of it, and Julia thought we heard an engine. When I went to put the ensign out at 0900, all the other Rally boats had gone! They had to a man heard the 0730 gale warning for F9 and all buggered off!

 

We decided to clear off ourselves as the weather was lousy, and so we just had to  eat some tide. It gusted only into F8 and the sea was rough, but it was a reasonable sail that was quite hard work. In the end it wasn't windy enough for the jib but too rough to sail double reefed so we motored the last couple of miles as the weather was lousy and we fancied getting to the pub! When have I ever said it wasn't windy enough!

 

 

Hamble (Scrubbing berth) & Ocean Village 14,15,16 November 2008

 

Julia & I motored round to the Royal RAF YC scrubbing berth on Friday morning, arriving at high water, and moored against the piles easily. By 1545, the water had gone, and I was able to pressure hose off all the slime. There wasn't really any growth at all, which is good since it's a year since this anti-foul went on. I found that the rubber gaiter around the saildrive had come off and the remains were still wrapped around the prop, so (a) that's what the major loss of speed was when Neil was aboard i.e. when it detached, and (b) why we've been going slower than usual - hence one of the reasons for drying out.

 

Tim and Christine, who also have a Legend 29.5 came aboard (yes through the mud) and had a look around Selene, gathering ideas for jobs on their boat. We had a drink in the Yacht Club with them, and then we stayed and ate there.

 

We floated again at 10pm, and I ran lines back so that we could pull Selene onto the waiting berth, where we then spent the night.

 

We were up and away sharpish at 8 am as the waiting pontoon was already in use at that time. Being little wind, and that on the nose, we motored round to Ocean Village and got tucked into the Club Pool. We then cleaned the boat off properly getting rid of all the mud etc.

 

We spent some time aboard Drake with Steve and Rena in the afternoon, and had Gordon & Christine aboard for G&Ts at 1800. Then into the club for the Cruisers Dinner & Dance, which was great fun.

 

Breakfast on Sunday morning was with David & Diana Gebbet in their wonderful apartment overlooking the Itchen. I got croissants and the papers from Tesco. Steve & Rena also came round.

 

 

Then we had a cracking sail back to Haslar and carried the cruising chute most of the way in a nice W 3-4. Popped into the Office on the way back and had a drink with Pete & Natalie, and then home - great weekend.

 

Square Brewery Sailing Club - Inaugural trip 9 November 2008

 

The original group of 13 was down to 9 by the Sunday morning. We took a mini bus down from the pub to Haslar where Richard and Helen were already aboard Kotka. The forecast was for strong winds from the SW, but we decided to head for Cowes and see what happened. We both planned to motor sail there and enjoy the downwind sail back.

 

Selene headed out and motored into the fierce wind and rain along to Gilkicker Point with Philip and Louise with us. Kotka had Pete and Natalie and Colin aboard. As we got to Gilkicker, we could see Kotka was struggling to keep up, but at the time didn't think much of it. The sun came out, and actually despite some of the gusts reaching 35 knots, it was quite pleasant.

 

As we were about 400-500m from Gales HSB buoy, we heard Richard on the VHF telling us his engine has packed up, so we turned around and went back to provide a tow and / or assistance. We had a cracking sail back on the jib alone and soon got back to Kotka over in Stokes Bay.

 

Looking at the sea state, I suggested we got the "professionals" to tow Kotka in, and within 10 minutes a rib was on the scene, and they took Kotka into the visitors area by Mary Mouse.

 

 

We moored back in our berth and had drinks, with the others gradually joining us on Selene. Richard and Helen tidied up Kotka and we all then headed into Landers for a late lunch, (where we saw Liz - who works there now) followed by more drinks in Selene and then the taxi back to the Square Brewery for a full de-briefing.

 

Everyone appeared to enjoy themselves, and we look forward to more trips soon.

 

Halloween Weekend: Gins and Island Harbour with the Legends 31 October 2008

 

Julia and I left Haslar on the Friday afternoon and had a sparkling sail all the way to the Beaulieu River with a good 4/5 NE and bright sunshine. Absolutely super. We enjoyed the Halloween evening at Gins although it was poorly attended.

 

The forecast wasn't good for Saturday, so we got away earlier than planned and motored over to Cowes as the weather worsened and the seas and wind built. Cowes entrance was very rough. We sneaked into Island Harbour just ahead of the torrential downpour that went on until the early evening, ruining a lot of the Legend Owners' rally fun and games for the kids. We were still asked to make a boat out of a plastic bin liner, some bamboo stakes, string, paper and a witches broom. I made a catamaran with a monster genaker.

 

The rain eased a bit and we had a race of all these across the marina. Mine went off like a rocket, and would have won, but sailed into the back of two other boats and got stuck behind these until at last the sheer power of mine pushed past. We came third.

 

 

The BBQ on the beach was cancelled and some ate on board and some ate in the Bistro. We had drinks with Mike & Sue aboard Scallywag and then I cooked our BBQ food aboard.

 

We then went and watched the fireworks, which were great and the rain had stopped. However, I hadn't been too well during the afternoon, and I got much worse with what turned out to be gastroenteritis. I had a dreadful night is all I can say. Although I was very tired, we motored home on the Sunday morning and I didn't start to get well again until Tuesday.

 

Gins Mexican Evening, Lymington, Gins Laying up Supper 16-19 October 2008

 

Julia and I left Haslar in the early afternoon sailing into a lovely breeze and sunshine. We beat all the way to the Beaulieu River and went to Gins for the Mexican Evening, which was fun. Next day, we motored in sunshine to Lymington, where we went onto the floating pontoon just off the Town Quay and went ashore for some shopping.

 

We came back and I cooked some Sea Bream and we met Dianna and Phillip on "Grumpy Bear", who arrived on our pontoon along with their Red Setter, George. They are also RSYC members and we went aboard for drinks with them later in the evening.

 

Saturday, we had a huge cooked breakfast at the Vanilla Pod and enjoyed the market. We then sailed downwind back to Gins for the laying up supper, and we had convinced Dianna and Phillip to come too, so they were also there.

 

We were up early on Sunday and motored back to Haslar on the tide, so that we could get away to a friends "do" and later onto my parents for a family do.

 

Shepards, Cowes with Malcolm & Mave 11/12 October 2008

 

We all arrived at the same time at Haslar in glorious sunshine. We made coffee and motored out, and over towards Wootton Creek in no wind. Then the breeze picked up enough for us to sail close hauled to Cowes in lovely weather.

Got tucked into Shepards - outside Geoff in Karis (Westerly Konsort) who had been outside us at Littlehampton. I opened some bubbles and Mavis provided lunch. Another yacht sandwiched us in and it was Shepards as usual!

 

 

We then went for a wander through Cowes and selected DB's restaurant for our meal later. Then back to the boat and enjoyed the cockpit and the sunshine.

 

DB's turned out to be a mistake, as although the menu prices weren't too bad and the food passable, they were charging over £20 for the cheapest bottle of wine and even the house at £15.95 was undrinkable, so it wasn't a great experience. Had wine and cheese back on  Selene afterwards!

 

It was thick fog all night and we were kept awake by the foghorns of the car ferry. The fog lingered in the morning but cleared to glorious sunshine again and a breeze too. We stayed and had lunch and then set off as the tide went slack and beat back with the tide gradually helping us along. Easy sailing, lovely weather and good company - great weekend all round.

 

Beaulieu River, Yarmouth and Fareham with Neil and Jane 27/28 September 2008

 

Neil and Jane arrived Friday at Woodpeckers. The weather was hot and sunny all weekend, and we motored to the Beaulieu River and picked up a buoy for lunch and champagne.

 

 

We then motored over to Yarmouth and after queuing to get in, we rafted and took another outside us before jumping into the dinghy and going for a stroll along the pier and then dinner in the Bugle.

 

 

 

The next day, we were away smartly at 0830, to make sure we didn't eat too much tide. We tried to sail, but there really was no wind all weekend. We had something around the prop from Cowes into Haslar, but it freed when we were back on our pontoon, and as it was so nice, we went for a motor all the way up Portsmouth Harbour to Fareham, which was great. So peaceful and tranquil up the top there.

 

 

Back into Haslar for some lunch and then Neil and Jane set off on their long drive home. Julia and I sunbathed in the garden and had a BBQ.

 

 

2008 Summer Cruise 7-21st September 2008 - "The wind on the nose holiday"
435 nautical miles in all

 

Bad weather meant that the planned departure of Late Wednesday evening became Sunday afternoon, when a window finally opened to get across the Channel. Richard Stoneman and Mike Hall were aboard to get the boat to St. Malo, where Julia would arrive early Wednesday morning, as she couldn't get any more holiday.

 

We had a Westerly through the Solent, and finally started sailing off the Needles, but after six hours the wind came from the South and stayed that way. Mike had a couple of issues with his beer from earlier, and then got six hours sleep. Richard sneaked a couple of hours, and I kept going through the night.

 

 

Dawn saw us entering the Alderney Race at HW Dover as planned and I made the guys bacon butties for breakfast. As we got into St. Helier the sun came out, and we moored in La Collette, on the holding pontoon as we planned to leave in the small hours when we couldn't get over the sill if we'd gone into the main marina.

 

We had G&Ts at the Yacht Club in the sunshine, and had a wander around town, where Richard and I found a new "Office". We then booked a restaurant for dinner, which turned out to be splendid.

 

 

We were up and away about 0430 into a strong southerly with a huge swell, so it was quite unpleasant coming out of St. Helier in the dark, and the trip to St. Malo was bumpy. I still served bacon butties though!

 

 

It chucked it down with rain as we arrived in St. Malo, but we had a beer in the cockpit on arrival anyway. We marched into town and spent the afternoon eating Moules Frites and relaxing. The afternoon then dissolved into an evening and the weather improved. We  had G&Ts in the cockpit, more beers, a pizza and even more beers.

 

Boat time was still running on English, and so I when I was awoken by my alarm expecting an hour before Julia arrived, I realised that I actually had no time, and did the same swearing as in the beginning of Four Weddings and  Funeral as I ran down the harbour, and could see Julia's boat was in and she was the last passenger in the arrivals area as I ran in and got to her just as she was reaching for her phone.

 

The boys then packed and set off to take the same ferry back, and Julia and I went for a walk around St. Malo. Next day, Julia and I went shopping to Carrefour using a taxi to bring the wine home, and I got some stuff from the Chandlery whilst Julia bought some boots. Then Alison and Bob came over with Oscar and we had a great time seeing them.

 

 

On Friday we set off for Treguier and after waiting for an hour and a quarter for the lock to open, we discovered that the bloody wind had decided to come from the NW exactly where we wanted to go. So we had quite an unpleasant bumpy motor with me finally being able to sail into the river when things then settled down.

 

We moored in Treguier and went up the hill and found a nice restaurant. Good meal. We spent the next day there and had lunch in the square and a meal in the evening at another good restaurant.

 

 

On the Sunday we went round to Lezardrieux and the sun came out as we moored on the outer pontoons. We did manage to get a sail into the river which was great while it lasted. Here we met David and Ian on Exuberant of Exmouth, David's Hanse 315. We had a beer with them, and went to explore, finding and booking a Moroccan restaurant for later.

 

David and Ian moved their boat into the inner marina and we met them for drinks and they joined us at the Moroccan for dinner, followed by a rum session aboard the Hanse afterwards.

 

Next morning, Julia and I headed for St. Peter Port and it was so quiet compared to last summer. The wind had now gone round to the NE so again it was on the nose. However, the weather was improving, so it wasn't so bumpy. We were now right on Spring Tides and the navigational challenges were much greater than last year when I came through in Neaps.

 

We ate in the Thai restaurant that evening and spent the next day shopping and wandering. We then ate in the Waterside the next night which was nearly empty compared to last year when we couldn't get in.

 

 

Wednesday 17th saw us head up to Alderney, and again the wind stayed NE and whilst I pointed the boat at France, the tide carried us up to Alderney. We were tied up by lunchtime and spent the afternoon and evening ashore. We ate in the Braye Chippy which was still great and turned in early for cross channel in the morning.

 

Thursday 18th at 0530 saw me pull out of Braye Harbour. Julia stayed in bed and we motored out into a NE 5 which gave an apparent of 6, so it was very unpleasant with wind over tide until HW Dover at 1300, Julia stayed down below. I had taken the boat a long way East on the tide as I knew there would be ten miles of tide taking me back West. This meant that at 1300, we bore off onto a cracking sail to the Needles. Julia came out on deck, the sun shone and the wind gradually eased, so much so that it more or less died at the Needles.

 

 

I kept in really close to find the reverse current and it was a stunning sight. We were due to join the Royal Southampton Cruisers Rally which started on the Friday at the Royal Yacht Squadron, and I had arranged for us to moor in their private marina on the Thursday night as well, so it was great fun to go into there!

 

 

The next day we went over on the Red Jet to the Boat Show and met Mike and Charles Hall there, along with bumping into many friends. The sun shone and it was hot. We had a really good day out, and then came back over to see the marina now full, and we changed ready for the drinks party and the black tie dinner in the Squadron.

 

 

 

On Saturday, we had a cracking sail down to Lymington where we had the Rally Dinner in the Royal Lymington, and before that Julia and I went and looked at some second-hand boats. I saw a lovely Oyster 435 - twenty years old , but she was a super yacht that really took my fancy.

 

Dinner was great and we sat with Tony and Heather and their crowd and had a great evening.

 

Sunday morning saw the glorious weather continue and we motored to Gins where we sat on a buoy for a while and then went ashore for Sunday Roast as part of the Cruisers rally. It was good to be back at Gins again, and we enjoyed everyone's company. We had gone on the buoy escape quickly and we almost got back into Haslar before the tide turned. Mooring up saw 435 nautical miles come up for the whole trip. I hope more of those miles will be sailed on the next holiday!

 

Richard and Helen had kindly invited us to dinner, and we called in there on the way home, and it proved to be a fitting end to our holiday.

 

 

 

August Bank Holiday trip to Littlehampton 23/24/25 August 2008

 

We left Haslar at 0830 on a blue sunny morning motoring with no wind. Really fantastic viz as well. Finally around the Looe Channel, we had enough wind to sail and gybed out and back to come into Littlehampton with enough water over the bar. It was a really nice downwind sail - just as it should be! Steady F4-5 WNW.

 

We were fortunate to get alongside the pontoon and after lunch, we went into Arundel. We were disappointed there wasn't much happening around town as we were there because it was "festival" weekend, and we remembered it being fun two years ago.

 

 

We drank in the Ship Inn and then had an early dinner at a nice wine bar up the hill. Coming back into Littlehampton, we spotted the Legend Scallywag (Mike and Sue and Nelson the Westie) on the pontoon and I invited them over for evening drinks, which involved several bottles of wine and a lot of port!

 

Overnight the weather was truly awful, pouring rain and howling wind. I sneaked out and got the papers and we stayed inside all morning. Finally it cheered up a bit and we went back to Arundel, where again nothing much was happening, so we had a traditional roast lunch and came back to sit in the cockpit and enjoy the weather. It was windy but sunny.

 

 

 

As we walked back, we were hailed from Scallywag for afternoon drinks, so we whiled away the afternoon watching the dinghy racing and relaxing. Sue's mother Elaine was also aboard.

 

 

Early start Monday, and the forecast 4-5 was in reality 5-7 with a really ugly sea and mainly WSW. It was all too much for Julia who went back to bed, and I bounced off the waves until finally at South Pullar, I was able to free off and get a decent sail in holding 307 all the way to the Dolphins. It was so depressing weather and sea wise - grey, drizzle and a horrid sea until past Selsey Bill. Next time we'll take another couple of hours and go right out to avoid the effects of the Bill.

 

We met Richard and Helen in the Good Intent for a "debrief" and followed this up with an impromptu BBQ back at ours.

 

 

A trip to the Folly aboard the Island Packet (420) Manakoora with Ian & Jill Malby 16/17 August 2008

 

Selene stayed in Haslar, and we joined Ian and Jill Malby aboard their Island Packet 420 Manakoora at Chichester Marina on the Saturday morning. I have always liked the look of these boats, and Ian and Jill kindly agreed to let us spend a weekend with them. The weather was fairly grey and we headed out into a S 5-7. Ian gave me the helm soon after leaving the marina, and only took it back as we entered the Medina, which was very kind. I had a super reach across the Solent and although it was very busy, we managed to get a pontoon berth at the Folly.

 

 

Jill provided a super lunch, and in the evening we ate at the Folly and ended up dancing on the tables as usual. It was good to see Andy, the landlord there again and have a good chat.

