SELENE - CAPTAINS LOG

January 2010 - December 2011

RSYC Marchwood Rally 23/24 January 2010

At last the snow went, which forced the cancellation of the ECA rally, and we were able to get out onto the water.

The new water pump is incredible, and I have never seen the engine run so cool before. In fact it took so long to register any temperature at first, I thought the engineer had disconnected it!

Anyway, we motor sailed up to Marchwood on a grey cold afternoon, with the odd sunny interval. It was cold on arrival, and we joined three other boats there. Gordon and Christine gave us tea aboard Aquarius on arrival and then Peter and Wendy did the drinks party on Ear to Eternity. We then ferried across in dinghies as the pontoon was away for maintenance, and a great evening was had ashore.

Back safely in the dinghies, we enjoyed whisky aboard Aquarius before bed.

Sunday morning we were up and away – motoring as there was no wind, and had a pleasant trip back. Popped into Portsmouth to see Lloyd’s new Car dealership, and then a swift one in the Office on the way back. Great weekend.

There was also a good report on the RSYC website:

MARCHWOOD RALLY

The snow moved further south and stayed far longer than usual this winter disrupting the mid-week rallies, so it was pleasing that not only 37 members signed up for the first of our frostbite rallies but that the weather remained sufficiently amiable for five yachts to make the passage up river to Marchwood’s pontoon.

 Now this was not necessarily the short hop from Ocean village for all, Selene is moored in Portsmouth, but their navigation is more direct and sure than some of those who came by car.

The office had warned that although the pontoons were in place the link to the shore had been removed for dredging. Hence it was a great relief when they all arrived safe and dry in MYC’s clubhouse by using a dinghy and Peter Whatley’s rope to pull them themselves back and forth.

I’m not sure if this idea was inspired by the news that the Cowes floating bridge was out of action or nostalgia for the old Itchen ferry but for Saturday evening Aquarius Ventures, Ear to Eternity, Laurella Jo, Selene and Pyxis were masters of probably the only chain ferry working in Southampton Water.

After an excellent dinner the evening finished with an icebreaker exercise. With six new members present it was a good opportunity for established and new members to talk and continue the process of getting to know each other. All that remained was for the ferry to return the crews to their boats for a Sunday return to base. All told a promising start to 2010.

Brian Hinde, Captain of Cruising

Day trip with Mike Hall on the new Discovery 50 Catamaran 4 February 2010

Mike is interested in buying this amazing 50 foot cat for a life out in the Med. This is the first of this design and we had a day out on the Solent to put it through its paces. I didn’t know what I would think but I was blown away – it is awesome.

More photos on the photos page.

RSYC Rally to the Hamble 6 February 2010

More problems!  Because of the tides, we came down about 12:30 and in glorious sunshine and looking forward to a keen North Easterly breeze, we motored into Haslar lake, and pulled the main up, then increased revs and motored into the Harbour entrance.

Julia and I both noticed that the engine did not sound right, although it was not overheating this time!

We turned around, dropped the sail, and motored back into the berth.

It appeared to be a problem only when in gear, and it didn’t seem to be anything around the prop as that generally judders the boat, and we have had plenty of those before.

There have been some problems with the boat being in drive when the lever is in neutral, since the new saildrive gaiter, so I thought maybe it was the linkage, so I tried to adjust that but it didn’t really seem to get corrected, but in the berth the engine sounded OK.

So we motored out again, and as we opened her up, the noise was awful – sounded like a loose nut in the gearbox, so we abandoned the idea of going, and took the scenic route around in the car to the Hamble. Being in the afternoon, we couldn’t get anyone from Motortech or Gosport Boat yard, so that’s a Monday morning call.

We got to the Hamble and watched the first half of the rugby in the King and Queen, (England v Wales) then joined the rally with drinks on board Aquarius – thanks Gordon and Christine, and then had dinner at the Victory. Got home, and watched the second half of the rugby.

Sunday, we retired to the Office and met Richard and Helen, and watched the France Sctoland game on the new big screen.

Legends mini-Rally to Dell Quay SC for Sue’s 50^th Birthday party 13 February 2010

After spending time on the water with Motortech, we could not diagnose anything mechanical, so I called RS Divers who found that the new outer gaiter had not been glued on properly by Gosport Boat Yard, and had been hitting the prop giving us the noises. They removed the gaiter, and finally on Saturday, we had a complete trip. We motored out through the Inner passage into a 4/5 NE, and had a cracking sail to West Pole. It was very cold.

We got in on free flow, but got given a naff short pontoon and had to wait for ages while they punched everything into their dammed system. Methinks it’s the system before customers here.

Got into Chichester Marina and had lunch and a snooze. Then walked up to Dell Quay, and had a beer in the pub. Then all the Legends arrived and we decorated  the club house for the party.

Back to the marina to get changed and drinks aboard Iona, and then all in a cab - Skoolies, Iona and us – Goose was dried out on Dell Quay. We had to all wear some tin foil (!?)

Anyway, a great night out, and cab back. The Legends had clubbed together to get Sue a day on a tall ship, and she was sooo thrilled. Plus she got her own skateboard.

Very cold overnight, so we had to break the ice as we left. It was very cold on the way back – it was a very light NW, so we were still into it. Motored all the way, and then home to watch the England Italy game –which was a bit of a disappointment, but England did win.

