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6362 Nautical Miles / 1092 hours sailed since 14 October 2005 Click here for the Strudwick Family Web Site --------------------------------------------------------
Long weekend in Weymouth 27/28/29/30 August 2010
To be written up!
Folly and Gins for Sunday lunch 21/22 August 2010
Had all the fresh water pipes changed during the week before, and I went down Friday night to tidy up. Julia, Aly and Graham arrived Saturday morning and we had a very windy and lumpy sail to the Folly.
We then had lunch and walked into Newport. Evening in the Folly where we were joined by Tom and Annie and Carol, and we danced on the tables.
Sunday, we motored over to Gins for lunch and motored back - not much wind. Rained and was grey ALL weekend.
Scrubbing berth in the Hamble 7 August 2010
Time to clean all the goo off the bottom of Selene, so a day on the berth, scrubbed off at lunchtime ( before the rain ) into the King and Queen for lunch, then the boat floated and I got the lines adjusted, and we had a great meal in the bugle.
Early start back to Haslar to take the tide, and went to the office where we saw Richard and Helen, and later we had Tom and Annie round for a BBQ.
Legends beach BBQ at Langstone 31 July 2010
Julia and I got down to Selene on Friday evening and motored round to Langstone early enough on Saturday to see where the beach was as we acnhored. We had planned to take the dinghy up to the pub at the top of the harbour, but the outboard would not start and then the string broke. I repaired the string but it would still not start and that string broke too, so it's been sent to a man who fixes these things. We rowed over to David on Wagtail ( Helena was arriving in the afternoon ) for a drink, and then we relaxed in the cockpit. We had the Bacchus crew aboard for drinks at teatime but Lloyd had to leave in a hurry, as his boat went aground as the water went down.
Had a great BBQ on the beach, drinks aboard with the Scallys and more drinks aboard the Bacchus disco boat.
Sunday we had the usual breakfast on the beach - thank you David and Helena for you efforts, and there was a rounders match as well. Chilled in the cockpit and then were treated to a very fine lunch by the Scallys - thanks Sue - yum yum! Then the tide came up and the current in the harbour entrance eased, so we motored back home
Poole, Wareham and Yarmouth 9 - 15 July 2010
Julia and I got down to Selene on Friday lunchtime and got into the Beaulieu River before the East going tide got too strong, and picked up a buoy for the night. It was sunny, but quite windy. The wind had been on the nose, so we had motor sailed. Had a nice meal aboard and chilled.
Saturday we sailed to Poole and were pre-booked into Quay Haven by the town quay. Again sunny but quite windy. Had a beer in the Brewhouse, and relaxed in the cockpit. We then went to our favourite family-run restaurant Hardys and had fresh crab - wonderful.
Sunday we took the flood all the way up to Wareham and were given a riverside mooring by the lovely people at Redclyffe Yacht Club. We were parked right into the reeds and sat in the mud for an hour or two at low water. The river is pretty narrow as you can see in the pictures.
We took the dinghy up to Wareham and had a drink in the pub and got some ribeye steak for supper. Then we came back and enjoyed a hot and sunny afternoon in the cockpit and a fab supper cooked by yours truly.
Monday, we took the dinghy up to the Yacht club and had showers and then went and anchored in South Deep for lunch while we waited for the east going tide to Yarmouth.
We then had the perfect sail - steady force 4 from the SW on the quarter all the way from Poole Harbour entrance to Hurst. Good job I had booked Harold Hayles as Yarmouth was ram jammed! Managed to find a bit of pontoon space with only a foot ahead and astern!!! I had to bring the anchor inboard to avoid clashing with the Bav ahead!
Julia cooked a wonderful pasta dish, and we went into town for a few drinks and inevitably got chatting to some yachties. These guys had a Fulmar, and apparently knew Simon and Emma - our Legend friends.
Tuesday, we cycled up to the Red Lion at Freshwater for lunch and then took the bus over to Ryde to see the Scallywags who cooked us a fab supper - thanks Sue! Bus ride home and brandy to bed.
The forecast for late Wednesday and Thursday morning was for force 8, so we abandoned the idea of Gins Farm for Wednesday night and got out into the east going tide as soon as we could on the Wednesday morning ahead of the frontal system and its rain. It was a 4.9m spring tide, so with 15 - 25 knots of S / SE we flew back to Haslar - very gusty and speeds over the ground around the 9 - 10 knots mark. We got in and tied up, got the tent up just before the heavens opened.
We chiled in the tent and the weather cleared ahead of the next band of rain which would bring the real wind, so we went into Gosport to stretch our legs and did a little shopping. We then came back and showered and went to the Great Wall chinese restaurant and had a great meal there. On the way back, we were called over by Martin and then had drinks aboard Avalon with Martin and Shan, and their friends Roger and Jean - which was great.
We then listened to the wind howling all night. Bramblemet showed mostly 40 knots through the night and was still recording 38+ throughout the morning, plus it looked very rough, so good decision to come back earlier.
We then pootled home to pack and get ready to go to Spain with the Skoolies. Looking at the forecast for the next few days which shows more unsettled weather we are glad to be going somewhere sunny.
Emily's wedding aboard HMS Warrior 3 July 2010
Julia and I took Selene over to Gunwharf about 3pm on the Friday, having reserved our space a year ago. All three boys arrived about four, and after they did some shopping, we went to Cafe Rouge for dinner.
The weather was very hot on Saturday, and my mum and dad popped in for drinks on their way to the wedding. It was too hot for getting into suits!
HMS Warrior is a superb setting for a wedding and it was fabulous, with the actual ceremony, reception and evening party aboard.
Sunday morning, everyone came around to see Selene in Gunwharf and we had a pontoon party.
We then cooked the boys a brunch, and they drove off back oop North. We motored back home to Haslar, chilled in the cockpit, said hello to the Skoolies and came home exhausted, but very happy after a wonderful weekend.
There are more photos in the photos section. Next up - Holidays!!
Newtown, Hythe and Cowes with Neil & Jane 19/20 June 2010
Neil and Jane came down Friday night and we had fish and chips aboard, and a reasonably early night.
Saturday we sailed to Newtown River. The bulk of the Round the Island Fleet were behind the Island, and although we missed the first boats, we did go past the finish as several big boats were finishing. There was a good breeze to sail in - N or NNE 4-5, but it was cold throughout Saturday.
We got into Newtown at low water, and it was full. I went down to the shallow end in case the last buoy was free, and as I was turning round to come back and anchor, I got blown onto the sand. It was a rising tide, and so we were off in a few minutes. Watching our difficulties, another boat on a buoy invited us to raft, and then announced they were off to Shalfleet for lunch, so we ended up with our own buoy anyway!
We hid behind the sprayhood as the wind was not so warm, and we had lunch in the cockpit, and then motor sailed up to Hythe Marina, where we were invited to stay outside Tom and Annie's house on their mooring for the night. We dodged four cruise liners in a row up Southampton Water, and got free-flow into Hythe. Tom and Annie took our lines, and we invited them aboard for drinks, and they had also invited Gareth too.
We then went to the local Thai restaurant, and a good time was had by all. Nightcaps were kindly provided in Tom and Annie's lovely pontoon house - number 15 White Heather Court .
Next morning, I cooked a full English for seven aboard, and then Jane did her first lock.
We motored down to Cowes as the wind died and tied up on the outside of Shepards. Neil and Jane went shopping, and we met them up at the Royal Corinthian YC for drinks.
