SELENE - CAPTAINS LOG

January 2012 –

Capricorn Rally in Cowes 14/15 January 2012

I arranged another Capricorn Rally for those with Capricorn birthdays again and we got a good turn out this year: My birthday is on the 19th and on board with us were Malcolm and Mavis Harman - Malcolm being the Capricorn. Then in Kotka, Richard & Helen Stoneman - Richard being the Capricorn. Also in Opus J were Richard and Helen Harden Helen having a Capricorn birthday, and Ear to Eternity with Peter and Wendy Whatley - Wendy the Capricorn representative.

We berthed in Cowes and had drinks in the Anchor as usual. Selene hosted a drinks party, and we all then went an enjoyed a superb dinner at the Island Sailing Club.

Great rally with good company. See the pictures in the photos page.

Area 15 YC Rally to Bembridge 25/26 February 2012

Julia and I always planned to go to Bembridge this weekend - originally with Neil and Jane, but they could not make it, so we suggested it to our fellow commodores in the Area 15 YC ( everyone is a commodore in this club including the dogs and the kids ) and three boats joined us: Goose, Scallywag, and Good Grieff - and the weather turned up too - as in very warm and sunny - but no wind!

We had fantastic sunshine all weekend and on Saturday afternoon, we were sat outside the Vine in T-shirts. I had organised the Brading Haven YC for the evening meal, and they did us proud

Sunday was a lazy morning walking into St. Helens and another motor in the sunshine back to Haslar.

Quiet trip to Lymington 10/11 March 2012

Grey skies and light head winds meant that we motored down to Lymington on Saturday morning. When we arrived and tied up in Berthon, the sun came out and the rest of the day was lovely.

We did the shops and the market, and had a drink in the Kings Head. In the evening, we ate at the Ship on the Quay, which was good with very good service.

Sunday morning the fog cleared in the harbour, but once into the river after the first bend, we could not even see the next pole, so on with the radar and foghorn, and we used electronics to get us up to Gurnard when the fog lifted into hazy sunshine. Julia then cooked bacon butties and we motored sedately back into Haslar on a very big tide. We saw the Scallies and the Skoolies on shore, and got home in time to watch England beat France in Paris.

Cowes with Ed and the Skoolies 26 March 2012

Ed came down Friday afternoon, and when Julia got in, we went for a pizza together, and then spent the evening in Alton and watched Adam's band win the local battle of the bands. We walked back and found the police station cordoned off, so we couldn't get home, but they allowed us through when we said we lived there. They said someone had lobbed a grenade into the ploice station car park!

Saturday, we got to Cowes and were joined by the Skoolies - no wind so motored over. We had drinks at the ISC and then the Royal Corinthian, some shopping and then back to ISC for dinner in the evening.

Sunday we motored home and Ed and I had a few beers in the garden before his train

Cowes for Andy and Jen's engagement 31 March 2012

This was a pre-planned weekend where Andy would propose to Jen by having us and the Skoolies hang a banner saying Marry Me over the wall at Cowes Yacht Haven. They would be on board Bacchus and everyone knew about the secret except Jen!

Julia and I got Selene over early on Saturday to make use of the slack water - again little wind, so motored. We then did some shopping and had lunch. Then the Skoolies arrived and we hung the banner up and awaited the call from Bacchus on board Skoolie with some drinks. Lloyd go tup close and it was arranged that Jen was on the bow with Andy. He proposed on bended knee after she read the banner, and Lewis let off red balloons and we blasted our air horns. Very romantic. See more photos in the photos section.

Great celebrations and champagne and then Saturday evening, we piled into taxis and went to a Danish restaurant in Gurnard ( Andy is Danish ) called the Little Gloster. Great night out. Hungover next day.

Sunday we had to go see my very ill dad in hospital, so we motored home very early after a tight squeeze reversing out of the corner.

Easter break to Weymouth 5 - 10 April 2012

Julia and I left Haslar at 0830 and motor sailed down to Weymouth in very cold conditions. We arrived at 1600 but due to bridge works couldn't get in until 1800. We ate on board and drank at the Yacht club and at the pub opposite.