RSYC Rally to Bucklers Hard with Neil and Jane 20/21 February 2010

We all met up on board on Friday night, and we had a leisurely Saturday morning waiting for the tide. The sun was out, blue skies, and we all went into Gosport and sampled the market before a bug brunch and then motoring off towards the Beaulieu River at lunchtime.

We got a little wind off Cowes and managed to sail over to the River entrance, otherwise it was light.

We had a walk into the tourist bit and remembered why we hadn’t been back to the Master Builders last year, as the service and quality of the beer was dreadful. Something that carried on throughout the evening meal later.

The rally was hosted by James Hanratty, and all four brothers were there, Patrick, Peter and we met John for the first time. Their friend and family lawyer, John Peacock came up by dinghy, and there was also Bob and Jackie by car, Chris and Hilary – new members in their new Southerly, and David and Kirsteen in Pyxis.

Drinks were in the bar and despite the service being dreadful, we still had a great night.

Sunday we found a steady 12 knots from the SW, so were able to sail the length of the Beaulieu and into Cowes where we moored in Shepards as per usual for lunch.

A shopping trip through the town, with a livener at the Island Sailing Club,  followed by fantastic Roast at the Duke of York. They are so good in there! Complete contrast to the night before.

The wind stayed steady, and we were able to fly the cruising chute all the way back to Portsmouth – wow!

Jane and Neil enjoyed themselves, and we can’t wait to have them aboard at Easter when we hope to make Cherbourg.

Quick stop in the office where we saw Richard and Helen, and home contented – great weekend again.

ECA Rally to Bembridge – Selene hosting with Malcolm and Mave 6/7 March 2010

We all met up on Friday morning and had a very pleasant beam reach in the cold sunshine putting the sails up as we came out of Portsmouth harbour, and holding a single tack to the Bembridge tide gauge.

We then enjoyed the sunshine before putting the cockpit tent up and having lunch. We then enjoyed chatting to Rob and Jonno.

We went for a walk along to the Baywatch cafe, and watched Kotka coming in, and enjoyed her interesting 360 degree turn while dropping the mainsail. (A prize was later awarded for this) Tony Browne also arrived, and the ECA rally was starting to form. I then cooked a cassoulet for supper and we watched a DVD before bed.

Saturday, Julia Malcolm and I went up to the bookshop and had a drink in the Vine, where we were joined by Richard, Helen, Charles and Nicky from Kotka. We then came back down to find the catamaran Badgie 2 had already arrived, with Derek and Sheila Ellinor with their guests Brian and Carole, and we also welcomed in Graham and Val Holt in their GK29. We got them alongside Tony Browne.

Tringa 2 with Dick and Alice and their crew of Graham and Wendy Davis were next followed by Bev and Sue Dickens and their two guests in Clarabel which went alongside Kotka. We also saw APB arrive with Ludy.

Soon it was the drinks party aboard Selene, and with APB turning up as well, we ended up having 25 aboard for drinks.

We all took the water taxi to Brading Haven YC for a splendid evening with excellent food. Very cold coming back on the water taxi later!

Sunday, we went back over to the club for lunchtime drinks and saw Trevor and Val our Legend friends and Peter and Sue Biddick. Great atmosphere.

We then had a cracking sail back in a fresh ENE 5-6, having to beat to counteract the current. Really exhilarating. Kotka was also diverted into Haslar for the week, and so we had G&Ts aboard Selene before everyone departed their separate ways.

Great weekend.

Gins Fitting out supper and Cowes for lunch with the Geese 13/14 March 2010

Saturday was sunshine and cloud, and little wind, so we motored to Gins and picked up our usual buoy off the pontoon. After a drink at the bar, we relaxed and slept, and then enjoyed the Titanic dinner with a great talk about Southampton Docks.

We met Max Spencer Smith and got on well with him and his wife and had a great evening.

Sunday was cold but sunny with a good breeze 5-6 N. Thus we were able to sail straight away off the buoy and all the way to Cowes.

Went on the outside of Shepards just opposite Ghostly Goose, and it was very rough. We had to put all the fenders out.

Had Coffee with Paul on Goose (Kath was shopping) and then went shopping ourselves. We then met for lunch in the Duke of York, and went for a drink at the Island Sailing Club afterwards, whilst we waited for the tide to go East.

We then headed off, and initially had a great sail, but the wind was dropping, so we motored the last into Haslar. Nice weekend.

Easter 2010 - Lymington - not Cherbourg! 2/5 April 2010

The weather won again, as it was too windy to contemplate a channel crossing, and when Neil and Jane dropped out of the trip as Jane had teeth problems, we decided not to go for a long trip, but rather to tuck up in Lymington and take the bikes.

So we still went down on Thursday evening, ate on board and met Colin and Julie from Skoolie in the Castle for drinks. Then on Good Friday, we battled 30 knots of SW to Lymington and tucked into Berthon. A few pints at the Kings Head, meeting a nice group of people ( Tony and Debbie - Tony's parents have a motor boat in Brighton Marina) followed by a snooze and a lovely meal at Prezzos which rounded off a windy day.

Saturday morning was spent in the market, and a few more pints in the Kings Head. Saw the same gang again, and then went aboard Scallywag now on the Town Quay for drinks to while away the afternoon.

We were invited back for Doctor Who and dinner which made a splendid evening.