It was by now so calm and warm, we were able to have lunch in the cockpit on the outside at Shepards without the boat bouncing all over! A lovely grazing lunch and a gentle motor sail back to Haslar with the sun at our backs.
We quickly tidied the boat up and bid our fond farewells, and rushed back for some Woodpeckers sunshine. A great weekend - as usual there are more pics in the photos section.
Gins Hog Roast 12/13 June 2010
Although the forecast was for no wind, a N / NNW force 3-4 greeted us and we had a great sail all the way to the Beaulieu River entrance. Wings of Hamble phoned us to say that they had booked us onto the pontoon so that we could get together, and although we nomally prefer to take a buoy, we confused John and Robert at Gins by rafting up!
We were outside a the motor boat belonging to John and Angela Rice and inside them Gordon and Christine in Aquarius. We went up to the bar and said hello and Tony and Heather from Wings joined us. They were moored in the other raft, so for lunch we hauled them over to our cockpit in the dinghy!
We then had drinks aboard Aquarius, and after a snooze, changed and went for drinks aboard Wings. They had three land-lubbers for the evening, who came by car, and we had some fun getting the three girls aboard, as they had to clamber over Prop Rider.
The hog roast was very good this year, and we had a good evening. We sat near Tom and Annie whom we met in St. Vaast and we made arrangements to see them up at Hythe next weekend.
Sunday was a lovely morning with a gentle SW, and as we had plenty of time, we hauled the sails up just off the pontoon and sailed out of the river and all the way back to Gilkicker with the boat goose winged from Cowes with the jib poled out. Beautiful and peaceful.
Home via the Office and we had a lovely afternoon in the sunshine at the Wylds, and a BBQ
RSYC St. Vaast Rally and the Baie de Seine 27 May - 6 June 2010
Thursday 27 May 2010
Had a traffic jam on the way down, and I couldn’t get the GPS on the laptop to work, so a little frustrating as we set off into the evening sunshine.
Having left Haslar at 2015 under motor, just past Spitsand, we lost the main chartplotter, which turned out to be a trip, but whilst pulling the wires about, I moved the auto helm and that stopped for a while until I put it in its correct vertical position!
No more mishaps after that and we motor sailed through the night lit by an amazingly bright full moon. Got a bit windy mid channel, and I hand steered for a while rather than put a reef in as it was short lived. Not too much traffic about but I did force a tanker to avoid me in the small hours when I was stand on boat.
It was a beautiful sunrise, so I kept going and we got to St. Vaast in 12 hours and the gates had just opened. After hanging on the hammerhead, the boat inside and next to Rex said they were going, so we waited and tucked in next to Rex with his usual crew of Richard and Ken and a new one Gareth – a great bloke as it turned out.
I slept for an hour and then we had oysters and moules frites at the Buccaneer – our usual, and then sunbathed as it was glorious. Slept a bit more and then ate aboard.
Saturday was wet and windy, as forecast and Julia wasn’t too well, so I cycled in and got some bread, but we missed the market. We had drinks aboard Ke Mara – Mick Wigfield with his crew of Brian and Leslie. Julia and I went around to Grumpy bear ( Philip and Diana and their two charter guests ) for coffee and then to Mr Gossellin where this year I insisted on talking with Bertrand and using the Rex connection. We spent nearly £400 on wine, and got it delivered back to the boat and rode in the van too. Grumpy bear were also in Gossellin and so we came back together as they spent £500!
We sweet talked Bertrand into donating 12 bottles of fizz for the Sunday lunch, and we got a huge free bottle of Bordeaux as well.
Then we dressed up for dinner at the Panoramique which we went to in a fleet of taxis as usual. John Peacock made a prat of himself, and the restaurant messed up the drinks bills, but it was still a great evening. We sat next to Gareth, Ken, Mick, Linda ( Cloudy bay – her husband Ken wasn’t well and stayed on board) , Richard and Rex. John and Judith Murray further on our table were more troubled by Peacock and his crew of two. Judith was quite upset.
Howard and Ann moored next to us (they being on the hammerhead) in Lady E. Invited us and Gareth in for late night drinks.
Sunday the weather was improved – sunshine intervals but a bit blowy. As there were 40 + people lunch was divided into 4 groups but we were in the Rex group and sat in the cockpit with Lee (Carol below) and Richard and Gareth, and a new couple to us: Tom and Annie (Nikitoo) – who were great fun.
We were then invited to drinks aboard Paul Frampton’s Victory and met Tom and Annie’s crew Carol who was also good company. We then had some tea, and invited Howard and Ann and Gareth for drinks aboard Selene. A lot of calvados disappeared.
Monday, we headed out in the sunshine to Grandcamp Maisy, which was a lovely little town with a great harbourmaster. We had eaten lunch on passage, so wandered about town looking for an evening restaurant and had drinks at the Cafe du Port.
We had chosen a little brasserie, and had a reasonable dinner there later. It is a very busy fishing port and the boats were in and out during the night opening of the gates.
Tuesday, was the bad forecast day, and the drizzle and rain came in early as we “did” the market. We then left as soon as the gate opened at 11, and got soaked going up to Courceulles. Very small in there and we ended up taking a hammerhead right down in the marina as the visitors was too small.
The sun then came out and we went for a stroll. We ate at the La Belle Aurore right on the corner of the marina which was a lovely traditional place and the food was great.
Next day we cycled into town and found it to be a lovely tourist place. We liked it a lot.
Then off again when the gates opened, and finally the wind got up enough for a cracking sail along to Dives sur Mer. The wind got right up and the sea became a mess. Julia retired for a while and I sailed Selene to the edge of the sand bar, and then dropped the sails. It was very bumpy and tricky following the channel in, but it settled near the entrance, and Julia was up and about to steer whilst I readied everything.
The new visitors section was closed, so I chose the next pontoon, wanting to point into the cold NE, and only realised after tying up that this was new and not yet “officially” open yet.
Anyway, the harbour master was great and let us be the first boat to ever moor there, and allowed us to cut the tape! He had to come down to switch the electric on. There is a big opening ceremony at the weekend apparently.
The marina is big and has residential all around and the whole thing is really well done. We cycled into town and had drinks in the square after visiting the old village. We then cycled out to Cabourg which was all closed and then along the coast to the very pretty if touristy Houlgate, where we sat on the beach waiting for the pizza place to open, and then had pizzas and cycled back.
Thursday dawned sunny but still with a keen NW, which was a tad chilly. We busied ourselves with jobs waiting for the gates to open, and then headed off to Honfleur at 1310. Initially it was a beat, and quite blowy, but as we turned the corner, the wind died and the sun got hotter, as we motored into the lock. We had just missed free flow, but Julia did a great job of lasso-ing the floating bollard.
We then went into Honfleur and found a finger on the eastern side, and sunbathed for a while and went for a walk. Then we then ate at La Bisquine – our favourite.
Friday was the first non sailing day for a while and we wandered around in the morning and sun-bathed in the afternoon. I cooked entrecote aboard – a wonderful day in a beautiful port.
Saturday was still hot and sunny, and market day. We “did” the market and then had drinks at the Yacht club – they were very welcoming. We had expected Alison and Bob for lunch, but they never showed or phoned, so we had lunch at the Bisquine – again! There we met Eloise and Andre from New York, who popped aboard later for a swift drink.
At the first bridge opening at 1630, we motored out and caught free flow through the lock and headed off to Le Havre, where we knew we could leave early the next day without bridges and locks and 10 miles nearer home. We tied onto the visitors pontoon, only to be moved by the harbour master, but I persuaded him to give us a finger a lot nearer than the other main visitors pontoon way on the outside.
