I managed one more short trip out, sailing in brisk conditions across to the IOW with Sharon, who was going to visit a customer, and spent a comfortable night at Shepard's before returning the next day. It was amusing to see some of the larger boats at the club being lifted out in preparation for winter, as we launched in sunny and bright conditions - there were some envious mutterings.
On the way across to Cowes, we saw a Coastguard helicopter lowering and later recovering a crewman from a large motor yacht. Whether this was training or a real emergency I don't know, but either way re assuring to see them in action.
It was a great season, that started somewhat strangely with the first cruise causing a few equipment and fittings issues in the fleet, but as the season progressed we were blessed with some great weather.
The highlight was undoubtedly the Drascamp event, but some of us managed nearly 6 weeks afloat, which in small boats is quite an achievement with some great sailing and places visited.
Tony's close liaison with the RNLI was recognised at the Chichester Yacht Club dinner earlier this month with the presentation of the Tony Wood Alternative Trophy.... and others, Brad, Sharon, Bob and Tony were also recognised for their contribution to the success of Drascamp.
Looking forward the celebration year of Drascombe starts at the London Boat Show, and continues throughout the season, with a special event at the Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy in July. Follow the event on Facebook - Drascombe Golden Jubilee https://www.facebook.com/drascombe50/?ref=br_tf
Cornish Shrimper - Daislebee
Tuesday, 29 November 2016
Sunday, 23 October 2016
Return to the Solent
Once camp had been struck on the Sunday at Drascamp, the fleet departed, meeting up in the Town Quay marina for a brief spell of civilisation, prior to our voyage home,
For some, there was an introduction to Wetherspoons which was an adventure, and we followed it up with a visit to the bar at the Life Boat complex, which again was a first for some.
The journey across the bay was uneventful, arriving in Yarmouth where we treated ourselves to an end of cruise visit to 'On the Rocks' for a meal before setting off for home ports the following day...the end of nearly three weeks aboard....very successful cruise.
For some, there was an introduction to Wetherspoons which was an adventure, and we followed it up with a visit to the bar at the Life Boat complex, which again was a first for some.
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| Snug in the marina |
Drascamp 2016
“I’ve had an idea,” said Brad and so Drascamp was born, and with a winter of planning, borrowing, acquiring and booking, we arrived at the week of the camp.
Cleveal Point, on the southern edge of Poole Harbour, was the superb venue, with water on two sides, looking out across the harbour. It had a small creek and beach area for the boats and an ‘imported’ pontoon to aide access to the shore for some of the bigger boats. Gradually over the Tuesday, a Glastonburyesque camp emerged. Brightly coloured tents, flags and a multitude of boats, bikes and canoes soon populated the field.
On the first day there was a harbour based quiz that took people to unusual areas of the harbour and encouraged further day sailing or exploration by canoe during the rest of the week.
Back on shore there was a variety of entertainment during the week, including an opportunity provided by Brenscombe Outdoor Centre for the children to use their rope climbing area. Other activities included a horse racing event that was put together with children and adults alike competing to be first past the post.
A sing song lead by Andy Cooper took us all back to children’s songs of yester year and not so yester year…..never knew ‘Wheels on the bus ‘ had so many verses….. one young lady stood up in front of the sizeable crowd and treated us all a solo….very brave and well sung too.
Other events included a fascinating tea ceremony given Tony, who, along with David, had brought some youngsters from the 38th and 40th Strood Sea Scouts. Tony has travelled extensively in the Himalayas and Tibet in particular, and provided a fascinating insight into the importance of tea and ceremony in that region.
We were treated to fly pasts from the Bournemouth air show and on Thursday and Friday nights enjoyed the fireworks that could be seen rising into the sky from Bournemouth and then, more locally, Poole – grandstand seats from across the harbour.
The week concluded with some windy and wet weather, which meant that local attractions were paid a visit but many campers steadfastly remained for the fish and chip supper on the last night.
102 people, 32 boats, 9 different models of Drascombe were represented – the event was a huge success, partly due to the people who attended and really got involved – but also due to the dynamism of Brad, ably assisted by Bob , the organisation and adminstration, as well as financial support from Sharon at CBL , and many others including NCP Tony, Andy P for the quiz that wasn’t to be and Andy C for the sing a long – and we’re doing it all again…but not til 2018…….