Sunday, Goose, Scally and Bacchus all went to Yarmouth. We cycled to Keyhaven, fell in with a group of cyclists who were also sailors, so we chatted and cycled with them. They were going onto Milford, and we went with them for a look around. Nice little place. We then came back to Keyhaven and sat in the Gun and read the Sunday Papers, ate Sunday lunch and then took the ferry out to Hurst Castle.

The weather was the best day of the weekend, and out of the wind, the sun actually felt warm for the first time this year. On the cycle back, we stopped and had a couple of drinks at the Yacht Haven's Marina bar upstairs and sat on the veranda in wicker chairs out of the wind in the sunshine - glorious!

Sunday evening, we ate on board, and Monday morning in a big SSW F6 we absolutely FLEW downwind back to Haslar. We were maintaining over nine knots over the ground for most of the trip, and clocked the 17 miles from the starting platform where we put the sails up to Portsmouth Harbour entrance in two hours and five minutes!

Great weekend - as ever rounded off by popping in the Office in Petersfield and finally watching the new series of Ashes to Ashes when we got home.

Mini Rally with Wings of Hamble 24/25 April 2010

Tony sailed Wings of Hamble round to Haslar on Friday evening with a couple of mates, and Heather met us on Selene just before they arrived. Tony's mates departed and I then cooked for Tony and Heather aboard Selene (chilli con carne) and a pleasant evening was had by all.

Saturday, Tony left ahead of us and we motored out on our way to Yarmouth into a glorious day. To our surprise, the breeze got up and we were able to fly the kite nearly all the way to Yarmouth. I had booked us into Harold Hayles, so we were assured of a berth, and we tied up at lunchtime.

We had drinks in Selene's cockpit, and then a trip into Yarmouth for some shopping.

We then were treated to a fantastic afternoon picnic aboard Wings of Hamble sat in the afternoon sunshine. Thank you Tony!

We then went for drinks at the pub, and snacked out on cheese and biscuits aboard Selene whilst watching Ashes to Ashes - very enjoyable.

Tony's brilliant idea of booking us into Gins for lunch on Sunday did have a serious flaw. To catch the last of the East going tide we had to be up and way by seven on Sunday morning. It was raining and foggy, so although it was early, I was glad to have the tide with us and have a quick motor to the Beaulieu River rather than slogging against the tide later.

History was made as Julia moored Selene for the first time against the river pontoon, ferry-gliding in using the tide and the wind like a pro. We then all had showers and rested up before getting John the bosun to take us over to Gins for lunch.

The weather had by now cheered up again, and it was sunny. We enjoyed a splendid roast lunch, and cracked off back for home into a really good SW breeze. We waved Wings of Hamble goodbye as they turned up Southampton Water and we had a great sail back into Haslar.

Although we had seen Tony and Heather a few times before, we all really got to know each other this weekend, and I think we were all surprised how well the four of us got on. Looking forward to seeing you guys again - more mini rallies to come!

Gemma's Birthday BBQ at Port Solent 15/16 May 2010

We took Selene up to Port Solent so that we could stagger back after a great BBQ at the Wheelhouse establishement. A great night out.

We had lunch at Prezzo on the Sunday, and gently back via the Office.

Mini Rally with Snowchick 22/23 May 2010

Glorious sunshine and high temperatures meant a motor over in convoy to the Folly. Snowchick with Malcolm and Mave was slightly ahead, and we caught up with them at Gilkicker. We arrived early at the Folly and got a great spot on the southern end of the Newport pontoon. I reversed Selene on to get the cockpit facing the right way, and after we had all tied up, we had pink wine and champagne and then a cockpit picnic lunch.

Sunbathed and chilled all afternoon as the pontoons filled up. Then the ice maker was called into action as we had G&Ts before going over to the Folly for dinner. By now Skoolie Too had arrived and got in touch so they joined us for the meal.It was great to see "Big" Andy again and he gave us a great table.

A most enjoyable evening, and plans made with Colin and Julie for later on in the summer! Sunday, I cooked breakfast for Snowchick and Selene and Colin and Julie joined us for coffee later. A good sea breeze got up and we managed a bit of a sail before it stayed on the nose, and we decided we wanted to get back to the Wylds to sunbathe, so we motored in and enjoyed the Wylds in the sunshine and had a BBQ.

RSYC St. Vaast Rally and the Baie de Seine 27 May - 6 June 2010

Thursday 27 May 2010

Had a traffic jam on the way down, and I couldn’t get the GPS on the laptop to work, so a little frustrating as we set off into the evening sunshine.

Having left Haslar at 2015 under motor, just past Spitsand, we lost the main chartplotter, which turned out to be a trip, but whilst pulling the wires about, I moved the auto helm and that stopped for a while until I put it in its correct vertical position!

No more mishaps after that and we motor sailed through the night lit by an amazingly bright full moon. Got a bit windy mid channel, and I hand steered for a while rather than put a reef in as it was short lived. Not too much traffic about but I did force a tanker to avoid me in the small hours when I was stand on boat.

It was a beautiful sunrise, so I kept going and we got to St. Vaast in 12 hours and the gates had just opened. After hanging on the hammerhead, the boat inside and next to Rex said they were going, so we waited and tucked in next to Rex with his usual crew of Richard and Ken and a new one Gareth – a great bloke as it turned out.

I slept for an hour and then we had oysters and moules frites at the Buccaneer – our usual, and then sunbathed as it was glorious. Slept a bit more and then ate aboard.