 

 

Sunday we did have some sunshine and a brisk SW / W 5-7. Again Ian gave me the helm at the entrance to the Medina and I steered until just outside the marina. A super sail and she really is a superb boat in all respects.

 

We got back into Chichester marina as the skies turned grey again, and Jill again laid on a wonderful lunch. Many thanks to Ian and Jill for such a super weekend, and I really am impressed by the Island Packets.

 

Selene hosts a Royal Southampton YC Rally 8-10 August 2008

 

I took Selene round to Itchenor on the Friday afternoon, and got the best weather of the weekend. A superb NW 4-5 gave a very fast reach to West Pole. I beat into the entrance, but as it funnelled and came from the North, I dropped the main and motored to Itchenor. Arabesque was already there and Jono arrived just in front of me.

 

I easily picked up the next visitors buoy and relaxed in the sunshine.

 

 

Norman, Jo and Robert Fowler invited me aboard Jono for drinks and along with Bob & Jackie Stevenson, we sipped red wine in the cockpit watching the world go by. We had spilt wine when an inconsiderate fellow came charging past, but otherwise it was very pleasant.

 

Julia arrived by car and we all ate in the Ship Inn. Itchenor SC were having a very noisy bash, and the harbour was filled with disco music but it was still nice enough.

 

Saturday started OK, but by 11, the rain and wind was on its way. Of the two boats due, one phoned to say they were turning back as they heard a gale warning for Sunday, but the other one, Wind Gypsy with Brett and Susan aboard arrived rather wet and bedraggled about midday, and rafted outside us.

 

The weather then turned foul, but after lunch we went back to the Ship for a few pints of Ballards best and then out by car to the local chandleries.

 

We held drinks at 1800, and although windy, the rain had stopped. Everyone fitted into Selene's saloon ok as you can see. It wasn't really nice enough to sit in the cockpit unfortunately.

 

 

We then all got in our dinghies and went ashore where we had dinner at Itchenor SC. Paul and Jan from the boat that turned back, came by car for the dinner.

 

 

It was a bit dark and creepy taking the dinghy home! The wind was still howling and it was blowing an 8, so we had to wait to see what Sunday brought.

 

Next morning, the forecast still showed 5-7, and the wind had been dropping to a steady 5-6, so as Julia wanted to be home in the afternoon, and the tidal window was early morning, we left at 0815. Annoyingly, the wind went more west than south west and got very gusty with peaks of over 30 knots.

 

So after having quite a nice, but rather wet sail, we got fed up and motor sailed from Langstone Harbour entrance, as it was just too much hard work, for such a short distance! We had been keeping track with a much larger yacht, but you could see they were just sat there with their long keel, whilst I had to work Selene all the time.

 

It continued to blow old boots all the way into Haslar, and it still wasn't nice enough for a beer in the cockpit. We packed up and after rescuing Julia's car from Itchenor, stopped off at "The Office" (Square Brewery Petersfield) where we saw Richard and Helen having lunch with John and June. Nice weekend - shame about the weather - again….

 

 

 

 

Beaulieu River for lunch and Dinner at the Royal London 26 July 2008

 

Malcolm and Mave joined us on a beautiful hot summer's day, and we motored into the Beaulieu, where we hung off a buoy at Gins and had a superb lunch, provided by Mave.

 

 

We then got a cracking sail over to East Cowes with Malcolm at the helm, and we were joined by Keith and Lorna for drinks on Selene, before catching the water taxi over to the Royal London YC for dinner.

 

 

As you can see, East Cowes was busy as there was a Paul Weller concert at Osborned House.

 

We usually prefer the Royal Corinthian, but they were fully booked two weeks ago, so we thought we'd try the Royal London. It was very quiet there, and we were given a superb table. Oddly, we had a fixed menu, and it was very "Mary Celeste" like, as the club remained quiet all evening. Anyway, we had a great time, and of course had drinks on Selene afterwards.

 

 

Sunday was still hot and sunny, and we rushed back into Haslar ahead of the Harbour closures for the "Meet the Navy" afternoon. The air display wasn't as good as we'd hoped, but we had another great lunch in the cockpit and invited John and Anne-Katrina from the Halsberg Rassy 37 on A pontoon over for drinks during the afternoon. I also loaned the dinghy out to some French kids!

 

Julia and I rounded off the weekend with a BBQ back at Woodpeckers

 

Day trip to Sandown Bay with Ed 22 July 2008

 

Ed and I went for a day trip from Haslar and picked up one of the new buoys off Sandown beach, where we had lunch. Finally the summer arrived and it was a very hot day. The wind got up for the return trip, and we had a cracking sail from Bembridge Ledge into Haslar.

 

 

 

Short sail on Green Rival & Gins Hog Roast 19 July 2008

 

Original plan was that Aly, Graham, Gina and I would sail Green Rival round to Gins and Julia would meet us there. We only made it as far as Ocean Village, when the engine overheated and we were without engine. I volunteered to sail her back onto the finger pontoon, which I duly did!

 

 

We then came back and picked up Julia and all went in the one car, and had a great evening at Gins.

 

 

 

 

Gins via Cowes with Mika & Sarah Hall 17/18 July 2008

 

Mike and Sarah joined me on Selene and we sailed out into a stiff F4/5 W/SW with slight sea state. We went to Cowes for lunch at the Royal Corinthian, mooring at Shepards Wharf. Both Mike and Sarah enjoyed the beat over, but the sun was not in evidence.

 

 

The wind and sea got up a bit on the crossing over to Cowes but at least the sun shone for a while. We tied up without any problems at Gins and I rushed off for a committee meeting. Then I got everything ready for the Tapas evening (music from my laptop and some posters from the Spanish tourist board!)

 

Great evening, but forgot to take any pictures. Julia came down by car, and Sarah went home with her. Mike stayed overnight and we sailed back in similar conditions on the Friday morning, although it was downwind. Mike really enjoyed himself flying goose-winged and poled out downhill to Gilkicker.

 

Emsworth Yacht Harbour BBQ  12/13 July 2008

 

Malcolm and Mave joined us early on the Saturday and we motor sailed as fast as we could to get to the visitors pontoon in Emsworth so that we could get ashore in the dinghy before Low Water. We just made it in, with Mave and Julia walking around from the Town Pontoon and Malcolm and I lugging the dinghy over the sill into EYH.

 

The weather wasn't great but it didn't rain, and we enjoyed the Hog Roast.

 

 

Afterwards, the ECA members gathered on John & Jackie's motor boat for drinks, and then we towed the dinghy back out to Selene and went for a burn around the harbour. I started to cook dinner and we had further drinks with the ECA crowd and then after they went we had dinner and all went to bed early.

 

 

Sunday morning was warm and sunny, with a light breeze. We sailed off the pontoon and gently drifted down to West Pole. The weather got cloudier, but we did get some good breeze, and Malcolm enjoyed helming from West Pole to the Dolphins.

 

We had hoped for some sun, but had lunch in the cockpit at Haslar under a cloudy sky. We then tidied up and Julia and I rounded off the weekend with a BBQ back home.

 

Gins Summer Ball 21st June 2008

 

I took Selene round to Gins on Thursday 19th in 30+ knots on my own - I ended up motoring as the wind increased, and the sea west of Cowes was the roughest I've ever seen. I lost the bow under water up to the spray hood on one wave.

 

It was tough mooring in a small space behind a huge motor yacht with the wind blowing me off, but with a little help, I got in OK. We had the Gins Committee meeting and then a Greek theme evening. This was poorly attended and the food wasn't very good either.

 

Julia had come down in my car for the evening, and brought our marquee. We spent Friday erecting this and some gazebos provided by Pimms for the occasion.

 

Friday night we went out for a drink, and ate aboard. Saturday, we went to Lymington market and also bought stuff for the ball. Then we finished setting up and waited for our guests to arrive. We had bubbly in the cockpit as Lynn and Andy Moran arrived, followed by Richard Potter, Bob and Alison and Keith and Lorna. The weather hadn't been good for the past few days, but the sun finally popped out and it stayed dry long enough for us to have the Pimms and canapés outside.

 

 

The evening was a great success with Peter Hanratty doing a little after dinner speech with plenty of good jokes. Lynn and Andy and Richard Potter stayed aboard.

 

 

Regrettably it chucked it down and blew old boots overnight and we were awoken early with news that the marquee was "in distress". Basically, it was mangled! So we had to clear all that up with very thick heads. We then cleared every thing up, as we were in motion, and then had a big breakfast. As it was very windy, and I wanted to sail, I got Andy to crew me, and after extricating ourselves from the inside berth (great entertainment for all!) we had a cracking downwind sail under jib alone - going like the clappers!

 

 

Andy enjoyed himself at the helm, and we rounded off the weekend with a BBQ back at Woodpeckers with Lynn and Andy.

Isle of Wight Festival 13/14/15 June 2008

This weekend took me down memory lane as I rejoined the music business for a few days and we had a fabulous weekend. Many years ago, I produced Sting singing Roxanne on his own, and inspired by the programme "Three men in another boat" where Griff Rhys Jones sailed into Cowes and got backstage at the festival when the Stones were on last summer, Julia said the Police are headlining this year - and I thought I'd see if we could get on the guest list as I used to in the old days.

Sting agreed to my request and also said that he would be happy to see us for a few minutes before they went on stage, which he did.

We sailed over Thursday night to get tucked into Island Harbour which is right next to the festival, and set off on Friday to get our passes. What was a shame is that this year they had closed the footpath along the river, so we had to take the long way by road, and actually having backstage passes, meant we had to walk right around the festival and back in from Newport - about two miles instead of one, so we did some walking!


We were allowed in before the crowds and had quite a high VIP status allowing us to drink in the artists bar and have our own viewing area to the side of the stage. On Friday we saw the Kaiser Chiefs.

The weather stayed wonderful all weekend. Saturday, we had lunch at the Royal Corinthian - taking the water taxi to Cowes. Saturday night we saw the Zutons and The Sex Pistols.

Sunday was the big day with the Police headlining and our meeting with Sting. We spent the afternoon waiting to get information, and learned that the band were literally flying in about an hour before and flying straight out after the gig. Around 1830, one of his team came out to see us and our passes were upgraded from the wristband. This was truly amazing and with these passes we could go on the stage itself (the back bit) and into the dressing rooms - in fact just about anywhere. Where the security guys had all been defensive before, suddenly everywhere we went we had access - it was just fab.

 

We don't know what's more amazing: looking out at 55,000 people from on stage or having a quiet chat with Sting in his dressing room. I have actually played to 2500 people and been backstage at many gigs when I was in the business, so I wasn't totally phased, but it was still pretty awesome.

Check out the photos section for loads more pics.

We were actually on the stage at the side as the Police went on, and then we discovered we could get into an even more exclusive area to the right of the stage - where most of the time it was just us two. The band were great and we really enjoyed the gig.

Monday we stopped at Shepards Wharf and had lunch at the Royal Corinthian again, and enjoyed the sunshine. We then sailed back over to Haslar and ended a truly fantastic weekend.

Gins & The Folly 31 May / 1st June 2008

 

We motored to Gins in no wind, but plenty of sunshine, and were able to sit in the cockpit during the afternoon, which is always a treat. We took the dinghy over to have afternoon tea with Peter and Wendy who were on a buoy, and it was great that the outboard which hasn’t been used since October started first time.

 

I had heard rumours that the food wasn’t very good with the new chef at Gins, who just happens to be one of Robert’s sons, and it really wasn’t up to standard at all. The presentation especially. I sent my main course back, but wasn’t too specific about why as it was not going to be possible to reason with Robert. So although we had a great evening enjoying the company of Robin and Rebecca, Peter and Wendy and new members Richard and Judy, it soured the evening a bit.

 

We knew that Robert was off to St. Vaast the next day, and he had joked (or so we thought)  that they were off at 0630. This boat being inside us and we also had Martin Alexander outside us in Avalon. Paul and Jenni Shaw were also on this trip and when we saw Jenni, she said that they weren’t going until later. We never saw or were spoken to by the skipper.

 

So it was a very rude awakening at 0630 when we could hear the commotion next door and they knocked us up at 0645 saying they were leaving. I was not amused at all, and had I known I would have moved Selene to a buoy. In any event, given that there was a function, the skipper really ought to have shown some consideration and moved his boat to a buoy!

 

As we were up, I decided we would just leave, and so we went to the Folly for breakfast and got to have a long chat with Andy there. We also saw Malcolm and Jon Harman who were in two Sunsails with a bunch of guys for Jon’s stag do.

 

 

After breakfast, we walked up to Island Harbour Marina where we will be in a couple of week’s time for the Isle of Wight Festival.

 

We then enjoyed sitting in the cockpit at the Folly and there still being no wind, motored back arriving LW Portsmouth. We had very little water under us and were the only boat using the Inner Swashway! There being only 1.1 metres at LW. We did see 1.2 on the gauge at Gilkicker (Which is what we draw) where it is charted at 0.1 so it was close, but we didn’t touch at all.

 

 

 

 

ECA Rally to Port Hamble and Royal RAF scrubbing berth 24-27 May 2008

 

We had a very windy reach to port Hamble on the Saturday of the Bank Holiday. We were double reefed but flying along at 7-8 knots – it was very enjoyable indeed.

 

We arrived as planned at the first HW and insisted on a berth that would protect us from the wind. Doing this was great as we were able to sunbath even though the wind was howling – we had our own little suntrap.

 

 

The only other boat on the rally was Kotka, but they of course couldn’t get out of EYH until around HW, so they missed the afternoon sunshine. Sue Hastings and her crew (Jean and Julia and her boys and hubby)  came by car, as did Charles and Nicky (new members with a gaffer) along with John & Jackie and Brenda. Charles and Nicky did sail in the next day.

 

 

We enjoyed a good dinner at the Royal RAF YC. Although it chucked it down overnight, next day the weather just held despite the gloomy forecast, so Julia and I took the pink ferry over to Warsash, having never been before. We had a drink in the Sailing Club and tootled back.

 

Charles and Nicky arrived in their Gaffer and we had drinks and nibbles aboard Selene. Then we went to dinner (via the Gales pub of course) at the Italian at the top – good food – very slow service.

 

Monday, it really did chuck it down until lunchtime. We had placed Julia’s car in Port Hamble on Friday night, and she left about 2:30 to give Charles and Nicky a lift and to get home, as Richard said he would stay and help me onto the scrubbing berth, which we duly did at the first HW. This was the first time I have dried her out, and she sits well on the winged keel and the rudder.

 

 

Monday night, Helen and Richard fed me aboard Kotka, and Richard and I drank a lot of port.

 

Peter Whatley came around on the Tuesday. Originally we thought we had an ingress of water from outside, but when the water had gone, we were still getting water into the bilge. It was a great relief that it wasn’t from outside. On the way over on Saturday, the replacement Jabsco water filter had exploded and dumped another 120 litres of water somewhere in the boat, and we think the pipes had been leaking too. I did a proper repair on the pipework, and the bilge stopped filling up at the alarming rate – and it was definitely fresh water. It was interesting to dry her out though, and through my reciprocal membership I got a great rate for the berth!

 

Peter went home, and I waited for the tide. As soon as I could float I reversed out and motored back to Haslar. I did try sailing, but it was very light and on the nose, and being solo, I wanted to get back into Haslar just after HW to make for an easy mooring. The wind being light and it being HW on arrival, the mooring was almost too easy – it’s nice to have a few easy ones! The end of a typical English Bank Holiday – fairly miserable weather most of the time – although we were lucky in that we didn’t get rained on whilst sailing.

 

 

 

Greece - Ionian Bareboat charter  11-18 May 2008 (Not strictly Selene - but Sailing)

 

We went to Greece with Malcolm and Mavis where Malcolm had organised a Bavaria 32 for bareboat charter in the Ionian. We left Gatwick very early on Sunday 11 May and by mid afternoon were sat on Penelope in Sivota on Levkas Island, ready for the off the next day.

 

 

Monday 12 May we sailed to Fiscardo and it was a cracking sail with Malcolm as Captain. (We alternated the Captaincy every day) and had lunch in the cockpit which became our daily routine. We went for a stroll and then enjoyed cocktails by the sea.

 

 

Tuesday 13 May with me as Captain, we beat down to Sami in quite a breeze. Then the rain came shortly after lunch. As we ate our meal in the restaurant in the evening with the rain belting down, it was just like being in England – Yuk!

 

Wednesday 14 May we motored in full wet weather gear (great!) to Vahti on Ithaca, and we again had poor weather with a bumpy night, as the mooring had the wind straight at us all night.