Sunday, 25 September 2016
August Cruise - Ashlett Regatta and Drascamp
We started with Ashlett regatta, launching on the Thursday (5th) in preparation for the regatta on the Saturday A great Drascombe turnout, canoe races, dinghy races, umbrella races (3rd this year - pipped at the post by Messrs Niner and Peter who snuck in to second ahead of Pauline and me), a pursuit race (thanks Wayne for letting me play - great fun) and BBQ and music - all on a lovely hot sunny day - couldn't have been better.
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| Regatta flags |
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| and more... |
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| Chillin... Tony, Bill, Wayne and Stewart |
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| Tony, Pauline and Annie relaxing in the sun |
Sunday was a blustery day and there was a lot of debate about departing. in the event the bigger boat, Tony, Peter, Marcus and I set off for Cowes, ignoring warnings about the regatta week and crowds. A lively crossing but no dramas and yes, Cowes was certainly bustling but once we got up to the Folly reach it was eerily quiet - no rafting,,,empty pontoons so we tied up and had a very plea sent evening.
Monday
We sailed across to Portsmouth and all the way up to Fareham, lunching on the Fareham Yacht club pontoon, before making our way back down to the Portchester Sailing club pontoon where we spent the night, meeting Doug Latta, who helped arrange our visit, and sharing a beer with him.
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| Portchester pontoon |
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| Portchester Castle |
Tuesday
We sailed to the entrance to Bembridge for lunch and then onto Ryde where we succumbed to fish & chips after a hard day in the sun. Coming out of Portsmouth, after a discussion the night before, I sailed right beside the buoy marking the location of the wreck of the Marie Rose..quite eerie.
There was a great number of new marks and buoys being put into place both within Portsmouth harbour and on the approaches...the new aircraft carriers must be huge.
Wednesday
The next day we made our way down to Yarmouth for the night, where we left Marcus to pop home for a day or so and Peter T who made his way over the Keyhaven to r/v with another part of the fleet who were going to follow us to Poole over the weekend. Meanwhile Tony and I set out for the west. Initially the plan had been to visit Swanage but the swell in the bay off the beach set us round the headland into Studland Bay.
Video - leaving via the Needles Channel
Pellew under sail
Studland was lovely and we decided to linger the following day, especially as Tony wasn't feeling great. I left him tinkering with his boat and rowed ashore for a walk along the cliff at Old Harry. Fantastic views in the hot sun as I walked along almost to Swanage before heading back to the beach.
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| Old Harry |
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| Studland Bay |
Drama at dawn
We spent the afternoon wading round the boat cleaning the waterlines and generally chilling before retiring for a snooze - hard life. Mind you it all changed in the early hours when Tony woke me as he was feeling very poorly. A phone call to the Coastguard and a consultation with a doctor at Poole Hospital resulted in the inshore lifeboat coming out to take him into hospital - the second trip for him this year !!!! It was funny, looking back, discussing with the coastguard the possibility of a helicopter pick up..I was very keen as it would have given Tony the full set...but he was less so ..and with the shallow water and number of masts around the inshore boat was the best option.
All of which left me anchored in Studland, with two boats.......
Saturday
A call to Brad solved the problem and I set of for the beach at Sandbanks where I collected him and returned to Pellew where he upped anchor and we set off for the Poole Quay marina.
Video of Pellew's temporary skipper
The rest of the fleet gathered at the marina and on the Monday set off for Drascamp on the southern side of the harbour at Cleavel Point,
Solar Panel- update
Time seems to have flown and it has been some time since I updated the blog .. such alot happened over the summer ..... but I will start with the solar panel update. Back in August...yes August I jury rigged a solar panel to help with power requirements generally, but particularly in view of an extended three week cruise that I was about to depart on.
At the London Boat Show I bought a Photonic Universe solar panel the dimesions can be seen in the panel below. There was a boat show discount so it was approx £120 at the time.
For the cruise I left it jury rigged to see where and how the best fit would be. The kit comes with the panel, a charge control unit and about 4 m each of cable to connect panel to the unit and the unit to the battery. The panel has some water proof connectors fitted that allow a cable run to a point and then easy removal of the panel as required. I left all the wire untouched, thinking I would trim it to the length required once I had established a final fix.
At the London Boat Show I bought a Photonic Universe solar panel the dimesions can be seen in the panel below. There was a boat show discount so it was approx £120 at the time.