Saturday was wet and windy, as forecast and Julia wasn’t too well, so I cycled in and got some bread, but we missed the market. We had drinks aboard Ke Mara – Mick Wigfield with his crew of Brian and Leslie. Julia and I went around to Grumpy bear ( Philip and Diana and their two charter guests ) for coffee and then to Mr Gossellin where this year I insisted on talking with Bertrand and using the Rex connection. We spent nearly £400 on wine, and got it delivered back to the boat and rode in the van too. Grumpy bear were also in Gossellin and so we came back together as they spent £500!

We sweet talked Bertrand into donating 12 bottles of fizz for the Sunday lunch, and we got a huge free bottle of Bordeaux as well.

Then we dressed up for dinner at the Panoramique which we went to in a fleet of taxis as usual. John Peacock made a prat of himself, and the restaurant messed up the drinks bills, but it was still a great evening. We sat next to Gareth, Ken, Mick, Linda ( Cloudy bay – her husband Ken wasn’t well and stayed on board) , Richard and Rex. John and Judith Murray further on our table were more troubled by Peacock and his crew of two. Judith was quite upset.

Howard and Ann moored next to us (they being on the hammerhead) in Lady E. Invited us and Gareth in for late night drinks.

Sunday the weather was improved – sunshine intervals but a bit blowy. As there were 40 + people lunch was divided into 4 groups but we were in the Rex group and sat in the cockpit with Lee (Carol below) and Richard and Gareth, and a new couple to us: Tom and Annie  (Nikitoo) – who were great fun.

We were then invited to drinks aboard Paul Frampton’s Victory and met Tom and Annie’s crew Carol who was also good company. We then had some tea, and invited Howard and Ann and Gareth for drinks aboard Selene. A lot of calvados disappeared.

Monday, we headed out in the sunshine to Grandcamp Maisy, which was a lovely little town with a great harbourmaster. We had eaten lunch on passage, so wandered about town looking for an evening restaurant and had drinks at the Cafe du Port.

We had chosen a little brasserie, and had a reasonable dinner there later.  It is a very busy fishing port and the boats were in and out during the night opening of the gates.

Tuesday, was the bad forecast day, and the drizzle and rain came in early as we “did” the market. We then left as soon as the gate opened at 11, and got soaked going up to Courceulles.  Very small in there and we ended up taking a hammerhead right down in the marina as the visitors was too small.

The sun then came out and we went for a stroll. We ate at the La Belle Aurore right on the corner of the marina which was a lovely traditional place and the food was great.

Next day we cycled into town and found it to be a lovely tourist place. We liked it a lot.

Then off again when the gates opened, and finally the wind got up enough for a cracking sail along to Dives sur Mer. The wind got right up and the sea became a mess. Julia retired for a while and I sailed Selene to the edge of the sand bar, and then dropped the sails. It was very bumpy and tricky following the channel in, but it settled near the entrance, and Julia was up and about to steer whilst I readied everything.

The new visitors section was closed, so I chose the next pontoon, wanting to point into the cold NE, and only realised after tying up that this was new and not yet “officially” open yet.

Anyway, the harbour master was great and let us be the first boat to ever moor there, and allowed us to cut the tape! He had to come down to switch the electric on. There is a big opening ceremony at the weekend apparently. 

The marina is big and has residential all around and the whole thing is really well done. We cycled into town and had drinks in the square after visiting the old village. We then cycled out to Cabourg which was all closed and then along the coast to the very pretty if touristy Houlgate, where we sat on the beach waiting for the pizza place to open, and then had pizzas and cycled back.

Thursday dawned sunny but still with a keen NW, which was a tad chilly. We busied ourselves with jobs waiting for the gates to open, and then headed off to Honfleur at 1310. Initially it was a beat, and quite blowy, but as we turned the corner, the wind died and the sun got hotter, as we motored into the lock. We had just missed free flow, but Julia did a great job of lasso-ing the floating bollard.

We then went into Honfleur and found a finger on the eastern side, and sunbathed for a while and went for a walk. Then we then ate at La Bisquine – our favourite.

Friday was the first non sailing day for a while and we wandered around in the morning and sun-bathed in the afternoon. I cooked entrecote aboard – a wonderful day in a beautiful port.

Saturday was still hot and sunny, and market day. We “did” the market and then had drinks at the Yacht club – they were very welcoming. We had expected Alison and Bob for lunch, but they never showed or phoned, so we had lunch at the Bisquine – again! There we met Eloise and Andre from New York, who popped aboard later for a swift drink.

At the first bridge opening at 1630, we motored out and caught free flow through the lock and headed off to Le Havre, where we knew we could leave early the next day without bridges and locks and 10 miles nearer home. We tied onto the visitors pontoon, only to be moved by the harbour master, but I persuaded him to give us a finger a lot nearer than the other main visitors pontoon way on the outside.

Julia had researched a Moroccan restaurant “Atlas” and we cycled off for supper – great meal! Then a few drinks in the cockpit for the early start next day.

I was up at 0400 BST – first light and while Julia slept on, I set the sails and got us out of Le Havre. Had to dodge a load of racing boats coming back in from a night sail and the usual loads of lobster pots. These really are becoming a worry, and I think a rope cutter is getting high on the xmas list.