Julia had researched a Moroccan restaurant “Atlas” and we cycled off for supper – great meal! Then a few drinks in the cockpit for the early start next day.
I was up at 0400 BST – first light and while Julia slept on, I set the sails and got us out of Le Havre. Had to dodge a load of racing boats coming back in from a night sail and the usual loads of lobster pots. These really are becoming a worry, and I think a rope cutter is getting high on the xmas list.
The wind was on the nose and then very close hauled, and although it was sunny and clear, it steadily rose all day, and 30 miles out it got into a 6 with a nasty seaway. We were tossed about a lot! When we finally got in, I had to raise the main again to hose off the salt water right up to the top batten – that was how high the spray had been – I had taken many duckings at the helm!!
Anyway – home safe, and everything worked, and we were quite lucky with the weather. It was a great week. More photos on the photos page as usual!
Mini Rally with Snowchick 22/23 May 2010
Glorious sunshine and high temperatures meant a motor over in convoy to the Folly. Snowchick with Malcolm and Mave was slightly ahead, and we caught up with them at Gilkicker. We arrived early at the Folly and got a great spot on the southern end of the Newport pontoon. I reversed Selene on to get the cockpit facing the right way, and after we had all tied up, we had pink wine and champagne and then a cockpit picnic lunch.
Sunbathed and chilled all afternoon as the pontoons filled up. Then the ice maker was called into action as we had G&Ts before going over to the Folly for dinner. By now Skoolie Too had arrived and got in touch so they joined us for the meal.It was great to see "Big" Andy again and he gave us a great table.
A most enjoyable evening, and plans made with Colin and Julie for later on in the summer! Sunday, I cooked breakfast for Snowchick and Selene and Colin and Julie joined us for coffee later. A good sea breeze got up and we managed a bit of a sail before it stayed on the nose, and we decided we wanted to get back to the Wylds to sunbathe, so we motored in and enjoyed the Wylds in the sunshine and had a BBQ.
Gemma's Birthday BBQ at Port Solent 15/16 May 2010
We took Selene up to Port Solent so that we could stagger back after a great BBQ at the Wheelhouse establishement. A great night out.
We had lunch at Prezzo on the Sunday, and gently back via the Office.
Mini Rally with Wings of Hamble 24/25 April 2010
Tony sailed Wings of Hamble round to Haslar on Friday evening with a couple of mates, and Heather met us on Selene just before they arrived. Tony's mates departed and I then cooked for Tony and Heather aboard Selene (chilli con carne) and a pleasant evening was had by all.
Saturday, Tony left ahead of us and we motored out on our way to Yarmouth into a glorious day. To our surprise, the breeze got up and we were able to fly the kite nearly all the way to Yarmouth. I had booked us into Harold Hayles, so we were assured of a berth, and we tied up at lunchtime.
We then were treated to a fantastic afternoon picnic aboard Wings of Hamble sat in the afternoon sunshine. Thank you Tony!
We then went for drinks at the pub, and snacked out on cheese and biscuits aboard Selene whilst watching Ashes to Ashes - very enjoyable.
Tony's brilliant idea of booking us into Gins for lunch on Sunday did have a serious flaw. To catch the last of the East going tide we had to be up and way by seven on Sunday morning. It was raining and foggy, so although it was early, I was glad to have the tide with us and have a quick motor to the Beaulieu River rather than slogging against the tide later.
History was made as Julia moored Selene for the first time against the river pontoon, ferry-gliding in using the tide and the wind like a pro. We then all had showers and rested up before getting John the bosun to take us over to Gins for lunch.
The weather had by now cheered up again, and it was sunny. We enjoyed a splendid roast lunch, and cracked off back for home into a really good SW breeze. We waved Wings of Hamble goodbye as they turned up Southampton Water and we had a great sail back into Haslar.
Although we had seen Tony and Heather a few times before, we all really got to know each other this weekend, and I think we were all surprised how well the four of us got on. Looking forward to seeing you guys again - more mini rallies to come!
Easter 2010 - Lymington - not Cherbourg! 2/5 April 2010
The weather won again, as it was too windy to contemplate a channel crossing, and when Neil and Jane dropped out of the trip as Jane had teeth problems, we decided not to go for a long trip, but rather to tuck up in Lymington and take the bikes.
Saturday morning was spent in the market, and a few more pints in the Kings Head. Saw the same gang again, and then went aboard Scallywag now on the Town Quay for drinks to while away the afternoon.
We were invited back for Doctor Who and dinner which made a splendid evening.
Sunday, Goose, Scally and Bacchus all went to Yarmouth. We cycled to Keyhaven, fell in with a group of cyclists who were also sailors, so we chatted and cycled with them. They were going onto Milford, and we went with them for a look around. Nice little place. We then came back to Keyhaven and sat in the Gun and read the Sunday Papers, ate Sunday lunch and then took the ferry out to Hurst Castle.
Great weekend - as ever rounded off by popping in the Office in Petersfield and finally watching the new series of Ashes to Ashes when we got home.
Gins Fitting out supper and Cowes for lunch with the Geese 13/14 March 2010
Saturday was sunshine and cloud, and little wind, so we motored to Gins and picked up our usual buoy off the pontoon. After a drink at the bar, we relaxed and slept, and then enjoyed the Titanic dinner with a great talk about Southampton Docks.
We met Max Spencer Smith and got on well with him and his wife and had a great evening.
Sunday was cold but sunny with a good breeze 5-6 N. Thus we were able to sail straight away off the buoy and all the way to Cowes.
Went on the outside of Shepards just opposite Ghostly Goose, and it was very rough. We had to put all the fenders out.
Had Coffee with Paul on Goose (Kath was shopping) and then went shopping ourselves. We then met for lunch in the Duke of York, and went for a drink at the Island Sailing Club afterwards, whilst we waited for the tide to go East.
We then headed off, and initially had a great sail, but the wind was dropping, so we motored the last into Haslar. Nice weekend.
ECA Rally to Bembridge – Selene hosting with Malcolm and Mave 6/7 March 2010
We all met up on Friday morning and had a very pleasant beam reach in the cold sunshine putting the sails up as we came out of Portsmouth harbour, and holding a single tack to the Bembridge tide gauge.
We then enjoyed the sunshine before putting the cockpit tent up and having lunch. We then enjoyed chatting to Rob and Jonno.
We went for a walk along to the Baywatch cafe, and watched Kotka coming in, and enjoyed her interesting 360 degree turn while dropping the mainsail. (A prize was later awarded for this) Tony Browne also arrived, and the ECA rally was starting to form. I then cooked a cassoulet for supper and we watched a DVD before bed.
Saturday, Julia Malcolm and I went up to the bookshop and had a drink in the Vine, where we were joined by Richard, Helen, Charles and Nicky from Kotka. We then came back down to find the catamaran Badgie 2 had already arrived, with Derek and Sheila Ellinor with their guests Brian and Carole, and we also welcomed in Graham and Val Holt in their GK29. We got them alongside Tony Browne.
Tringa 2 with Dick and Alice and their crew of Graham and Wendy Davis were next followed by Bev and Sue Dickens and their two guests in Clarabel which went alongside Kotka. We also saw APB arrive with Ludy.
Soon it was the drinks party aboard Selene, and with APB turning up as well, we ended up having 25 aboard for drinks.
We all took the water taxi to Brading Haven YC for a splendid evening with excellent food. Very cold coming back on the water taxi later!
Sunday, we went back over to the club for lunchtime drinks and saw Trevor and Val our Legend friends and Peter and Sue Biddick. Great atmosphere.