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| Details on reverse of panel for those that it means something to..... |
For the cruise I left it jury rigged to see where and how the best fit would be. The kit comes with the panel, a charge control unit and about 4 m each of cable to connect panel to the unit and the unit to the battery. The panel has some water proof connectors fitted that allow a cable run to a point and then easy removal of the panel as required. I left all the wire untouched, thinking I would trim it to the length required once I had established a final fix.
Points to note - the battery cables are thick -- to thick to fit into the screw fittings on the controller and require quite a bit of strand removal to get a good fit.
It is easy to wire the panel the wrong way - in which case you get a battery indicator light and that re assures you it is working...but closer inspection of the manual reveals you should also get a green condition light - either charging or maintaining the battery.
The position allowed me to chase the wires into the recess behind the slats and from there down into the well area under the bunk support. From the well it is a short run to the battery but I was able to leave the wires uncut. The wires to the panel are also coiled here, with the connectors left visible so that I can pull out as much length of cable or push it back as required.
The panel worked very well, with the battery kept in tip top condition so thoughts started to turn to a more permanent fitting.
The starboard berth on my Shrimper is used for food and utensil storage in clear plastic boxes - so remains largely undisturbed so I decided to fit the unit on that side away for day to day foot traffic as it were.
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| Fitted between edge slats and storage unit on starboard bulk head - wires can just be seen disappearing behind the slats |
The position allowed me to chase the wires into the recess behind the slats and from there down into the well area under the bunk support. From the well it is a short run to the battery but I was able to leave the wires uncut. The wires to the panel are also coiled here, with the connectors left visible so that I can pull out as much length of cable or push it back as required.
So far I seem to have settled for a short run of cable with the panel sitting just outside the spray hood butted up against the rear of the mast. However the flexibility with the cable has allowed me to trail it through the cabin and out through the fore hatch with the panel sat in the anchor well.
I have resisted the urge to fit the panel as I don't plan to take it with me on most trips, using it instead for maintenance whilst the boat is left for any periods. It can live in the car whilst I am sailing, although I have rigged some clips and elastic in the roof headlining area over the starboard bunk so I could hold it securely against the inside of the cabin roof, out of harms way, if I did want to take it with me for any reason.
So far so good - my only regret - I have two batteries and didn't think or research to possibility of unseeing the panel to maintain both. It seems that they do controllers with a double battery in-put so It may just be a case of upgrading controller? we'll see...
Monday, 1 August 2016
New Project - Solar panel installation
Prior to the Ashlett regatta and the Drascamp event I have jury rigged the installation of a Photonic Universe solar panel and its controller.
It should provide intelligent charging and allow me to run the cool box/ fridge for extended periods.
Drascamp will provide the test, although, having left the jury rig running for the past week, I will check the batteries on Thursday. I have been waiting for some specialist connectors that will allow me to remove the panel, leaving the wiring in place, but ensuring the shortest run of loose cable .
They have now arrived so if, as I hope, the batteries are showing full charge, I will route the cables and mount the Controller as a permanent fixture.
I will add some pictures and some more details about how well it works after a period of testing.
It should provide intelligent charging and allow me to run the cool box/ fridge for extended periods.
Drascamp will provide the test, although, having left the jury rig running for the past week, I will check the batteries on Thursday. I have been waiting for some specialist connectors that will allow me to remove the panel, leaving the wiring in place, but ensuring the shortest run of loose cable .
They have now arrived so if, as I hope, the batteries are showing full charge, I will route the cables and mount the Controller as a permanent fixture.
I will add some pictures and some more details about how well it works after a period of testing.
Tuesday, 12 July 2016
Your thoughts and comments please.......
I usually receive the occasional question or comment but on this occasion I am actively seeking your views.
The dark blue hull of a Shrimper takes some bashing, mooring up, coming alongside, rafting up, sun/UV damage and in spite of polishing it soon looks tatty and forlorn.
You may have read of my experiment with helicopter tape which was successful in protecting the gel coat but in itself became marked and scarred and was quite hard to remove.
Having looked at Drascombes and their lower rubbing stake, they don't seem to suffer in the same way. The strake and the upper rubbing strake support any fenders that are used and also provide a good point of contact other than the gel coat itself.
The question is...
Is it a modification that will add or detract to the look of the boat?
And is it preventative maintenance that is worth doing to prevent damage and wear ?
Below are 2 "before" and 2 Photo Shopped "after" images that show what it could look like. I have reduced the width of the lower strake to just under half that of the top strake to prevent the boat looking boxy.