Friday, we cycled to Portland marina and left the bikes with Paul in the office, and walked up the western coastal path all the way to Portland Bill - glorious sunshine, but cold. We had lunch in the Pulpit inn - wonderful local freshly caught crab, and walked into Southwell and then got the bus back down to the marina, and cycled back to Weymouth marina, where the Scallies had just arrived. We socialised and left them to eat on board, whilst we went to Bella Italia, which was fine.

Saturday morning we shopped and then spent the afternoon with the Scallies and the kids and grandkids. We walked out to the other end of the beach whilst Max went on the fun fair rides, and caught the bus back along the front. The weather forecast for Monday suggested going on Sunday back to the Solent, so we all de-camped to Portland marina ( because of the bridge lift not being early enough the next day ) There we did a joint meal, where we prepared a pot of Cassoulet, and took it on board Scallywag for the joint meal after trying the bar there - Rock the Boat

Sunday we headed off at 0630 and again had to motor sail. Had some fun when we discovered another Selene right behind us, and Scally caught us up at Hurst. We then all dived into Berthon and headed for the Kings Head (as you do)

Richard and Helen arrived in the afternoon in their new Moody High Spirits and I had arranged their berth next to us. We ate with the Scally crew in the Mayflower and Richard and Helen joined us later

The Scallies cleared off on the Monday, but as it was so foul, wet and windy, we abandoned plans to go to Yarmouth, so Spirit and Selene went to the Kings Head instead. Followed by dinner at Stanwell House. They were staying out for the rest of the week, but next morning we headed for home on the east going tide. Finally got a cracking downwind sail all the way back F5-F6 SW - great!

HRH Prince Michael of Kent at Gins 21 April 2012

Julia and I left Haslar into a nasty head wind and a solent chop. It was not great. At one point we had a 40knot squall come through which slowed us down to less than three knots and we had a close encounter with a large ship going into Southampton as a result. Arrived at Gins with a big audience and a tight spot to ferry-glide into. Passed that test, and tied up alongside Aquarius.

Friday evening, Aquarius invited us aboard for pre-dinner drinks, then all six boats on the pontoon had dinner together in the clubhouse and there were further drinks with Peter Whatley afterwards. Great evening.

Next morning, we all dressed our boats overall, and put on our smart clothes for the arrival of HRH who was coming to officially open the new pontoon extension, and the plaque to all those who contributed to the costs ( including us of course ) - we are politely referred to as The Plankers as we all bought a plank, and you can see our names on the plaque. ( See photos section for bigger pic ) HRH duly arrived and unveiled the plaque and there were various speeches, and then there was a reception, during which we were on the list to be introduced and we enjoyed our few moments chatting with him.

We then all went down to the pontoon and HRH came and took a look and had drinks aboard Alana 3. When he left by launch, we all had more drinks aboard Alana. That evening, there were fewer for dinner, but we enjoyed eating with Martin and Shan and James and Pam - another great evening.

Sunday morning there was a nice breeze and we were looking forward to a nice sail back, but on hoisting the mainsail, the gooseneck started to come free of its rivets, and broke off. Probably as a result of some of the heavy gybes we had on the Weymouth trip. So now as well as waiting for a new marine toilet to arrive ( the old one packed up and we are using a chemical one temporarily ) we now have to get the rig fixed as well - ouch.

Lunch in Cowes 19 May 2012

Needed to do a short trip to check out the new gooseneck rivets, and the boat in general ahead of the holiday to France the following weekend. So we popped over to Cowes, which was very busy, and moored outside at Shepards and had lunch at the Royal Corinthian - managed to sit outside, but it was not warm. Food not up to the usual standard. No wind, but we did pop the main up and down. Evening, we went to the Wheelhouse BBQ.

Cherbourg and St Vaast 27 May- 4 Jun 2012

Andy Moran and I set off from Haslar in glorious sunshine, and motored to Yarmouth arriving about 1730. We had a meal and a few beers in the Kings Head, and a reasonably early night.

We headed out shortly after 0400 round to the Needles and off to Cherbourg. Light SSW on the nose, so motored and felt cold, until about 5 miles off Cherbourg when we got T-shirt and shorts weather. As we had little to do, we managed to severly reduce the available beer count. Moules frites and some wine rounded off the day.

