The annual autumn dinner took place at Chichester Yacht Club and was attended by over 50 people.
A special presentation took place to Roger and Anita Whiffen, with a speech made by Stewart Brown, where they were presented with a photo album put together from friends pictures, covering the many years of their association with sailing their Drascombe Coaster "Little Dipper".
Douglas Hopwood was presented with the Hans Vandermissen Trophy recognising his contribution to Drascombes and sailing achievements (which you read about by clicking on this link)
Adrian Kneller was awarded the "Don't follow me...I'll follow you" award in recognition of his unplanned visit to Christchurch, well nearly....
and we had a sample of the season ahead with plans for rallies at Chichester over the two May Bank Holidays as well as the August Bank Holiday.
Cornish Shrimper - Daislebee
Monday 10 November 2014
Review of the season
What a great summer !!!
Lots of sailing and far too much beer consumed.
Stats:-
30 nights aboard
445 miles covered.
Not as many nights/miles as some previous seasons but considering I am working full time now, as well as running a small business I am very pleased to have found the time to get so much time on the boat.
High points
Visiting the top of the Yar was lovely as was the peace and quiet of Studland Bay after a particularly rough crossing
Memorable moments (not necessarily for those directly involved)
The Bostonova method of launching
Lots of sailing and far too much beer consumed.
Stats:-
30 nights aboard
445 miles covered.
Not as many nights/miles as some previous seasons but considering I am working full time now, as well as running a small business I am very pleased to have found the time to get so much time on the boat.
High points
Visiting the top of the Yar was lovely as was the peace and quiet of Studland Bay after a particularly rough crossing
Memorable moments (not necessarily for those directly involved)
The Bostonova method of launching
Adrian's L plate moment - or otherwise titled - ' Quick visit to Christchurch'
Adrian and John's unique method of emptying a pub at closing time
and many more ......
here's to next season - planning under way as we speak.
Sunday 5 October 2014
Cardinal marks - East and West
I came across this advice on another blog and I'm sure 'Salty John' won't mind me sharing it here.
"Cardinal buoys are, as many of you will know, yellow and black and have two cones on the top which help to identify them as North, South, East or West marks. The two cones point up on the North marker and down on the South marker – very logical.
On the West marker the top cone points down and the bottom cone point
s up. On the East marker the top cone points up and the bottom cone points down. There’s no apparent logic to this so they are more difficult to remember and various mnemonics have been suggested: Because the West top mark looks like a bobbin you’re supposed to think ‘wind wool’, west. Eh?
s up. On the East marker the top cone points up and the bottom cone points down. There’s no apparent logic to this so they are more difficult to remember and various mnemonics have been suggested: Because the West top mark looks like a bobbin you’re supposed to think ‘wind wool’, west. Eh?
I prefer to think of the West top mark as the shape of a woman as outlined by the hands of a wolf-whistling admirer – waist equals west. Simple.You may use that with my compliments."
Reproduced with thanks to http://www.saltyjohntheblog.com/
Saturday 4 October 2014
September Solent Cruise 8th - 13th
After a late finish at work I scampered out of London and down to Chichester , arriving about 02.00 am!!
Monday 8th
Soon asleep I set the alarm for 07.00 and was up bright and early enjoying lovely weather as I headed down the harbour. Most of the fleet was departing Ashlett on the late morning tide, with others setting out, or waiting at strategic locations around the Solent.
The easterly wind and a strong westerly spring tide carried me along to Cowes at a brisk rate and I could see and hear the Ashlett fleet as they came out past Calshot. Adrian was in Shepards Wharf, Cowes and was soon joined by Stewart B towing in Martha who had had an outboard failure which Tony decided to get fixed straight away rather that spoil the rest of the week. So it was a reduced fleet of Hippo, Siesta, Blue Peter, Salicorne, Skua and Virginia as well as Daislebee that rafted up in Newtown Creek that evening. The sunset was superb.
Skua and I separated from the raft after dinner and pick up a buoy for the night.
Tuesday 9th
Another lovely day and we needed to be out of Newtown by about 09.30 to get the best of the tide. I had enough time to meander slowly up Clamerkin to the very far end, seeing all the wild life up and about in the early sun. Jim followed me and we then ghosted back down towards the entrance in a freshening breeze. The engine had to come on at the entrance as there seemed to be about 4 knots of tide that I needed to overcome. Out in open water I has a comfortable sail in the sun across the coach the others in the Beaulieu river.
As many of you will know there is a long east west run from the entrance, parallel with the main Solent - looking carefully at tide times and tables I managed to cut across the shingle bank and had fun with Adrian trying to out do each other as we made our way up the river, past Buckler's Hard and up to the head of the river at Beaulieu.
After lunch we made our way down river with the flood beginning to run. We decided to pick up buoys and anchor (forgetting the rules within Beaulieu). No sooner had we sorted lines and fenders out than the harbour master was alongside moving us on. The beauty of the river is outweighed by the rates they charge, even in the small area where anchoring is permitted, which is back down on the straight run towards the entrance. We spent a pleasant night with a short period of uncomfortable motion as the tide reached it's height.
Monday 8th
Soon asleep I set the alarm for 07.00 and was up bright and early enjoying lovely weather as I headed down the harbour. Most of the fleet was departing Ashlett on the late morning tide, with others setting out, or waiting at strategic locations around the Solent.
The easterly wind and a strong westerly spring tide carried me along to Cowes at a brisk rate and I could see and hear the Ashlett fleet as they came out past Calshot. Adrian was in Shepards Wharf, Cowes and was soon joined by Stewart B towing in Martha who had had an outboard failure which Tony decided to get fixed straight away rather that spoil the rest of the week. So it was a reduced fleet of Hippo, Siesta, Blue Peter, Salicorne, Skua and Virginia as well as Daislebee that rafted up in Newtown Creek that evening. The sunset was superb.
 |
| Newtown Creek in the evening sunset |
Tuesday 9th
Another lovely day and we needed to be out of Newtown by about 09.30 to get the best of the tide. I had enough time to meander slowly up Clamerkin to the very far end, seeing all the wild life up and about in the early sun. Jim followed me and we then ghosted back down towards the entrance in a freshening breeze. The engine had to come on at the entrance as there seemed to be about 4 knots of tide that I needed to overcome. Out in open water I has a comfortable sail in the sun across the coach the others in the Beaulieu river.
As many of you will know there is a long east west run from the entrance, parallel with the main Solent - looking carefully at tide times and tables I managed to cut across the shingle bank and had fun with Adrian trying to out do each other as we made our way up the river, past Buckler's Hard and up to the head of the river at Beaulieu.
 |
| Hippo heading up to Beaulieu |
Wednesday 10th
The morning dawned bright and sunny but in spite of entreaties Terry decided to leave us and head back to Ashlett to haul out. The rest of us headed over to Yarmouth.
Peter and I walked up the hill behind Fort Victoria and had a great view of Keyhaven and the Narrows. The tide was rushing out and three or four yachts were stood still battling the current.