 

Thursday 15 May finally saw the weather become “Mediterranean” and I was fortunate enough to get a fantastic sail all the way to Kalamos, where we enjoyed crepes for our evening meal.

 

Friday 16 May, the weather was again good and we had to motor round to Spartakhori on Meganisi. This is a lovely place, and we had drinks overlooking the bay. Here we had lazy lines for the first time – still stern to but without playing anchors. We were next to some very nice Germans who even gave us a couple of beers. Dinner was in the beach taverna.

 

 

Saturday saw me again as Captain, and we had a good sail most of the way back to Sivota, having to motor as the wind died. The weather was good again and it was tough reversing the boat in with the owner standing there! Anyway, no problems.

 

Next morning – back to England and a cooler climate. Great holiday and enjoyed chartering. We will be doing this again.

 

Poole RSYC Rally 3/4/5 May 2008

 

0700 departure from Haslar, sails up as we entered Haslar Lake, as it was a South Easterly.

 

Weather fair but hazy. Had a superb cruising chute day, getting overpowered off Christchurch, where we went down to the jib. Got into Poole at 1250 – very bumpy in the channel going in. Difficult berthing with a very short pontoon and the wind blowing us off. No bumps or bangs though!

 

Walked into Poole (taxied back!) had some beer n shopping and back in time for the drinks on the pontoon next to Paul Frampton’s new boat Victory.

 

Then a fleet of Taxis took us to the Royal Motor Yacht Club, where we enjoyed a truly splendid evening. We met Janie and Mal, who are members there and sat next to them at dinner. It was really great, and we look forward to going back there.

 

Sunday, the weather was truly grey and miserable and later very wet. We had a coffee in Sandbanks and took the bus to Swanage. We spent most of the day in pubs because of the rain.

 

 

We then took a bus back into Poole and ate at Hardys restaurant, where we have eaten before – it was also excellent. Taxi back to the boat and an early night.

 

0500 Monday morning, was gray, damp and cold. Julia stayed down below until 2 miles off Gilkicker! Although she did appear around Gurnard.

 

All I can say was that it was cold and miserable, with not a great breeze. Anyway the tide was under us and we got back fast. We were tucked up by 11 and got home to relax, and have a BBQ.

 

Gins Fitting Out Supper 12/13 April 2008

 

April showers - well April squalls really. Let’s say sunshine and showers and hefty breezes. SW F5-7. We came out of Haslar double reefed and sailed through some stiff breeze in the 22-28 knots range, and took a major squall of Gilkicker. Then it went light, and we were going nowhere, and as it looked settled and the forecast said it would ease, we shook out the reefs and enjoyed a gusty breezy fast sail for 20 minutes or so.

 

Then another set of squalls came over and after feathering for a while the wind strength kept increasing - mainly in the 28-30 range and we had full sails up. Then we spotted a huge black squall and as we only had about 2 miles left to the Beaulieu River entrance, I quickly dropped the lot, put the motor on, put Otto Pilot on and just got under the spray hood in time to avoid the deluge. While everyone else in the vicinity was being knocked flat and getting very wet, we went almost straight into the wind out of the rain and were in the river in very short order!

 

The squall saw gusts in the 35 knot range, so we felt we’d done the right thing, and it was very bumpy. Things down below were on the move. On arrival, Julia successfully managed  a tricky mooring exercise as it was howling straight off the pontoon by judicious use of the midships cleat and a central mooring line.

 

Once we were tied up, we noticed the bilge pump was still on and chucking water out the side. Closer inspection below showed surface water on the floor, although it was not salty. Soon we realised that the bumpy ride must have been too much  for the new water filter as it had completely sheared in two places and the water pressure system had pumped the entire contents of the (full) water tank (120 litres) into the bilge and surrounding area.

 

 

After seeing everyone in the clubhouse, and planning the Summer Ball, I then managed an emergency repair, and topped the tank up again. We were therefore later than usual for the supper, which although not as well attended as the past couple of years, was still a great success. We enjoyed meeting Bruce and Gil and later had drinks aboard Selene with David and Kirsty.

 

Sunday dawned completely differently. Starting flat calm, it got up to a SW 3-4 and as the wind was favourable, we just hoisted the sails on the pontoon and sailed off as per last week.

 

 

The sun came out, and for the first time in ages we enjoyed a gentle sail along the Solent and back into Haslar. Steve and Liz came round for drinks in Selene’s cockpit and the sun hung on until we’d finished that and were heading for home. All in all, a super weekend.

 

ECA Rally Cowes, and Gins for Sunday Lunch  5/6 April 2008

 

The weather on Saturday was better than expected with lots of sunshine, but it was cold in the North Westerly F4/5. Cracking sail over enjoyed by us all. We were first into Shepards Wharf, followed by APB, Colin Huggins, Jez and Nicky (Rally Leaders) and Richard and Helen in Kotka. By the time they had all arrived, we had polished off a couple of bottles of champagne, so declined further drinks invitations and went for a walk into Cowes.

 

 

Sad to see so many shops closed down - the Credit Crunch is biting into Cowes it seems. We saw the Grand National in Pier View over the odd pint, and returned in time to shower ready for the evening. There was the traditional drinks party aboard Ransom at 1800, and as the instructions the previous weekend from the Rally Leader were to make our own dinner arrangements, we had booked into the Royal Corinthian, where Julia and I are reciprocal members and were suitably attired.

 

Well, what a welcome - we were treated like royalty. As there was a “do” on in the main seating area, we were given the Captains room to ourselves and waited on hand and foot. It was splendid, and the food and service were just excellent. Many thanks to the Royal Corinthian for helping to make our evening.

 

By morning, the snow that was forecast was down and around 0730, there was a real blizzard going on. However, as forecast as the morning settled down, the weather improved, and as we motored over to Gins for Sunday lunch, the sun came out and everything calmed down. Robert and Michael were splendid hosts as ever, and because of the weather, we unusually had the whole pontoon to ourselves.

 

 

With the wind still from the North, and no other boats around,  we sailed off the Gins Pontoon and we had another splendid sail back reaching across the Solent very quickly back to Haslar.

 

It was the very bottom of a particularly low spring tide, and as I was “having a look” at the Inner Swashway just round from Gilkicker, we touched bottom just as I said, “I’ll just see what the depth is here and then decide….”  At this point I could feel a touch and immediately bore away to sail into the normal Swashway for the first time since we’ve been at Haslar. As we came in you could almost walk across the Hamilton Bank it was so low, and I have never seen the beach along the small boat passage before!  Being a Northerly, I left the drop until the Swashway, and whilst dropping we got a friendly hoot from a Wight Link ferry as I wasn’t going to allow us to drift too far left when you could paddle on the Hamilton bank just to the Port side!

 

Anyway, no problems and a safe berth was soon found back on A20. Despite the snow, and cold wind, it was one of those splendid sailing weekends.

 

Haslar!  29/30 March 2008

 

The bad weather continued into Saturday, and as the Legends had already cancelled the Bembridge Rally, we decided against sailing and finally started to tackle the saloon table, which has been patiently waiting to be stripped down, and stained and varnished properly.

 

I sanded it right back to the wood, and let the expert (Julia) apply the stain. The weather was brilliant on the Sunday, but as the boat was upside down we carried on with jobs rather than sail, and felt a sense of satisfaction that we did.

 

Portsmouth & Lymington 21/22/23 March 2008 (Easter)

 

Neil joined us on Thursday night aboard Selene and I cooked us sausages. We were all exhausted from work and travelling. Cherbourg became impossible as the forecast gales came, so the Thursday night departure was canned.

 

I had thought we might go to Poole instead, but come Friday Morning, there were gusts in the 50+ knot region being recorded at Hurst, and so we cancelled sailing on the Friday (Good Friday) and went over to Gunwharf and Old Portsmouth for the day.  As a sop for not going to France, we booked into the Café Rouge for Dinner.

 

Next day was still very windy, but the gusts were in the late 30 knot range, so I thought we’d at least go to Yarmouth or Lymington. It was a fantastic sail, which Neil thoroughly enjoyed. It was too strong for the double reefed main and so we sailed on jib alone. It was a tightish reach to Cowes and then we sailed more freely. The gusts were mainly in the 33-35 knot range, although I had one on the helm of 39, and Neil recorded over 40 motoring into the Lymington River.

 

 

I spoke to Yarmouth, but all the walk-ashores were booked, and we decided with the weather, we wanted a pontoon. So having aimed for Yarmouth, we motored over to Lymington Yacht Haven, and they very kindly gave us a berth with 35 knots of wind blowing us off! I have to admit that Mr & Mrs Cock-up came to visit me, and the stem met the pontoon.

 

 

We were soon tucked up in the Kings Head and it promptly started to snow! Based on the very cold weather and the long walk into town we had dinner at the Royal Lymington Yacht Club and it was excellent. Many thanks to Mark Fishwick and his staff and Neil and I especially enjoyed being served by young Misty!

 

It was very cold Sunday morning and the tide dictated an 0830 start. Any thoughts of lunch in Cowes evaporated as the weather was so miserable, cold and wet, we decided that we would just run to Haslar. The wind was in the mid twenties, but gybing downwind, it didn’t feel too bad, although the gybes were big ones.

 

I made bacon butties for everyone on the gybe from Gurnard to Bramble, and there was enough water to sail over right over Bramble Bank, which I always enjoy - thus avoiding the menacing racing fleet that I wanted to avoid!

 

We carried sail all the way in, and dropped in Haslar Lake, and mooring was nice and easy as we were much more sheltered and the wind wasn’t in the thirties.

 

We stopped at the Square Brewery for a snack and a pint on the way back and met Richard and Helen there. Later, Aly and Graham came round and the five of us talked about sailng all night as Graham has now bought Green Rival. We had planned to meet them in Cowes for lunch but the weather had put paid to that, so dinner at ours was the next best thing.

Gins Murder Mystery Evening 15/16 March 2008

 

Saturday morning, we collected Selene from Gosport Boat Yard after the lift-out for anti-foul and a superb polish that makes the hull shine. We motored round to Haslar, and I loaded up and got ready while Julia did some shopping.

 

We then had a great sail downwind to Gins enjoying some nice gusts. We then changed into our outfits for the evening. It was a Murder Mystery Evening set in 1924, so I went as Bertie Wooster and Julia a “Flapper”. We had a great evening sat between the new Commodore Colin and his wife Julia on one side and Peter and Wendy on the other. (Peter and Wendy came to the Wylds for Sunday lunch and a stroll around the estate the Sunday before)

 

 

Julia looked superb, and we won the prize for the best couple in fancy dress! (Julia is holding the prize bottle of champagne)

 

The forecast wasn’t great in the morning so we left an hour earlier than planned and took a windy reach back before the winds really strengthened and the rain came in. We had a single reef in and were doing 7 knots and enjoying a little surfing too. We both really enjoyed the sail back, and I was quite tired from playing the main through the gusts.

 

Looking forward to Easter now.

 

Gins Opening Party 9/10 February 2008

 

Saturday dawned cold and bright, and after a whizz around Gosport Market, waiting for the tide to turn, we set off downwind in the sun, and by now at 1145 it was quite warm.

 

The chute went up off Gilkicker and we sailed downwind right into the entrance of the Beaulieu River. It was glorious. Although it was sailing well, some of the strings had got themselves in a muddle, so I took some time to sort them out. Unfortunately, on one re-hoist, the lines got stuck near the sheave. I heaved and heard a great crash right next to me where the radar reflector had come crashing down - very lucky it didn’t hit me! It obviously was very twisted up there and had somehow got itself around this.

 

 

Anyway, apart from an expensive bill to get a new one, as it’s well smashed, no harm done, and a very enjoyable sail. We had the upstream end of the pontoon to ourselves as the others booked in never showed, and we enjoyed a pleasant evening’s supper. We were sat with Lance and Kay, who are always great fun, and it was a good night out.

 

 

One of Robin’s guests was Paul Jackson, who is an Estate Agent and has an office on the cobbles at Lymington. He is a member at the Royal Lymington, and the Royal Thames, and it was very good to meet him. I look forward to looking him up when we are next in Lymington.

 

We left the Eberspacher on low all night as it was so cold and Sunday dawned just as sunny. There was a lovely gentle breeze - just enough to sail on, and as we were in no rush and had plenty of tide, we enjoyed the sail. Even beating down the Beaulieu River.

 

Once out into the Solent, it really was glorious. Not as warm as the Saturday, but lovely. The tide turned as we got close to Gilkicker so we motored in from there. Had a coffee with Steve and Liz who came round, and packed up and came home. What a contrast to the previous weekend!

 

RSYC Rally to Bucklers Hard 2/3 February 2008

 

Julia and I went down late Friday as the tides, although neaps required a reasonably early night. It was pretty cold, so Mr. Eberspacher was very busy all weekend.

 

It was a cold and lovely day Saturday morning and we had a really great beat over to Cowes, where we went to the Royal Corinthian and met APB for lunch. Good lunch - nice club - it was our first time there even though we have reciprocal membership through the RSYC.

 

We then motored over to the Beaulieu River entrance and up to Bucklers Hard. We learned that the lead boat had cancelled due to the forecast for gales on Sunday, but as well as us, there were Peter and Wendy in Ear to Eternity and later Moonfleet arrived as well.

 

We were treated to afternoon tea on Ear to Eternity (they had Graham and Sally with them) and after a shower, we went back for the drinks party. All the car arrivals found the drinks party, and we then went up to the Master Builder for dinner. A bit cramped and very slow service, but an enjoyable evening nonetheless.

 

The 1800 Inshore weather forecast was even worse than before, and the 0600 was no better suggesting 5-7 occasionally gale 8 or severe gale 9. I had thought to leave early and eat some tide to try and get ahead of the wind, but by 0700 it was strong anyway. So we waited till later and so we only had a small amount of foul tide to Cowes.

 

It felt very windy coming down the river, but I was expecting a reach from the entrance. However, on arrival the wind had gone SE, so we had to beat. At this point the wind was mainly F6 but with frequent gusts into F7/8, so we only put the jib up, but made good progress, coping with the gusts better than had we had any main out.

 

As we went past Cowes the tide was turning, and the wind and the sea really got up. It was then mainly F7 all the way to Portsmouth being mainly 31/32 knots - again we had to beat, and by now the sea was quite nasty - obviously being the Solent the waves weren’t big, but a short chop that kept stopping us. In any event, Selene sailed very well under jib and we were making 5/6 knots when we weren’t slammed. It was a fantastic sail despite the fury, and I had a huge grin on my face!

 

 

 

Approaching Gilkicker, I could see that there were amazing waves along the Haslar bank, and it was still just a reach. All you could see were clouds of spray where the water’s edge should have been and breaking waves about 400m off.

 

As I didn’t fancy running off along the Haslar bank to drop the jib, and coming up to weather wasn’t a nice option either, we dropped the jib ahead of Gilkicker by running off it came down easily  and then we motored in along the Haslar Bank.

 

Well I have never seen breaking waves along there, but that’s what we had. The wind was mainly 34/35 knots and coming straight at us from 90 degrees. About 400m from the Harbour entrance a huge one came right through the cockpit! It was very hard to steer, so we didn’t use the small boat channel, and came right through the middle!

 

Well we never saw F9, so that was good but berthing was hard, as the wind was just blowing the bow right off. It was a great sail, which we both thoroughly enjoyed, although it was a bit tiring.

 

 

 

Delivering Seagull to Hamble Point Marina 26 January 2008

 

I crewed Keith in Seagull for her final voyage from Haslar to Hamble Point Marina, where she is going on the hard to be sold. It blew a good 5-6 WNW  going W by Fawley and the sun shone - it was a wonderful day for sailing. Keith and I shared the helming and it was a great experience to sail a 41 footer for the first time. (Hansa 411)

 

Julia and Lorna went shopping and met us at Hamble Point just after we arrived.

 

 

Malcolm’s 70th Birthday Party 12 January 2008

 

We went with Keith and Lorna to Malcolm’s 70th Birthday party and had a wonderful day out. There were three distinct crowds: the locals - mainly the Twinning crowd, family and sailing friends. What was great for Julia and I was that everyone knew who we were, so we’ve obviously been talked about!

 

 

Jon and Rhiannon played some music and I gave a “Best Man” type speech. It was a really good do, and a great time was had by one and all.

 

 

Lorna kindly drove, and we stayed overnight at theirs. I did the cooking with Lorna as my assistant.

 

Selene has moved berths - we are now on A20

 

The wonderful manager Ben at Haslar has allowed us to move to A20, which is the first pontoon in Haslar, and a really short walk compared to where we were before on J pontoon. It was 480 paces from the ramp to J36 and it's only 80 to A20!