We then had a cracking sail back in a fresh ENE 5-6, having to beat to counteract the current. Really exhilarating. Kotka was also diverted into Haslar for the week, and so we had G&Ts aboard Selene before everyone departed their separate ways.
Great weekend.
RSYC Rally to Bucklers Hard with Neil and Jane 20/21 February 2010
We all met up on board on Friday night, and we had a leisurely Saturday morning waiting for the tide. The sun was out, blue skies, and we all went into Gosport and sampled the market before a bug brunch and then motoring off towards the Beaulieu River at lunchtime.
We got a little wind off Cowes and managed to sail over to the River entrance, otherwise it was light.
We had a walk into the tourist bit and remembered why we hadn’t been back to the Master Builders last year, as the service and quality of the beer was dreadful. Something that carried on throughout the evening meal later.
The rally was hosted by James Hanratty, and all four brothers were there, Patrick, Peter and we met John for the first time. Their friend and family lawyer, John Peacock came up by dinghy, and there was also Bob and Jackie by car, Chris and Hilary – new members in their new Southerly, and David and Kirsteen in Pyxis.
Drinks were in the bar and despite the service being dreadful, we still had a great night.
Sunday we found a steady 12 knots from the SW, so were able to sail the length of the Beaulieu and into Cowes where we moored in Shepards as per usual for lunch.
A shopping trip through the town, with a livener at the Island Sailing Club, followed by fantastic Roast at the Duke of York. They are so good in there! Complete contrast to the night before.
The wind stayed steady, and we were able to fly the cruising chute all the way back to Portsmouth – wow!
Jane and Neil enjoyed themselves, and we can’t wait to have them aboard at Easter when we hope to make Cherbourg.
Quick stop in the office where we saw Richard and Helen, and home contented – great weekend again.
Legends mini-Rally to Dell Quay SC for Sue’s 50th Birthday party 13 February 2010
After spending time on the water with Motortech, we could not diagnose anything mechanical, so I called RS Divers who found that the new outer gaiter had not been glued on properly by Gosport Boat Yard, and had been hitting the prop giving us the noises. They removed the gaiter, and finally on Saturday, we had a complete trip. We motored out through the Inner passage into a 4/5 NE, and had a cracking sail to West Pole. It was very cold.
We got in on free flow, but got given a naff short pontoon and had to wait for ages while they punched everything into their dammed system. Methinks it’s the system before customers here.
Got into Chichester Marina and had lunch and a snooze. Then walked up to Dell Quay, and had a beer in the pub. Then all the Legends arrived and we decorated the club house for the party.
Back to the marina to get changed and drinks aboard Iona, and then all in a cab - Skoolies, Iona and us – Goose was dried out on Dell Quay. We had to all wear some tin foil (!?)
Anyway, a great night out, and cab back. The Legends had clubbed together to get Sue a day on a tall ship, and she was sooo thrilled. Plus she got her own skateboard.
Very cold overnight, so we had to break the ice as we left. It was very cold on the way back – it was a very light NW, so we were still into it. Motored all the way, and then home to watch the England Italy game –which was a bit of a disappointment, but England did win.
RSYC Rally to the Hamble 6 February 2010
More problems! Because of the tides, we came down about 12:30 and in glorious sunshine and looking forward to a keen North Easterly breeze, we motored into Haslar lake, and pulled the main up, then increased revs and motored into the Harbour entrance.
Julia and I both noticed that the engine did not sound right, although it was not overheating this time! We turned around, dropped the sail, and motored back into the berth.
It appeared to be a problem only when in gear, and it didn’t seem to be anything around the prop as that generally judders the boat, and we have had plenty of those before.
There have been some problems with the boat being in drive when the lever is in neutral, since the new saildrive gaiter, so I thought maybe it was the linkage, so I tried to adjust that but it didn’t really seem to get corrected, but in the berth the engine sounded OK.
So we motored out again, and as we opened her up, the noise was awful – sounded like a loose nut in the gearbox, so we abandoned the idea of going, and took the scenic route around in the car to the Hamble. Being in the afternoon, we couldn’t get anyone from Motortech or Gosport Boat yard, so that’s a Monday morning call.
We got to the Hamble and watched the first half of the rugby in the King and Queen, (England v Wales) then joined the rally with drinks on board Aquarius – thanks Gordon and Christine, and then had dinner at the Victory. Got home, and watched the second half of the rugby.
Sunday, we retired to the Office and met Richard and Helen, and watched the France Sctoland game on the new big screen.
Day trip with Mike Hall on the new Discovery 50 Catamaran 4 February 2010
Mike is interested in buying this amazing 50 foot cat for a life out in the Med. This is the first of this design and we had a day out on the Solent to put it through its paces. I didn’t know what I would think but I was blown away – it is awesome.
More photos on the photos page.
RSYC Marchwood Rally 23/24 January 2010
At last the snow went, which forced the cancellation of the ECA rally, and we were able to get out onto the water.
The new water pump is incredible, and I have never seen the engine run so cool before. In fact it took so long to register any temperature at first, I thought the engineer had disconnected it!
Anyway, we motor sailed up to Marchwood on a grey cold afternoon, with the odd sunny interval. It was cold on arrival, and we joined three other boats there. Gordon and Christine gave us tea aboard Aquarius on arrival and then Peter and Wendy did the drinks party on Ear to Eternity. We then ferried across in dinghies as the pontoon was away for maintenance, and a great evening was had ashore.
Back safely in the dinghies, we enjoyed whisky aboard Aquarius before bed.
Sunday morning we were up and away – motoring as there was no wind, and had a pleasant trip back. Popped into Portsmouth to see Lloyd’s new Car dealership, and then a swift one in the Office on the way back. Great weekend.
There was also a good report on the RSYC website:
MARCHWOOD RALLY
The snow moved further south and stayed far longer than usual this winter disrupting the mid-week rallies, so it was pleasing that not only 37 members signed up for the first of our frostbite rallies but that the weather remained sufficiently amiable for five yachts to make the passage up river to Marchwood’s pontoon.
Now this was not necessarily the short hop from Ocean village for all, Selene is moored in Portsmouth, but their navigation is more direct and sure than some of those who came by car.
The office had warned that although the pontoons were in place the link to the shore had been removed for dredging. Hence it was a great relief when they all arrived safe and dry in MYC’s clubhouse by using a dinghy and Peter Whatley’s rope to pull them themselves back and forth.
I’m not sure if this idea was inspired by the news that the Cowes floating bridge was out of action or nostalgia for the old Itchen ferry but for Saturday evening Aquarius Ventures, Ear to Eternity, Laurella Jo, Selene and Pyxis were masters of probably the only chain ferry working in Southampton Water.
After an excellent dinner the evening finished with an icebreaker exercise. With six new members present it was a good opportunity for established and new members to talk and continue the process of getting to know each other. All that remained was for the ferry to return the crews to their boats for a Sunday return to base. All told a promising start to 2010.
Brian Hinde, Captain of Cruising
East Cowes for Boxing Day at Emily’s and RSYC Folly lunch 26 / 27th December 2009
Emily wanted everyone over on the Isle of Wight for my mum’s birthday, so we sailed over with James on boxing day and stayed in East Cowes. Emily and Steph picked us up and we had a great time at Emily’s. We got a taxi back later.
Sunday, we walked to the Folly and met all our RSYC friends, and then had a cracking sail back to Gilkicker. Once again, the engine overheated soon after switching on at Gilkicker, and this time I sailed her right into Haslar Creek, and we just used the very hot engine for the last few 100 metres into the berth.