That evening we spit into two groups - five of us opting for the 'On the Rocks' as and end of year treat with the others dining across the road in a pub. Adrian had been enjoying drinks on Richard's boat earlier and was the source of amusement as a result - although he was banned from having any red wine.
The hilarity continued when we adjourned to the Kings Head, where the resident guitarist was very 'appreciative' of Adrian's offer to accompany him on the piano. He packed up shortly after ( planned apparently...) and left Adrian to empty the pub alone.... but could we left him do it by himself...oh no...John B fetched his banjo ukulele and together they ensured that when time was called it was only the Drascombers, bar staff and the goldfish left in the pub....
Peter and I walked up the hill behind Fort Victoria and had a great view of Keyhaven and the Narrows. The tide was rushing out and three or four yachts were stood still battling the current.
That evening we spit into two groups - five of us opting for the 'On the Rocks' as and end of year treat with the others dining across the road in a pub. Adrian had been enjoying drinks on Richard's boat earlier and was the source of amusement as a result - although he was banned from having any red wine.
The hilarity continued when we adjourned to the Kings Head, where the resident guitarist was very 'appreciative' of Adrian's offer to accompany him on the piano. He packed up shortly after ( planned apparently...) and left Adrian to empty the pub alone.... but could we left him do it by himself...oh no...John B fetched his banjo ukulele and together they ensured that when time was called it was only the Drascombers, bar staff and the goldfish left in the pub....
Thursday 11th
We arranged with the harbour staff for the bridge to open at 11.00 and we passed through and drifted on the tide up to the top of the year. We spent lunch up there and then drifted down for a afternoon bridge which allowed us out in the Solent to sail for Keyhaven.
Leaving Yarmouth we encountered a fierce tide which resulted in the 'L plate' story. We all got swept down to the west but managed to counter the current by pointing high and using our engines. Adrian, on the other hand, remained blissfully unaware until I phoned him. He almost reached the cardinal marker and had to hug the northern bank to creep in over the tide.
We all made it into Keyhaven but I managed to get caught on the hard standing sill as the tide ran out. It was the lowest tide I have ever seen there but it was useful to see the lie of the land.
Friday 12th
We sailed for Cowes and with the strong tides and a fair wind it was a great sail, especially as it was probably my last visit to the western Solent this year. The tide turned just as I got to Cowes entrance which caught out some of those behind me who had to battle to make ground over it. We tied up in Shepards Wharf and ate in the pub. Adrian's boat was duly decorated with 'L plates' fore and aft in recognition of the brief visit to Christchurch he so nearly had......
Saturday 13th
In order to get the right tide into Chichester Adrian, Richard and I left the fleet early . I sailed over to the 'northern island' to get a closer view of the tall ship sailing into Southampton for the Boat Show.
We arranged with the harbour staff for the bridge to open at 11.00 and we passed through and drifted on the tide up to the top of the year. We spent lunch up there and then drifted down for a afternoon bridge which allowed us out in the Solent to sail for Keyhaven.
 |
| The Yar bridge |
Leaving Yarmouth we encountered a fierce tide which resulted in the 'L plate' story. We all got swept down to the west but managed to counter the current by pointing high and using our engines. Adrian, on the other hand, remained blissfully unaware until I phoned him. He almost reached the cardinal marker and had to hug the northern bank to creep in over the tide.
We all made it into Keyhaven but I managed to get caught on the hard standing sill as the tide ran out. It was the lowest tide I have ever seen there but it was useful to see the lie of the land.
Friday 12th
We sailed for Cowes and with the strong tides and a fair wind it was a great sail, especially as it was probably my last visit to the western Solent this year. The tide turned just as I got to Cowes entrance which caught out some of those behind me who had to battle to make ground over it. We tied up in Shepards Wharf and ate in the pub. Adrian's boat was duly decorated with 'L plates' fore and aft in recognition of the brief visit to Christchurch he so nearly had......
Saturday 13th
In order to get the right tide into Chichester Adrian, Richard and I left the fleet early . I sailed over to the 'northern island' to get a closer view of the tall ship sailing into Southampton for the Boat Show.
The wind pushed me along to Chichester where I continued to the marina to tie up. I hope to get out again this year but this may be the last trip of the season.
Wednesday 27 August 2014
Ezetil Cool box - update
As the season starts to draw to a close I thought it timely to update you on how the cool box has performed
Well, in short , very well. The handle and lid do come off quite easily and you need to be carefully of this. Initially I thought this was a fault but it does make it much easier to clean out and dry so I am beginning to think this is intended.
It has made me a little of a slave to shore power. When this is not an option although it runs very satisfactorily on the batteries, I do tend to only have it on when the engine is running.
That being said I am, for the first time, using all the milk before it goes off and the butter stays firm instead of melting into a pool.
It takes up no more room that a conventional box and I would judge it to be a resounding success allowing me to stay out longer and not to have to go shopping ever other day or so.
Well, in short , very well. The handle and lid do come off quite easily and you need to be carefully of this. Initially I thought this was a fault but it does make it much easier to clean out and dry so I am beginning to think this is intended.
It has made me a little of a slave to shore power. When this is not an option although it runs very satisfactorily on the batteries, I do tend to only have it on when the engine is running.
That being said I am, for the first time, using all the milk before it goes off and the butter stays firm instead of melting into a pool.
It takes up no more room that a conventional box and I would judge it to be a resounding success allowing me to stay out longer and not to have to go shopping ever other day or so.
Monday 25 August 2014
August cruise and Bank Holiday rally
Starting to panic that the season is drawing to a close - I don't know why, it's only August but it seems to have changed to a quite autumnal feel.
Monday 18th August
With that in mind I grabbed a few days and set off to the boat on Monday with my younger son, Adam, as crew. It will mean moving things about a bit as I am so used to being alone but once we get sorted it will be ok.
We stopped at Tesco for provisions and it was immediately apparent that having a crew more than doubles the food bill.......
We got to the boat by about midday and set about putting things away properly to ensure there was enough space for us in the cabin, and set off down the Itchenor Reach in bright warm sun but with the wind on the nose so motored.
Adam had been burning the candle at both ends so fell asleep below and only surfaced when we were tied up to a buoy in Mengeham Rithe where we had arranged to meet Richard and Adrian.
A few drops of rain started and looking at the clouds I decided to put the clear plastic tarpaulin up that has served as a 'tent' for some time - crude but effective. No sooner was it up than the heavens opened and the calm sunny conditions were turned into a maelstrom of wind, rain and waves. I sat in the cockpit and hoped that Richard who had rung earlier wouldn't chose this moment to arrive..... you might have guessed..... fortunately as he came alongside the weather calmed down and we managed to secure him without getting soaked.
Supper was had and Adrian arrived to complete the fleet, ready for departure the next morning.