The wind was on the nose and then very close hauled, and although it was sunny and clear, it steadily rose all day, and 30 miles out it got into a 6 with a nasty seaway. We were tossed about a lot! When we finally got in, I had to raise the main again to hose off the salt water right up to the top batten – that was how high the spray had been – I had taken many duckings at the helm!!

Anyway – home safe, and everything worked, and we were quite lucky with the weather. It was a great week. More photos on the photos page as usual!

Gins Hog Roast 12/13 June 2010

Although the forecast was for no wind, a N / NNW force 3-4 greeted us and we had a great sail all the way to the Beaulieu River entrance. Wings of Hamble phoned us to say that they had booked us onto the pontoon so that we could get together, and although we nomally prefer to take a buoy, we confused John and Robert at Gins by rafting up!

We were outside a the motor boat belonging to John and Angela Rice and inside them Gordon and Christine in Aquarius. We went up to the bar and said hello and Tony and Heather from Wings joined us. They were moored in the other raft, so for lunch we hauled them over to our cockpit in the dinghy!

We then had drinks aboard Aquarius, and after a snooze, changed and went for drinks aboard Wings. They had three land-lubbers for the evening, who came by car, and we had some fun getting the three girls aboard, as they had to clamber over Prop Rider.

The hog roast was very good this year, and we had a good evening. We sat near Tom and Annie whom we met in St. Vaast and we made arrangements to see them up at Hythe next weekend.

Sunday was a lovely morning with a gentle SW, and as we had plenty of time, we hauled the sails up just off the pontoon and sailed out of the river and all the way back to Gilkicker with the boat goose winged from Cowes with the jib poled out. Beautiful and peaceful.

Home via the Office and we had a lovely afternoon in the sunshine at the Wylds, and a BBQ.

Newtown, Hythe and Cowes with Neil & Jane 19/20 June 2010

Neil and Jane came down Friday night and we had fish and chips aboard, and a reasonably early night.

Saturday we sailed to Newtown River. The bulk of the Round the Island Fleet were behind the Island, and although we missed the first boats, we did go past the finish as several big boats were finishing. There was a good breeze to sail in - N or NNE 4-5, but it was cold throughout Saturday.

We got into Newtown at low water, and it was full. I went down to the shallow end in case the last buoy was free, and as I was turning round to come back and anchor, I got blown onto the sand. It was a rising tide, and so we were off in a few minutes. Watching our difficulties, another boat on a buoy invited us to raft, and then announced they were off to Shalfleet for lunch, so we ended up with our own buoy anyway!

We hid behind the sprayhood as the wind was not so warm, and we had lunch in the cockpit, and then motor sailed up to Hythe Marina, where we were invited to stay outside Tom and Annie's house on their mooring for the night. We dodged four cruise liners in a row up Southampton Water, and got free-flow into Hythe. Tom and Annie took our lines, and we invited them aboard for drinks, and they had also invited Gareth too.

We then went to the local Thai restaurant, and a good time was had by all. Nightcaps were kindly provided in Tom and Annie's lovely pontoon house - number 15 White Heather Court .

Next morning, I cooked a full English for seven aboard, and then Jane did her first lock.

We motored down to Cowes as the wind died and tied up on the outside of Shepards. Neil and Jane went shopping, and we met them up at the Royal Corinthian YC for drinks.

It was by now so calm and warm, we were able to have lunch in the cockpit on the outside at Shepards without the boat bouncing all over! A lovely grazing lunch and a gentle motor sail back to Haslar with the sun at our backs.

We quickly tidied the boat up and bid our fond farewells, and rushed back for some Woodpeckers sunshine. A great weekend - as usual there are more pics in the photos section.

Emily's wedding aboard HMS Warrior 3 July 2010

Julia and I took Selene over to Gunwharf about 3pm on the Friday, having reserved our space a year ago. All three boys arrived about four, and after they did some shopping, we went to Cafe Rouge for dinner.

The weather was very hot on Saturday, and my mum and dad popped in for drinks on their way to the wedding. It was too hot for getting into suits!

HMS Warrior is a superb setting for a wedding and it was fabulous, with the actual ceremony, reception and evening party aboard.

Sunday morning, everyone came around to see Selene in Gunwharf and we had a pontoon party.

We then cooked the boys a brunch, and they drove off back oop North. We motored back home to Haslar, chilled in the cockpit, said hello to the Skoolies and came home exhausted, but very happy after a wonderful weekend.

There are more photos in the photos section. Next up - Holidays!!

Poole, Wareham and Yarmouth 9 - 15 July 2010

Julia and I got down to Selene on Friday lunchtime and got into the Beaulieu River before the East going tide got too strong, and picked up a buoy for the night. It was sunny, but quite windy. The wind had been on the nose, so we had motor sailed. Had a nice meal aboard and chilled.

Saturday we sailed to Poole and were pre-booked into Quay Haven by the town quay. Again sunny but quite windy. Had a beer in the Brewhouse, and relaxed in the cockpit. We then went to our favourite family-run restaurant Hardys and had fresh crab - wonderful.

Sunday we took the flood all the way up to Wareham and were given a riverside mooring by the lovely people at Redclyffe Yacht Club. We were parked right into the reeds and sat in the mud for an hour or two at low water. The river is pretty narrow as you can see in the pictures.

