In true British spirit, 16 people attended the BBQ at Buckler’s Hard on August 21st and all seemed to have a good time, despite the wind, mist and driving rain on the trip there. There were some periods without rain during the afternoon and the wind died towards 5pm so we decided to take a chance and dinghy over to the downside quay where the Marina had set up the BBQ for us. Between us everything we needed was on hand, down to the ketchup and tongs.

50 matches and half a pint of petrol later the coals were alight and everyone pitched in and cooked their food or at times, provided cover for the BBQ and shelter for ourselves.

Summer BBQ UK Style

Fortunately we had decided to leave the desserts on the boats and just as we finished the last steaks and sausages, it started to rain more heavily and we disappeared back to our dinghies to head up the river to dry off in our boats. All 16 of us then had drinks and desserts on Beyzano and ended the evening warm and dry.

The trip back was much less windy but still wet. We anchored in Osborne Bay for lunch, using the bimini for an umbrella, which worked well. At least we know we can BBQ under that in future if we have to!

Thanks to everyone for making the effort despite the weather, for the good company and delicious desserts.

2 boats braved the weather on Friday 6th August to quickly arrive in Weymouth for the BOA Rally. Understandably others couldn’t make it due to the Force 6-7 SW winds. We went out 4 miles from the St Albans ledge but still encountered quite rough conditions.

It was definitely worth it, speeding along at 10kts once we had turned towards Portland Harbour. The final hurdle was dodging the Olympic dinghy racers who were doing a trial run of the events in 2 years time and in those conditions it was interesting!

The 4 of us who arrived on Friday explored Portland the next morning and had a brisk walk along Chesil Beach. Shadowfax joined us on Saturday afternoon but still had some rough weather on the way. We all got together in the evening for drinks and then had a lovely meal in ‘The Boat That Rocks’ at Portland Marina. It was a late night but fortunately we didn’t need to leave before 0900 the next day.

The journey home was much calmer with the wind behind us and the sun shining but it took a lot longer!

Thanks to Gemini and Shadowfax for making the effort through the weather and for their entertaining company.

We left at 0500 on Friday but had to motor two thirds of the way over as there wasn’t enough wind. We passed through big patches of green seaweed with long brown rope like bits in it and hoped nothing caught in the prop. Arriving in Cherbourg at 1830, the waiting pontoon was empty so we berthed there for 2 nights.

Saturday we got the dinghy off the transom, rowed over to the marina and wandered into town to try our french on the unsuspecting shopkeepers. We managed to acquire cheese, strawberries, a baguette and some cooked prawns for lunch but almost got stuck when the cheese seller asked if we wanted to taste the cheese before buying. Luckily the word ‘gout’ stood out from the quickly delivered sentence, so a guess made sense of the rest but it was a close call. Much easier if they don’t speak back!

Saturday evening we had a delicious meal in the marina Yacht Club and another dinghy row back to the boat. An unusual event was the sound of the cruise liner’s signal horn playing ‘When You Wish Upon A Star’ as it left the port. We then realised that the Mickey Mouse shape on the funnel was for real after all.

Today we left Cherbourg at 0600 and managed to sail the entire trip, first few hours at a constant force 4 averaging over 6kts but later on the wind picked up to over 20kts so we were doing closer to 10kts and hurtled back to Haslar. It was a lovely long weekend which always feels more like a holiday when you get across the channel. Next weekend another long trip planned, this time to Weymouth.

Apologies for the complete lack of updates on the website lately but we have been off sailing every weekend and haven’t had any time for the Internet. Last Friday, as an example, we left within an hour of my drive back from Bristol where I now work and anchored up in Osborne Bay for the evening.

Next morning our friends on ‘Flying Spanner’ met up there at about 0730 and we all went to Yarmouth, picked up a mooring buoy each and we dinghied over to their boat for a BBQ. We also caught 5 mackerel along the way which we had for lunch (put 2 back). I am convinced it is only the pink, sparkly lures they like – I’ve never caught any other fish on anything else.

Sunday morning it was getting up to a Force 6 and we started off with both sails but eventually just used the genoa and still got back in 2 and a half hours doing nearly 10 kts. It was a bit busy on the Solent and there were a couple of Pan Pans and general mayhem, so we felt a lot safer with just the genoa avoiding the peril of an accidental gybe.

So that was another weekend without bothering to do the website!

This one we have stayed in the marina, done the really boring stuff like washing all the curtains and polished the boat but we have 2 friends who work at the Lightship sailing next weekend, Cherbourg, Weymouth and Buckler’s Hard coming up, then a 3 day trip for a Wedding in Kinsale, so I guess September may be the next update.

Yesterday we took part in our first event, cruising around the Isle of Wight to raise funds for a hospice. Up at 515 to be on the start line for 0610 and off, very slowly due to the lack of wind. We spent hours just getting to the Needles but once near St Catherine’s point we did get some lovely breezes to get us along. Unfortunately the wind died again and we spent several hours looking at the marker buoy but not making much progress towards it!

We were aware the tide was going to turn against us at 0.7 kts and we were only doing about the same, so eventually we’d be going backwards. After 12 hours at sea, not a pleasant prospect.

We heard many yachts retire and later were told only 10 of the 54 registered boats actually finished, so we were glad we perserved. Apparently we came 4th!

I just spoke to Karen Walker who organised the event and they made 4000 pounds just on the night, at the BBQ and raffle, and with the sponsorship due to come in are hoping to beat last year’s total of 5400 pounds.

Lutine came first over the line in the racing class and we rafted up alongside her last night at East Cowes. Well done to everyone who took part and thanks to all the organisers for their hard work!

We had a week off in early May, just as the nice weather was coming to an end! We had great plans to get to the Channel Islands or Devon/Cornwall depending on the wind direction but in the end we didn’t leave the Solent!

We did have an interesting few days though. Firstly in Yarmouth, where we bounced around on the mooring buoys outside the harbour. It was a F8 and we nearly didn’t get back on board the boat, due to the Water Taxi being ‘on the limit of it’s operational license’. But with 2 attempts they did get us back onboard without the need for a swim.

We had a lovely evening in Newtown and even managed a BBQ on deck, plus another sunny evening at Buckler’s Hard, Beaulieu.

We learnt a great deal during the week though, having to tack many times in 33 knots of wind, reefing the main and generally experienced longer periods of higher wind strength than we are used to or would like!

The first summery weekend this year and a great reminder of why we love sailing! Friday afternoon we sailed to Cowes and spent a very peaceful night moored in the Medina. An early start on Saturday took us through the Needles by 0900 and gentle breezes enabled us to practice using our cruising chute again so that we made Studland Bay to anchor for lunch. We tried the new fishing rod whilst we were drifting along but didn’t catch a thing!

We sailed back through the Needles in the later afternoon and picked up a mooring buoy outside Yarmouth. A water taxi ride later and we were in the Blue Crab restaurant having tiger prawns and huge scallops for dinner. The next morning we left at about 1030 as the tide turned against us and spent 7 and a half hours doing not very many miles at all but it was great to be out on the water in the sunshine.

Then the wind got up to 23 kts and we shot off down the solent with the tide at over 9kts

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!

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!