Tuesday 19th August
Bright and sunny Adam and I set off by about 09.00 leaving the other two to sort themselves out. We passed the Chichester Bar Beacon and tried a 'selfie' with it in the background - not flattering so I won't post it here so just one of Adam
The wind was good but wouldn't let us point to Bembridge, our destination, so we kept as close hauled as we could and headed out to sea eventually tacking into White Cliff Bay
As you can see in the centre right of the photo there is a large monument above the bay called the Yarborough monument. It was built in 1849 in memory of Charles Pelham, Earl of Yarborough,who was the first Commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron. Apparently the monument was moved to its current position in 1860 to make way for the building of the Bembridge Fort.
A note for sailors - not a great anchorage - the holding is good but the beach is noisy when populated as it was in August and the wash of ships far out in the channel seems to roll inon a regualr basis making it quite uncomfortable - it is very sheltered for the wind when there is any west in it
We left there after lunch, judging that with the neap tides we'd be able to get into Bembridge about three hours before HW - and so it proved to be. We r/vd with Richard and Adrian who drawing less had got in sometime before us.
Wednesday 20th August
Adam had to leave to get to a music festival so we departed Bembridge by about 10.00, arranging to meet Richard and Adrian in Langston Harbour that afternoon.
We had a great sail across to Portsmouth in sunny and warm conditions. I has re read the pilot book as we needed to drop him somewhere on the Portsmouth side to catch his train. As a result I was monitoring Ch11 and listening to the busy harbour traffic - following the pilot instructions, having used the small boat channel as usual, we headed north to the Ballast buoy - there we called up and were granted permission to corss the main channel, where I intended to look at landing possibilities in Camber Dock, and area I had visited many years before.
As we crossed I could see lots of space on the pontoons of Gunwharf Quays and so I called up to see if we could 'touch and go' , "Certainly Sir, anywhere you can see some room. There will be a £5.00 landing fee...." We went to Camber.....
Camber dock is the home to the White Link ferries and the space between the ferry and the wall is quite narrow but it opens out into a small harbour with fishing boats and leisure craft and a dry stack boat storage.. We got chased in by another ferry arriving that made it interesting but once round the corner I dropped Adam on a barge so he could scramble a ladder to the quay.
As I came out on Camber I noticed a man doing some maintenance on Spinnaker Tower..... rather him than me.
I mooched around the harbour, stopped in Gosport Marina and shopped in Gosport before setting out of Langston Harbour.
I went through the inside Submarine barrier gap and found that Richard and Adrian were tied up waiting to get into Southsea marina.I caught up with them and just about had time for a beer before the sill came down and we could get into the marina.
We had a good curry in the restaurant based there before retiring for the night.
Thursday 21st August
Our original plan was to explore the upper reaches of Langston, but with the threat of deteriorating weather we decided to sail for Chichester and left Southsea at about 11.30. The wind was south westerly and pushed us along very nicely. Richard and Adrian elected for Mengeham whilst I carried on to the Emsworth pontoon for a late lunch.
Shortly after I tied up a 27 Albin Vega arrived on the pontoon - Lizzie-G, skippered by Denis Gorman. He was on the final days of a 3 month adventure down to Falmouth and across to France, Channel Islands etc..
I thought the boat and its name were familiar and it turned out they had been featured in one of the sailing magazines when he took part in the 2013 Jester Challenge. He's currently writing a book of his experiences and what got him into sailing.
I left Denis, intending to join the others but looking at the weather and tides decided to head straight up to the marina where I arrived at about 19.30.
Tony Wood was there together with Andy, who had brought his Coaster all the way from Lancaster, - we adjourned to the pub.
Friday 22nd August
The next day Andy went out early and Tony was persuaded to come for a sail in the beautiful sun. We headed up to Dell Quay before returning to help as the boats arrived for the rally itself.
Most launches went quite smoothly with the exception of one - I won't mention names to save red faces but the manoeuvre could be called the 'Bosonover method of launching'. Too many ropes undone too soon....
After laughing fit to bust we gathered around to help a colleague in distress.....
Dinner was taken at Chichester Yacht Club as usual and seemed to be enjoyed by all.
Saturday 23rd August
For the first time ever the skippers and crews were gathered together for the briefing before the appointed hour, although there was much discussion as to briefing at 10, ready to go actually meant briefing at 09,30 go at 10.00...not that it mattered and perhaps the glorious sunshine had everyone eager to get out and about.
The plan which was well executed was to depart the marina on 'free flow' and head up the channel to Dell Quay where Richard Wood would be lurking with a camera.
The wind was superb in the upper reaches and the fleet was soon cavorting about until to hooter sounded and we all turned to run up to the quay.
The wind became fluky as we turned to head down the Itchenor Reach so I decided to furl the sails and motor ... a unusually wise choice for me..... once down the far end into clear water the sails came out again and I had a good sail down towards the East head lunch stop.
En route Jeff Lander called up, already down at the Head and suggested Pilsey Island as a more suitable location as Easy head was very busy and quite rough, so we diverted and the members of the fleet that hadn't stopped for lunch already or turned back already, gathered at anchor for a very pleasant lunch break.
It was there we heard news of Stewart's misfortune...in the gusting fluky wind he had put his engine on tick over as a precaution...in one strong gust he had gone to release the main sheet only to find himself moving rapidly forward into the side of a moored yacht, punching out and breaking the window and breaking his not unsubstantial bowsprit in the process. The main sheet had caught the engine controls, engaging forward gear with some revs and he hadn't been able to correct in time.... still no one was hurt and all is repairable except perhaps pride.
The BBQ was held in the lee of some bushes by the slip way with everything form the the Pound shop special through to a gourmet gas barbecue that Jamie Oliver would have been proud of. The sun smiled on us and as it set, with full stomachs we made our way round the the yacht club to enjoy the Real Ale festival and some jazz, not necessarily in that order.
Sunday 24th August
I needed to earn some brownie points so was up bright and early squaring the boat away and packing the car before departing for home at about 8.30 - I understand the rest had a great day, visiting Dell Quay Sailing club for tea and cake and enjoying a sail in the harbour. I gather most packed and departed that afternoon evening as Monday was a wash out were ever you were.
A great week and a great rally
To be continued..... I hope to be able to add some more photos in so do come back and visit.
Monday 18th August
With that in mind I grabbed a few days and set off to the boat on Monday with my younger son, Adam, as crew. It will mean moving things about a bit as I am so used to being alone but once we get sorted it will be ok.
We stopped at Tesco for provisions and it was immediately apparent that having a crew more than doubles the food bill.......
We got to the boat by about midday and set about putting things away properly to ensure there was enough space for us in the cabin, and set off down the Itchenor Reach in bright warm sun but with the wind on the nose so motored.
Adam had been burning the candle at both ends so fell asleep below and only surfaced when we were tied up to a buoy in Mengeham Rithe where we had arranged to meet Richard and Adrian.
A few drops of rain started and looking at the clouds I decided to put the clear plastic tarpaulin up that has served as a 'tent' for some time - crude but effective. No sooner was it up than the heavens opened and the calm sunny conditions were turned into a maelstrom of wind, rain and waves. I sat in the cockpit and hoped that Richard who had rung earlier wouldn't chose this moment to arrive..... you might have guessed..... fortunately as he came alongside the weather calmed down and we managed to secure him without getting soaked.