We took the dinghy up to Wareham and had a drink in the pub and got some ribeye steak for supper. Then we came back and enjoyed a hot and sunny afternoon in the cockpit and a fab supper cooked by yours truly.

Monday, we took the dinghy up to the Yacht club and had showers and then went and anchored in South Deep for lunch while we waited for the east going tide to Yarmouth.

We then had the perfect sail - steady force 4 from the SW on the quarter all the way from Poole Harbour entrance to Hurst. Good job I had booked Harold Hayles as Yarmouth was ram jammed! Managed to find a bit of pontoon space with only a foot ahead and astern!!! I had to bring the anchor inboard to avoid clashing with the Bav ahead!

Julia cooked a wonderful pasta dish, and we went into town for a few drinks and inevitably got chatting to some yachties. These guys had a Fulmar, and apparently knew Simon and Emma - our Legend friends.

Tuesday, we cycled up to the Red Lion at Freshwater for lunch and then took the bus over to Ryde to see the Scallywags who cooked us a fab supper - thanks Sue! Bus ride home and brandy to bed.

The forecast for late Wednesday and Thursday morning was for force 8, so we abandoned the idea of Gins Farm for Wednesday night and got out into the east going tide as soon as we could on the Wednesday morning ahead of the frontal system and its rain. It was a 4.9m spring tide, so with 15 - 25 knots of S / SE we flew back to Haslar - very gusty and speeds over the ground around the 9 - 10 knots mark. We got in and tied up, got the tent up just before the heavens opened.

We chiled in the tent and the weather cleared ahead of the next band of rain which would bring the real wind, so we went into Gosport to stretch our legs and did a little shopping. We then came back and showered and went to the Great Wall chinese restaurant and had a great meal there. On the way back, we were called over by Martin and then had drinks aboard Avalon with Martin and Shan, and their friends Roger and Jean - which was great.

We then listened to the wind howling all night. Bramblemet showed mostly 40 knots through the night and was still recording 38+ throughout the morning, plus it looked very rough, so good decision to come back earlier.

We then pootled home to pack and get ready to go to Spain with the Skoolies. Looking at the forecast for the next few days which shows more unsettled weather we are glad to be going somewhere sunny.

Legends beach BBQ at Langstone 31 July 2010

Julia and I got down to Selene on Friday evening and motored round to Langstone early enough on Saturday to see where the beach was as we acnhored. We had planned to take the dinghy up to the pub at the top of the harbour, but the outboard would not start and then the string broke. I repaired the string but it would still not start and that string broke too, so it's been sent to a man who fixes these things. We rowed over to David on Wagtail ( Helena was arriving in the afternoon ) for a drink, and then we relaxed in the cockpit. We had the Bacchus crew aboard for drinks at teatime but Lloyd had to leave in a hurry, as his boat went aground as the water went down.

Had a great BBQ on the beach, drinks aboard with the Scallys and more drinks aboard the Bacchus disco boat.

Sunday we had the usual breakfast on the beach - thank you David and Helena for you efforts, and there was a rounders match as well. Chilled in the cockpit and then were treated to a very fine lunch by the Scallys - thanks Sue - yum yum! Then the tide came up and the current in the harbour entrance eased, so we motored back home

Scrubbing berth in the Hamble 7 August 2010

Time to clean all the goo off the bottom of Selene, so a day on the berth, scrubbed off at lunchtime ( before the rain ) into the King and Queen for lunch, then the boat floated and I got the lines adjusted, and we had a great meal in the bugle.

Early start back to Haslar to take the tide, and went to the office where we saw Richard and Helen, and later we had Tom and Annie round for a BBQ.

Folly and Gins for Sunday lunch 21/22 August 2010

Had all the fresh water pipes changed during the week before, and I went down Friday night to tidy up. Julia, Aly and Graham arrived Saturday morning and we had a very windy and lumpy sail to the Folly.

We then had lunch and walked into Newport. Evening in the Folly where we were joined by Tom and Annie and Carol, and we danced on the tables.

Sunday, we motored over to Gins for lunch and motored back - not much wind. Rained and was grey ALL weekend.

Long weekend in Weymouth 27/28/29/30 August 2010

Took the spring tide all the way into Weymouth - a nice N 4-5 reach most of the way, just going NW so a fetch into Weymouth bay. Weather stayed OK - got the bridge lift at 1800 and tucked into Weymouth Marina. Got fish and chips and said Hi to Bacchus. ( Lloyd, Gemma, and their boys Lewis and Taylor ) We went into the Royal Dorset YC and met Commodore Gareth, and had a good time. We were too tired for anything else and went to bed early - as did the Bacchus crew!

Saturday, the weather wasn't beach weather, but Bacchus were trying to be beach bums anyway. We mooched around the shops and the seafront and saw Bacchus on the beach then had a quick drink in the YC and chilled. Drinks on Bacchus at 1730 followed by a meal in town all together - great evening and great company.

Sunday, we cycled out to Portland and then later met Bacchus in the YC. Then back to Selene, where we hosted drinks for Paul Mason, who I work with and his family, and Bacchus joined us too, so the boat was busy!

Sunday evening, Julia and I cycled out to the Crab House Cafe, and had a romantic dinner - yum-yum! Then we got a taxi back and met the Bacchus crew in the YC.

Monday, we got the 0800 bridge lift, where Bacchus was waiting for us, and we sailed in company to Cowes. N 4 reach again, but we motor sailed to make Hurst and the BBQ. We fought the tide from Cowes, but all met up at Woodpeckers later for a BBQ and we introduced Lloyd to shotguns!