The hull is single skinned and access within is pretty easy so fixing is not the issue.
Please leave any comments or observations you may have.
The dark blue hull of a Shrimper takes some bashing, mooring up, coming alongside, rafting up, sun/UV damage and in spite of polishing it soon looks tatty and forlorn.
You may have read of my experiment with helicopter tape which was successful in protecting the gel coat but in itself became marked and scarred and was quite hard to remove.
Having looked at Drascombes and their lower rubbing stake, they don't seem to suffer in the same way. The strake and the upper rubbing strake support any fenders that are used and also provide a good point of contact other than the gel coat itself.
The question is...
Is it a modification that will add or detract to the look of the boat?
And is it preventative maintenance that is worth doing to prevent damage and wear ?
Below are 2 "before" and 2 Photo Shopped "after" images that show what it could look like. I have reduced the width of the lower strake to just under half that of the top strake to prevent the boat looking boxy.
The hull is single skinned and access within is pretty easy so fixing is not the issue.
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| Before - Bow |
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| Before - stern section |
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| After - Bow |
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| After -Stern section |
June Cruise 26th - 29th
Sunday 26th
The fleet was already assembled up at Newport IOW when I launched at Ashlett and had been out for several days.
I launched with assistance from Sharon, but not without incident...managing to tear off one of the trailer handles on the hitch post as the boat went off the trailer and into the water...lesson learnt - don't belay rope to what you think might be a strong point. In fairness I never imagined the boat would slip off so easily...must be getting more use than before.
A nice sail across to the island where I meet up with Andy Peter in Blue Peter who had sailed into the Medina ahead of me, having come from Keyhaven.
The wind was on the nose so I motored up the river to find Bard - Siobhan, Marcus - Sundance, Peter - Siesta and of course Tony - Pellew already ensconced on the pontoon.
Drinks and nibbles were held on Peters boat, after which Brad and I ventured into the town to eat.
Monday 27th
The weather forecast was full of doom and gloom but Marcus had to be home as did Andy and Peter needed to make sure he could get to Chichester so after a breakfast in Weatherpersons and a wait of the water to rise they departed. Meanwhile Brad, Tony and I investigated the pub next to the Premier Inn on the quayside and saw them disappear down river. We had settled on Plan 1 with and alternative of Plan 2...always good to have another option...so inevitably settled for Plan 3 ..which was to do nothing...so we opened another pack of beer and settled into the sunshine afternoon, with a barbecue on the cards later.
Which was when I made a slight error of judgement...on the way back from the pub to the boats we had come across an old chap on the quay, with a metal cage and container that seemed to coronation all his worldly goods. It turned out that he had been living on the large barge that has been moored at the northern end of the Newport pontoon area for as long as I can remember, slowly looking more decrepit until it had finally sunk a few days earlier.
Well, sat on the boat in the sun I saw an old chap sculling past so, thinking it was the same guy who had been full of local interest, invited him on board for a beer....the look of disgust on Tony and Brad's face was a picture as this old, smelly and possibly worse character sat down to sup beer. I was up wind so didn't really notice...but it was a totally different man. Thankfully after a beer he had things to do and departed,, much to the assemble groups relief.
The BBQ was soon on the go and afterwards we paid yet another visit to town.
Tuesday 28th
Set off early to catch the tide and had breakfast anchored down stream near the marina at the top of the Folly reach...handy as far enough away fro both harbour authorities to go unnoticed.
We the set out - our destination Eling at the top of Southampton Water.
On the way over, with a good wind and some sun we encountered this trimaran which would go on to finish second in the Round the Island race on the 2nd July.
The leading marks , to the left of the Power station, are accurate and certainly for small boats access in variable at most states of the tide - handing for waiting out the tide approaching or leaving Ashlett.
Once the tide turned we set of again passing close to the tanker jetty with all its pipes and cranes
Eling Mill is right at the top of the stretch of water and in true fashion as soon as it was in sight it started to rain ...hard...."tying up rain" as Tony called it.
Brad departed by train to get his car and trailer and Tony and I adjourned to the pub for a meal - a theme developing here I think. Brad returned having dropped the trailer at Ashlett and we all moved on to Eling Yacht Club...made very welcome and received some good advice about the Isle of Wight festival - an event for next year I think.
There is a toll bridge at Eling and the man diligently collects the tolls between 9 - 5
Looking into the harbour it is tight with boats - many around the edges secured between piles, but a large number in the centre on what appears to be a island when the harbour dries.