Supper was had and Adrian arrived to complete the fleet, ready for departure the next morning.
Tuesday 19th August
Bright and sunny Adam and I set off by about 09.00 leaving the other two to sort themselves out. We passed the Chichester Bar Beacon and tried a 'selfie' with it in the background - not flattering so I won't post it here so just one of Adam
 |
| Crew... |
The wind was good but wouldn't let us point to Bembridge, our destination, so we kept as close hauled as we could and headed out to sea eventually tacking into White Cliff Bay
 |
| Mengeham Rithe - south and west to White Cliff Bay IOW |
 |
| White Cliff Bay with Yarborough monument |
A note for sailors - not a great anchorage - the holding is good but the beach is noisy when populated as it was in August and the wash of ships far out in the channel seems to roll inon a regualr basis making it quite uncomfortable - it is very sheltered for the wind when there is any west in it
We left there after lunch, judging that with the neap tides we'd be able to get into Bembridge about three hours before HW - and so it proved to be. We r/vd with Richard and Adrian who drawing less had got in sometime before us.
 |
| Bembridge Harbour from the marina walkway |
Wednesday 20th August
Adam had to leave to get to a music festival so we departed Bembridge by about 10.00, arranging to meet Richard and Adrian in Langston Harbour that afternoon.
We had a great sail across to Portsmouth in sunny and warm conditions. I has re read the pilot book as we needed to drop him somewhere on the Portsmouth side to catch his train. As a result I was monitoring Ch11 and listening to the busy harbour traffic - following the pilot instructions, having used the small boat channel as usual, we headed north to the Ballast buoy - there we called up and were granted permission to corss the main channel, where I intended to look at landing possibilities in Camber Dock, and area I had visited many years before.
As we crossed I could see lots of space on the pontoons of Gunwharf Quays and so I called up to see if we could 'touch and go' , "Certainly Sir, anywhere you can see some room. There will be a £5.00 landing fee...." We went to Camber.....
 |
| North approach into Portsmouth and across into Camber dock |
Camber dock is the home to the White Link ferries and the space between the ferry and the wall is quite narrow but it opens out into a small harbour with fishing boats and leisure craft and a dry stack boat storage.. We got chased in by another ferry arriving that made it interesting but once round the corner I dropped Adam on a barge so he could scramble a ladder to the quay.
 |
| Landing crew |
 |
| Spinnaker Tower - above Gunwharf Quays |
I mooched around the harbour, stopped in Gosport Marina and shopped in Gosport before setting out of Langston Harbour.
 |
| Portsmouth to Langston |
I went through the inside Submarine barrier gap and found that Richard and Adrian were tied up waiting to get into Southsea marina.I caught up with them and just about had time for a beer before the sill came down and we could get into the marina.
We had a good curry in the restaurant based there before retiring for the night.
Thursday 21st August
Our original plan was to explore the upper reaches of Langston, but with the threat of deteriorating weather we decided to sail for Chichester and left Southsea at about 11.30. The wind was south westerly and pushed us along very nicely. Richard and Adrian elected for Mengeham whilst I carried on to the Emsworth pontoon for a late lunch.
Shortly after I tied up a 27 Albin Vega arrived on the pontoon - Lizzie-G, skippered by Denis Gorman. He was on the final days of a 3 month adventure down to Falmouth and across to France, Channel Islands etc..
I thought the boat and its name were familiar and it turned out they had been featured in one of the sailing magazines when he took part in the 2013 Jester Challenge. He's currently writing a book of his experiences and what got him into sailing.
I left Denis, intending to join the others but looking at the weather and tides decided to head straight up to the marina where I arrived at about 19.30.
Tony Wood was there together with Andy, who had brought his Coaster all the way from Lancaster, - we adjourned to the pub.
Friday 22nd August
The next day Andy went out early and Tony was persuaded to come for a sail in the beautiful sun. We headed up to Dell Quay before returning to help as the boats arrived for the rally itself.
 |
| Dell Quay - Chichester harbour |
Most launches went quite smoothly with the exception of one - I won't mention names to save red faces but the manoeuvre could be called the 'Bosonover method of launching'. Too many ropes undone too soon....
 |
| Waiting for the tide...... |
 |
| Heave ho..... |
Saturday 23rd August
For the first time ever the skippers and crews were gathered together for the briefing before the appointed hour, although there was much discussion as to briefing at 10, ready to go actually meant briefing at 09,30 go at 10.00...not that it mattered and perhaps the glorious sunshine had everyone eager to get out and about.
The plan which was well executed was to depart the marina on 'free flow' and head up the channel to Dell Quay where Richard Wood would be lurking with a camera.
The wind was superb in the upper reaches and the fleet was soon cavorting about until to hooter sounded and we all turned to run up to the quay.
 |
| Fleet from the back |
 |
| Bundy Bear |
 |
| Felicity |
 |
| Martha |
En route Jeff Lander called up, already down at the Head and suggested Pilsey Island as a more suitable location as Easy head was very busy and quite rough, so we diverted and the members of the fleet that hadn't stopped for lunch already or turned back already, gathered at anchor for a very pleasant lunch break.
It was there we heard news of Stewart's misfortune...in the gusting fluky wind he had put his engine on tick over as a precaution...in one strong gust he had gone to release the main sheet only to find himself moving rapidly forward into the side of a moored yacht, punching out and breaking the window and breaking his not unsubstantial bowsprit in the process. The main sheet had caught the engine controls, engaging forward gear with some revs and he hadn't been able to correct in time.... still no one was hurt and all is repairable except perhaps pride.
The BBQ was held in the lee of some bushes by the slip way with everything form the the Pound shop special through to a gourmet gas barbecue that Jamie Oliver would have been proud of. The sun smiled on us and as it set, with full stomachs we made our way round the the yacht club to enjoy the Real Ale festival and some jazz, not necessarily in that order.
Sunday 24th August
I needed to earn some brownie points so was up bright and early squaring the boat away and packing the car before departing for home at about 8.30 - I understand the rest had a great day, visiting Dell Quay Sailing club for tea and cake and enjoying a sail in the harbour. I gather most packed and departed that afternoon evening as Monday was a wash out were ever you were.
A great week and a great rally
To be continued..... I hope to be able to add some more photos in so do come back and visit.
Saturday 2 August 2014
Bembridge jaunt
I had Thursday and Friday off work so thought I'd have a little last minute solo trip. I had planned to come down straight after work on the Wednesday to get a head start but not getting away until 22.00 or so put paid to that.
As it was with the tide times etc I got down mid morning on the Thursday and headed down the harbour to get out by about 13.00.
Passing East Head I came across Richard Goldsmith in Egret who had just come back form Bembridge and told me that Adrian Kneller ( Torridon) was still over there.
A quick phone call and Adrian cancelled his plans to return and stayed in Bembridge, securing two berths for us that night.
Once out of the harbour it was soon apparent, even with a reef that I couldn't make much head way under sail, pointing alternately towards the submarine barrier or the Nab Tower, in uncomfortable seas so it was engine on, sails down and plug across to the island.