 

Being so much farther down Haslar Lake means that we are not bumped around by ferries as we were on "J" - indeed it's much quieter, as we are not now near all the fishermen and tourists promenading along the walkway.

 

We are also still facing the South West (in fact more so than on "J") which is also a plus. We are however, still port side to, so we still have to swing in.

 

New Years Eve Cruise 30/31 December & 1st January 2008

 

A “no wind” few days saw us motor to Yarmouth on Sunday 30th December. Shortly after we moored, we were greeted by our Legend Mini Adventure friends Paul, Colin & Julie. It turned out that we had stumbled into a mini get together, and that there were five other Legends there already.

 

We went and had a beer in the Bugle and then joined the drinks party on board Suzie Too (David and Suzanne) and the others there were Paul & Kath (Ghostly Goose), Terry and Jean (Iona), Colin & Julie (Skoolie Too), and Mike and Sue (Scallywag). The meal was at the Wheatsheaf and drinks aboard Iona afterwards.

 

Monday, we motored over to Gins, and rested. We really enjoyed the New Years Eve Party and sat with Mel and Mark and Paul and Jenni, along with Dudley and Pauline.

 

 

 

We motored home on Tuesday leaving a very tranquil Gins behind.

 

 

Arriving at Haslar, we had to get warps and fenders ready, as we were moving to our NEW BERTH - A20 - Hoorah!

 

It’s so much quieter down that end and we now have a much shorter walk. We then spent the afternoon moving the dock fenders and fitted warps from our old berth onto the new one.

 

On the way in, we had seen Steve and Liz, so we invited them over for drinks on our new berth, and then packed up and cam home.

 

Gentlemans Sailing Weekend 1/2 December 2007 (& then Monday 3rd!)

 

Richard and I arrived on Friday evening in very wet and windy weather at Haslar, had a beer in the Castle (yuk) and a chinese in the Great Wall. Terry Caister joined us on Saturday morning and we sailed over to Cowes for lunch in F7/8 upwind against a foul tide. We enjoyed the sail, and put into Shepards, had a swift one in the Duke of York and then lunch at the Island Sailing Club.

It was a bit rough coming into Cowes!

 

 

We then motored over to Gins across a rough old Solent, abandoning our plans for Yarmouth. We enjoyed a few beers and a great dinner, and were invited for drinks aboard Ower Flower until the small hours.

 

Sadly a big storm came along the South Coast on the Sunday, and with reluctance I decided we should leave the boat at Gins. We enjoyed an excellent Sunday Lunch which had always been part of the plan, and Rex and Joyce very kindly gave us a lift to Hythe, where we took the ferry and then the train back to Haslar.

 

On the Monday, there appeared to be a weather slot, so unable to find crew, I decided to bring her back solo. I got a bit more wind than expected but F6 downwind isn’t too bad, and with tide I averaged 8 knots over the ground and did the trip in 2 hours. The sun shone too!

 

Looking at the wind speeds and the strength of the gusts, some up to 70mph, I am glad we didn’t try it Sunday afternoon - although the logistics on Monday were a nightmare!

 

Chichester YC Black Tie Dinner 17/19 November

 

We were excited to be going back to Chichester Harbour, but we awoke in Haslar (after eating at Café Rouge in Gunwharf) to find the sunshine had already gone, and the bad weather was coming earlier than forecast. As we got to West Pole we were already seeing F5/6, and as we tucked into Ham egg and chips at Chichester YC the rain started.

 

We enjoyed the dinner with Keith and Lorna, and it was a noisy night. The barometer plummeted, and the average wind speed on the bar all Sunday morning was 30+ knots with gusts of 36/37, so we left Selene in Chichester Marina and took the train & ferry back to Haslar.

 

Stopped in the Square Brewery for a pint on the way home and ran into Richard, Helen and Brenda, and Richard agreed to crew me back Monday.

 

It was still blowing F5/6 from the South so timing was everything. The waves on the Winner were scarey, but we had a cracking sail.

 

 

We left the lock at 1530, after taking the train and taxi down, and endured a massive rainstorm until the Thorney Channel, where we put the double reefed main up. We were able to lay West Pole by motor-sailing and got there at 1630 when the water was slack and starting to go West.

 

We turned the motor off and had a cracking sail across some big waves going through us. Dropped the main off Langstone as we weren’t really getting any drive, and carried on at the same pace under jib but less pressed. We were seeing gusts of 27/28. It was now dark and we creamed through main passage and into Portsmouth on the last of the flood (0.3 of tide still with us) and fetched up into Haslar bang on HW at 1800. Great trip!

 

Helen came and picked us up from Gunwharf after we’d sunk a couple of pints in the Old Customs House.

 

Cruisers Dinner - Ocean Village 10/11 November

 

It was a delight to forget about Yachtmaster-ing which has pre-occupied me for weeks and get back into the joys of sailing. Sadly, we had to motor round into the teeth of a strong NW, but had a fantastic downwind sail back in glorious sunshine on the Sunday.

 

We had champagne with Gordon and Christine when we arrived at Ocean Village, and the dinner was a good night out.

 

Yachtmaster Exam 8 /9 November

 

The examiner was due at 1600, but was delayed until 1800 and then later rang to say he was worried about the weather, and in the end didn’t arrive until 1900. The squalls had gone through and we all expected the wind to ease back to F5. It had been NW 7/8. However, it didn't ease and it was a very windy night. We were very hard pressed and ended up sailing on the jib alone and eventually came back into Haslar earlier than expected but it was my decision and the examiner respected that and had in fact felt that that was what the skipper should be doing, so it actually helped get me a pass.

 

We had quite a few dramas which included me going on the deck to sort out knotted jib sheets and to tie down the mainsail which wouldn't "bag" as there was so much wind the last few feet was blowing around like a mini-spinnaker. A big wave knocked us so hard that the dinghy came off the sugar scoop and I had to sort that out too, along with a heads incident and coffee everywhere.

 

The examiner was surprised as we approached Haslar that we weren’t getting fenders out and I explained about the dock fenders one side, the rib the other and how I just sprang in on the mid ships cleat. I managed to execute this to perfection, and he said “I’ll give you that”. At this point Richard was hiding down the pontoon tying the bow lines on, and the examiner had been quiet for quite a while, so I feared the worst - thinking he might say you should re-take because of the conditions or you’ve failed or something like that, but he quietly said “we’ll call that a pass then”, and that was that. What relief.

 

We then had some more food and some whisky, and went to sleep. I made breakfast for us all in the morning, and the examiner left about 8 am. Richard and I drank some champagne, slept a bit more, tidied up and had lunch in the Square Brewery and later celebrated with Helen and Julia in the new Italian restaurant next door.

 

Yachtmaster Training 1 / 2November

 

Gordon Agnew came down and after lunch at Haslar, he set off with Richard and I for my training just as it got dark. We went through the Inner Passage, did three MOBs under sail at night, picked up a buoy in Langstone Harbour, went up to the entrance to Southsea Marina and span around. We then went and contour sailed into Wootton Creek, and then went into Cowes and picked up a buoy for the night. Wind generally NW ¾. Next day was sunny, but no wind, so we did everything under engine. We went into Newtown River and picked up a buoy for breakfast, and then I contour sailed us from the Bramble Bank to Gilkicker. We then went into Camber Dock and span round, into the Royal Clarence and checked out the Port Solent channel. Gordon is an excellent tutor.

 

Island Sailing Club for lunch 24 October

 

Ed was down for a couple of days at half term, and so we picked up Richard & Helen and had a nice sail over to Cowes. The sunshine and good weather of the past few days hung on until lunchtime, and then it got grey.

 

We moored on the ISC pontoon but as the wind was NE, I went inside so as the boat wasn’t smashed against the pontoon. Instead it just jangled on the ropes. On the way over, Richard had been in touch with Dick & Alice, so they also joined us for lunch, coming up by bus from Yarmouth, where they were holed up.

 

We had a great lunch and some retail therapy and when we went to leave discovered that it really gets shallow on the inside, and had to wait an hour for the tide! We had a cracking sail back and it was just getting dark as we got in. We then all met up with Julia for a meal at the Jolly Drover in the evening.

 

RSYC Gins Laying Up Supper and Lunch at the Royal Solent, Yarmouth 20,21 October

 

Julia and I got down to Selene on Friday evening and had a few glasses of wine aboard Kite with Steve and Liz, and Neil turned up at 0900 Saturday morning, so that we could take the tide West. There was enough wind for us to fly the cruising chute virtually all the way to Gins, and it was a glorious sail.

 

 

We then had a swift drink and took a cab into Lymington, where after some shopping at the market, we met Aly & Graham in the Kings Head. They were looking at boats. Then back to Selene for a sleep and then the Laying Up Supper with the Rugby World Cup Final on the big screen. Shame that England lost! Anyway it was still a great night out.

 

 

Sunday dawned bright cold and sunny, and we headed off to Yarmouth for lunch. We motored all the way in the lovely weather and Peter and Wendy Whatley followed us into Yarmouth as we had agreed to have lunch together. They met some friends and we had a swift pint and read the papers in the Bugle and then settled down for a great lunch at the Royal Solent - which really is a splendid place for lunch and we really enjoyed it.

 

Jerry and Wendy and their friends Tom and Ann had also come down from Hythe by RIB.

 

 

We were last to leave and it was almost dark as we motored back into Haslar. On the way we listened to yet another British nearly, as Lewis Hamilton failed to become World Champion.

 

RSYC Rally to Lymington with Malcolm & Mave 13,14 October 2007

 

I went down to Selene on the Friday evening to do a few jobs like mounting the new electronic barometer, adjusting the compass light and filling up with diesel, as Julia was out on a girls’ night out. I bumped into Liz on the pontoon and was invited round for drinks, and didn’t leave Kite until 0115! Thanks to Steve & Liz for their company.

 

Julia, Malcolm and Mave all turned up on Saturday morning. It was grey and misty and no wind, so we motored down to Lymington, and after a splendid lunch in the cockpit, whilst Julia and Mave went shopping, Malcolm and I drank HSB in the Kings Head.

 

 

Drinks were aboard Heidi hosted by John and Ann, and then we had supper at the Royal Lymington. It was their Laying Up Supper, so there was a band, and we did some after dinner dancing. During the evening, England beat France at the rugby to go into the World Cup Final!

 

Sunday defied the weather forecast and was sunny with a light Easterly, so we had a very leisurely beat up to Cowes, and then as part of the prep for my forthcoming Yachtmaster exam, I sailed us into Osborne Bay and anchored under sail.

 

 

We then had another splendid lunch at anchor, and it was idyllic. Just as we were leaving Kite appeared and anchored also, so we all waved. I swung the compass on the way back, as I have been meaning to do that for ages, and can now produce a deviation card.

 

Back at Haslar we all parted and Julia and I rounded off the weekend BBQ-ing some steak back home.

 

Weekend in Alderney 5,6,7,8 October 2007

 

I got to Selene and prepared the boat for the trip, and cooked Julia supper when she arrived at 1900. We then motored down to Yarmouth and picked up a buoy next to George in Seven Stars - we were the only two boats there. I spoke to George on the phone, and he decided to stay this side of the Channel, so it was just us going.

 

After a pleasant night, we set off at 0650 and motored out past the Needles, The forecast was 3-4 E, 5 later. We were soon motor sailing, and then sailing. Julia was very tired again and had a few hours sleep.

 

 

We put a reef in as the wind built and Otto (Pilot) was being over-powered. It then kept building, with a big quartering sea. It wasn’t more than seven miles off Alderney, so I took the helm aiming to dinghy sail it to three or four miles out and then drop the main and sail / motor sail in on the jib.

 

I duly dropped the main, and we put the engine on to help Julia point us toward the wind, as there was a big sea coming through us. As I bore away, the engine sounded completely different, and within seconds the temperature gauge was going through the roof and I turned the engine off as the alarm went. I took a brief look at the engine, but it was obviously a lack of sea-water cooling and as there was a big seaway, and we were close enough to harbour to sort it out there, I decided not to try stripping it down at sea.

 

We then sailed under jib, still doing 6 knots on a broad reach and then turned and ran into the harbour. By now I was registering 21 knots apparent and running at 4.5 knots straight into Braye and going down-tide. We swung onto a mooring buoy and I had led a line back so that we could pick up from the shrouds to make life easier, and at the last minute, I gave the helm to Julia and did the pick up - taking the line through the loop of the hawser and then pulled that back to the bow as the way came off. We had to risk putting the engine on as backup for a few seconds, and had to use it to put the safety mooring warp on, as there was so much wind and tide, I couldn’t haul the buoy close enough to put the safety warp on. It again overheated very quickly, and was shut down.

 

We had arrived as planned before dark, and wanted to get ashore and get the lie of the land in the light, so we left the engine for the morning and went ashore.

 

The dinghy pontoon was out for repair so we had to land on a very bumpy and wet slipway and then haul the dinghy up the slope. We were welcomed by the members of the Alderney Sailing Club who offered advice on the boat and gave a fantastic recommendation for dinner - the “Braye Chippy”. This is a BYO place of great character, and although it is primarily a fish and chip shop, it was much more than that, and not at all greasy spoon. They are a great bunch of people at the Sailing Club, and indeed everyone we met on the Island was very friendly. We bought our wine at the bar to take with us and then had a great meal.

 

We then had a hell of a ride back in the dinghy as the wind and tide were ripping into the harbour. The pilot books are right, Braye is no place to be in a NE breeze, and we spent a night effectively “at sea” - it was just like sailing in a breeze on passage. Very noisy too! However, we were determined to see Alderney, and weren’t up for heading for Cherbourg.

 

It had calmed down a bit by morning but was still very rolly. Julia and I then traced the seawater cooling system, and discovered that the “new” impeller at the last service 40 hours ago, had broken, and wasn’t going round. We carry a spare, and fitted that and ran the engine for an hour to check it was OK and get enough hot water for a shower. Job done.

 

 

 

We then went ashore, met Roland and Anne (Roland had Mainbrace Chandlery for 27 years) and is a very nice man, and bought another spare impeller. We then booked the Braye Beach Hotel for Dinner and had a pint of Pride in the Divers Inn.

 

We then went up the hill to Victoria Street and had some Ringwood Best in the Georgian House and booked Sunday lunch for the next day. We then set off and walked all round the Western end of the Island, and got back to the boat to discover that England had somehow beaten Australia in the RWC quarter final!

 

We went back to the boat, getting soaked this time, as we hadn’t got full waterproofs on, and the wind just hadn’t eased as we thought. We then packed clothes for dinner and changed when we came ashore, leaving our kit at the Alderney Sailing Club, where again we had a few beers with the locals before having a superb dinner at the Braye Beach Hotel. My PDA was on, and I realised that France were about to beat New Zealand, and we managed to sneak into the office with the Chef to watch the last few minutes of the match!

 

We had another rough ride back to the boat but stayed dry this time.

 

Sunday, it had eased and we went ashore and read the Sunday Papers and had lunch at the Georgian where we were well looked after by Helen. We then walked the Eastern end of the Island and met Neil and Helen on the road. Helen is one of two Vets on the Island. We ended up having a few beers with them in the Divers before we came back to the boat for a quiet evening in. Cue, champagne and smoked salmon!!  We had a pleasant evening and after watching some DVDs retired as we had an early start.

 

We left at 0600 in darkness and no wind, but no fog as had been thought. The day blossomed into a beautiful sunny day with no breeze. We motored and sunbathed home, and although it was very misty through the Solent, the viz was OK. We got into Haslar just after dark at 1945, and said Hi to Steve and Liz sat in their cockpit in Kite as we came in.

 

 

We packed up and came home after a splendid and eventful weekend.

 

Don't miss the Summer Ball at Gins Clubhouse ! Saturday June 21st September 2008

 

John & Julia will be organising a "Summer Ball" for the longest day in 2008 (Summer Solstice June 21st) which happens to fall on a Saturday. It will be a black tie do, and is already proving popular. Martin Alexander is even changing his summer cruise to make sure they can be there. Booking early is to be advised! Let John know if you are interested in coming.

 

 

Folly and Gins - no Rally - just Solent pottering 22-23 September 2007

 

We recently met Steve and Liz from “Kite” on G pontoon and they kindly invited us to dinner aboard with them on Friday night. We loaded the boat up ready for sailing to Cowes on Saturday, and enjoyed a superb evening with Steve and Liz. Thanks for a great meal!