Great shakedown BBQ, and a great weekend spent in the company of Lloyd & Gemma and their great kids - we really enjoyed it.

Legends Rendevous 4/5 September 2010

Had a great sail over in a light-ish Easterly to Cowes on the Saturday morning, where we then rafted alongside Scallywag in the Yacht Haven. Had lunch at Pier view with the Scallys, said Hi to peeps, then chilled and then hosted drinks for the Scallys and Skoolies, then the drinks party on the pontoon and a great evening at the Island Sailing Club.

Sunday, we had breakfast at Tiffins with the Scallys and then headed off to Gins for lunch with the RSYC Cruisers. Had tea and coffee with Rex aboard Rise and Shine, and then a great lunch with our crowd. Met Phil and Tony who are Hythe mafia!

The only downside to the weekend apart from the crap weather was a motor into the wind and tide back - Yuk - still it's over now.

Southampton Boat Show 11/12 September 2010

Had a great sail up Southampton Water on the Friday afternoon in a WSW F5/6 - fairly tight, but good fun. Tony and Heather met us on the pontoon and took our lines in Ocean Village and we had drinks in the cockpit with them. We then went for dinner with Gordon and Christine, and we had a great evening.

Saturday we walked to the show. Saw some boats on the pontoon, and had champagne on the Dean and Readyhoff stand (Haslar Marina). Dick and Alice joined us, and then we met Neil and Jane there.

We had lunch in the RYA lounge with Neil and Jane, and then bought new oilies and a jacket for me and some deck shoes for Julia and got some logo-ed sweatshirts. Saturday evening, we saw Adam and Louise on the pontoon and ended up in their cockpit for drinks with their two boys Thomas and Ed, and Brett and Susan also popped in for a drink. We then had a drink at the bar in the RSYC clubhouse and then went to Pizza Express and had an early night.

Sunday, the weather was sunny. We again walked to the show, saw a few boats and then met Malcolm and Mave at D & R. Great to see them again. We repaired to the Bistro bar, where we met the Scallywags and Terry and Jean also joined us. We had lunch with the Scallys in the RYA lounge and then took them to D & R to talk to Ben about winter berthing.

We then headed back to Selene and had a sunny motor sail back to Haslar

Family trip to the Folly Sunday 19 September 2010

Our eldest son James was down for the weekend and my sister Linda, husband Colin, and their daughter Stephanie joined the three of us on Selene Sunday morning. There was a brisk 4-5 occ 6 WSW and we had a good sail all the way to Cowes.

We were allowed to moor outside another yacht on the Folly pontoon and so were able to walk ashore. We met my sister's other daughter Emily who is now married to an Islander ( see HMS Warrior in these logs earlier in the year ) in the pub and all had sunday lunch.

We then went for a walk towards Newport and collected some sloes for making the traditional Selene drink, and then enjoyed a super downwind sail in the same conditions all the way back to Haslar. Cracking day out - lots of sailing too. Only downside was that the autohelm started to play up and will have to be fixed asap as we hope to go cross channel next week or the week after. It's been rushed to Greenham Regis to be fixed.

Short break to Alderney and Cherbourg 24 - 29 September 2010

Julia and I were a little late getting down on the Friday afternoon and although the forecast was for a N 5-6 we got NNW / NW so it was a beat to Cowes. It was a rough old Solent and a bumpy ride, and as we headed down the Western Solent we regretted those few minutes of lateness as being a big spring tide, the last 2 miles into Yarmouth were very slow. Instead of arriving in the light, we arrived in the dark. No problem though, but it was tough inside the harbour with the wind now as forecast - a big Northerly. Anyway we moored up well even though the wind was trying to blow us off and Julia cooked supper.

We were up and away at 0500 in the dark, again with a big Northerly 5-6. Popped all the sails up, and we flew downwind for 5-6 hours. The sea was lumpy but going downwind and with plenty of breeze, I was able to surf the waves. Some of the gusts were 30+ knots. Later the wind eased, but the sea didn't, so it started to roll through us, and the gybe preventer saw some real action. Even I struggled with some of the waves, and after the block on the gybe preventer shattered, I reduced sail - had a few hairy moments as we had to clear a big ship before we could reef! Anyway, it was still a hairy ride so much so that we were both hanging on a lot, but at least it was quick.

Eight miles from Alderney, we were treated to a huge school of dolphins who came up and rode with us for half an hour. They came so close to the cockpit you could almost touch them. They swam under the boat, leapt up and out of the water and swarmed all around, and generally had loads of fun. It was too bumpy for Julia to get the camera, and I couldn't let go the wheel in the seaway, as it was heaping up towards the Alderney race ( we were doing 10.5 SOG ) and initially we thought they would be gone very quickly. So sorry, no photos, but WOW what an experience for us.

The last time we were in Alderney, it was packed and we picked up the last available buoy - this time there was only one other yacht! We got organised and went ashore. Drinks in the Sailing Club and then fish and chips at the Braye Chippy. Yum yum.

It was not pleasant overnight as the Northerly gave a nasty swell in Braye Harbour. We didn't hang about going ashore Sunday morning and read the papers outside the Divers in glorious sunshine.