Wednesday 29th
We departed quite early to get out before the water left, and made our way down to the clubs deep water moorings where we picked up a buoy whilst we had breakfast.
Tony decided to depart to beat the incoming weather and Brad followed shortly after. I decided to take a slower meander down as it is quite a long way up Southampton Water, and whilst there may as well take a look around.
There was an interesting ship in dock, off loading big motor cruisers as well as a stack of yachts - that all looked as though they were worth more than the ship they were on.....
I turned up the River Itchen and had a very fast run up under the big bridge, but it was pretty uninspiring so dropped the sails and motored back to the main channel and plugged my way though wind and rain back to Owers where the others were snug out of the wind.
We waited there until the tide was in at Ashlett and made our way in just in time to join a crowded mill for curry night.
Thursday 30th
Typically the day we pulled out was the warmest, sunniest day of the week but never mind..here's to the Ashlett regatta and Drascamp.
The fleet was already assembled up at Newport IOW when I launched at Ashlett and had been out for several days.
I launched with assistance from Sharon, but not without incident...managing to tear off one of the trailer handles on the hitch post as the boat went off the trailer and into the water...lesson learnt - don't belay rope to what you think might be a strong point. In fairness I never imagined the boat would slip off so easily...must be getting more use than before.
A nice sail across to the island where I meet up with Andy Peter in Blue Peter who had sailed into the Medina ahead of me, having come from Keyhaven.
The wind was on the nose so I motored up the river to find Bard - Siobhan, Marcus - Sundance, Peter - Siesta and of course Tony - Pellew already ensconced on the pontoon.
Drinks and nibbles were held on Peters boat, after which Brad and I ventured into the town to eat.
Monday 27th
The weather forecast was full of doom and gloom but Marcus had to be home as did Andy and Peter needed to make sure he could get to Chichester so after a breakfast in Weatherpersons and a wait of the water to rise they departed. Meanwhile Brad, Tony and I investigated the pub next to the Premier Inn on the quayside and saw them disappear down river. We had settled on Plan 1 with and alternative of Plan 2...always good to have another option...so inevitably settled for Plan 3 ..which was to do nothing...so we opened another pack of beer and settled into the sunshine afternoon, with a barbecue on the cards later.
Which was when I made a slight error of judgement...on the way back from the pub to the boats we had come across an old chap on the quay, with a metal cage and container that seemed to coronation all his worldly goods. It turned out that he had been living on the large barge that has been moored at the northern end of the Newport pontoon area for as long as I can remember, slowly looking more decrepit until it had finally sunk a few days earlier.
Well, sat on the boat in the sun I saw an old chap sculling past so, thinking it was the same guy who had been full of local interest, invited him on board for a beer....the look of disgust on Tony and Brad's face was a picture as this old, smelly and possibly worse character sat down to sup beer. I was up wind so didn't really notice...but it was a totally different man. Thankfully after a beer he had things to do and departed,, much to the assemble groups relief.
The BBQ was soon on the go and afterwards we paid yet another visit to town.
Tuesday 28th
Set off early to catch the tide and had breakfast anchored down stream near the marina at the top of the Folly reach...handy as far enough away fro both harbour authorities to go unnoticed.
We the set out - our destination Eling at the top of Southampton Water.
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| Encountered on the way - 2nd place Round the Island finisher |
On the way over, with a good wind and some sun we encountered this trimaran which would go on to finish second in the Round the Island race on the 2nd July.
We needed some tide to get us up to Eling so ducked into Owers lake, tucked in behind Calshot, directly in front of the Power station.
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| Approach to the deep water off the lock - Owers lake |
The leading marks , to the left of the Power station, are accurate and certainly for small boats access in variable at most states of the tide - handing for waiting out the tide approaching or leaving Ashlett.
Once the tide turned we set of again passing close to the tanker jetty with all its pipes and cranes
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| Part of the Tanker Jetty - Fawley |
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| Siobhan meets the hovercraft |
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| Tied up at Eling SC |
There is a toll bridge at Eling and the man diligently collects the tolls between 9 - 5
Looking into the harbour it is tight with boats - many around the edges secured between piles, but a large number in the centre on what appears to be a island when the harbour dries.
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| The harbour at Eling |
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| Leaving the jetty |
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| The not so nice view.... |
Wednesday 29th
We departed quite early to get out before the water left, and made our way down to the clubs deep water moorings where we picked up a buoy whilst we had breakfast.