 

Next morning, we pottered around Gosport market and I bought one of those wind up lanterns, so that we could have an all round light when in the tender at night.

 

We then motored over to the Folly in no wind, and rafted outside a Jeanneau of similar size to us. As ever, there were loads of rallies, and we watched the place fill up as Bembridge does.

 

 

We spent a lazy afternoon there and went over early to the Folly to get a table ahead of all the rallies, which turned out to be a great plan. We had to give up our table at 1945, but that wasn’t a problem, and we weren’t really up for the table dancing anyway. Steve and Liz had decided to bring their friends up the Medina and as we left, we phoned and they’d just finished eating, so we went over in the tender for drinks, before retiring early with a DVD.

 

The weekend plan had been to go to Gins for lunch and then back to Haslar afterwards as the tides worked well for that, but the Inshore Weather forecast, and my assessment was that there was some foul weather and probably loads of wind later in the afternoon, so we though hell, we’ll put the boat straight into Haslar and drive.

 

Of course, this meant we ate some tide, and put ourselves under a bit of time pressure, but it all worked out. We had a cracking sail from Cowes to Gilkicker mainly under cruising chute in a steady F4. Dodged many racers and as the wind headed towards F5 dropped the kite and made the same speed under Main & Jib. Had a problem dropping the main as the top batten jammed in the lazy jack, and for a while the sail wouldn’t go up or down! We had to wait for a gap in the racers to go head to which allowed me to sort the problem out.

 

We made it to Gins and had a great lazy lunch, and as we left, it was raining and miserable, so we got that right, although the wind didn’t really pick up until much later, but it did come!

 

John joins the Royal Southampton YC Gins Clubhouse Committee September 2007

 

John has now joined the committee that runs Gins Clubhouse, and as well as attending his first meeting at Gins discovered that there was a photo of him and a big spread in the "Yachter" (the RSYC magazine) with his Bio. John enjoyed the first meeting which amongst other things, included finalising the plans for 2008.

 

RSYC Spit Bank Fort Rally 15-16 September 2007

 

We didn’t have to sail for this rally, as it was at Haslar. The long weekend began on Thursday when I went to Gins for my first committee meeting, and Julia came down by car later for the Indian Summer supper. I enjoyed my first committee and I have volunteered to run a Summer Ball on Saturday June 21 2008. Full black tie job, so everyone should make their bookings early, as it’s already becoming popular.

 

Next day we were at the Southampton Boat Show, and had lunch with Keith and Lorna. We liked the Island Packets (for the future) but couldn’t see a 36 - 40 footer as a step up that we really liked.

 

Saturday, the weather continued as an Indian Summer and as planned, we did jobs in the morning, with me doing Y10 all round the hull. At lunchtime, Steve and Liz from Kite came over and we had a beer, and then we relaxed until the drinks party on Avalon at 1830. After that it was dinner in the Mary Mouse which was a great evening let down by poor food.

 

 

 

Sunday morning was relaxing and then off in the ticky tours boat to Spit Bank Fort and Sunday Lunch. We have sailed past it so many times, it was interesting to actually see inside and to see the view from there.

 

RSYC Bembridge Rally 1-2 September 2007

 

We motored round to the fuel pontoon and topped up following the trip to Honfleur. Then motor-sailed over to Bembridge as there was no wind. It was already busy when we got there and we were fourth out outside Keith and Audrey. Once tied up, drinks were provided by Keith and Audrey, and we all sat in their cockpit including Rex, Joyce, Bob & Jackie.

 

Julia and I then had lunch and went up to St. Helens. Got some supplies from the village stores (at vast expense) had a pint in the Vine, and then settled into the book shop for a while. I bought two more Gibbings books and another. Came back and had a chat with Peter and then had a snooze before getting ready for dinner. As ever, the Duver was very busy.

 

 

We got the taxi over to Bembridge Sailing Club, which is a fantastic place, and we had a great meal. Afterwards, we all piled into Prop Rider and discovered that Lance has the largest drinks cabinet aboard a vessel I have ever seen. He and Kay were great and generous hosts for the after dinner drinks.

 

 

Next day, Julia picked blackberries whilst I replaced the stern light bulb and changed the shackle arrangement on the traveller. Julia didn’t win the blackberry competition, but then we didn’t have a need for too many of them.

 

Here’s the “Official” Blackberry weighing!

 

We all then went down to the BBQ area and had a RSYC BBQ “burn-your-own” lunch.

 

 

Bob also ran the prize-giving ceremony.

 

We then had to go about 1400 as the boats inside us needed to get all the way up the Itchen. So we headed off, and had a cracking sail all the way from St. Helens Fort right into Portsmouth. 17-21 knots WSW pretty much all the way. Held off a Jeanneau 34 and because of the direction we didn’t drop the main until Haslar Lake.

 

It was a great weekend in very good company.

 

 

 

Summer Cruise 2 Honfleur & Deauville & Fecamp 17-27 August 2007

 

 

The forecast for Friday night into Saturday morning was not good, so I felt there was a 24 hour window Thursday night – Friday to get to Honfleur, so I rang Malcolm at short notice and he kindly agreed to come to Honfleur for the weekend. We spoke at 1400 and by 2150 were leaving Haslar.

 

It was force 4-5 westerly all journey, and I put full sail up and although the sea was bumpy we had a cracking sail averaging 6.25 over the whole journey of 107 miles in 17 hours. Malcolm must have scared off the shipping, because instead of the 36 vessels on the last crossing we only saw 15. We did however have to avoid the Mont St. Michel Ferry that was headed for us.

 

The only drama was a fuse blowing, and we lost the autohelm and C80. It was the auto-helm working so hard in the difficult seaway and it drew too many amps – I knew that I should have up-rated that fuse and had forgotten to do so! Anyway, Malcolm steered while I fixed the problem and that was that.

 

 

 

 

 

Dawn came and the sea was just as confused as ever, but it was a pleasant sail into Honfleur. We locked into the harbour and then jostled with everyone to get into the basin. Of course, nearly all the others were people that I knew on the Sea Horse Rally and were also weekending in Honfleur before the rally start on Tuesday.

 

We were lucky enough to get a finger in the corner and this made for a great stay, although the weather then turned ugly.

 

Julia arrived Saturday morning and Saturday wasn’t too bad weather wise. We took the dinghy for a trip and enjoyed the cockpit. Sunday it just rained. Malcolm went back to the UK in the afternoon, and it rained. We met a couple called Chris and Kat in their Konsort from Shoreham YC and Julia & I had dinner with them Sunday night. During dinner we were invited aboard Krackpot for drinks with David and Diana and so we drank Calvados into the small hours.

 

Monday we left on the 1030 footbridge opening along with the others (Krackpot, Seven Stars and Drake) and we locked out into a wind over tide in your face bumpy ride up the Seine. I had calculated the tide heights and we cracked off early straight for Deauville. Thus we were first at the gates and first in and moored alongside Kir Royale (Peter & Betty) outside Avalon.

 

The journey was only 17 miles so not an epic. The weather wasn’t too bad in the morning but when we wandered into the town later it poured. Unfortunately, Drake ran aground in the entrance and it took three goes for a fishing boat to get them off, and they snapped the end off their rudder. (Later in the week they were craned out for repairs)

 

 

Pia, the lady organising the rally is fantastic fun, and we all enjoyed drinks in the club house and then a meal at Les Vapeurs in Trouville. We met Simon and his sister Mel from Tavi and I was sat opposite Bernard the President of the YC because of my French. His English was actually very good anyway, and it turned out he knew the Villercotteret people and the whole Compiegne area.

 

The Rally “officially” started on Tuesday and unfortunately it continued to rain.  There was a trip to a local Calvados place, where we had lunch in a barrel and saw how Calva is made. We were bussed back in time for our rendezvous with an old friend.

 

 

Finally the sun came out for a while just as Philippe arrived and we had champagne in the cockpit and then wandered over to the “Welcome Cocktails” which wasn’t terribly well organised. We slipped off with Philippe to Trouville and let him choose an excellent restaurant. It was so good to see him again.

 

 

Next morning, we went and had breakfast with him in his hotel, and he had a business proposal for me, so I’ll be going to see him and his partner (in his new business) in Compiegne in a few weeks’ time.

 

We were then taken by coach to the Clairefontaine Racecourse in rather miserable weather and after much waiting around and being herded, Julia and I just booked a taxi and left. We spent the afternoon in Deauville and readied ourselves for dinner at the Casino.

 

 

 

This was extremely well organised, and it was a great evening.

 

Thursday, Julia and I went for a walk to see the sand bar that Drake ran aground on, (That entrance is positively dangerous and should be dredged!) and then we met Aaron for lunch. He had driven up from Swiss Normandie to see us. We found this great Pizza place and the meal was excellent.

 

 

 

We said Goodbye to Aaron and in the evening in the pouring rain we went to a really nice cocktail party at the Villa Strassburger. The cocktails were in a marquee, but we were allowed to take drinks into the splendid villa. We walked back with Bob & Jackie and popped into a restaurant called Le Garage which had been recommended and had some of our gang in there already.

 

Next day (Friday) Julia and I avoided the organised lunch at the Race Course and preferred to re-visit the super Pizza Place. Before lunch, the Mayor got the bells outside the Mairie to play God Save The Queen, so we all gathered for that.

 

We then joined the Horse Racing in time for the race sponsored by the Royal Southampton Yacht Club, and Shan and Martin presented the prizes to the owner, trainer and jockey.

 

 

 

Julia and I helped organise the food for the RSYC Pontoon party, but I decided I should go and join the J80 training for the racing the next day as I was going to be skipper. It was a great 4-5 and I had a cracking sail, and enjoyed sailing it in a breeze. However, the forecast for the next day (of the race) was for no wind, and I was dreading that.

 

The pontoon party was a great success and we had drinks aboard afterwards.

 

Saturday was foggy with no wind as forecast, but they still went ahead with the racing. It was truly awful - and I was lucky not to be last - in fact I was 6th out of 7. Of course the locals won, and some of the other yacht clubs were better prepared. We had Alex a local girl crew who was great at teaching our team (Bob, Martin and Simon) but in fact wasn’t an asset.

 

Anyway it was a horrible drift and something I’d rather forget. Julia however, got to ride in Jerry and Wendy’s superb motorboat and enjoyed the sunshine. Many thanks to Jerry for drawing alongside and giving us a beer!

 

 

 

At last the weather was fine and we held a mini Pimms party with David, Diana, Ben and Suzie in Selene’s cockpit.

 

We then went to the prize giving and at least we won some wine!

 

 

We were then invited for drinks aboard Arabesque with John & Jackie, and we ended up going out to dinner with them in Trouville.

 

By Sunday, most people had had enough, and there was quite an exodus. We had planned to go to Fecamp as soon as the gates opened at 0744, but it was really foggy, so as we were in no rush we waited for the fog to clear a little and agreed with Peter and Betty inside us, that we would leave at 1000. However, by 0915 the crowd for St. Vaast had gone and Peter was keen to follow, so we untied and headed into the fog.

 

We had 0.25 NM viz for about an hour and then it gradually got better, but stayed foggy pretty much all the way to Fecamp. The cliffs were spectacular with their arches and it took us 5 hours to cover the 31 miles since we were motoring.

 

 

 

At last the sun came out as we arrived, and we had a wander round Fecamp and saw the Benedictine Palace. We bumped into Mel and Simon from Tavi, who we had obviously overtaken in the fog, since they left before us and weren’t there when we arrived. Julia and I then went for a meal and after our meal, we invited them aboard for drinks.

 

 

Next morning at 0415, I got up leaving Julia in bed, and got us out of Fecamp. However, the forecast NE wind was actually a SE from behind, and because of the damp, the auto-helm wouldn’t work, and coupled with that the bulb in the new stern light failed. As dawn wasn’t far off and there was no traffic, I ignored the light problem and hand-steered. It was quite gusty and difficult. Then the auto-helm decided it would work a bit, so it switched on and fought me for the helm, spinning me in circles.

 

At this point, I asked for all hands on deck and needed to keep turning off the instruments power to try to reset the autohelm. By the time Julia was all dressed up, it was early dawn, and the autohelm decided to work!

 

The NE then came in as forecast and we had a couple of hours of great sailing, but it was getting lighter and lighter, and eventually I had to motor sail. It was a glorious sunny day, but being slightly to windward and with some North in the wind, it wasn’t sun bathing weather. We made good time though, getting into Haslar at 1830, just over 14 hours for the 86 NM.

 

The traffic in the Channel was also very light and we didn’t need to avoid anyone. We had two close encounters, and one ship did alter course for us when we were the right of way vessel. We had just tied up when we got a text from Keith and Lorna, and we ended up having drinks and dinner with them in Landers.

 

Tuesday, we packed up and came home! The end of Summer Cruise 2 for 2007. Total miles 241.

 

 

EYH BBQ / Hog Roast  3/4 August 2007

 

We decided I would take the boat from Haslar to Emsworth single handed and Julia would drive to Emsworth, and I’d pick her up in the dinghy. So Friday lunchtime 3rd August, I headed down to Haslar. It was odd coming out solo, but challenging too.

 

I had beautiful sunny weather with a SW 4-5, and had a splendid sail to the visitors’ pontoon. A bit of a big gybe at West Pole, since I had full sail up, but most enjoyable.

 

Seagull wasn’t far behind, and as they appeared, I came off the pontoon and then rafted outside them, ready for the early trip into EYH at dawn on the Saturday. (Lorna had to be there for 0600 anyway)

 

Keith and I picked up Julia and Lorna cooked us a meal, and we ate outside enjoying a lovely sunset.

 

 

At 0515 Saturday morning, we took the last of the tide into EYH, moored on the fuel pontoon and Lorna went to meet the Hog Roast man. Then I cooked breakfast, and then Keith and Lorna disappeared and spent the morning preparing the do.

 

Julia and I snoozed, and unfortunately the mains cable had snagged around the bollard above, and I was woken by a crack as the mains socket was ripped out of Selene. I had some jobs to do that morning, so I had to add another!

 

I got some Sikaflex from Jim and already had some larger screws and fixed the mains socket, whilst Julia went shopping. Later I re-wired the auto-helm, as I had problems with it the day before in the gusts, and chatting it through with Andy at Greenham Regis, we suspected some crap wiring. Sure enough, whoever had wired the auto-helm originally, had not done a good job. Suffice to say, I think it won’t fail under load any more.

 

By now it was a glorious day and the BBQ / Hog Roast started. Lorna had worked her socks off organising this (with Keith helping) and it was one of the best do’s we have been to there.

 

 

Malcolm broke a chair! Selene was the EYH flagpole!

 

 

Lorna got flowers for her efforts, and we won some boat show tickets in the raffle!! Malcolm and Mave had drinks before we left on the tide.

 

We dropped Keith and Lorna off on Seagull, motored down to Hayling Island SC, hauled sails up and turned right straight across the bar (HW - big spring) and took a delightful southerly 4 reach in glorious sunshine at speed across Hayling bay. We sat back and let Otto steer - and this time he coped with the gusts

 

 

.

 

Kotka followed us into Haslar, and we arranged the berth next door for them.

We had drinks in our cockpit, and then Julia and I hosted supper for Keith and Lorna. Sunday was a lazy morning, and the four of us had lunch at Loch Fyne over at Gunwharf, and Julia and I came back for some rays in the garden and a BBQ with Aly & Graham.

Summer Cruise Daily Blogs July 10-21 2007

 

Sunday 22nd July 2007

 

The weather really improved and we had a lovely sunny day. We got the cruising chute up on the way back, and sailed all the way.  Many gybes and feather light touch on the helm as we went in search of the wind!

 

 

Keith and Lorna caught 19 mackerel, and so mackerel was added to our BBQ agenda for the evening. We came back, watched the end of the Open Golf, and had a wonderful BBQ. Early night ended a great holiday.

 

Saturday 21st July 2007

 

Everywhere filled up during the day, as there were lots of rallies like us all going to Osborne House for the Last Night of the Proms open air concert. Keith and Lorna arrived and had coffee, and then Julia and I went to Cowes. Julia shopping me checking out the beer at the Anchor and the ISC.

 

 

We were picked up by coach along with some other RSYC people and whisked up for a fantastic concert. We got a little cold at one point, but the rain held off. Great night out and is in the diary for next year.

 

We were invited for drinks aboard Tahula and met Brian and Dawn along with Christine and Jeremy who have a boat at Harleyford, and Audrey, Colin, Shirley and David. We had a musical session and a great time was had by all!