We then had Sunday lunch up at the Georgian House, and finally got to ride the tourist train in the afternoon. The weather was warm and sunny, but still with a keen cold Northerly breeze.

We had drinks in the Sialing Club again, then at the Braye Beach Hotel, and then in the Divers where we met Rich Webb - a bassist in a band! Back to the boat and again it was uncomfortable, so we decided not to stay any longer and run for Cherbourg in the morning.

We left as soon as the tide went our way in the morning at 0700, and it was a NW 5-6 and a very rough sea across the Alderney Race. There were times when steering the boat was almost impossible and we were rounded up into some fierce waves. Mostly I was able to bear away and surf off when the big ones came, but we did get a few soakings.

I had all sail up as really the wind strength wasn't the problem - just the sea state, and with the right amount of sail ( for downwind that is ) it gave me more control. We were travelling over the ground very fast and our peak SOG of the back of a wave was 12 knots. We made the outer walls of Cherbourg harbour in 2 and a half hours from Braye!!!

What a contrast in Cherbourg - flat calm and we could move about the boat without hanging on grimly the whole time!

We had moules frites for lunch and spent money in the supermarket buying cheap wine. A super pizza for dinner in town, and having looked at the forecasts, we decided to cross channel the next day. Good move as the really bad wet horrid weather came in the day after!

Had an uneventful and pleasant crossing back in a steady W4 - so nice and easy after all the efforts of the previous days. Only downer was the kicker fitting shattered coming into Portsmouth - more jobs!

We still had a day extra of holiday, and on the Wednesday, we just pottered and did jobs and treated ourselves out to a nice Thai meal in the evening. By which time the weather was wet windy and dreadful, but we were in the car by then!

Legend Owners Rally Bembridge 09 - 10 October 2010

Malcolm and Mave joined us on Selene for the trip to Bembridge, as with the expected sea state and wind strength, they preferred to travel with us rather than in Snowchick. They were in fact attending a Westerly Owners Rally which was happening at the same time as our Legend Owners Rally! So we flew both burgees!

It was a biggish Easterly 4-5 occ 6 and the sea did heap up, so it was a wise choice on their part.

We had hazy sunshine and enjoyed lunch in the cockpit.

Our Legend owners dinner was at the Sailing Club and the Westerlies went to the Brading Haven. It was a good night and we met and spoke to Marcus and Jennifer and had a great evening.

Next day was lovely and sunny, and the wind still fresh. Went for a walk after breakfast and sailed back in a brisk E 4-5 in glorious sunshine - great! Really enjoyed having Malcolm and Mave on board again.

Day trip to Cowes 17 October 2010

Richard, Helen and Julia came down Saturday evening, after I had spent the day doing jobs on Selene - like fitting the new depth guage and chatting to our new Haslar buddies - the Scallywags - well Mike anyway cos he was doing jobs too!

We invited Martin and Shan from Avalon around for Gin and Tonics, and then after they left for a Beneteau Owners do, I cooked up supper for us all.

Next day, we had a lovely gentle sail over to Cowes Yacht Haven in nice sunny weather - Fab. We were booked in for lunch at the Island Sailing Club, which was really delicious and had a sunny motor back in hardly any wind - superb day out, and good company.

RSYC Rally to Royal Corinthian Cowes with Neil and Jane 23-24 October 2010

We all met up on Selene on Saturday morning, and set off into a brisk W 5-6. We were soon sailing and enjoying a good beat. Then the sky got very dark about 2.5 miles off Cowes and we were hit by a line squall. We had full sails up and were hit with gusts of up to 35 knots. I hove too, and rode it out for a bit and in a lull, dropped the sails to avoid damage, It soon passed and as we were so close to Cowes and it was on the nose, we motored in. South Today's weather man described it as a mini hurricane on Sunday evening!

Anyway it all settled down and we came into a sunny Yacht Haven. Adam and Alan took our lines, and we settled into some champagne and lunch. A leisurely afternoon followed, with time for a swift cat-nap and then togs on and up to the Royal Corinthian for a really great evening. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We were mixed in with the Royal Corinthian people - we already knew John and Shirley, and got to know William and Amanda better too.

We were invited for a nightcap aboard by John and Shirley which rounded off a splendid evening.

Sunday was a nice Northerly F3-4 and so was a superb reach back under sail. The wind died just round Gillkicker and we came back into Haslar in lovely weather and had brunch. Good to see Neil and Jane again.

Weekend in Lymington with Richard and Helen 13-14 November 2010

We all met up on Selene on Friday night and had a drinks party with Martin and Shan from Avalon. Then I cooked RIchard, Helen, and Julia supper. Saturday morning, we set off bright and early motoring to Lymington arriving in time to do the market. Had beers in the Kings Head and watched the rugby in the pub by the station, then ate at the Kings Head in the evening.

Sunday, we set off in horrid drizzle, and no wind. Then off Gurnard, the breeze piped up and we had a cracking sail back to Haslar.

Day trip to Cowes with Andy and Tracey and Richard and Helen 20 November 2010

Had a cracking beat over to Cowes and then after a few beers in the Anchor, had a fabulous lunch at the Island Sailing Club.

Again, had a fab sail back into Haslar - good day out.

Went to Cowes with the Legends for New Year celebrations 31 December 2010

New years eve in the Thai restaurant followed by a pontoon party - great stuff. Sunday lunch at the Island Sailing Club with the Skoolies and the Scallies.