Tony decided to depart to beat the incoming weather and Brad followed shortly after. I decided to take a slower meander down as it is quite a long way up Southampton Water, and whilst there may as well take a look around.
There was an interesting ship in dock, off loading big motor cruisers as well as a stack of yachts - that all looked as though they were worth more than the ship they were on.....
I turned up the River Itchen and had a very fast run up under the big bridge, but it was pretty uninspiring so dropped the sails and motored back to the main channel and plugged my way though wind and rain back to Owers where the others were snug out of the wind.
We waited there until the tide was in at Ashlett and made our way in just in time to join a crowded mill for curry night.
Thursday 30th
Typically the day we pulled out was the warmest, sunniest day of the week but never mind..here's to the Ashlett regatta and Drascamp.
Saturday, 11 June 2016
Weymouth cruise
Initially quite a large flotilla was scheduled to leave Chichester on the Monday (30th May) following the rally over the weekend. Not all were planning on going as far as Weymouth but Poole seems a good halfway house.
As it happened the weather was not forecast to be good so three of us initially planned our departure for about 11.00 (Daislebee, Moksha and Sundance) with another three (Siesta, Torridon and Egret) debating whether to stay in harbour or venture out. (As it happened they sailed to Bembridge and stayed there a couple of days as the weather passed, before returning to the harbour).
Just before we left Moksha, who had been moored on the waiting pontoon called up to say he'd have to pull out as he had been hit by a large motor boat that had lost control and taken out his fore stay.
So Sundance and Daislebee set sail in good winds and a flat sea...that was all to change and by Lee on Solent sails were in,..engine on and spray hoods providing shelter from the spray.
We arrived at Ashlett to find things a little calmer, and with Pellew repaired, Tony was on the water and had been joined by Nick in Isabella. Ian had brought Moksha back by road and was busy talking to insurance companies.
The strong winds continued the next day (Tuesday) so we had a trip to Lymington where Force Four received a significant boost to their turnover, mainly courtesy of Nick who had despaired of his depth sounder and splashed out on a new one.
Wednesday 1st June
The weather settled and although the wind was strong, together with the tide it promised swift passage to Yarmouth, with Newtown Creek as a reserve. By this time we thought Tony had sorted the boat out...but...no ...more excitement to come.
Making over 7 knots west in great conditions, a fitting came loose causing a block to hit Tony in the eye. He was only able to see out of one as the conditions approaching Yarmouth got a little rougher.
Consultation with the Coastguard about assistance from the Harbour Master didn't work out well...no they insisted on a life boat and a PAN PAN was put out.
In itself not a problem except the tasking took a long time and as I stood by and gave updates on Tony's position, the operator insisted on transposing key figures in the Lat and Long....thankfully the Lymington lifeboat were fully aware of where Yarmouth pier is, which I included in the messages..so all was not lost.
A crew member was put aboard and Tony whisked into Yarmouth by the RIB and eventually off to hospital (courtesy of HM Coastguard as no ambulances were available on the island ?!!)
He was actually dealt with very quickly and retrained without a mark just some soreness to show for it...a major disappointment to the three if us waiting with comical eye patches at the ready....
Thursday 2nd June
The winds that had got up continued so Marcus took me on a walk...12 or so miles...but it was lovely, along to Allum Bay, then up onto Tennyson Down, along to the monument and then down into Freshwater for a refreshing pint and then back to the boats.
On our return we found the Gaffers Rally in full swing.
We also found a very smart Shrimper moored alongside us, Paul in Tilly Whim, who was aiming for Dartmouth. It was his enthusiasm that prompted us to try for Weymouth direct instead of dropping into Poole as originally planned. He joined us for drinks and nibbles and I hope we will see more of him as he was keen to join the South Coast Cruising Group.
Friday 3rd June
Paul set of early, and leaving some time after him we could see his sails on the horizon. We left by the Needles passage and had a good sail almost all the way to Swanage. (I heard later that Paul made the trip to Dartmouth in one go...some 70 miles in all)
Thereafter we had to motor to Weymouth, pausing in Chapman's Pool for lunch and pop into Lulworth Cove as we passed.
We arrived in Weymouth and were soon ensconced in the Cove, eating fish and chips on what turned out to be National Fish and Chip Day.