Bembridge was a calm tranquil place after the trip across and was made even better when I managed to secure a table at the Beachcomber restaurant (as recommended in the Telegraph) on the front.
The hilarity of the evening was topped when there was a loud ping and crash as Adrian's knife bounced off what he was trying to cut and shot across the restaurant narrowly missing other diners. We decided that the 'thermidor' in crab thermidor meant something like 'served in shell' ...not a good thing to try and cut through
...........
The next day dawned bright and sunny after a few clouds had been chased away by a fresh south westerly and we set off as soon as there was sufficient water in the harbour .. or so I thought...we found that inside the pontoons at Duver marina is very shallow close to and had to scrape over the mud to get to deep water within the harbour.
Just outside Bembridge the weather was calm and I shook out the reef that remained from yesterday, but perhaps I should have left it in...out of the lee of the island we got the full benefit of the F4 rising 5 and covered the 12 - 14 miles to Chichester in less that 2 hours.
As it was with the tide times etc I got down mid morning on the Thursday and headed down the harbour to get out by about 13.00.
Passing East Head I came across Richard Goldsmith in Egret who had just come back form Bembridge and told me that Adrian Kneller ( Torridon) was still over there.
A quick phone call and Adrian cancelled his plans to return and stayed in Bembridge, securing two berths for us that night.
Once out of the harbour it was soon apparent, even with a reef that I couldn't make much head way under sail, pointing alternately towards the submarine barrier or the Nab Tower, in uncomfortable seas so it was engine on, sails down and plug across to the island.
Bembridge was a calm tranquil place after the trip across and was made even better when I managed to secure a table at the Beachcomber restaurant (as recommended in the Telegraph) on the front.
The hilarity of the evening was topped when there was a loud ping and crash as Adrian's knife bounced off what he was trying to cut and shot across the restaurant narrowly missing other diners. We decided that the 'thermidor' in crab thermidor meant something like 'served in shell' ...not a good thing to try and cut through
...........
The next day dawned bright and sunny after a few clouds had been chased away by a fresh south westerly and we set off as soon as there was sufficient water in the harbour .. or so I thought...we found that inside the pontoons at Duver marina is very shallow close to and had to scrape over the mud to get to deep water within the harbour.
 |
| Following Torridon out of Bembridge |
A brief stop in the lee of Pilsey Island for lunch and I left Adrian to a quiet afternoon as I headed for the marina and home.
Red Letter Day
I thought I'd misheard...
"Are you sat down... I thought we'd got to the boat on Saturday"
This was my wife on the phone to me at work. I've had the boat 4 years or so and she has been on her twice so this was amazing - volunteering...needless to say I agreed.
We set of early together with the dog (Suki) and a picnic, leaving two boys fast asleep and totally unaware.
I got the boat ready whilst the dog had a run and promptly handed the tiller to my wife to take Daislebee out of her berth and down the marina into the lock. No dramas in the lock, helmed as though she had done it many times before.
She maintained the helm as we picked up a buoy in the Itchenor Reach for breakfast - very posh, croissants and coffee, before we set off for East Head. Suki was no trouble at all. gazing generally from her as they say in Ireland, or dozing in the sun.
East Head was quite crowded as you'd expect on a sunny weekend but we dropped the anchor and inflated the dinghy to get ashore. As usual , once ashore we realised we'd left important things aboard so I rowed out, nearly boarding the wrong boat - another blue Shrimper had come in and anchored just behind us.......
Once properly ashore, we walked along the beach only to encounter a certain Richard Goldsmith, on his Coaster Egret, who was assisting a West Wittering sailing club event. Introductions made we continued round to the main Wittering beach for an ice cream but soon escaped from the madding crowds, walking back along the western beach, looking across to Hayling Island.
I rowed out again for lunch, followed by a snooze on the beach..at least for some...what is it about spaniels..they never stop and will run and fetch a ball all day long....
We returned to the boat for a very civilised cup of tea with only one moment of drama...Suki had played with the ball all day and when we boarded Daislebee I carefully placed the ball in a cockpit pocket without her seeing. She in a moment of panic, thinking we were going to leave her ball in the dinghy, leaps from the boat to the dinghy to fetch it, just as I let the dinghy go on a long painter.The tide was running and she is not a fully competent sea dog by any means so before she could jump again I pulled the dinghy back alongside and she scrambled back in to the boat.....
Tea and cake were had in a leisurely fashion, but not without more mooring dramas in the anchorage. A 25 - 30 ft yacht raised anchor and got caught by the tide and swept down onto Cape Cutter with the yacht going one side of the Cutter bowsprit and her dinghy going the other. The Cutter dragged on her anchor and the tangle of boats were swept down towards a group of yachts that were rafted together. With much shouting and pushing they fended off and the miscreant fetch up against a large yacht further down the anchorage. The owner of the Cutter arrived from the beach at speed in a little Rib and set to untangling the mess.
We departed, with Caroline at the helm again, and headed back up the harbour and into the marina. We ended up eating at the new Cafe at the marina - pleasant but very slow - quite a few upset customers - some who seemed to have been waiting over an hour, only to be told that the kitchen had run out of what they had ordered. A shame as the venue is ideal and the staff bright and helpful - I hope they get it together.
We eventually got home by about 11.00 feeling like two teenagers who had run away for the day....
"Are you sat down... I thought we'd got to the boat on Saturday"
This was my wife on the phone to me at work. I've had the boat 4 years or so and she has been on her twice so this was amazing - volunteering...needless to say I agreed.
We set of early together with the dog (Suki) and a picnic, leaving two boys fast asleep and totally unaware.
I got the boat ready whilst the dog had a run and promptly handed the tiller to my wife to take Daislebee out of her berth and down the marina into the lock. No dramas in the lock, helmed as though she had done it many times before.
She maintained the helm as we picked up a buoy in the Itchenor Reach for breakfast - very posh, croissants and coffee, before we set off for East Head. Suki was no trouble at all. gazing generally from her as they say in Ireland, or dozing in the sun.
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| Breakfast being prepared |
 |
| Suki enjoying the cruise |
East Head was quite crowded as you'd expect on a sunny weekend but we dropped the anchor and inflated the dinghy to get ashore. As usual , once ashore we realised we'd left important things aboard so I rowed out, nearly boarding the wrong boat - another blue Shrimper had come in and anchored just behind us.......
Once properly ashore, we walked along the beach only to encounter a certain Richard Goldsmith, on his Coaster Egret, who was assisting a West Wittering sailing club event. Introductions made we continued round to the main Wittering beach for an ice cream but soon escaped from the madding crowds, walking back along the western beach, looking across to Hayling Island.
I rowed out again for lunch, followed by a snooze on the beach..at least for some...what is it about spaniels..they never stop and will run and fetch a ball all day long....
 |
| "Come on throw the ball" |
We returned to the boat for a very civilised cup of tea with only one moment of drama...Suki had played with the ball all day and when we boarded Daislebee I carefully placed the ball in a cockpit pocket without her seeing. She in a moment of panic, thinking we were going to leave her ball in the dinghy, leaps from the boat to the dinghy to fetch it, just as I let the dinghy go on a long painter.The tide was running and she is not a fully competent sea dog by any means so before she could jump again I pulled the dinghy back alongside and she scrambled back in to the boat.....
