We have finally moved to a berth which is big enough for the boat! Much less stressful to have 6 feet between us and the next boat, rather than 6 inches. We are also port to which is the side our engine controls are, so I can see the pontoon as we come in. The prevailing wind pushes us on and the pontoon is long enough for us to tie the stern on properly and get off the boat without jumping into a huge pile. Fantastic!
Last Wednesday Endeavour Quay Boatyard towed Beyzano from her berth and lifted her out. After work I went to the yard and there she was, so clean and free of fouling that I thought she had been painted during the afternoon! Nobody could believe she’d been in the water nearly a year but I guess using her during the winter has kept the weed off.
Rob and Keith worked on polishing, the yard changed the rudder bearings and our generator work was completed. We put on new genoa sheets, traveller lines and the prop anode and she was back in the water on the following Monday. We figured as it seems to be rudders dropping off all over the place, that we would have that checked and the helm had become very stiff anyway.
So that is that for another year and for the first time I didn’t even touch a paint roller or polishing cloth. Didn’t even put on my blue overalls, aka the Smurf Suit. I was at work and then in Aberdeen for the weekend.
A strong northerly wind is forcing the boat forward in her berth and the mooring lines are squeaking loudly every few seconds. Don’t expect there will be much sleep going on tonight!
My friend asked why I hadn’t called to stay the night during the snow and gales – answer was I love it on the boat. But tonight I may well change my mind. Thank goodness the prevailng wind direction is a south westerly.
Today – St David’s Day – Solent Caterers have opened their new steakhouse at Landers. We have used the Lightship regularly over the winter and we wish them well with their new venture. They have provided us with a lovely place to gather over the past few months and it really feels like home. The staff are great, the St Valentine’s meal was delicious and the atmosphere on the Lightship, not to mention the view, is wonderful.
They make a big effort with any special date in the calendar, such as Burn’s Night, St George’s Day and New Year’s Eve. Lots of great food during the week too, at great prices. How can you beat a curry night for five pounds or 3 courses for ten pounds when some of the mains are 9.95!