Since then we had the very bad weather and were snowed in, but eventually Motortech diagnosed a new much bigger pump, and this has been fitted.
Selene in Gosport Boat Yard 9 – 27th November 2009 ( and Newtown River aboard Northern Spirit)
After all the drama of the previous weekend, I went down on Saturday 7th November and sorted the engine out. When I looked at the impeller that I had only fitted the Sunday before it was broken. So after some to-ing and fro-ing to the Volvo dealer, we discovered that there are two impellers listed for our engine, and it’s hard to tell them apart. The spare I had fitted was the wrong one, and simply wasn’t up to the job. It also turns out that the previous impeller fitted at the last service wasn’t right either, but because it had almost instantly distorted it “sort of “ worked for the past few months. It now explains why we couldn’t rev as high as normal without the temperature gauge going up.
Newtown River aboard Northern Spirit 28 / 29th November 2009
Gosport Boatyard were not sure if they could get Selene back in the water in time for the weekend rally, so we had booked to go aboard Northern Spirit – a Najad 400 belonging to our friends Adam and Louise Greig.
Although there was a lull in the weather Friday afternoon, and they got Selene in and round to Haslar, there still wasn’t time to put the GPS and VHF back in and the other tidying up required after the work, so we stuck with our plans to go on Northern Spirit.
The forecast was horrendous, but we went anyway! Actually, it was fairly quiet on the Saturday getting there, but just as we entered Newtown the heavens opened and the wind got up. We still went by dinghy and footpath to the pub, and the rain eased a bit. Great food and company. There were 6 boats including us.
We all enjoyed it and Louise cooked us a big breakfast on arrival into Ocean Village. We of course stopped at the Office on the way back! Great weekend.
Julia and I got down on Friday afternoon and motor sailed out of Haslar just as it got dark, and tied up alongside Colin and Julie on the Folly pontoon. A couple of drinks with them, and then the Scallys tied up outside us and 27 of us sat down for dinner in the Folly.
Saturday morning, we motored into Island Harbour, and after making toast for the Scallys and us, we cycled into Newport. Went back to the Premier Inn to re-live the 2008 IOW Festival – very nostalgic.
Bacchus were very impressive on arrival as was Sue’s spider.
Then lunch in the Bargeman’s rest, and we were joined by Colin and Julie and Simon and Emma who had all walked with the dogs. We then went into the classic boat museum, and then back to the boat. At 6, we had food from all the boats shared out on a bench, and a bonfire and fireworks.
We sneaked off with the Scallys onto Selene and watched Strictly (recorded earlier ) via our Slingbox and then joined the pontoon party. The smoke machine was in use!
Sunday night a huge storm blew over, and a lot decided to stay. We really wanted to get back so left and had a lot of help through the lock in the breeze. When I started Selene, I noticed the engine didn’t sound right, but the gates were opening and people standing by, so I went in. Soon after clearing the lock, she overheated and we sailed under jib to the river pontoon opposite the Folly, to wait for the engine to cool down and have a look. Lady Muck with Neil, Ian, and Pippa pulled over to help, and we stripped the engine down. The impeller was gone, and we couldn’t really find any weed or blockage, so I replaced the impeller, put it all back together, and she sounded normal again.
So, Sunday roast at the Folly, and then we motored happily down the Medina with Lady Muck to sail home. The engine was fine, but after a couple of minutes the C80 GPS packed up and just kept re-booting itself, and stayed that way. Oh well, I know the way home.
Got to Shepards and hoisted a single reef in the shelter there and then charged out into F6 W gusting 30 knots. Goose winged very fast and surfing to Gilkicker, where just as we approached the harbour entrance, I put the engine on, which sounded fine, and dropped sails as we were in the lee of Haslar bank there.
As I put the main away, the engine sounded wrong again, and sure enough, overheated again. I rolled the jib out, and advised QHM that I would sail in. They were in a bit of a flap about me keeping to the West, but my VHF was starting to fail, and they couldn’t hear me properly. I then tried Haslar to see if they could help me onto my berth when I got into Haslar creek, and they couldn’t hear me either, so now the VHF is kaput as well! I rang them on the mobile and we slowly sailed into the harbour, with the wind all over the place as usual.
I finally got an angle for Haslar creek and as I got back near Ballast buoy, the whole harbour entrance was filled with tugs, police boats and the Navy’s new Destroyer coming in completely taking over the whole entrance. We just slid into Haslar creek in time, and John in the Haslar rib helped nudge us into our berth. I was able to sail right up the creek, and berthing was easy with motorised assistance!
Wow – what a load of things to go wrong after such a lovely weekend. We got home exhausted!
Gins Laying up supper 17-18 October 2009
Julia and I went down to Haslar Saturday morning, and had a cracking sail in a Northerly F4 to Gins. We picked up our favourite buoy just off the pontoon and after a few lunchtime drinks at the bar, relaxed aboard. Tony and Heather Birr turned up in Wings of Hamble and we sat next to them at dinner, and had a splendid evening. No wind on the Sunday morning, but it was nice weather again, so we motored back and stopped in the Office on the way back as usual.
Chilling in the Solent mini-cruise 10-13 October 2009
Julia and I went down to Haslar on Friday evening and I got up early and motored us to Lymington before the tide turned. Came out alongside Ghostly Goose and we chatted along Haslar Bank.
We got into Lymington in time for the market, and some fantastic sunshine. We went back to Berthon, as we love the shorter walk and the fantastic showers. We relaxed in the sunshine and then I cooked steak.
Sunday – the weather wasn’t so good, so we abandoned plans to go to Gins and motored over to Yarmouth and had lunch at the Royal Solent. Then we drank in the Bugle later.
Monday, we cycled to Fort Victoria and up the Yar Valley for drinks at the Red Lion at Freshwater. All in glorious sunshine. Then we motored to Swanwick – the Solent was so empty! Again enjoyed the sunshine and then took the dinghy over to the Jolly Sailor for dinner.
Tuesday, we did some boat jobs in the sunshine and had a lovely gentle motor back in the sunshine and stopped at the Office on the way back.
Legend Rally to Bembridge 3-4 October 2009
Julia and I went down to Haslar on Friday evening and had drinks with Colin and Julia in Landers. The forecast was for lots of wind Saturday but from the SW, this would be a good sail to Bembridge. We left at 0830 double reefed and had a fabulous sail in 25 – 30 knots of SW. Even the weather wasn’t too bad.
Arrived on the Duver and rafted outside Leoni and then went aboard the Goose for a while. Much amusedness, and watching the boat parking entertainment. We then had drinks aboard Selene at 1700 and then water taxi to the Bembridge Sailing Club.
Dinner was a fun time and we all enjoyed ourselves! We then retired back to Goose for further imbibing and retired late.
Next morning, as arranged, Snowchick arrived and we cooked breakfast for Malcolm and Mave, and then went for lunchtime drinks at the Brading Haven Yacht Club. We then managed to sail most of the way back in light winds, and as usual stopped at the Office on the way home.
Boat Show and “Snowchick Rally”, Ocean Village & Swanwick11-13 September 2009
I finished work at 12:30 and we rushed down to Haslar and were welcomed by a NE 5-6, so sails up and sailing fast from Gilkicker all the way up to Ocean Village. Great sail.
We had no problem berthing in the club pool, and Christine nabbed us for a photo shoot just after arrival. She wanted us to model some of the new club regalia – sweatshirts and the like. Great fun. Then we went for drinks with Adam and Louise aboard their lovely Najad, and I then cooked us a meal aboard.