Tea and cake were had in a leisurely fashion, but not without more mooring dramas in the anchorage. A 25 - 30 ft yacht raised anchor and got caught by the tide and swept down onto Cape Cutter with the yacht going one side of the Cutter bowsprit and her dinghy going the other. The Cutter dragged on her anchor and the tangle of boats were swept down towards a group of yachts that were rafted together. With much shouting and pushing they fended off and the miscreant fetch up against a large yacht further down the anchorage. The owner of the Cutter arrived from the beach at speed in a little Rib and set to untangling the mess.
We departed, with Caroline at the helm again, and headed back up the harbour and into the marina. We ended up eating at the new Cafe at the marina - pleasant but very slow - quite a few upset customers - some who seemed to have been waiting over an hour, only to be told that the kitchen had run out of what they had ordered. A shame as the venue is ideal and the staff bright and helpful - I hope they get it together.
We eventually got home by about 11.00 feeling like two teenagers who had run away for the day....
Sunday 27 July 2014
Poole and the feeder cruise 5th - 18th July
Yes back again on the boat after a visit to Durham to see Chris graduate with his law degree - next steps who knows.....
Saturday 5th
I got down to the boat in leisurely style and spent the afternoon fixing and attaching bits that I'd planned during the last cruise. For example I was fed up with the VHF radio mic coiling itself back, just out of reach, inside the boat. It was almost as if it knew I'd need one hand on the tiller whilst trying to locate the mic to call the marina, harbour master or whoever. So a secondary clip fixing is now in place where the mic remains handy at all times.
Another example of ingenuity that I blatantly copied from Stewart's boat was a loop of thin bungy lashed to the shroud, with a medium sized button lashed in a similar manner below it - just far enough apart to fix the Drascombe flags in place - saves a lot of issues with thin flag halyards being mistaken for a shroud when being helped by some enthusiastic person on the pontoon, with the accompanying twang as they realise it isn't a robust stainless steel wire.....
I helped a couple get their boat, a McGregor 26, onto the trailer at the slip and joined them later for drinks at the new cafe at the marina - Toby and his wife proved good company and having intended staying for a quick drink, several rounds followed on.
I also met Mandy, who together with Ben, are the new 'Marina Hosts' - things are looking up.
Sunday 6th
I stayed in the marina over night and was woke to find Peter Tiplady rigging his boat. I left him to it as I needed to catch the tide and beach the boat - a scrub and anode change were on the cards.
I beached at East Head on the last hour and a half of tide and soon had the water line and adjacent area clean and scrubbed. The prop had some barnacle growth which was easily removed with a sharp blade. I had bought a new anode at Force 4 the day before but the old one was looking remarkably good so I left it unchanged - no harm done the anode was almost half price for a limited period.
I sat on the beach watching the world go by and had one of those moments where there is no need for a crystal ball - you could see what was going to happen an age before it actually did. A small Rib with Mum, Dad, two 10 - 12 year old children and a large dog landed on the beach - Dad leaps out and goes to pull the Rib further up the beach so the rest could get out dry shod. Terse instructions sent the woman towards the stern to 'lighten the load' - you've guessed it - before she could sit down near the transom the man pulled the boat sharply forward and she tumbled gracefully head over heels over the back into 3 - 4 feet of water. She took it remarkably well, considering her hand bag, containing her phone, purse, car keys - no doubt electronic, and other items, can obviously hold about a gallon of water, judging from what she tipped out.
It didn't seem fair to laugh out loud ... so I simply cried until it hurt.
Peter came swooping through the anchorage and once I floated I joined him in Mengham Rithe. Our original plan had been to make for Ryde and join Nick Payne, but the wind and tide put paid to that but after a little rain there was a lovely sunset
Monday 7th
We set off bright and early for Ryde - about 06.00 - but it was lovely and the breeze filled in to give us a sail across before motoring into Ryde Harbour at about lunch time.
I took a leaf out of Dylan Winter's book and at low water we walked out across Ryde Sands with a hand held GPS to pinpoint the edge of the channel and in particular the turning point for the channel from the main Solent. Very useful.
Tuesday 8th
Another early start but a good sail as the breeze filled in and we headed of Cowes.
The journey up the river to Newport,had some interesting sights. The old Hampshire Police boat 'Earl Mountbatten' was tied up, stripped of her livery and looking quite sorry for herself.
A large floating crane and a coaster also came down as we passed.
The rain came down as we reached Newport and we took shelter in the Wetherspoons I had visited the week before.
There was no music at the Bargeman's Rest that night, but we had a couple of pints before retiring to bed.
Wednesday 9th
We set off from Newport on the tide and made the best of the westerly flow to sail down to Newport -with wind and tide we set a cracking pace - nearly 10 knots over the ground.......
Thursday 11th
The next day Peter and I sailed to Yarmouth for provisions and to make the most of the good wind and tide . We walked up the east side of the Yar to the Red Lion at Freshwater and enjoyed a good lunch before wandering back along the west side, waiting for the tide to takes us back the Newtown.
The fleet began to grow whilst we rafted in Newtown - we were joined by Marcus Niner (Salicorne) and later by Andy Peter (Blue Peter) ready for the journey the next day.
Friday 12th
The mini fleet set sail the next morning in glorious sunshine and the five boats made their way across the Solent where we managed to sail most of the way until we reached Calshot Castle and motored the last couple of miles to the entrance to Ashlett Creek dodging the racing fleets heading west down the Solent.
There the rest of the crowd were waiting for us and the preparations for the Ashlett regatta began with the 20 or so Drascombes dressing overall
We ate in the Mill that night and retired quite early to save ourselves for the next day.....
Saturday 12th
Another sunny day dawned and the beer started flowing adjust after breakfast (never invite Marines to a party...) There was a day of canoes, sailing and even an umbrella race but the party really got going in the evening with a BBQ and three bands playing - The Drascombe band, the Ashlett band and then a very good semi professional band who played with out break for over two hours - the crowd got behind them and many sights were seen on the dance floor - no photos to save blushes.
One surprise was winning second place for Daislebee for her flags, slightly tempered when it was announced I'd won due to my shirt and boxer shorts drying in the rigging when the judges had been doing their rounds.
Sunday 13th
A later breakfast the next day but enough time to get ship shape before most of the fleet set sail for Keyhaven. Terry had sorted his rigging and set off with us - getting the sails up and getting Skua going pretty well.
The wind was strong enough to have a single reef and all was going well as the fleet progressed down the towards Hurst ....until the wind got up and with tide against produced a lumpy short sea, typical of the Solent. One of the boats stowed sails but was having engine trouble so I turned back to see if I could assist only to find I had misheard or misinterpreted his position and lost a couple of miles in doing so. He headed for Newtown and I heard on the radio that Terry and several others were doing the same to wait for the tide to change.
