Wednesday 6th April

After poor weather on the Tuesday I delayed going to the boat and arrived in beautiful sunshine this morning. The planned maintenance - oil and oil filter change went very smoothly but why do they put things like oil filters in such inaccessible places - the old one was distorted by the chain of the wrench and there was only just enough room to get purchase on it. It was also completely round so no option but to use the filter wrench. The new one has a rim with flats in it like a large 50 pence piece which at least allows some grip to be had - I didn't want to have to tighten it with the wrench.
Cleared out inside, washed down and hovered... don't tell her in doors..... and put it all back together again. Set off down the harbour once I had tested everything and anchored up off East Head - tired but happy - this mechanics lark and all the domestics takes it out of you...... Went aground on the last off the ebb and scrubbed the water line clean - she definitely needs a polish. Soon afloat again and moved away into deeper water - only two other boats in the anchorage to share the fantastic sunset.

Season starts here

The cushions are out of the attic, 3 boxes of bits currently, but hope to get it down to 2 once sorted, life jacket, wet weather gear, sleeping bag etc etc - all loaded into the car and ready to go to Chichester tomorrow. Weather forecast is great, although not much sign of the sun on Thursday. Escape tunnel remains open until Friday morning so intend to make the most of it. A little maintenance to do - oil change, a general tidy up and then down to somewhere like East Head. I want to go aground near the bottom of the tide and give her a good scrub - the anti foul seems to work well but she would benefit from a clean bottom.
The rally at the end of April is fully subscribed and all is required now is some good weather - fingers, toes and everything else crossed.

Sunny day - Mid February

After all the poor weather recently, some of the southern based Drascombe Association members met up for a dinner in Chichester Yacht Club. As last time I spent the night on Daislebee. I thought, without the cushions, it would be uncomfortable on one of those thin air mats but I slept through til 7.00 and spent an hour or so sorting the boat out before getting some breakfast and the papers. Peter Tiplady arrived at about 9.30 and we set off motoring down the harbour into a brisk westerly. Passing the Bosham channel entrance we hoisted sail and had  a great sail down towards East Head. The sun had come out and there were quite a few dinghies and other yachts enjoying the day. We decided to go across to the lee of Hayling Island for lunch but got too busy chatting to notice we were crossing into the shallows in the middle of the channel. As a result lunch was spent sitting in the middle of the harbour trying to appear nonchalant and as though we planned to be at anchor on the last hour of the tide. The Topper and Lasers were buzzing past us on a few metres away but 8 inches means a lot apparently especially when it is referring to lack of water under the keel.
We were soon on our way again and continued to the far side of the harbour before turning and running back up the harbour.
All too soon we were back in the marina exchanging notes with Adrian Kneller about his new forestay arrangement. Then it was off home, praying that no -one would tell me the result of the rugby. A good day, in good company

First sail of the season - hurray

Went down to the boat today - feeling guilty having neglected her during the snow and ice so wanted to check on her. I needn't have worried - very little water in the bilge, batteries good and nice and dry in the cabin - trick is to keep the air flowing through.
The engine started first time and although I hadn't thought I'd be able to get out the opportunity was too good to miss. The sun was bright and the sky blue, about 9 degrees so wrapped up warm off I set.
I think the lock keeper was having a snooze - he seemed surprised to be called on the VHF. Out in the harbour it was a quite brisk south westerly blowing up with the tide so it was a motor down to Itchenor, but it would top up the batteries and warm up the boat nicely.
I had lunch on the Visitors pontoon at Itchenor, practising some manoeuvres planned for a little video project we might be doing.
After lunch I carried on down to the entrance to the Bosham channel - it seemed very strange all those empty mooring buoys. You need to keep your eyes peeled - it's a lot easier to see the 30' - 40' boats that are usually moored in ranks.
Turning for home I unfurled the jib and roared up the harbour with wind and tide - so much so I carried straight on to Dell Quay - beautiful in the sunshine. In the whole day I only saw one other boat moving - the harbour was empty.

All too soon I was back in the marina - tied up and setting off for home just as the sun disappeared and the gloom started to gather. A great day - and the whole of the year ahead..........

New horizons

Plan to get down to the boat this week as the weather brightens and the temperatures get nearer double figures.
Adam and I have a plan for a small video that should be fun and we need some warmer brighter weather to film. Meanwhile this picture got the juices going when I came across it in my files. Enjoy.