Saturday 4th June
The Weymouth Folk Festival was in full swing over the weekend and the southern quay was full of Morris dancers and various stages with performances going on. We opted for the quiet life and took up the offer from Simon Hoare, who had recently bought Nick's old Coaster Virginia, for a tour around the Coastguard Station, in exchange for some bits and and some rigging advice from Nick.
So a short taxi ride later found us being shown round the helicopters at the base.
Nick then talked Simon through the intricacies of Virginia....including the infamous table assembly - personally the helicopter seemed more straight forward......
We lunched at the Cove pub overlooking Chesil beach and then returned to the boats.
Andy and Annie, Barry and Pauline and Ian and Glenys joined us for drinks and a nibbles supper together with an old colleague, Steve and his wife Liz, who keep a boat in Weymouth.
Sunday 5th June
The range was still out of operation due to the half term holiday and this influenced our decision to leave Weymouth that morning. There was little wind which meant a long motor to Chapman's Pool where we had lunch and waited for the tide to turn round the head.
Whilst we were in the pool a thick mist came down and we started to make plans to stay there overnight but the sun soon burnt it off and we set out - destination Poole
The wind piped up and we had a good sail from the head into Poole where we moored up in Blood Alley.
Monday 6th June
Destination Christchurch...we set off after breakfast on a warm sunny day with little wind, although it did get up enough to provide a pleasant sail.
After lunch in the pool behind Hengistbury Head we travelled up the harbour to Christchurch Sailing Club where we had arranged to stay overnight.
There we were made very welcome, particularly as I need to repair my mast head light. All sorts of offers including a lift to the chandlers...in the end I jogged it and with assiatnce from the others lowered, fitted and raised the mast up again. We ate in town, meeting up with Andy and Judy P, before turning in for the night.
Tuesday 7th June
We set off when the water in the harbour allowed us to move through it and the flow in the entrance, The Mole, wasn't too extreme. We needed to be at the tidal gate at Hurst before it turned against us. As it was with a good wind we were through and into Yarmouth for a short stay with time to spare. Nick continued on to Newtown Creek, where after waiting for the tide to turn and having stocked up, we joined him for a barbecue on board.
Wednesday 8th June
Nick elected to set out for Ashlett, and Tony, who'd supported the local chandlers decided to have a maintenance day so Marcus and I set out for the River Beaulieu across a Solent that showed barely a ripple.
We stopped for lunch near the top end of the river and enjoyed the quiet and the beauty of the scenery.
Then taking the tide back down, we had a cracking sail back cross to Newtown to meet up with Tony.
The evening was spent using up the last of the rations...red wine mainly.... and feeding scarps to the terns.
Thursday 8th June
We bid farewell to Marcus as he made hi way back to his mooring within the creek and Tony and I drifted and then had a good sail back to Ashlett, where an incident free recovery completed the finale of the cruise.
A great time had by all with a fair amount of drama and excitement mixed in...until next time...
As it happened the weather was not forecast to be good so three of us initially planned our departure for about 11.00 (Daislebee, Moksha and Sundance) with another three (Siesta, Torridon and Egret) debating whether to stay in harbour or venture out. (As it happened they sailed to Bembridge and stayed there a couple of days as the weather passed, before returning to the harbour).
Just before we left Moksha, who had been moored on the waiting pontoon called up to say he'd have to pull out as he had been hit by a large motor boat that had lost control and taken out his fore stay.
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| Damage to Moksha |
We arrived at Ashlett to find things a little calmer, and with Pellew repaired, Tony was on the water and had been joined by Nick in Isabella. Ian had brought Moksha back by road and was busy talking to insurance companies.
The strong winds continued the next day (Tuesday) so we had a trip to Lymington where Force Four received a significant boost to their turnover, mainly courtesy of Nick who had despaired of his depth sounder and splashed out on a new one.
Wednesday 1st June
The weather settled and although the wind was strong, together with the tide it promised swift passage to Yarmouth, with Newtown Creek as a reserve. By this time we thought Tony had sorted the boat out...but...no ...more excitement to come.
Making over 7 knots west in great conditions, a fitting came loose causing a block to hit Tony in the eye. He was only able to see out of one as the conditions approaching Yarmouth got a little rougher.
Consultation with the Coastguard about assistance from the Harbour Master didn't work out well...no they insisted on a life boat and a PAN PAN was put out.