I plugged on with two reefs and joined a reduced fleet arriving at Keyhaven. Douglas has taken John in tow and brought him in shortly afterwards. We fixed his engine that seem to be a combination of a low fuel tank and dirt which we managed to forced through and get the engine running evenly. Terry had followed but had managed to go aground on the falling tide and was sat on the mud at the lower end of the Keyhaven creek. (There he remained until the following morning when John and Steve ushered him back to Ashlett.)
A very pleasant BBQ at Barry and Paulines's finished the days activities and we wandered back to the creek tired but happy.
Monday 14th
Check, check and check again ..after a quiet morning during which we presented Tony with a cake to mark his 60th birthday we set off to Hurst to go through at slack water and head to Poole......well half the fleet turned back due to the rough water and the other half regretted not doing so for most of the next 4 hours......
I ended up with double reef and having a very exhilarating sail, but not in the direction I wanted...so I gave up about half way over and motored. I had gone out 5 or 6 miles to try and get the angle but as the wind rose it also swung round to head me (I'd have been better staying inshore). I did see another Shrimper out with me No 752 and I managed to get some pictures of him which I'm glad to say I was ablke to send to the owner when I got back.
I headed for Studland Bay which was a sheltered position to wait for the flood into Poole. Sheltered...it was like a different world, calm and peaceful and I was soon joined by most of the others, bar a couple who had gone into the harbour against the tide but came out to join us on the raft. We opened a couple of bottles of fizz to celebrate both Tony's day and the successful crossing......
Marcus and I adjourned to the pub for a very pleasant meal, rigging up both anchors on Salicorne to enable us to pull her in to get back to the raft later.
Tuesday 15th
We all headed into Poole for the day and played around the islands before rafting in Shipstal for lunch where we decided to use Studland as a jumping off point for the journey back the next day. We were joined by Jim Hopwood, who had come across by himself from the Solent and together we used the ebb to leave the harbour in the early evening. So after 10 - 15 years of Stewart planning to spend a night of the Poole Rally out at Studland, this year we managed two.... in fact all the nights of the Poole rally.
Wednesday 16th
The sail back could not have been more different - the wind slowly filled in and we had a great sail back to Hurst. I took the Needles passage and coursed through the narrows with wind and tide.
Most of the fleet elected to carry onto Newtown for the afternoon and night but Peter, Tony and I dropped into Yarmouth, intending to join them later. However having watched a club rescue boat being swept onto the pier in the ripping tide we decided to have supper in Yarmouth and take the tide east and, with the schedule and weather forecast, carry onto Cowes. It was a shame not to join the others but would make for a much easier day tomorrow.
We set off at about 19.30 ish and had a good sail until the wind dropped away just past Gurnard and the engines came on. I don't know what was going on in the Solent but Yarmouth was almost full when we left and Cowes was similarly busy when we arrived in the twilight before dark.
Thursday 17th
I left Peter and Tony, who were going up to Newport, at about 06.00, heading out into a glassy Solent where I had breakfast anchored off Osbourne House.
The wind got up and with the tide under me the sail to Chichester was great. I anchored off East Head and watched the anchoring antics for entertainment. It's amazing how many boats come in and drop their anchor while still moving, some times and some speed, forward. The result usually means the anchor hasn't set or is one case it set some distance behind where the boat eventually rounded up and as he drifted back he placed himself directly over my anchor. When I point this out he couldn't see the problem until I pointed out that my bowsprit would hit his stern if I decided to up anchor and go. He scowled at me and was last seen heading out of the anchorage towards Hayling Island - a blue ensign flapping in the breeze from his stern ............
I has snooze but was woken up by a 40' yacht using me as a fender - apparently the bowman had let the windlass out in reverse dumping chain into the water rather that pulling in to retrieve the anchor.....
I decided enough was enough and set sail for the marina.
Friday 18th
A quiet day, tidied the boat and sorted a few things out before heading for home and the family. A great cruise, ;learning a lot about the boat and me - already planning more adventures for next year hopefully with some left to come in 2014.
Saturday 5th
I got down to the boat in leisurely style and spent the afternoon fixing and attaching bits that I'd planned during the last cruise. For example I was fed up with the VHF radio mic coiling itself back, just out of reach, inside the boat. It was almost as if it knew I'd need one hand on the tiller whilst trying to locate the mic to call the marina, harbour master or whoever. So a secondary clip fixing is now in place where the mic remains handy at all times.
Another example of ingenuity that I blatantly copied from Stewart's boat was a loop of thin bungy lashed to the shroud, with a medium sized button lashed in a similar manner below it - just far enough apart to fix the Drascombe flags in place - saves a lot of issues with thin flag halyards being mistaken for a shroud when being helped by some enthusiastic person on the pontoon, with the accompanying twang as they realise it isn't a robust stainless steel wire.....
I helped a couple get their boat, a McGregor 26, onto the trailer at the slip and joined them later for drinks at the new cafe at the marina - Toby and his wife proved good company and having intended staying for a quick drink, several rounds followed on.
I also met Mandy, who together with Ben, are the new 'Marina Hosts' - things are looking up.
Sunday 6th
I stayed in the marina over night and was woke to find Peter Tiplady rigging his boat. I left him to it as I needed to catch the tide and beach the boat - a scrub and anode change were on the cards.
I beached at East Head on the last hour and a half of tide and soon had the water line and adjacent area clean and scrubbed. The prop had some barnacle growth which was easily removed with a sharp blade. I had bought a new anode at Force 4 the day before but the old one was looking remarkably good so I left it unchanged - no harm done the anode was almost half price for a limited period.
I sat on the beach watching the world go by and had one of those moments where there is no need for a crystal ball - you could see what was going to happen an age before it actually did. A small Rib with Mum, Dad, two 10 - 12 year old children and a large dog landed on the beach - Dad leaps out and goes to pull the Rib further up the beach so the rest could get out dry shod. Terse instructions sent the woman towards the stern to 'lighten the load' - you've guessed it - before she could sit down near the transom the man pulled the boat sharply forward and she tumbled gracefully head over heels over the back into 3 - 4 feet of water. She took it remarkably well, considering her hand bag, containing her phone, purse, car keys - no doubt electronic, and other items, can obviously hold about a gallon of water, judging from what she tipped out.
It didn't seem fair to laugh out loud ... so I simply cried until it hurt.
Peter came swooping through the anchorage and once I floated I joined him in Mengham Rithe. Our original plan had been to make for Ryde and join Nick Payne, but the wind and tide put paid to that but after a little rain there was a lovely sunset
 |
| Rainbow over the harbour |
 |
| Sunset in Mengham |
Monday 7th
We set off bright and early for Ryde - about 06.00 - but it was lovely and the breeze filled in to give us a sail across before motoring into Ryde Harbour at about lunch time.
 |
| Peter, tending Siesta, in Ryde Harbour |
I took a leaf out of Dylan Winter's book and at low water we walked out across Ryde Sands with a hand held GPS to pinpoint the edge of the channel and in particular the turning point for the channel from the main Solent. Very useful.