Saturday we walked to the boat show, met Keith and Lorna in the queue and we all met up for drinks on the Dean and Reddyhoff stand at 11:30, also meeting Malcolm and mave who had already moored Snowchick in Swanwick.
We also met up with Mike and Sarah looking at the Discovery 67 and 55, and then after some shopping, we walked back to Ocean Village and got another cracking sail down to the Hamble River. Again NE – this time 4-5. We motored up to Swanwick and moored up safely.
We then went for drinks aboard Snowchick, and went to the Jolly Sailor for dinner. Excellent service from Manda who manages the pub and waitress Natalie. Great food and great people.
Sunday again brought a good NE 5-6 and saw yet another cracking sail from the Hamble river entrance to Gilkicker – Wow! Tidied up and stopped at “The Office” in Petersfield on the way back, followed by BBQ at Woodpeckers.
Legend Owners Annual Rendezvous, Lymington 05/06 September 2009
Julia and I left Haslar late Saturday morning into a W5/6. Did a zig then a zag, and then motored to Lymington. Sun shone at first and then cloudy for the rest of the weekend.
Moored up as one of 24 boats, and by 4pm, we were already partying on Iona. Then we had the official drinks on the pontoon next to Revel, and then a dinner in the library at the Royal Limington YC. Great fun.
Finally drinks on Goose, and bed around 11! Being spring tides, we had to be away around 9am, so we were a bit bleary as we motored back to Haslar – in little or no wind of course!
Great weekend with some great friends.
Bramble bank cricket match & Emsworth with Neil and Jane 22/23 August 2009
Julia and I got down to Selene about 1730 on Friday, and I fixed the traveller and the loose connection on the compass, and then cooked supper. We then helped a guy who had smashed his knee getting off the Island Packet, looking after him until the ambulance arrived and then after a drink in Landers, Neil and Jane arrived about 2200.
I got up and got the boat out at 0520, and Jane joined me after about 20 minutes. We motored to the Bramble Bank and saw the end of the very short annual cricket match between the Royal Southern and the Island Sailing club. By now Julia and Neil were also up. We then motored to the Emsworth Channel where we picked up a buoy and had breakfast in the cockpit in lovely sunshine.
Soon the water was high enough for us to get into Emsworth Yacht Harbour, where we tied up on the now vacant B pontoon (Tarquin having gone bust). Keith and Lorna came to see us and we drank some bubbles.
We went into Emsworth, and had a jar at the Coal Exchange and the Bluebell. Later Jim came round for a drink, and in the evening we ate the Sussex Brewery.
Next morning was hot and sunny. I got the papers, and cooked breakfast, and Neil and Jane went for a walk. Then when the water was high enough, we motored out over the sill and out to West Pole. We managed a sail from there to Portsmouth, and had lunch on the way. Back into Haslar, and Neil and Jane set off on their long journey back.
A really great weekend, and a hot and sunny one.
RSYC Joint Rally with Royal Corinthian & Royal Naval & Albert 15/16 August 2009
Saturday brought a good SW / W F5, so we motored to about half a mile off Gilkicker and set sail, beating all the way up to Southampton Docks. It drizzled at first and then although grey, cheered up a bit. Good sail though.
The pool had been especially emptied for the rally and so we easily got a finger next to a Fairline from the Royal Southern. We chilled and then had a mini drinks party with Rear Commodore Sailing Gordon and Christine – who often provide us with B&B when we go to Ocean Village by car. Adam and Louise Greig whose boat is in OV, stopped by earlier and we invited then also.
The evening was great and we met some nice people from the other yacht clubs. In fact there were only two from the Royal Corinthian: John & Shirley Thornback who were in the motor vessel Cybaris – an early prototype for the Nelson range. The food at OV wasn’t up to much – lasagne and chips (!) and indeed John Thornback was ill overnight, so he said.
Anyway, we enjoyed the evening and the company, and had late night drinks aboard Cybaris, along with David and Heather from the Royal Southern.
Sunday dawned sunny, and we had a lazy morning and breakfast in the cockpit, then a great sail back. We popped the chute up at the docks and carried that to Fawley, where the wind gusted up to 21 knots and was slightly too tight for the kite, so we dropped that and flew along Lee on Solent at 7.5 knots. Overtaking some bigger boats that had gone past us while we were struggling with the kite.
Great sail, followed by a de-brief at the Office on the way back and a BBQ at Woodpeckers.
Keith's 60th Party and a day trip to Cowes 8/9 August 2009
Saturday lunchtime, we enjoyed some sunshine at last at Keith's for his 60th birthday party. Really enjoyable time.
We then went on to Haslar and had drinks with some of our Legend friends, and then later I rang Richard to see where he and Helen were - expecting them to be in Dartmouth or somewhere - only to find they had been delayed on their holiday start and were just coming into Haslar!
I quickly arranged for them to come onto A pontoon, and we enjoyed their company in the conservatory when the sun went down.
Next day, we set off for a day trip to Cowes, where we saw the massed start of the Fastnet race, and then tied up in Shepards Wharf and had lunch on the balcony at the Royal Corinthian YC. Magic - at last some proper sunshine!
We had a lovely trip back and a BBQ back at Woodpeckers to round off the weekend.
Summer Cruise – Channel Islands 9 – 26 July 2009 (305 nautical miles)
Julia and I went down to Selene late on the Wednesday evening and we motored out of Haslar at 0410 on Thursday morning. I was a little late setting off and the wind I expected wasn’t there to give us the extra oomph, and as a result, we didn’t get to Hurst as early as I would have liked and ate tide to the Needles.
After that we settled into motor sailing as there was still very little breeze. A NW 4-5 occ 6 had been forecast but we never saw that and the biggest apparent we saw all day was 17knts W.
Anyway the weather wasn’t too bad, and we made Braye after 14 hours. We took the last visitors buoy – or the first as you go in if you like. We have never seen it so full. We decided against going ashore as we were so far out, and our new cockpit tent – our conservatory, was most acceptable. I cooked supper and we chilled.
Next morning we spent quietly in the conservatory and set off about 1.75 hours before HW Dover to catch the race. It was a beautifully sunny day and the F 2-3 W forecast turned into a wonderful W 5-6 giving us a speedy reach down to Sark. Then the wind died and we again motor sailed into St. Helier. We arrived in really quick time, and just as the gate was about to open, but found ourselves at the back of a queue of 20 boats, so it took another half hour to get in.
We were quickly tied up and off out to supper as I had already booked Casa Mia from Alderney, so we missed Philip of Grumpy Bear who came round to see us. We had a super Italian meal, and it was a great evening.
Saturday morning, we set off into town for the market and some shopping, and we met Philip and Diana on the way back, so they came around for drinks in the conservatory. We had a great afternoon, and somehow I don’t remember the rest of the evening!
Sunday morning, the weather was improving from the grey and rain of Saturday, so we set off on the bikes to St. Aubin and had Sunday Lunch at the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club which is really lovely. Everyone was extremely friendly, and they all wanted to talk to us. The steward(ess) Eileen and her assistant Andrew were extremely helpful and nice, and an eccentric old gentleman called Ashleigh Kirsch (or Kish ?) told us about the engines on the famous Westward and then drove off in his Model T ford wearing Mr Toad goggles!.
We also met Nigel Philpott, who gave me his card – and it was one of the most interesting I have read – “Director of High Value Residency” for the States of Jersey. We got on very well with him and arranged to see him the next day, as He had to shoot off with his family.
