The engine started first time and although I hadn't thought I'd be able to get out the opportunity was too good to miss. The sun was bright and the sky blue, about 9 degrees so wrapped up warm off I set.
I think the lock keeper was having a snooze - he seemed surprised to be called on the VHF. Out in the harbour it was a quite brisk south westerly blowing up with the tide so it was a motor down to Itchenor, but it would top up the batteries and warm up the boat nicely.
I had lunch on the Visitors pontoon at Itchenor, practising some manoeuvres planned for a little video project we might be doing.
After lunch I carried on down to the entrance to the Bosham channel - it seemed very strange all those empty mooring buoys. You need to keep your eyes peeled - it's a lot easier to see the 30' - 40' boats that are usually moored in ranks.
Turning for home I unfurled the jib and roared up the harbour with wind and tide - so much so I carried straight on to Dell Quay - beautiful in the sunshine. In the whole day I only saw one other boat moving - the harbour was empty.
All too soon I was back in the marina - tied up and setting off for home just as the sun disappeared and the gloom started to gather. A great day - and the whole of the year ahead..........