Tuesday was very hot and sunny, and after cleaning the boat and checking out the ferry terminal for later, we had a long lunch and then I saw Andy off on the ferry, and came back via Carrefour to get more beers. The afternoon was then extremely hot and I sat out in the cockpit, expecting a quiet time. Then Bob and Jackie from Arabesque arrived and we had a couple of glasses of pink. Later I cooked myself a nice meal, and after speaking to Julia back in blighty, went for a walk around the town and noted some places for lunch next day.

Wednesday, Julia arrived at lunchtime, and sadly she brought the rain with her ferry. The good weather never returned. We had lunch - Galettes indoors - and later went out for a meal. Thursday, Julia and I did Carrefour and had lunch and then Neil and Jane arrived and we set off as quickly as we could for St Vaast to take the West going tide and ended up having a nice sunny sail around the corner at Barfleur. Best sail of the holiday. We ate on board, and I produced Magret de Canard washed down with some medoc.

Friday, it was grey but not too wet, so we did Tatihou - the island, and discovered that the weekend was actually a festival in St Vaast, so that gave the weekend some added zing. We ate at La Chasse Mairee in the evening - very good as usual, although Neil was not so happy unfortunately. Next day, we did the market, and Fuschias in the evening.

Sunday we dressed Selene overall for the Jubilee, and we helped prepare the salads for the annual Rex pontoon Sunday lunch, which was a great success.

Monday looked the best day for coming back weatherwise, even though the first few hours were motoring into a bit of a sea, but by afternoon we motored around Ventor in nice sunshine. By delaying our departure, we were able to take the favourable tide north for a change.

Got in just before Midnight somewhat tired. Tuesday, we had a lazy morning, and packed up before lunch at Hardys. The day was nearly spoiled by the lights having been left on my Toyota when Julia came down early to catch the ferry, but the RAC turned up swiftly, and started the car with their jump box. But after testing, they sold and fitted us a new battery - since the old one had died.

Sort of summer cruise 2 Jul- 17 Jul 2012

Weather crap, so did a last minute to Ibiza for the sun a week. Great! Worked 2 days, then pottered about a wet and miserable Solent. Set off for the Hamble, and the autohelm packed up saying no compass so that was a pain. Got into Port Hamble, and had dinner at the Bugle which was great as ever. Next morning, I stripped it all out and spoke to Raymarine on the phone. Ended up in a taxi with the course computer for them to check, and the diagnostic had been right - unusually, the fluxgatae compass was bust. Bought a new one, installed it, and it worked. That day we also went across to Warsash, and joined a Rex Wednesday cruise which we enjoyed and had lunch in Warsash SC. Rex also dropped us back, which was nice.

On Thursday, we went to Yarmouth and tucked in there for a few days. John and Judith Murray were also there in Callisto of Wem, and Keith and Audrey Fisher in First Dawn Treader. John invited us for drinks on board in the early evening which was great. Friday we took the bus to the chair lift, and then walked to Tenysons monument and just made it into the Red Lion in Freshwater for lunch where we met Beverlee and LJ and her red setter. Beverlee then gave us a lift back into Yarmouth, and showed us her rented house, which was lovely. We then came back to host a drinks party on Selene, and then ate in Saltys and danced on the tables as usual.

Saturday, we saw the Olympic Torch from just outside the Kings Head, and we had a drinks party on board for LJ, Beverlee and the landlady of the Kings Head, Michelle. In true RSYC fashion, we then were invited to a drinks pary on First Dawn Treader.

Sunday, wenet over to Gins for lunch, which was very good, and then on into East Cowes. Next day we had planned to go onto the Sealift and then come home, but it blew F8 all day, and we ended up staying. We walked into Cowes and ate at the new Tapas called Brawns which was exceptional. Not wanting to waste another day of holiday on the poor weather, we got up at 4am and flew back into Haslar in a much easier to handle F6 and were both at work by 0900 ! Will try again for the Channel Isles in September!

Jolly with Oli - Sunday 29 Jul 2012

Our weekend plans were cancelled by my Dad being rushed into Hospital on Friday evening. We were due on the sealift first thing and then to sail up to Ocean Village to meet Richard and Helen for our Wedding anniversary. We went on the sealift and then back to the hospital. Later that day, we drove to Southampton and still had dinnner at the Tapas with Richard and Helen, which was great.