 

Friday 20th July 2007

 

By dawn the weather was very wet, cold and miserable, and the hot chocolate Julia made me when she appeared around 0500 was very welcome. I then took an hour’s kip, and we made very slow progress from the Needles to Hurst as predicted in very gloomy and grey damp conditions. The tide turned as we came through Hurst and we sped up the Western Solent. Sadly, the heavens opened as we got to Cowes, and it chucked it down. We were somewhat drenched as we pulled into the fuel berth and topped our tank up.

 

We were booked into East Cowes for Friday and initially we were in the main visitors’ section, and they had agreed to let us stay for Saturday as well after we pleaded with them. Later after a sleep, one of the staff came round and offered us a finger pontoon, which we jumped at and so we got prime spot at the foot of the ramp!

 

Keith and Lorna had car problems, so delayed arriving till Saturday, and we ate in the Red Duster in Cowes - very nice. Cowes quiet because of the weather.

 

Thursday 19th July 2007

 

We set off for Alderney, and based on the weather, I planned to spend the afternoon there and sail back to Cowes overnight as the Friday forecast looked maybe a tad too windy, and certainly horribly wet.

 

We took the fast current through the Little Russel and it only took us just over 3 hours to do the 25 miles to Braye. We took the South of the Island route, as it would have been a bit fierce in the Swinge at that state of tide and wind direction. It was grey and wet all morning, but cleared and got sunny as we came into Braye on Alderney.

 

We quickly picked up a buoy close to the shore and took the tender in. I explained we were going at 20:30 and the Harbour Master let us moor for nothing!

 

We walked into town and ate at the Georgian, which was fantastic and came back and drank in the new hotel right by the harbour. The weather was now glorious, and we met a great Dutch couple called Job (pronounced “Yop”)  and Regina and drank champagne with them.

 

 

We then went back to the boat and prepared to sail. I decided to leave a little earlier than planned even though I knew the Needles to Hurst would be slow, just to get ahead of the weather as it was still really nice. Lovely sunset as we motored out.

 

The wind was extremely variable and it was soon drizzling and coming from different directions, so I motor sailed with full main, which helped sometimes.

 

Got back into radar and AIS mode, Julia went below as she needed sleep, so I settled in for the night shift. At approx 2249, it was dark and raining and I had negotiated  some 15 vessels in the east going lanes, and was now going through the west going lanes (18 vessels scattered across the line) about due North of cap de la hague. I was watching a line of three big ones ahead of me on the radar about 6 miles away but hadn't looked at their ais details yet. They were all roughly on 269 - me 021. (This is not in the TSS but the traffic is in line with the lanes)

 

Suddenly the one in the middle of the three, cuts across the bows of its left neighbour and is now heading straight for me. I now look at the ais and see it's the Pride of Bilbao. It seems to be coming at me for ages, but I remember the MAIB report and that the POB turns very slowly, so I kept watching the ais and sure enough he eventually went 198 and 190.

 

Good job I didn't turn to starboard when I thought he was coming at me. 190 was still scarey close though, and I then think he saw that on his radar, and went 180 - passed about one mile to starboard.

 

I also had a tanker bound for the Cape turn 180 in front of me about half an hour later! At least it all happened well in front of me, but again for a while his course was at me. All I can say is that I am glad I had the radar and ais - that was a comfort. IMO, it's essential for x-channel at night if you are in a position to have / use it.

 

Wednesday 18th July 2007

 

We spent the morning cleaning the boat and after shopping at M&S, we chilled in the cockpit in glorious sunshine until eating at the little Bistro along he front, which was a bit of a disappointment as it was our last night in St. Peter Port.

 

Tuesday 17th July 2007

 

I collected the hire car, and we drove off around the island. Much more rugged looking, but still with many forts. We had lunch near the airport at a pub, outside in the hot sunshine as we were out of the fresh breeze. We stopped at a few tourist places, but preferred Jersey as an Island. We didn’t find anywhere to eat out in the evening by car, as we had done on Jersey, and came back and dropped the car back early evening.

 

Monday 16th July 2007

 

We went and had coffee with Jez before he set off.

 

 

We then went around the town, and decided on Da Nello for this evening’s meal. We visited the Guernsey Yacht Club and the Royal Channel Islands YC (Which is reciprocal with our Royal Southampton YC) and then after shopping in M&S we had lunch in the cockpit in glorious sunshine. We sunbathed, and I fell asleep, and Julia is still out shopping!

 

We plan to hire a car tomorrow, chill on Wednesday and then sail to Alderney Thursday morning early, seeing the Island in the afternoon, and then heading for Cowes on Friday

 

Sunday 15th July 2007

 

We said Goodbye to St. Helier at 0800 and motored in little wind south of the Island. It then picked up enough, so that we could sail under cruising chute all the way up the Western side and then the wind died, so we motored into Havre Gosselin on Sark, where they’ve now laid nice mooring buoys. What an idyllic spot.

 

 

 

We had lunch in the cockpit and then wandered into Sark, and the place was dead. No tourists today, and also you can’t drink on Sundays unless you’re eating, so the pub doesn’t even bother to open. I managed a beer by eating a bag of crisps.

 

We then sunbathed whilst waiting for the tide into St. Peter Port. And left at 1650, motoring in absolutely no wind to Guernsey. We arrived along with many waiting boats, but slipped into the line and got a finger. As we came through over the sill, we heard a familiar voice calling us – it was Jez from Ransom. He is taking the boat solo to Brest where Nicky is joining him on Thursday.

 

As we moored, we realised we were in the middle of some do, as the pontoon was very busy with marquees and bars and it transpired a free band for the evening! Free entertainment, and a friend in port!

 

We had a quick beer with Jez, and then had a meal in town at Christies, and then met Jez for a few more beers at the “do” which had a tribute Beatles band. They were OK.

 

 

 

We had nightcaps on Selene of course.

 

 

Saturday 14th July 2007

 

Summer was short-lived, and it rained overnight and was grey this morning. However, it’s a bit more cheerful now. I had some jobs to do, and spent a while on the phone to Andy AT Greenham Regis, and we felt it was either the heading computer (most likely) or the fluxgate compass, so for now I have bypassed the heading computer and fed the fluxgate compass directly into the auto helm. If Otto now works, it’s the computer, if he doesn’t it’s the fluxgate. Did this and was finally able to set the heading correctly, so I think we may have Otto tomorrow, but can’t tell until we are out there. Also needed to adjust the mast gate and shake out the reefs.

 

We had lunch in the cockpit and then walked out along the causeway to Elizabeth Castle. That wasn’t as impressive as the one at Gorey, but worth the trip. Of course, the water had risen so we had to take the duck back.

 

 

We came back and I lit one of those instant BBQs on the pontoon (metal end of the finger) and we had massive prawns and tuna. Early night ready for the off in the morning.

 

 

 

Friday 13th July 2007

 

Summer officially arrived – blue skies, sunny and hot, with light winds. We took the car East and stopped at La Rocque and Gorey, where after spending ages in the magnificent castle, we had a picnic lunch overlooking the sea.

 

We then cruised East and North and stopped in a superb little bay, and had a Pimms at the Waters Edge Hotel. We then took in the steam and motor museum and came back to change for dinner. We drove back to Gorey and ate at the Dolphin Hotel – Lobster & seafood in general – yum!

 

 

Thursday 12th July 2007

 

Fairly lazy morning, weather grey and drizzle, and still windy. Went into St. Helier, looked around and it was soon beer-o-clock, so a couple of pints of Bass were downed and we carried on trying to select a restaurant for the evening, and just touristing.

 

We went to book a hire car for Friday at 4pm, and the man said we could have the car straight away for the same money. Yippee! He also recommended Bistro Central, which we checked out and booked into, and then shot off in the car. We drove the South and West of the island, and generally took in the scenery and a ruined castle. Stopped at a pub, and then came back into town, changed and had a superb meal at Bistro Central.

 

Tuesday 10th – Wednesday 11th July 2007

 

We left Haslar at 1900 in glorious sunshine, under motor as the wind was still light. The final decision as to whether to take the Needles or go Bembridge was made with the weather forecaster who assured me that the wind wouldn’t go SW until we were in the Alderney Race, thus saving an extra hour going around the Needles for the better angle.

 

He got that right but his WNW 3 occasionally 4 decreasing NW 2-3 wasn’t. The direction was WNW but once we cleared the Island, we never saw less than 18 knots apparent wind speed. 

 

However, it was flat calm through the forts and Julia cooked and we ate our evening meal in the cockpit whilst Otto (Otto-Pilot) drove. We cleared up and having turned South at Bembridge Ledge, we hoisted full sail into a freshening breeze. The forecaster was right about a nasty chop East of the IOW and as we came out into the Channel, the sea cut up badly, and the wind rose and rose. (Partly the headland effect) I soon doubled reefed and we were seeing early to mid twenties on the wind speed, and being tossed around by the sea.

 

As darkness fell, Julia started to feel unwell, and although she is usually a salty sea-dog, she had been ill during the week, was run down, and we weren’t sure about the food we’d just eaten, so it wasn’t just the sea state. However, she was soon unable to crew effectively.

 

It was now dark, and the compass light failed, so I only had the electronics to steer by which are always a bit slow to react especially in such a sea. Whilst Otto was driving, this was fine, but his lights started to flash, and suddenly the heading compass failed, and all the heading readings were 100 degrees out. Needless to say, Otto couldn’t cope and packed up. I took over. By now we were seriously overpowered and I’d lost both my crew, so I dropped the main, and we were still flying at 8 knots under jib alone.

 

Then we hit the East going shipping lanes, and the overlays required for the automatic collision avoidance weren’t working as they relied on the heading input, but at least the radar and AIS worked. We got caught in a ferry sandwich and had a nasty moment, as having just cleared one (we were the stand on vessel) the next one loomed but I couldn’t maintain a steady course due to the wind and waves. He was baffled and put his massive spotlight on, I was too busy to radio him, so I spun the boat out of his way, and ran between the two ferries until they were clear. It was one of those moments where I nearly ran out of ideas, but came through in the end. The ferries were about half a mile apart and not quite line abreast.

 

By now Julia had to go below and lie down, so I settled down for a solo night Channel crossing without autopilot. I had a breather before the next batch of five vessels, and by now was manually calculating the collision risks with the radar and the AIS, since the radar told me about vessels before I could see them and the AIS then told me their speed and heading, so I had time to draw the lines on the chart before they appeared as lights. (The slowest was doing 16knts)

 

I used the trick of knowing this and making sure I altered course before a risk arose, so they all knew they would cross ahead – I never trust crossing ahead – I’d rather always go behind, and hate being the stand on boat. At one point I had three boats coming from the left almost line abreast, one ferry coming straight towards me and one coming up from astern. I would definitely have panicked without the AIS and radar – it was well…,  “interesting”.

 

The wind had eased by now, so I motor sailed with the jib until it was light, before putting up the double reefed main again. It did pick up from time to time and at one point it was so rough the dinghy was bounced off the sugar scoop and I had a hell of a job getting it back onto the scoop!

 

Soon it started to get light around 0400, and as it got lighter, the sun came up and I was beating into a stiff breeze on a moderate sea and was really enjoying myself. Julia put in an appearance but still wasn’t well and after half an hour had to go below again.

 

We then rounded the Cap de la Hague and rather than take the race itself, as I was Jersey bound, I cut through the overfalls about 2 miles off and it was a cracking sail. Massive waves coming across the beam, but by now all boats were beating as the wind had gone round, but clearly the sea hadn’t followed yet. The sun was out, and although the sea was rolling through us, Selene sailed really well. We were going faster and higher than quite a number of the boats around us, which really pleased me.  Crossing ahead of a 38 footer on a higher tack was particularly pleasing. The skipper had a quizzical look!

 

We passed Alderney and could soon see Sark and the top of Guernsey, still stonking along under double reef. Julia came out into the sunshine again, but the sea was still quite big, and so she went down below again. After 20 and a half hours, we were approaching St. Helier Harbour, and I woke Julia, who was OK as we were now into much calmer waters.

 

On the auto pilot note, when it got light, I tried to see if I could reset the heading. It wouldn’t play, but on two legs when the wind eased slightly I somehow convinced it to work even though the heading was 100 degrees different to the GPS course, it  somehow made the adjustments and I had two brief spells of respite from the helm. Lashing the helm doesn’t  work on Selene – certainly not when motor sailing nor in bigger seas. One good thing about Otto, was that he did work along  the South of Jersey, so I was able to drop sails and get ready for port as we neared St. Helier.

 

The sun was still shining and we sat in the cockpit basking shortly after arrival. Only I was drinking alcohol though! Journey was 121 NM, in 20 hours 47 minutes.

 

I had a power nap of 40 minutes, and we went to the Yacht club for dinner, came back watched a DVD and had a nightcap, and early to bed.

 

 

 

 

 

June / July  2007 Big thanks to Malcolm!

 

Malcolm has been fantastic for Selene over the past few weeks, completing all the major projects we discussed last August Bank Holiday and a couple of extras that have cropped up along the way. As we head off over the Channel for our holidays, we want to say many thanks Malcolm for all your efforts - we really appreciate it.

 

We can’t wait to see you for the Yarmouth Trip, and hope your own delivery trip goes well.

 

 

Bembridge with Robin & Rebecca Funnell June 30/ July 1 2007

 

Julia and I went down to Selene on the Friday night and Robin & Rebecca arrived 0900 Saturday morning. It wasn’t as windy as forecast but was very wet at times, but we still had a great beat over to the Duver.

 

Peter Biddick, assistant harbour master laughed when we asked about berthing - he said the whole pontoon was empty. They had all three rallies cancelled and I have never seen the Duver look so empty. The weekend forecast had frightened everyone away and yes it was very wet and quite windy, but that’s England in the summer for you - we still had a great weekend.

 

 

On arrival we went up and said Hi to Peter and the gang, Harbourmaster Chris Turvey, and Jonno & BK.  After chatting with them, we said Hi in the shop and then had some champagne on board. The cockpit was ruled out due to the wind and the rain!

 

Then we went up to the book shop and had a couple of pints in the Vine, and retired for a rest. Robin & I watched DVD and the girls read / snoozed.

 

 

 

We then went to Brading Haven YC and met Peter and James and Sue & Sally for a drink, before going up to St. Helens for a meal. Food was good but was tempered by a rendition of the Monty Python Cheese sketch, with an arrogant chef / owner who later told us that we weren’t important because he could fill his restaurant several times over so what didn’t it matter if they didn’t have what it said on the menu. Enough said of that.  

 

We still enjoyed our company, and as I said, the food was good although they couldn’t do proper coffee! We then got very wet walking back. Basically the weather was just foul the whole weekend until Sunday afternoon when we were off Selene. We had late night drinks and watched more DVDs - although I fell asleep and can’t tell you what happened at the end.

 

Sunday morning, we had bacon rolls and coffee at the shop, and set off with a strong southerly behind us, but we had a smooth sea until Spit Sand so it was a great sail. We achieved hull speed on the jib alone, as it was windy. Shame it got very lumpy from Spit Sand into the Harbour though - that wasn’t nice, and a line squall came through at that point too!

 

 

We then went over to Gunwharf Quays and the weather did improve. We did some retail, beer drinking and then had lunch at Loch Fyne - now that’s how to run a restaurant. Excellent food , great service - everything was on, and of course great company.

 

 

It was a shame about the weather, but it was a great and memorable weekend. We look forward to sailing with Robin and Rebecca again, hopefully in better weather. Robin is a delight to sail with - his experience put him in the premier league of crews, and Julia enjoyed having the weekend off! See you guys soon!

 

 

Gins Cruisers’ Hog Roast June 16/17 2007

 

Julia & I left Haslar about 1300 to pick up the west going tide, and although the forecast was for 4-5 SW decreasing 3-4, we saw much stronger winds. We cracked the sails up outside Haslar and took starboard tack to N Sturbridge and then took a long tack on port to Cowes, with the wind increasing. We only had one reef in and by Cowes it was quite hard work, seeing 31 knots apparent on the clock at one point. I normally put the second in at 25, but the wind was 23-28 mainly, so it wasn’t too much of a struggle.

 

It did get really windy off Cowes, but as it wasn’t far, I didn’t bother with the extra reef and we dropped about half a mile off the entrance to the Beaulieu River, and we came to Gins Clubhouse with the cobwebs truly blown away.

 

We rafted alongside Gordon (and his wife Christine) who had been my instructor and examiner for the Yachtmaster Theory course. Shortly after, the Rear Commodore Sailing David with Kirsten, Judith and Martin on board rafted outside.

 

The hog roast was excellent, and we sat next to Lance and Kay and Keith and Sue over dinner. Robert was away having what may well be the last holiday with Sue (who is not at all well) but Michael  did an excellent job.