We then cycled out to Corbiere lighthouse via a lovely old railway path. On the way back we stopped in at the club for a swift one, where we ended up chatting to the Commodore Lynne Cook and her husband Chris along with “Irish” Steve – a personal trainer and his girlfriend Barbara and their friend Peter – a lawyer.
The afternoon drifted on into the evening and we ended up having an Italian meal with Chris at a nearby restaurant called the Barca. Lynne never made it and we cycled back in the dark a bit worse for wear!
Monday, the weather improved and we cycled into town for some wine and water and other heavy items – hence the bikes. Nigel Philpott rang and invited us for lunch at the Royal Yacht Hotel which was a lovely outdoor affair in the sun.
We then retired back to a glorious sunny cockpit on Selene (The tent taken down) and we enjoyed Nigel’s company. He was on the phone to the great and the good that he deals with and was off after seeing us to a BBQ with Nigel Mansell ! I then cooked rib-eye steak on the BBQ and we enjoyed a very pleasant evening. Annoyingly though, the clouds came over and so it was grey in the evening.
Tuesday dawned sunny again and after seeing the excellent maritime museum, we cycled off to Gorey where we had lunch at Nigel’s recommendation, at Suma’s where we sat on the balcony looking at the sea and the castle. We cycled back along the coast road and then Nigel popped over to take us to see his lovely motor boat - a Corvette 425 called Amicus. We enjoyed a bottle of wine aboard, and then we chilled in the conservatory and had a supper of crab sandwiches.
Overnight into Wednesday, it was very windy and noisy, but the sun came out about 9 am. We had decided to stay another day after some shopping, we cycled to the yacht club again for lunch. Much quieter than the weekend but still very friendly.
We then cycled to St Brelades and back into St. Aubin, but this time we stopped for a drink in the pub, The Old Court House, and lo and behold, who should come past but Nigel! We chatted to him for a while and then cycled back. We then had a seafood supper on board.
Thursday, the weather was sunny with little wind, and so we motored off to St. Peter Port. Things were beeping as we came out, and we soon realised that we had no compass, so again no auto helm – on a sunny motoring day! To cap it all, whilst we were nearly knocked over by Condor coming in the Jersey Coastguard gave a brand new strong wind warning. I couldn’t make it out due to the noise of Condor, so had to radio the coastguard for details – anyway – it was “soon” meaning at least six hours, which gave us time to get into St. Peter Port.
I turned the autohelm on and off a few times to no avail and then settled to hand steering. After a couple of hours, I tried again, and this time it all came up and worked. This was great as it was a lovely sunny day, and it was nice to relax and let Otto drive. We then completely lost power as we went through a huge patch of weed, and it took some time running forwards and in reverse to clear the weed off the prop, before we could get back up to speed again.
We got safely into harbour, and were lucky enough to get the last finger and just as I finished tidying up and settled down for a beer in the cockpit, the clouds came over and the weather deteriorated as forecast.
We then had a wander around and drinks at the yacht club followed by dinner at the french place Dix-Neuf – a nice bistro.
Friday was a grey and drizzly day which we spent shopping. I bought a new laptop, and we drank in the yacht club and the pub. We didn’t win the meat raffle at the club! The Wifi didn’t work at St Peter Port either except if you went to the office with your laptop! Joke really. But cheaper than paying vodafone £8 a day. We ate in with me cooking a gourmet chicken dinner.
Saturday started sunny, but soon came over all wet and horrible. We had a wander round – saw the hill climb and had lunch safely out of the rain in the conservatory. What a sensible purchase that has turned out to be! Then a siesta as it rained harder. I then cooked sausages and onions and we drank more red wine and continued watching the DVD of Francesco’s Mediterranean voyage in the Black Swan.
Sunday started grey but turned out very sunny and windy. We went to Herm in the morning and came back and had lunch al fresco on the pavement as they had closed the road for Sunday. We were given great service by the girls at the Ship and Crown, and invited one to the boat. We sat on Selene listening to the golf and the Australian girl from Queensland, Tamara arrived with her fried Lauren from Beer (in Dorset). We shared a bottle of wine with them and listened to their exciting plans – both “travelling” and enjoying their freedom.
We then repaired to the Cock and Bull which had a lot of real ales on and watched the play off (Stuart Cink easily beat Tom Watson) and then back to Selene, where Julia prepared Tuna and sweet corn pasta – an old favourite aboard. And of course, another bottle of red and more Francesco DVD! Cherbourg tomorrow, we think.
Monday morning was a lazy affair waiting for enough water over the sill to head for Cherbourg. We were away just after 1500 and had a good trip up to Cherbourg, crabbing across the Alderney race. We saw a French submarine as we came into port, and we found the new pontoons very comfortable and much longer and had a quiet evening watching the stars in the conservatory.
Sadly Tuesday was wet and miserable all day. We did the Carrefour shop and had Moules frites in the rain. It rained so hard, we didn't bother going out in the evening.
Wednesday was the sensible day to go x-channel, and so we set off at a very civilised 0700. We did the perfect "S" curve, east first, then west, then east at the Needles and straight into Berthon where we were booked in. We had mainly SW 4/5/6, and the auto helm coped admirably, until… it failed after nine hours, but as we were at the Needles in 10, and parked after 11 in Lymington, it wasn't so bad - just annoying.
Next morning, Andy from Greenham Regis came round to the boat, and we diagnosed a dead gearbox, which when replaced, sounded better than it has ever done, so it's likely that's been the root of most of the problems - we shall see. It was a sunny but windy day, so our planned lunch at anchor at Hurst went out of the window, and we had drinks in the sun trap at the Kings Head, followed by lunch in the cockpit.
We then motored round to Gins in a very stiff SW 6, and spent a very pleasant evening at Gins. We met Dave and Gemma on Sohar, who were also going to Bembridge the next day.
Next morning after a real downpour, the sun came out and it was very windy again. We had a simply cracking sail down to Bembridge and found that now it was the school holidays, we would have to raft - the first time all holiday. We rafted against quite an old tub with strings, ladders and all sorts making it very difficult to clamber over, and the two guys seemed fairly clueless!
Later on, purely by co-incidence, the harbourmaster put Sohar outside us, and so after lunch we all got together in Selene's cockpit for a Pims afternoon!
Saturday morning was quite pleasant and we got the bikes out. We chatted to Peter Biddick in the office for a while and then cycled to Seaview and the Dell Café along the beach beyond. When we got back we could see that they were preparing for many boats, so we thought we would scarper before the mayhem began.
We only just got away before being buried deep in a raft and had a swift sail back to Haslar where we chilled in the cockpit. We then went over to Gunwharf and ate at la Tasca and when we came back, Aly, Graham, Neal and Jane, who had sailed Green Rival round from Southampton came aboard for conservatory drinks.
Sunday morning, we read the papers in the cockpit and then packed up and went home - via a full de-briefing in the "Office". Good holiday - very disappointed with the weather though.
Legends again! 26/27/28 June 2009
We took Friday off work, and Motortech did a major service in the morning, and Julia came down by train and Brompton at lunchtime. We then motored over to Gunwharf where those Legends invited gathered under the Spinnaker Tower to celebrate Mike and Sue's 25th Wedding Anniversary.
The weather was glorious and we had drinks aboard followed by a fantastic evening upstairs in the Tower, which was taken over exclusively for the do.
Saturday, we anchored in Osborne Bay for lunch and then took over the Folly pontoon. We had dinner in the Folly, but had to be off the table by 8pm, so instead of waiting for the dancing, we turned Goose into a party boat complete with the disco lights from Bacchus.