In itself not a problem except the tasking took a long time and as I stood by and gave updates on Tony's position, the operator insisted on transposing key figures in the Lat and Long....thankfully the Lymington lifeboat were fully aware of where Yarmouth pier is, which I included in the messages..so all was not lost.
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| Lymington In shore lifeboat in action |
He was actually dealt with very quickly and retrained without a mark just some soreness to show for it...a major disappointment to the three if us waiting with comical eye patches at the ready....
Thursday 2nd June
The winds that had got up continued so Marcus took me on a walk...12 or so miles...but it was lovely, along to Allum Bay, then up onto Tennyson Down, along to the monument and then down into Freshwater for a refreshing pint and then back to the boats.
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| Needles and Allum Bay |
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| Tennyson Down towards the Needles |
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| Marcus under the Tennyson Monument |
On our return we found the Gaffers Rally in full swing.
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| Flags of the Gaffers in Yarmouth |
Friday 3rd June
Paul set of early, and leaving some time after him we could see his sails on the horizon. We left by the Needles passage and had a good sail almost all the way to Swanage. (I heard later that Paul made the trip to Dartmouth in one go...some 70 miles in all)
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| Needles Channel |
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| Chapman's Pool |
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| Lulworth Cove |
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| The Cove - Weymouth |
Saturday 4th June
The Weymouth Folk Festival was in full swing over the weekend and the southern quay was full of Morris dancers and various stages with performances going on. We opted for the quiet life and took up the offer from Simon Hoare, who had recently bought Nick's old Coaster Virginia, for a tour around the Coastguard Station, in exchange for some bits and and some rigging advice from Nick.
So a short taxi ride later found us being shown round the helicopters at the base.
Nick then talked Simon through the intricacies of Virginia....including the infamous table assembly - personally the helicopter seemed more straight forward......
We lunched at the Cove pub overlooking Chesil beach and then returned to the boats.
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| Chesil beach and Portland |
Andy and Annie, Barry and Pauline and Ian and Glenys joined us for drinks and a nibbles supper together with an old colleague, Steve and his wife Liz, who keep a boat in Weymouth.
Sunday 5th June
The range was still out of operation due to the half term holiday and this influenced our decision to leave Weymouth that morning. There was little wind which meant a long motor to Chapman's Pool where we had lunch and waited for the tide to turn round the head.
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| Motoring across the bay |
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| Marcus - waiting for boarders |
Whilst we were in the pool a thick mist came down and we started to make plans to stay there overnight but the sun soon burnt it off and we set out - destination Poole
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| Pellew with St Albins Head in the distance |
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| Marcus - leaving the pool towards St Albins Head |
The wind piped up and we had a good sail from the head into Poole where we moored up in Blood Alley.
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| Marcus running towards Poole |
Monday 6th June
Destination Christchurch...we set off after breakfast on a warm sunny day with little wind, although it did get up enough to provide a pleasant sail.
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| Pellew leaving Poole |
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| Sundance out of Poole |
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| Nick - coming alongside - Christchurch pool |
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| Tony coming alongside - Christchurch pool |
After lunch in the pool behind Hengistbury Head we travelled up the harbour to Christchurch Sailing Club where we had arranged to stay overnight.
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| Upstream to Christchurch |
Tuesday 7th June
We set off when the water in the harbour allowed us to move through it and the flow in the entrance, The Mole, wasn't too extreme. We needed to be at the tidal gate at Hurst before it turned against us. As it was with a good wind we were through and into Yarmouth for a short stay with time to spare. Nick continued on to Newtown Creek, where after waiting for the tide to turn and having stocked up, we joined him for a barbecue on board.
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| Sundance and Pellew negotiate The Mole |
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| Three of us - short stay Yarmouth |
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| Yarmouth harbour entrance |
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| Newtown Creek - entrance |
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| Newton Creek - looking out to sea |
Wednesday 8th June
Nick elected to set out for Ashlett, and Tony, who'd supported the local chandlers decided to have a maintenance day so Marcus and I set out for the River Beaulieu across a Solent that showed barely a ripple.
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| Solent calm |
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| Upstream River Beaulieu |
The evening was spent using up the last of the rations...red wine mainly.... and feeding scarps to the terns.
Thursday 8th June
We bid farewell to Marcus as he made hi way back to his mooring within the creek and Tony and I drifted and then had a good sail back to Ashlett, where an incident free recovery completed the finale of the cruise.
A great time had by all with a fair amount of drama and excitement mixed in...until next time...
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