We set out on Sunday 11th and left Port Solent at about midday. We motored down the main chanel and out to sea before setting some sail and had a glorious sail down to Yarmouth in the bright and warm conditions.
Monday 12th March
The next morning we were up early to catch the tide through the Needles. Leaving Yarmouth in the dark, in late winter was quite eerie - there is normally someone up and about using the tide to their advantage, but as far as we could see we were the only boat leaving harbour that morning.
The sky lightened and the sun began to rise as we approached the Needles in a flat calm and we passed out of the Needles channel with one other yacht that had appeared from the direction of Lymington.
Our destination was Weymouth so we set a course to come outside of the target buoys off the head and try and sneak the edge of the gunnery range. The fog and mist rolled in to make visibility quite poor but after a period of wind assisted motoring the buoys came up a little closer than intended. The fog didn't confuse the range boat and in the clearing skies he came alongside for a chat and to give us a leaflet about the ranges and the Olympics - we were probably the only yacht he would see all day.
We complied with his request and altered course to head out for a few miles before turning at the waypoint into the bay and Weymouth.
It was a lovely afternoon in the harbour , but once the sun went down the cold was quite noticeable so we adjourned to a local establishment for supper. £18 for a 10 metre yacht at winter prices - this will rise to £18 a metre during the Olympics (£180) for an overnight stay.......
Tuesday 13th March
A foggy and misty morning we took a leaf out of Brad and Bob's book and had breakfast in Wetherspoons - a least 4 people were on the beer at 09.00 in the morning - too early .......
We wandered around the town and put to the point where the ferry quay is being re built - all sailings are currently out of Poole, and looked at the base of the new tower that is being built as a feature of the town. It looked like the second section was going to be raised into position soon but the fog was clearing and we decided to press on instead of waiting around to watch.
We set out on a reciprocal course to the previous day and were moored up in Poole Yacht Haven by late afternoon.
Showered and refreshed we met up with Bard and Bob for a 'quick' drink and at about midnight.... got back to the boat.
Wednesday 14th March
Leisurely start this morning - not such a distance to travel - aiming for Newtown Creek on the IOW.
A misty sail across but the sun cane out to welcome us back into the Solent and we had a good tacking duel with a Beneteau - they weren't to know that the cardinal mark was the finish line so we had beaten them well before they left us for dust....
Thursday 15th March
Set out from Newtown in brightening conditions...
but soon the fog got thick and we headed for the 5m contour and felt our way up to Cowes. The poor visibility distorts time and distance and we arrived at the outer markers for Cowes before we thought we should - which lead to a bit of surprised to hear a loud fog horn quite close and see the ghostly image of a Red Funnel ferry pass across our bows - some distance away thank goodness. So we dived into Cowes and picked up a buoy. It was strange seeing the break water appear, disappear and appear again as the fog swirled around. Several schools yachts poked their noses out, only to return quite quickly.
After a brief run ashore the fog cleared by about 14.00 and we set off for Portsmouth arriving in Haslar by about 17.00. A visit to Gun Wharf Quays was required and we went and saw the sights - of which there were quite a few.....
Friday 16th March
A quiet start and breakfast in Wetherspoons again before setting off up the harbour to put the yacht back on her mooring in Port Solent and hand her back to her owner.
A great week - some good weather and good sailing - roll on summer.