Hamble with Aly and Graham - 11/12 Aug 2012

Big easterly blowing 5-7 and the start of Cowes week! We motored out of Portsmouth and then switched off the engine and broad reached right into Osborne Bay just missing the first Cowes fleet, then gybed and reached up past Bramble Bank and into the Hamble - just avoiding the second fleet. Great exciting sail.

Had lunch on board and then Aly and Graham went off for a walk, and we went to the King and Queen. We had noticed Ghostly Goose on the Royal Southern pontoons on our way in and gave them a call. They were not coming out until later, but the Scallies had by now also arrived and they soon appeared with Nelson and Josie, and a wondeful afternoon was spent in the sunshine.

Sunday, we headed out early and motored back against wind and tide to get in ahead of bad weather and the racing, plus we all had places to go. Had brunch on arrival in Haslar and then packed up. Great fun weekend.

Bembridge with Neil and Jane - 18/19 Aug 2012

Nice SW breeze ( F4 ) to let us sail over to Bembridge and the weather just got hotter and sunnier. Hottest weekend for years. We had lunch on board, and went to St. Helens in the afternoon - stopped at the Vine.

In the evening we went to Baywatch on the Beach and had a great meal. Sunday was hot and sunny again. We had full English and then took the water taxi over to Bembridge. Walked around the village, and then along to Brading Haven YC for a couple of drinks. Got the water taxi back and then motored back to Haslar in glorious sunshine. We reversed into our berth to get more sun-bathing.

  As ever, a great weekend with Neil and Jane.

Whitecliff Bay for lunch with Area 15 Sun 26 Aug 2012

  Our trip to Poole was abandoned due to gales on the Saturday, so we did jobs at home, and came down to the boat Saturday evening, and on Sunday we joined the Area 15 YC for a picnic / BBQ on the beach at Whitecliff Bay. It was a nice warm and sunny day but with a great F4-5 SW, so we were able to sail both ways. Fabulous reach both ways!

Gins for lunch with Malcolm and Mave Mon 27 Aug 2012

  We rang Malcolm and Mave on the way back from Whitecliff Bay to see if they wanted to join us, and despite the short notice, they were free and we had a great lunch at Gins. The wind had gone round to the South and was still F4-5 so again a brilliant reach both ways - touching 6 on the way back. We just got back into Haslar ahead of the forecast bad weather, so it was a great day out.

Boys trip to Cowes Sat 1 Sep 2012

  Under the guise of giving Andy Moran's nephew some sailing experience, Andy, nephew Cam and my son Oli all gathered for a day trip to Cowes. Nice weather but no wind in the morning, so motored over and squeezed into the Yacht Haven. Lunch at the Island Sailing club, and a great sail back. I cooked magret de Canard with roast spuds back in Haslar. Great day out. Lots of beer consumed.

Late summer cruise to Jersey Sep 8 - 23, 2012

Julia and I left work early on Friday afternoon. The hot sunshine of the past few days continued, and we threw the stuff on the boat, and Julia unpacked as I motored us off to Yarmouth. No wind, so lovely sunny motor down, unfortunately the wind was on the nose, so did not feel warm.

Straight into the Kings Head and met up with Beverlee and LJ, and also met Gareth. Said Hi to landlady Michelle also. Back on board and I cooked. Early night.

Up at 4:45, but waited until light as it was there was mist and fog. It was light enough at 0600, and as I motored out to the Needles, I was treated to a glorious sunrise.

Let Julia sleep in until 0830, and then made tea. We then ran into some real fog for a while, and on went the radar! It did not last long and soon cleared so I was then able to make the bacon butties!

Uneventful crossing, as we motored all the way. What little there was, again came from ahead, so we never got the warmth from the sunshine. Into Alderney at 1900, and there were only three buoys left. We took the outer one, and the others were soon taken, with the latecomers going over to the beach. We stayed on board and ate tuna pasta, and turned in early.

No fog the next day, and a little breeze but again on the nose. Out just before first light into the race and zoomed down to Jersey. Neaps, so not as fast as we have done, but still a good speed. Around Sark, the wind piped up and came round a little, and had a cracking sail for about 30 minutes before it died and there was no wind and a horrible slop as we went around the West coast and along the south coast of Jersey before getting into St. Helier about 1230 – 7 hours.

Sunbathed and then went into town. Had a drink in Royal Square, and booked La Taverne. La Taverne was OK, but they messed up my order and charged too much for the wine.