Tuesday 8th
Another early start but a good sail as the breeze filled in and we headed of Cowes.
 |
| Dawn across the Solent Forts |
The journey up the river to Newport,had some interesting sights. The old Hampshire Police boat 'Earl Mountbatten' was tied up, stripped of her livery and looking quite sorry for herself.
 |
| Earl Mountbatten |
The rain came down as we reached Newport and we took shelter in the Wetherspoons I had visited the week before.
There was no music at the Bargeman's Rest that night, but we had a couple of pints before retiring to bed.
Wednesday 9th
We set off from Newport on the tide and made the best of the westerly flow to sail down to Newport -with wind and tide we set a cracking pace - nearly 10 knots over the ground.......
 |
| Feeding the gulls in Newtown |
Thursday 11th
The next day Peter and I sailed to Yarmouth for provisions and to make the most of the good wind and tide . We walked up the east side of the Yar to the Red Lion at Freshwater and enjoyed a good lunch before wandering back along the west side, waiting for the tide to takes us back the Newtown.
The fleet began to grow whilst we rafted in Newtown - we were joined by Marcus Niner (Salicorne) and later by Andy Peter (Blue Peter) ready for the journey the next day.
Friday 12th
The mini fleet set sail the next morning in glorious sunshine and the five boats made their way across the Solent where we managed to sail most of the way until we reached Calshot Castle and motored the last couple of miles to the entrance to Ashlett Creek dodging the racing fleets heading west down the Solent.
There the rest of the crowd were waiting for us and the preparations for the Ashlett regatta began with the 20 or so Drascombes dressing overall
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| Daislebee and Skua dressed overall (honorary Drascombe) |
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| The pontoon |
 |
| Pirate who was at one stage wearing a bra??!!!! |
 |
| Ashlett Mill |
We ate in the Mill that night and retired quite early to save ourselves for the next day.....
Saturday 12th
Another sunny day dawned and the beer started flowing adjust after breakfast (never invite Marines to a party...) There was a day of canoes, sailing and even an umbrella race but the party really got going in the evening with a BBQ and three bands playing - The Drascombe band, the Ashlett band and then a very good semi professional band who played with out break for over two hours - the crowd got behind them and many sights were seen on the dance floor - no photos to save blushes.
One surprise was winning second place for Daislebee for her flags, slightly tempered when it was announced I'd won due to my shirt and boxer shorts drying in the rigging when the judges had been doing their rounds.
 |
| My Second place rosette |
Sunday 13th
A later breakfast the next day but enough time to get ship shape before most of the fleet set sail for Keyhaven. Terry had sorted his rigging and set off with us - getting the sails up and getting Skua going pretty well.
 |
| Skua under sail |
The wind was strong enough to have a single reef and all was going well as the fleet progressed down the towards Hurst ....until the wind got up and with tide against produced a lumpy short sea, typical of the Solent. One of the boats stowed sails but was having engine trouble so I turned back to see if I could assist only to find I had misheard or misinterpreted his position and lost a couple of miles in doing so. He headed for Newtown and I heard on the radio that Terry and several others were doing the same to wait for the tide to change.
I plugged on with two reefs and joined a reduced fleet arriving at Keyhaven. Douglas has taken John in tow and brought him in shortly afterwards. We fixed his engine that seem to be a combination of a low fuel tank and dirt which we managed to forced through and get the engine running evenly. Terry had followed but had managed to go aground on the falling tide and was sat on the mud at the lower end of the Keyhaven creek. (There he remained until the following morning when John and Steve ushered him back to Ashlett.)
A very pleasant BBQ at Barry and Paulines's finished the days activities and we wandered back to the creek tired but happy.
Monday 14th
Check, check and check again ..after a quiet morning during which we presented Tony with a cake to mark his 60th birthday we set off to Hurst to go through at slack water and head to Poole......well half the fleet turned back due to the rough water and the other half regretted not doing so for most of the next 4 hours......
I ended up with double reef and having a very exhilarating sail, but not in the direction I wanted...so I gave up about half way over and motored. I had gone out 5 or 6 miles to try and get the angle but as the wind rose it also swung round to head me (I'd have been better staying inshore). I did see another Shrimper out with me No 752 and I managed to get some pictures of him which I'm glad to say I was ablke to send to the owner when I got back.
 |
| No 752 battling the wind |
I headed for Studland Bay which was a sheltered position to wait for the flood into Poole. Sheltered...it was like a different world, calm and peaceful and I was soon joined by most of the others, bar a couple who had gone into the harbour against the tide but came out to join us on the raft. We opened a couple of bottles of fizz to celebrate both Tony's day and the successful crossing......
Marcus and I adjourned to the pub for a very pleasant meal, rigging up both anchors on Salicorne to enable us to pull her in to get back to the raft later.
Tuesday 15th
We all headed into Poole for the day and played around the islands before rafting in Shipstal for lunch where we decided to use Studland as a jumping off point for the journey back the next day. We were joined by Jim Hopwood, who had come across by himself from the Solent and together we used the ebb to leave the harbour in the early evening. So after 10 - 15 years of Stewart planning to spend a night of the Poole Rally out at Studland, this year we managed two.... in fact all the nights of the Poole rally.
Wednesday 16th
The sail back could not have been more different - the wind slowly filled in and we had a great sail back to Hurst. I took the Needles passage and coursed through the narrows with wind and tide.
 |
| Panorama of Old Harry and Studland Bay on right of pic |
 |
| Old Harry rocks |
 |
| Isle of Wight and the Needles lighthouse |
We set off at about 19.30 ish and had a good sail until the wind dropped away just past Gurnard and the engines came on. I don't know what was going on in the Solent but Yarmouth was almost full when we left and Cowes was similarly busy when we arrived in the twilight before dark.
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| Sunset in the Solent looking towards Lymmington |
Thursday 17th
I left Peter and Tony, who were going up to Newport, at about 06.00, heading out into a glassy Solent where I had breakfast anchored off Osbourne House.
 |
| Glassy Solent looking towards Calshot |
The wind got up and with the tide under me the sail to Chichester was great. I anchored off East Head and watched the anchoring antics for entertainment. It's amazing how many boats come in and drop their anchor while still moving, some times and some speed, forward. The result usually means the anchor hasn't set or is one case it set some distance behind where the boat eventually rounded up and as he drifted back he placed himself directly over my anchor. When I point this out he couldn't see the problem until I pointed out that my bowsprit would hit his stern if I decided to up anchor and go. He scowled at me and was last seen heading out of the anchorage towards Hayling Island - a blue ensign flapping in the breeze from his stern ............
I has snooze but was woken up by a 40' yacht using me as a fender - apparently the bowman had let the windlass out in reverse dumping chain into the water rather that pulling in to retrieve the anchor.....
I decided enough was enough and set sail for the marina.
Friday 18th
A quiet day, tidied the boat and sorted a few things out before heading for home and the family. A great cruise, ;learning a lot about the boat and me - already planning more adventures for next year hopefully with some left to come in 2014.
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