 

Robin has now co-opted me onto the Gins Committee and I start my duties in September. Robert had mentioned this on or last visit, and Robin was delighted.

 

Sunday, we had smoked salmon and scrambled eggs in the cockpit, and a leisurely downwind sail back, We sailed out of the river and although it was light, the sun was shining and we drifted back enjoying the sailing, sunshine and the atmosphere. It took three hours but was fantastic. The weather started to turn, but we still managed a BBQ back at Woodpeckers before the rain came.

 

Cowes with Ed June 12 2007

 

Ed came down to spend a few days, and I took a day off to go sailing with him. We had glorious weather and sailed both ways. A good beat to Shepards, which was quiet compared to the weekend. Lunch at the ISC, some tourism, and a good run back, with some 20 knot gusts.

 

 

The weather held for beers in the cockpit at Haslar, and a BBQ back home in the evening.

 

Cowes with Oliver & Sophie June 9/10 2007

 

Oliver and Sophie came down and we went across to Cowes in glorious sunshine, but no wind.

 

 

 

We saw Vicky & Terry coming over from East Cowes Sailing Club and invited them for lunch in the cockpit. As the day wore on, with it being the IOW festival weekend, Shepards filled up to the brim! By morning it was wall to wall - you could almost walk ashore over the boats.

 

 

We tried the BYO curry house, which was great at the time, but three out of the four of us had bad stomachs overnight. After that, we popped over to the East Cowes Sailing Club and saw Terry and Vicky again, as they were at a Hog Roast there.

 

Sunday saw glorious weather again. John, the Harbour Master kindly gave us a space where we could slip easily and not be rafted to, as we had to move for our inside neighbours. We  then went into town, and saw Ransom sailing out - and hailed them on the phone. We then had drinks on the veranda at the Island Sailing Club, followed by lunch in the cockpit again.

 

As we came out of Cowes, the sea breeze kicked in and we had a cracking beat back, although Sophie was down below asleep suffering from stomach pains.

 

Visibility got worse, and we ended up coming into Haslar in fog. We had the new foghorn on and used the radar in anger. It cleared a little as we came into the harbour mouth though.

 

Great weekend, finished off by a BBQ back at woodpeckers.

 

Gins Summer Party June 2/3 2007

 

Julia and I enjoyed fantastic sunny summer weather this weekend. We went to Gins Farm for the Summer Party.  What little wind there was on the nose going, so we motor sailed there - with our cone out of course!

 

We arrived in time for lunchtime drinks, and enjoyed a pleasant afternoon in the cockpit.

 

Then, we dressed for the evening and had canapés and Pimms on the lawn before supper which was a superb three course dinner. Thank you James! We got to know Graham and Sally on this visit and will perhaps take them on the RSYC Bembridge Rally.

 

Here’s a tranquil Gins on Sunday morning and Rebecca took this picture of us leaving:

 

 

Absolutely no wind on the way back. so we let Otto (Otto Pilot) drive and enjoyed the weather.

 

 

 

 

Had a couple of problems initially with Otto, which I’ll have to iron out with Greenham Regis, but after a couple of re-sets, Otto settled down to his job. Mooring was a doddle compared to last Bank Holiday Monday, although we had to fight our way into Haslar through a fleet of Wayfarers on a Rally.

 

We didn’t stay long in Haslar, and came back to a BBQ at Woodpeckers Cottage. Here’s a couple of pictures taken from last summer showing Woodpeckers:

 

 

 

 

Malcolm drills a hole in the boat!!!!

 

"What's this dangling through a hole in my boat then?"

 

 

Fitting the external heat exchanger for the new fridge meant Malcolm had to drill through the hull - gulp - she's still afloat!

 

To do this we used the SeaLift at Cowes (Thanks Ralph!) - here's what it looks like as you enter - Ralph then grips the boat between those two jaws and the platform lifts up.

 

 

Lymington & Cowes with Malcolm & Mave May 25,26,27, 28 2007

 

Malcolm & Mavis joined us on Friday morning and we sailed to Lymington. Glorious sunshine, and I was testing out the new radar and AIS systems, which all worked well.

 

We always seem to have pictures of Malcolm & Mave in woolie hats, so it’s nice to show them in the sunshine!

 

 

We spent the afternoon in the cockpit in the sunshine and went ashore to select a restaurant to celebrate Malcolm & Maves 47th Wedding anniversary ( actually on Monday) We chose the Bluebird in the end, and had a super meal there.

 

Saturday morning we did the market and the shops, and sailed to Cowes after lunch. Nice to see Selene back in East Cowes, and here you can see the new radome.

 

 

 

Malcolm then prepared the pipes and he and I went over to the sealift to be lifted out so that we could fit the eternal heat exchanger. The picture shows Ralph lifting us up.

 

                                               

                                                                                   

 

The hole was drilled and we sikaflex-  ed the fitting in. The next morning, Malcolm connected everything and the fridge worked first time!. By now the weather was very wet and miserable, but we still carried on with our plan to go to Osborne House. We taxi-ed up and back and it rained all day.

 

Seagull was on the same pontoon, so we had pre-dinner drinks aboard and tried the new Lifeboat Inn! Well not a great success with a live centipede in Lorna’s salad, and some arguments to try and get a refund! Back for drinks on Selene!! That was more like it!

 

Next day, the wind was up in the early thirties, but Malcolm and Mave had to get back, so we sailed over slightly against the tide back into Haslar. It was a big northerly and very very cold. Mooring was a challenge but we did that one OK.

 

Another great weekend!

 

New GPS & Radar with AIS & MARPA May 22,23 2007

 

I took a couple of days off work to fit all the new systems including the radome on the scanstrut pole on the stern. Hard work, but all done bar tidying up the cables. Met our neighbours Graham and Penny.

 

Radar course May 20 2007

 

I attended the RYA radar course and gained another qualification, but more importantly, I now understand how to use my new radar when I get it fitted and working.

 

Work Day May 19 2007

 

Julia & I worked on the boat all day, and I fitted the new VHF with the full remote to the cockpit. We had drinks on Sea-Squared to wish them well on their long voyage which includes the ARC in November. We ate in Landers with Keith & Lorna.

 

Gins Jazz Night & ECA Folly Rally May 5, 6, 7 2007

 

Our friend Neil White joined us for the weekend. We left Haslar on Saturday morning in glorious sunshine, but not much wind in company with Keith and Lorna in Seagull. We all tried some sailing, but in the end motored in time to catch the bar before it shut and then relax in the cockpit in the sunshine with champagne.

 

 

We then enjoyed the jazz night and a good time was had by all. The Calvados club finished at 0200!

 

 

Next day, the wind was well up and Neil helmed Selene on a superb reach across to Cowes.

 

 

We stopped at Shepards for lunch in Cowes and ate at the Island Sailing Club:

 

 

We then headed to the Folly and joined the ECA Rally.

 

 

Richard “Queen of the Solent” was wearing his pink crocs and let slip about his pink frock!!!

 

Enjoyed theFolly, but Selene didn’t join the late night party aboard Tringa II as we were knackered from Gins!

 

Next day was blowing steady Force 7 with Force 8 gusts. We surfed back across to Haslar hitting 9.5 knots over the ground on jib alone - the largest gust being 37 knots!

 

Great weekend - Neil saw a complete set of different conditions!

 

ECA Bembridge Rally April 20, 21, 22 2007

 

Julia & I once again hosted the ECA Bembridge Rally. We wnet over on the Friday. It was great to see Peter Biddick and Jonno of Bembridge Harbour again.

 

In the evening, we ate in the Vine Inn at St. Helens, and there were late night drinks aboard Selene afterwards.

 

Overnight Dick and Alice turned up in their Southerly 115 Tringa II, and were of course there in the morning. They formed the next raft behind us. Julia and I went to the Old book shop (Mother Goose) as  we love to do, and I bought a couple of old sailing books. We then came back and drank champagne in the cockpit and were joined by Dick and Alice, as Alice wanted to be closer to the classical music we were playing.

 

In the middle of all the boats arriving, Keith and Lorna Tiffany turned up on foot having hiked across country from East Cowes, where they were moored as their draft was too great for Bembridge. It was fantastic to see them, and we were delighted that they made the effort to come. As they planned to hike back, they didn’t stay for dinner, but enjoyed the drinks party.

 

With so many people, we held the drinks party on the pontoon, and James provided us with a water taxi service over to Brading Haven YC for Dinner. 

 

 

 

 

As ever the food was excellent, and the staff friendly and efficient. Unlike last year, the club was busy and had a buzz about it, which was nice.

 

Water taxi back and late night drinks on board Kotka. Hangovers all round on the Sunday morning. We took the water taxi back over to Brading Haven at lunchtime for a swift couple more pints, and as the tide rose, slowly boats started to leave.

 

 

 

Disaster struck for Jardice Deux, as their batteries had gone flat, and they couldn’t get started. In the end, she was lashed alongside Tringa II, and towed in that fashion all the way back to Chichester Harbour, where the Harbour Patrol then took them into EYH. Selene escorted them out of Bembridge, driving at in-comers to force them to the edge of the channel, so that the tow had plenty of room.

 

All in all, it was a very successful rally with a total of 13 boats, and 26 sitting down for dinner.

 

Our first x-channel to Cherbourg Easter 2007 - 6, 7, 8, 9 April

 

Unbelievably hot and summery weather, so we motored over on Good Friday. Sun-bathed all the way, and got there without any bother after 13 hours. Dodging the ships was interesting, but fine in the good weather.

 

 

In Cherbourg, Alison and Aaron came to visit us on the Saturday.

 

 

And we found that there were two other Legends Ghostly Goose and Skoolie Too on a “Legend mini-adventure” and we joined their birthday party for Andre on the Sunday.

 

 

We had dinner with these guys on the Sunday night, and with “isolated fog patches” forecast we synchronised departure times so that Ghostly Goose with its radar would cross the shipping lanes about the same time as us.

 

All started well, with glorious weather, but the isolated fog turned out to be a bank of thick fog 25 miles wide!! Paul came and rescued us and we grouped together and using walkie-talkies, we dodged the traffic using Paul’s radar, with him yelling course change instructions.

 

The fog varied from 50 metres to about half a mile. Very scary, and we have decided we want radar for any future crossings. Even when it cleared, viz was still very poor, as you can see:

 

 

That was very clear compared to what we’d had!

 

Here are some pictures from Ghostly Goose - yes that's us on the right!

 

 

The trip back was 12 hours, and we motor-sailed pretty much all the way.

Haslar to Haslar! Onto F24, 25 November

 

I went down to fit the new batten cars, to improve hoisting and lowering the mainsail. Got there and had a few hours of sunshine between the very strong winds and squalls. I popped into the office, and Ben and Paul were there, and Ben very kindly offered me F24, which I jumped at, and Paul offered to crew me round.

 

Motored the boat round with Paul - (Thank you very much Paul) and I slotted Selene into a new home, at least for a couple of months. (We’ll get a permanent home nearer April)

 

I then fitted the batten cars, just before the weather really broke. Can’t wait to use them, but the wind was 35 knots through Haslar, so I wasn’t raising the sail!

 

 Lymington to Haslar, 18 November

 

The original plan was for us to take the boat to Haslar Sunday, but there appeared to be a weather window Saturday afternoon, so we did the market and went to Haslar a day early. The sun came out, and we had to motor-sail to make good time, before more bad weather set in. We saw a pair of rainbows as we approached Haslar, but stayed dry. We got onto a finger pontoon in the visitors’ area, which was to be our home for a couple of weeks.

 

 

We went to Gunwharf and ate at Café Rouge. Had a lazy sunny Sunday morning and came home Sunday afternoon.

 

Beaulieu to Lymington, 17 November

 

Aly & Graham left and Julia and I battled up to 40.5 winds with wind and tide against us so that we could be in Lymington. We arrived just before the rain, which absolutely pelted down. We stayed in the Yacht Haven, and when it cleared had a walk into Lymington. We had a drink in town, and at the Yacht Club and then ate on board.

Gins Beaujolais evening, 16 November

 

Nice evening, spoiled a bit by the buffet running out of food. Enough said. Sit down meals only in future.

 

Ocean Village to Beaulieu with Graham, 14 November

 

The original plan was for us to take the boat to Beaulieu on Thursday and the girls to join us, but the weather forecast on Monday persuaded me to move the boat Tuesday, and for us all to go by car on the Thursday, and then stay overnight on Selene as planned.

 

Graham and I had cars to position, and errands, so we didn’t leave OV until 1200, which meant we ate some tide from Calshot. We were able to sail down Southampton Water in 6-7, but it got very strong off Fawley. We shortened from double reef and jib to just jib, and then motored from Calshot as we had wind and tide on the nose.

Ocean Village with Malcolm & Mave, 4 November

 

Julia hadn’t been well, so Malcolm, Mave & I took Selene round to Ocean Village on a flat calm, and sunny Saturday. This was the first test of the work Malcolm had done on the auto-helm, and it worked brilliantly! Well done, and thanks to Malcolm.

 

We had a fairly uneventful trip, apart from Malcolm dodging the racers of Gilkicker when I was trying to make coffee!

 


 

Look - no hands!!!!!

 

Julia came by car and we ate on-board. Sunday morning, we had a walk around Southampton, followed by lunch at the club - fabulous.

 


 

I then settled into living on Selene for five days, whilst I did the Yachtmaster Shore based Certificate. Very hard work!!!!

 

To Cowes & Back with Phil Ridgeway, 27/28 October 2006

 

Originally planned as a “boys” trip with Andy & Jim, plans were changed when the day before, Jim and Andy both backed out at short notice, leaving me with a headache. Phil had never sailed before, and had booked time off work, so I didn’t want to let him down, as I am not in the habit of letting people down. However, whilst the Friday looked fine, the forecast for Saturday worried me, especially with a novice on board, and knowing that we would obviously sink a few in Cowes Friday night, with possible predictable consequences.

 

Anyway, Friday was a lovely day, with early sunshine and little wind giving way to a pleasant breeze to beat all the way up the Eastern Solent in. I got Phil to do some mooring practice on an empty visitors pontoon at Emsworth, so that on arrival in Shepards, with loads of boats and people, he would at least have some experience.

 

Phil passed the mooring practice with flying colours, and also took to the helm very well, sailing to windward like a natural. Wind W F4-5.

 

 

We got to Shepards just as it was getting dark, and moored successfully in the south basin.

 

Sank a few beers at Peir View, and hooked up with Richard & Henry (Helen was promoted to an honorary boy) in the Duke of York. We ate there and moved on to the ISC and later the Anchor.

 

Phil & I were obviously jaded the next day and after a coffee with APB in town we set off sooner rather than later, as the wind was already building.

 

All went well as we cracked off downwind dodging container ships and ferries, that all seemed to have it in for us. The wind kept increasing and was well aft, so I elected to stay out to sea to avoid the worst of the seas across Hayling bay. Howewer, as sure as ever, the seas built across the bay, and whilst Phil kept himself together, he wasn’t much use as a crew, and neither could I give him the wheel due to a combination of the way he was feeling, and the difficulty helming - not really for a novice.

 

Wind was SW F6, but with some hairy old veering gusts. I was double reefed in the main but with full jib out. Got some great surfing until of course we got beyond Langstone, and had to come inshore towards the harbour entrance, and although I would have liked to have shortened entering Chi, it was easier to rodeo-ride in rather than risk anything else. The gybe off West Pole was fun (!?) and it was seriously hairy going into Chichester Harbour.

 

Once inside the harbour, Phil could rest, and the wind was so strong, we were doing 8  knots up the harbour under jib alone, with very little tide under us, as I was aiming for and achieved EYH at HW.

 

Back from Haslar with Richard Stoneman, 21 October 2006

 

On Friday 20th, Richard & I met in Haslar, and then had several pints of HSB in Portsmouth and a meal & some red wine at Strada.  Richard is now in charge of Vice in the ECA, and so I had to salute him all evening. We retired about 0230, and someone stole all the brandy while we were asleep. Well the bottle was empty in the morning anyway.

 

Although it poured down overnight, as we left with very sore heads at 1000 hours, the sun came out and the wind blew a steady SSW F6. We were in T-Shirts the whole way, and had a cracking sail home. The sea built up as usual past Langstone, and Richard got a cold shower just before West Pole, with the waves getting up to about 1.5 metres, and a double-whammy broadsiding us!

 

Beer-o’clock was a bit late at 1100 hours, on account of the sore heads, but normal service resumed, and we had a full de-brief after berthing in EYH, in the Coal Exchange along with Tony Browne & Herr Oberfurer Commodore APB himself.