Monday morning, it was raining, and we were fed up about that, but it soon cleared and became a sunny warm day. We went into town in jeans, and wished we had been in shorts. We decided to take the good weather, so bought supplies in M&S and spent the rest of the day on board. Grazing lunch, sunbathing, and in the evening I cooked Rib-Eye and chips and mushrooms.

Tuesday, was cloudier but stayed dry with sunny intervals. Cycled out to Gorey for lunch at Sumas, which was, as ever, fantastic. Had booked a balcony table and the weather played ball.

Cycled back into a bit of a breeze. Booked a car for the next day, and as we were Both knackered, we stayed in, and had whatever was on board for tea – sausage rolls and so forth.

Wednesday, the weather was wet and miserable with some sunny spells, so a car was a good ides. We picked up our Smart car, which was fun to drive, once we got used to its peculiarities! Went to Pallots steam and motor museum, which we loved ( had been there in 2009 ) and then on to the Jersey war Tunnels. Bought a ticket, but it was too crowded, so left it for later, and headed to the Yacht Club for a superb lunch of lobster. Back on the tourist trail, and went to La Hougue Bie, museum, and then back to the war tunnels, when it was much quieter. It was well worth the visit.

Then we went to a windmill and had a drink overlooking the sea, and then around the north east coast scenic route into Gorey for dinner at Danny’s – which was excellent.

Thursday, was brighter, and was the day of the annual Jersey Air show. Turned out the flight path was perfect for viewing from our  cockpit! We went shopping in the morning, and the day got sunnier and hotter. Saw the first fly past of a B52 bomber in the cockpit, followed by a display team. Then walked down along the front through the big crowds and saw the view around the bay. Back on board, where I cooked scallops, and then watched the display from the cockpit. Red arrows were amazing. Never been that close to them.

Had a snooze, and then to the Little Thai restaurant, which was recommended by Paul at Sumas. It was fantastic. Run by Mark, (waitress Sarah )  for future reference.

Friday, we had booked to go to Sark on the fast tourist boat, and the weather was drizzle. It had been wet and windy the night before, and the sea looked a bit ominous. The ferry was late in, and there was a long delay in the turnaround. It transpired that they had been forced to go slowly because of the sea state, and the delay was clearing up the mess from sick passengers!

The ferry set off, and I immediately thought we were on the St. Malo ferry as it headed South ( as I have done in the past ) and then I realised they were going the long way around the Island to avoid the rough seas at Corbiere. So we went the long way and had to slow down many times – it was very rough indeed, and many of the passengers were unwell.

We were unaffected by sea-sickness, but our day trip was being severely constrained, as we arrived nearly two hours late, and so arriving at 12:30 when your departure was at 1600 did not leave much time on Sark!

We set off and saw the causeway called La Coupee, and had lunch at Stocks Hotel, After lunch we met a couple from the ferry, Tara and Neil and had a drink with them, and then high tailed it back to the ferry. Good day out in all though.  Ate on board.

Saturday, the weather was sunny again, and we cycled out to Samares Manor, had the tour of the house and admired the lovely gardens. Had lunch on board, and enjoyed the weather  in the cockpit, and then a bit of shopping. Dinner was at the Quayside overlooking the harbour.

Sunday we cycled to the Yacht Club, went out to the fort, and had a lovely lunch. Ate on board.

Monday, we were up and away and went to Alderney, Horrid weather to start and Corbiere was a bit rough, but got into Alderney, went ashore and had dinner at the Braye Beach Hotel.

Tuesday we battled the Alderney Race ( very big spring tide ) over to Cherbourg, where we topped up with fuel and berthed and zoomed into town for lunch at La Calle – moules frites of course. A whizz into Carrefour for wine, and then I cooked on board.

Wednesday, we did boat jobs and went for a drink at the boucanier bar where we waited for Oliver and Matt. Their ferry was on time, but no taxis, so they walked into town. Weather was warm and sunny out of the breeze. By the time they arrived and had a beer it was late for lunch at the places we had in mind, so we went to Le Commerce, which was fine. Did some provisioning at Carrefour and then out for dinner at Pantagruel – yum !