 

Haslar with the Royal Southampton YC Cruising section, 13/14 October

 

On Friday 13th, Julia & I motored in glorious sunshine to Haslar. Having waited patiently for the sill, we still bumped over with it showing 4’6”, and of course, as the wind was light, and we had dinner to prepare, we had to motor. In any event, it was a lovely trip. We went on the Friday to avoid a very early start Saturday, and so that we could spend time with the Haslar gang ahead of our rally.

 

 

 

 

We then eventually found ourselves on pontoon D03, and prepared dinner for Keith, Lorna, Chris & Chris. A great evening was had by all.

 

On the Saturday, we went and enjoyed Gosport market and then joined the drinks party with the Royal Southampton crowd.  We then showered and changed and we all went up the Tower. Sadly, our second trip was again in poor vbisibility, as the fog wouldn’t lift all day. We then had a drink in the Dolphin with Peter and Sheila, also new members, and then arrived for a splendid dinner at the Royal Naval & Royal Albert Yacht Club.

 

 

 

 

A great evening. Julia & I had a swift one at the Dolphin on the way home. Sunday saw the sun come out, so we spent a lazy morning aboard, before returning by car, as Selene is staying in Haslar until next weekend. The reason was that we were neaped out, and probably would struggle even on Monday morning. After that I have meetings most days, so we decided to leave her at Haslar until the following weekend, when I’ll bring her home with Richard Stoneman - for a mini boys trip.


 

In many ways this was a dry run, as we have decided that we have had enough of the sill at Emsworth, and after shopping around, have decided to go to Haslar. Originally we had planned Port Solent in the winter and then Haslar, but they bettered the winter rate at Port Solent, and it meant we could just make one move. We look forward to the lack of time & tide restrictions from 19th November onwards.

 

 

October 6/7 2006

 

The Folly with the Legend Owners

 

Originally, the rally was booked for Bembridge, but on the Thursday the organiser cancelled as there were dire forecasts, and they had to pay for special catering at the Sailng Club. Julia & I resolved to go anyway if the weather was OK, and as it was only F6, we prepared. Then the phone went, and it’s Paul Howard who says that about six boats have decided to go to Cowes and then to the Folly for the Saturday night. Despite this being on the nose for us, instead of the usual NW blast to Bembridge, we went.

 

A few had called in at Shepards, but we followed Mornin Gorgeous up to the Folly pontoon and rafted alongside Simon & Emma and their son Oliver.

 

 

 

It was a massive spring tide and at low water, we enjoyed watching the boat above ground just feet from the pontoon!

 

We did the usual table dancing, and Andy rembered us and got us a table for dinner, as a lot of the Legends had eaten aboard.

 

Sunday’s trip back was a southerly - anything from 13 - 21 knots, so it was a lively sail with all up. A bit too much sail for the run into Chi, so we dropped at West Pole. The weather was sunny both days, but it was a windy weekend.



Gins Farm 23/24 September 2006

 

On September 14th Julia & I became members of the Royal Southampton Yacht Club, and after our visit to the Southampton Boat show on Friday 15th, we went to the Commodore’s Cocktail party followed by dinner, and met David & Diana Gebbett, who we got on really well with. As we had already planned to go to Gins we invited David & Diana to meet us there for dinner.

 

This sailing weekend turned out to be one of the best aboard Selene! The weather was extremely kind - sunny Saturday and Sunday (it rained overnight Saturday but cleared up) and a good steady 4-5 SE all weekend. We had a cracking downwind sail all the way to Gins, which including gybing downwind took only just over 4 hours. We had to avoid TWO container ships, the second was when the Harbourmaster had to put his blue lights on and tooted us! We had to luff up sharply and crack off behind, just as the wind got up to touching F6 for a short while!

 

We rafted alongside the Gebbetts on “Krackpot”, their Dehler 36, and went aboard for tea. Later, the four of us demolished a bottle of Bolly in the cockpit of Selene, and we went to dinner.

 

 

 

There were two rallies on, so it was very busy, but gave us a great atmosphere, and being club members now, we got the really nice tables in the corner!

 

Surprise, Surprise! A very familiar face appeared at the bar, and instantly Don Lucas and I recognised each other from across the years!

 

 

Don used to be Commodore at Upper Thames Sailing Club, and he and I were great friends when we were both members there. We reminisced, and I learned that sadly Daphne had died a number of years ago, but Don has a new partner called Avril, who seemed extrremly nice, and we look forward to seeing them a round the Solent. Don finally swapped his yacht for a mobo, as people tend to as the years roll by. I am sure Julia and I will do the same. The thought of making Cherbourg in 3-4 hours is appealing!

 

 

David & Diana retired, and I did the usual Calvados session with Robert. Because the rallies had paid John (the boatswain) to stay and ferry them back, we got talking with him, and it turns out he used to hail from the same locality as me when we were in our teens. His wife having gone to the secondary school next to mine!

 

It chucked it down in the night, and we feared for a poor day, but as we got up, the weather cleared and we set off about 0930.

 

The upwind sail back was equally quick, with us more or less laying a direct course for West Pole. It went light through the forts as always, but the rest of the time was fantastic. Julia sunbathed all the way, and I just enjoyed the sailing.

 

Two memories wil stay with me: looking back from Spit Sand Fort looking at Cowes and all the sails in the sunlight, and me leaning back against the rail - feet on the steering wheel and a jib sheet in either hand, Julia laid out in the sun, as I goose-winged Selene up the Emsworth Channel in glorious sunshine at 5.5 knots. (0.5 of tide)

 

Royal Victoria come to visit the ECA 16 September 2006

 

Not strictly a sailing weekend, as we hosted the Royal Victoria YC in Emsworth. Their cruising arm came over and stayed on the visitors’ Pontoon, and we ferried them ashore in Jim’s RIB, and then our cars to Boaters at Thornham Marina.

 

 

Here’s me hugging Mave, and Hilton hugging Julia! Next up you see Paul (a regular crew of Hilton’s) with Julia on his lap, and then waving is Bernie Forward, who was in charge ot the Rally for the RVYC, and in the foreground, Hilton’s brother Chris.

 

Malcolm organised the whole event very well!

 

 

Bembridge (Royal Southampton YC Rally) 9 September 2006

 

Julia & I got to Gosport Friday evening, and had a meal aboard Sea Squared in Haslar with Chris & Chris and Keith and Lorna. Thanks Chris & Chris!

 

Saturday was 4-5 easterly and as we came out of portsmouth it was the busiest I’ve ever seen it. It seeemed like every boat was heading out. We hoisted full sail and held a beat/fetch all the way to the tide gauge at Bembridge. Should have put a reef in as some of the gusts were 21 knots, but it was such a short trip and the main  component of the wind was just on the edge of the reef, so I just played the mainsail.

 

The sea wasn’t great, with wind over tide, but it was a good sail. As we were motoring in, Julia said she thought she heard boats being turned away. So I radioed in, and sure enough, if you weren’t on a rally, you couldn’t go in! As it wasn’t Peter I was talking to, but Chris, the old boys act wasn’t going to work, so with some quick thinking on my part, I said actually we were with the Royal Southampton Yacht Club. In part this was true, as we were expected for drinks - we just hadn’t officially booked. So that got us onto the Duver, and it was by luck that the RSYC rally had a cancellation, and we were able to take that slot, as without it, we would have been kicked out.

 

However, by the time I’d been along the pontoon to get sorted with the RSYC; who were of course absolutely charming, and welcoming, when I got back there was already another boat outside us, and we were sandwiched in a raft of Chichester YC boats! So that was where we stayed.

 

 

 

 

The weather was so good, we just relaxed in the cockpit, and later joined the rally for drinks. The Duver was incredible. We were in a raft of six and the whole pontoon was 5-6 boats deep. Another two on ours, and we would have joined the end of Fishermans Wharf! Richard & Helen came on the phone - they’d been turned away, and were off to Cowes, so we didn’t see them. I later learned that everywhere was full and people were being turned away everywhere. Lesson - be on rallies!

 

In the evening, we ate at Ganders which was great.

 

Sunday, the inside boat wanted to leave early, and so our whole raft had to let him out. He only drew a metre, so we all had to hang off other boats for a bit. We were in fact the first of the larger boats to then leave. (The lifting keelers had been going) We went very very slowly out, and were OK, but we sounded 1.6m at one point. Then hoisted sails at the tide gauge and again beat/fetch back - a bit less wind this time - only 11-14 knots. Selene really kicks on at 13 knots+ but sails quite slowy in the 11 or 10 region.

 

Glorious sunshine all day, and we enjoyed an hour in the cockpit when we got back into EYH.

 

 

 

1 September 2006

 

Family Holiday to Haslar & then Ocean Village

 

Richard Stoneman joined me and James, Oliver & Edward Strudwick on the first leg of our short family holiday 2006. It was quite windy, and we were able to beat all the way to Haslar and really try the new sails. The first reef worked, but yanking on the second as the wind got up pulled out the reefing point, and I had to jury rig the second reef. Not good for a brand new sail? However, the boat does sail very well with these new sails, and I am very pleased with them.

 

 

 

 

Julia joined us in the evening at the Italian restaurant Strada in Gunwharf Quays along with Helen & Catherine Stoneman. The Stonemans then departed the trip.

 

 

 

Next day, again quite breezy, we went round to Ocean Village, where we were booked on the Royal Southampton YC’s pontoon. Quite tricky reversing into the space, but we got nicely hunkered down. I cooked us all a meal and then the boys went out, and Julia & I went to be interviewed at the club, as we are hoping to join there. That all went well, and our name is now on the notice board for 10 days.

 

The next day was horrid - rain and gale force winds, and it was therefore great that we hadn’t intended to sail anywhere. The boys went out and did their thing, and after Julia & I collected a rod-kicker from Southern Spars, we also went and shopped and touristed in Southampton. We ended up spending the afternoon in the Platform Tavern - great relaxed atmosphere.

 

 

 

In the evening we all ate as a family in the RSYC and the food and the service was just great. Superb clubhouse.

 

Sunday was still very very windy, and we had a very cautious sail round to Gosport Boat Yard, recording gusts of over 30 knots and enduring a confused Solent sea. James & Ed went by train and met us at Gosport. We left her at the yard for the annual lift-out, scrub & anti-foul, and I’ve just learned we’ll have to replace the prop as it’s so badly corroded. The Surveyor said last year that we’d end up having to replace it, so perhaps it’s good that we got a season out of it.

 

 

 

 

ECA Rally to Littehampton with Malcolm & Mavis

On Friday 25th August, I met Malcolm & Mavis at EYH, and we motored out to A27 (kindly loaned to us by Jim from the chandlery) ahead of low water, and I picked Julia up from Emsworth (old fishermans’ Oyster landing stage) at 1930. Mave cooked for us on board, and we set off at 0830 next morning on a rising tide.

 

 

Selene then turned left at West Pole for the first time and ran downwind in a 4-5 all the way to Littlehampton. The water was quite low as can be seen from the man fishing IN the water just off Eaststoke.

 

 

After losing a winch handle overboard - which narrowly missed Mave’s head, we rigged a gybe preventer as the wind was very shifty. We already had the jib poled out. Pleasant trip and we got into Littlehampton safely and went alongside on the town quay. Vic & Rose rafted outside us in Sundash, and Tony Browne outside them. Dick & Alice were already there as were Kotka and Shamrock. Later Kontent arrived and Jay Bee Too.

 

 

 

Malcolm & Mave had another function to go to, so set off by train, and Julia & I did the tour of Littlehampton, and we went across to the Arun YC for drinks ashore (rather than on Vulpes, since (a) there were a lot of people and (b) the pontoons in the mud stank badly. Then dinner at the YC instead of the BBQ as promised (?? turned out the BBQ was on Sunday)

 

Sunday’s weather forecast spelt loads of wind for Monday, so everyone except us, Kotka & Kontent stayed and stuck to plan A. Which was of course, the alternative ECA rally to Arundel by rub-a-dub. Julia & I sneaked a round on the adventure golf course, which Julila won, then off up the Arun River. The weather was good and it was a great trip only marred by Richard spearing his dinghy at Arundel, and us towing the deflating thing back with Richard & Helen shared between the two other craft!

 

We had dinner with Malcolm & Mave at a little Italian which was very Littlehampton (enough said?) and a few brandies before retiring.

 

Monday morning was miserable - wet and windy, but the front passed before our window to leave and although very breezy and on the nose, the sun shone all day. We managed a sail to the Mixen, and then motor sailed home - seeing gusts as high as 31 knots. (confirmed by chimet)

 

The new sails were very good - so far I am very impressed with them. I would still like to point higher, but it was so shifty, and gusty it was difficult to tell how close to the wind we can sail. Certainly, they work reefed, which the previous sails never did

 

Gins Farm with Aly & Graham

On 19th August, twin sister Aly & husband Graham joined us, and we went to RSYC Gins Farm for dinner and the Jazz night. The weather was wet and lousy for most of the weekend, but we had a great time.

 

 

 

 

Sunday morning we went to Cowes. It was very lumpy and gusty going over, and then Cowes was heaving. Anyway, as ever, Shepards rafted us on the outside and helped us in. We were being blown off by the stiff westerly, and the harbour master awarded me a certificate of competence for the way I moored in difficult circumstances.

 

We spent the afternoon in Cowes with a mix of beer and retail therapy - Julia & I went mad! We drank in the Duke of York, and Pier View - and came back laden with shopping. The weather held off, but it wasn’t brilliant.

ECA Rally Royal Victoria YC - 5th August 2006

 

Andy Moran joined us, and we went over on to RVYC to be in-place o the Friday. It was an early start as per the Ed reccy trip, and so we had the day to ourselves. As it was Cowes week, we took the bus into town and enjoyed the atmosphere and the Pimms!

 

The Rally was well attended on te Saturday. We had nine boats on the rally, and 21 for dinner. Another successful rally!

 

 

 

 

 

Treasure Hunt with Malcolm & Mavis

On the 22nd & 23rd July, Malcolm & Mavis joined us for the treasure hunt organised by Vic & Brenda around Chichester Harbour.

 

It was good fun, and we came joint first with Tony Browne. We rafted up at Itchenor, and the meal in the club was excellent.

 

 

 

When we got back on the Sunday, Malcolm & Mavis came back to Woodpeckers for a BBQ.

 

Reccy Trip with Ed

On the 5th July, youngest Son Ed and I took Selene across to RVYC so that I could check the depths for the forthcoming ECA Rally Selene would host exactly 28 days later, so that I could advise everyone in the cruise notes.

 

 

 

We arrived in the middle of the Squibs National Championships, and it was damp and horrid for them. Selene dried out OK, only showing about 300mm above the waterline, and sitting square. The sun popped out just long enough for us to grab a sandwich in the sun at the Fishbourne, and then it rained again.

 

As soon as we could get out, we did, and the rain held off, and eventually we had some wind so that Ed could sail Selene - he absolutely loved it!




May 12/13/14, 2006: Weekend in Cowes / Folly


The ECA Folly Rally ( organised by John E. Burton ) saw six boats and their crew at the Folly. Mike & Charles Hall crewed Selene into Shepards on the Friday, with Julia joining Friday evening, and Paul & Zara joining Saturday afternoon

 

 

April 29, 2006: Great service at the Angel in Lymington

The ECA Lymington Rally ( well organised by Mike & Mary Porter ) over the Mayday weekend 2006 saw eight boats and their crew in the Town Quay. The meal was at the Angel where this young lady provided us with excellent service. (APB & Beth had their own romantic evening nearby..)

April 30, 2006: Selene sinks in the mud at Wootton Creek

Hilton Matthews - a fellow member of the Royal Victoria YC offered us his mooring opposite the club - his Gaffer, the Lillian Rose is 36 feet long and draws 5 feet, and he told us that she was always afloat. We duly picked up the mooring and settled down. By the time I realised we were not going to float it was too late for me to anything about it, so Selene sank into the mud.

 

We are not sure how the Lillian Rose stays afloat, as although we could possibly have pulled the bow more into the stream, the dan at the stern was truly in the mud at low water - maybe the mooring has dragged over the winter?

Fortunately when we floated there appeared to have been no damage done to the rudder (the mud must be very soft) and not wishing to go through another low water or try to anchor off in the dark, we decided to night passage home. We left at 23:30 arriving in EYH at 02:30 - but boy was it difficult coming up the Emsworth channel in the dark, and the entrance to EYH is very difficult at night! Anyway, we got back safe and sound!