Thursday at 0500, we left in the dark out of Cherbourg, and had a calm motor sail into Ocean Village ( for the boat show ) some 15 hours later – arriving in the dark. The last strecth from Hamble was quite hard with all the background lights.

We cooked on board, and later received Lloyd Wheelhouse, Andy Thomas and Chris for drinks which went on into the night !

Friday, we headed off to the boat show, and had a great day out. Decided we really want a Nauticat, and so after visiting some finance people, we confirmed our interest to the Nauticat man, and have decided to sell Selene. We came back and freshened up and went for dinner at Las Equinas, the Tapas. Great night out.

Saturday, the weather was glorious all day and Julia and I went shopping, whilst the boys lazed around on board. Got a phone call from some people the Nauticat man knew who insisted on seeing the boat in the afternoon, so we cleaned up a bit and showed them around !! ( They liked it but they prefer the Catalina they were already interested in ) On the way back from the shops, we had seen Aly and Graham going to the show, and they came around to say Hi as well. We then went for drinks at the Yacht club, and I cooked on board.

Sunday was wet and miserable, and after half an hour of sailing, we motored into Haslar with the rain belting down and an F6 on the nose – Yuk. Julia did breakfast, and then the boys left and we came home.

Total mileage on the trip 317 nautical miles.

RSYC Rally to Lymington Oct 6 - 7, 2012

A late HW meant a lazy Saturday morning. The weather was nice, but little or no wind, so we ended up motor-sailing and then motoring down to the Yacht Haven at Lymington. We then said a few hello-s and had a drink in the bar in the sunshine there. Drinks were on Rex's boat, and we all went to the Royal Lymington for dinner. Great evening, followed by drinks initially on Angela and John's motorboat and then aboard Selene, as everyone wanted to watch Strictly, which we had recorded! Great night. Sunday again had nice weather, not too early a start and no wind, so motored back to Haslar, and then saw my Dad on his 87th birthday

Area 15 Halloween bash at Island Harbour Oct 27 - 28, 2012

Went down Friday evening, and we cooked for the Scallies who had a bad time with their boat, as it would not start, so they came by road.

Saturday, it was blowing a good F6, gusting 7, but from the North, so we popped the jib out and flew towards Cowes on a fast broad reach. It was a bit rough, especially as we approached Cowes. We rolled in the jib a bit for a while, and then motored the last half mile into the Medina. Just missed free flow at Island Harbour by minutes, so had to lock in ! Settled in with the gang, ( Goose, Peyto and Bacchus ) and walked up to the Folly for a lunchtime drink. Had a sleep, and then after helping gather wood and setting up, I cooked the Selene dish. We all then rocked up and shared each boat's dishes, and we let off our fireworks. Back to Bacchus for the rest of the evening.

Sunday, we motored up to West Cowes, and after drinks in the Anchor, we were joined by the Scallies, and the Grieffs for a massive lunch at the Island Sailing Club. It was fab. We brought Rob Taubman back with us - motored sailed back as the wind was very light.

RSYC Rally to Newtown River with Bacchus as our guests Nov 10 - 11, 2012

Took the earlier tide and rafted alongside Bacchus in Newtown River. The weather turned nice, and we took the kids for a walk and ended up at the Horse and Groom Ningwood which is along the main road a bit from the New Inn at Shalfleet.

Then back to the boats. We were waylaid by Allan and Gillian and had tea and wine aboard Tiwster of Mersea. Then we set off in the Bacchus dinghy to Shalfleet, and had a great meal. Only Gillian and Allan came back for drinks aboard Bacchus which was a shame, but we still enjoyed ourselves all the same.

Area 15 Xmas Party Rally to Ocean Village Dec 15 - 16, 2012

Sunshine and showers and a westerly F5-6 with some 30 knot gusts allowed us to sail all the way up to Ocean Village, and it was an exhilarating sail with a single reef, feathering in the gusts. We were overtaken by Bacchus motoring past us. It was a bit tight for us getting into the RSYC pool with a 50 foot motor boat taking up a lot of space. We had a drink in the bar and then a snooze. Drinks were on Bacchus and then a huge gang of us descended on the Tapas in Oxford Road. Great night out.

Sunday morning, was calm and pleasant weather, so we motored back ahead of the next band of rain. We saw my mum and dad on the way back and had a pint in the 8 Bells. Great weekend.