Next day, we stopped at Shepards and had lunch for 18 in the Duke of York, and then back to Haslar. A really great weekend.
Legends in Langstone Harbour 13/14 June 2009
I fitted the repaired sprayhood and the replacement course computer on the Saturday morning, and then we went and did all the circles again in the Harbour to set up the new auto-helm - which is now working again!!! Hooray!
We then motored into Langstone Harbour and anchored up with the Legends. In the evening, we all went ashore for a beach BBQ and the girls danced around their handbags.
We had drinks with Kath and Paul aboard Selene and then we all moved to Bacchus for drinks and disco. On Bacchus were Gemma and Lloyd and their friends.
Next morning was bacon butties on the beach provided by the rally hosts David and Helena on Wagtail, and we played rounders. The weather was superb. The event was rounded off with an ensign motor-past. We then motored back to Haslar before the tide turned and got to "the Office" for lunchtime drinks, followed by a relax in the garden at Woodpeckers.
Cruisers Hog Roast at Gins 6/7 June 2009
Julia and I put a single reef in and with a steady F5/6 Easterly cut the engine at Gilkicker and flew to the Beaulieu River entrance. Quite a windy day, but pleasant weather. We picked up a buoy downriver from Gins, and after lunch, John Bird took us ashore with our bikes, and we cycled to Lymington, and after a swift one in the Kings Head, we took in the market, which was still going.
Back aboard for a chill in the cockpit, which was fine if you were out of the wind, and then as John was working the evening, we were ferried ashore again for the Hog Roast. We met new member Adam, and it was great to see Tony and Heather again, with their friends Martin and Abby. We sat next to Rex and Joyce and Bob and Jackie over supper, which was pleasant, and the food was fine apart from the endless queuing.
The forecast for Sunday was dire with rain all day, but it chucked it down in the night, and we awoke to sunshine. In fact as we set off at 0830, we were surprised to have a fantastic sail on a beam reach in the sunshine!
We then headed for Petersfield and enjoyed the food festival, and then back to Woodpeckers for Pimms in the garden. Ed arrived by train, as he was overnighting on his way to Heathrow for his month travelling in Asia. We had a BBQ and watched some tele, before retiring reasonably early, as Ed had to be at Liss Station for 0700!
RSYC & LOA Rallies to St. Vaast 21 - 25 May 2009
We left Haslar at 0440 on Thursday morning, and motored past the Bembridge Ledge and then picked up a super breeze and sailed for five hours before it went light and we motor sailed. The breeze picked up again off Barlfleur and we were again able to sail the last couple of hours down to St. Vaast. We arrived exactly as the gates opened and charged in with the rush. Great sunny weather all day. We moored up and shot off to get Moules Frites on our bikes, and crashed to bed early.
Next day the weather was again good, and we relaxed and did some shopping. The next gate opening saw us being squashed in our berth, and I got the Harbour master to move us onto D25 - a residents pontoon with plenty of space. The Royal Southampton crowd had arrived behind us, and we said hello to Bob and Jackie and Rex and his crew of Ken and Richard. We lazed in the cockpit in the sunshine during the afternoon, and in the evening I BBQ-d some langoustines and we ate aboard.
Saturday, we enjoyed the market and then cycled to Barlfleur and had lunch at the Café de France, which was superb. The weather got greyer and colder and so we didn't dawdle back, and it rained just after we packed the bikes away. Saturday evening we had RSYC drinks and then lots of taxis up to the "Panoramique" restaurant up on the hilltop at Pernelle. Great night out. We had Grumpy Bear's Philip and Diane and their guest Ruth back for drinks. Over the evening we met Gerry and Nick Fletcher, and Mike and Cathy (one of the four shares on Kamara) Peter and Betty were there in Kir Royale and Paul Frampton had driven over.
Sunday morning, we discovered that whilst we were out the night before, the Legends had arrived and Paul and Kath in Ghostly Goose were only two down from us, and we had coffee with them. The sun was hot and great all day - completely against the forecast and we then had a massive lunch on Arabesque and Rise and Shine, and then a drinks party with the Legends, where we met Steve, Diana and Holly on Kaikoura, and Paul asked us if we would sail in company with Gary back. So after drinks, we anchored outside in company with Gary in his 326 and I rowed him over and we fed him supper.
At 0500 we hauled up anchors and set off into a terrifying electrical storm and foul tide. The auto helm had packed up on the way over (motor died) so as I was hand steering, I wanted daylight, which cost us a couple of hours to that foul tide. It chucked it down and was thoroughly unpleasant for several hours. The sun came out in the shipping lanes but there was no wind at all day, apart from a little on the nose, so we motored, and the sea wasn't nice until St. Catherine's point. Here it got misty and drizzled. We took 15 hours coming back. Gary went into Cowes and we packed up quick and rushed home.
Great rallies, great company and some lovely weather.
RSYC Rally to Poole Harbour 2/3 May 2009
Julia and I went down to Selene on Friday afternoon and I got a number of jobs done. Then we went over to Gunwharf to celebrate 16 years since we met. We ate at Pizza Express and although we had to queue (they don't take bookings) we didn't wait too long.
Early night, as I was up at 0400 and got the boat away at 0500. The wind was pretty much on the nose all the way and was light too, so I motor sailed passing a few hardy yachts sailing but going nowhere fast, and I wanted to take all the tide I could to Poole, even though it was neaps.
Julia remained in bed asleep, and I woke her with a cup of tea at 0800, and we were by now well into Christchurch Bay dodging lobster pots and fishermen in small motor boats. It had been a beautiful morning coming out of Portsmouth, but was already clouding over and the day ended up being one of sunny spells.
We motored into Poole Harbour at 1000 and were moored in Parkstone Yacht Haven on G22 by 10:30. I cooked us breakfast and then had a snooze till 1200. We then cycled into Poole and I had a couple of beers at the Brewhouse as usual. Today I had Monkey and "Beer". We met heavy metal fans Jason and Amy sat outside in the sunshine, and enjoyed watching Poole go by.
We then cycled back and had another sleep. We were a bit late waking, and thus dressed in a hurry for the pontoon drinks party beside Paul Frampton's Victory and then we took the usual fleet of taxis to and from the Royal Motor Yacht Club. We shared with Gerry and Wendy Addis and sat with them at dinner too. It was great to catch up with them. Good meal, but quiet in the club as there was a private 70th party upstairs and not as many locals around as last year. We also met Trevor and Heather Nichols from Ossian Warrior which is moored on D pontoon at Haslar.
Gerry and Wendy retired and we had drinks aboard Arabesque with Bob and Jackie, Paul Frampton and Richard and Angela - Paul's crew. We got the tour of Paul's boat and admired Richard's painting upon the wall!
Next morning was again sunny spells but still with a cold W or NW wind. I cycled off to get the papers and did my "paper Boy" bit delivering to Victory and Arabesque. We read the papers and then set off to cycle to Studland, crossing on the chain ferry. Distance to the village was about 5 miles, so a nice ride. We had a beer at the Bankes Arms and saw Arabesque anchoring off the beach. We went down and met them ashore, and met son Richard and his friends and their daughter.
We then all went up to the pub for more beer, and Allan and Gillian from Twister of Mersea followed by Adam and Louise from Aquaholic came up and joined us.
Julia and I then cycled back and enjoyed Pims in the cockpit. Still a bit chilly but nice out of the wind in the sunny spells. We then motored around to the SE corner of Brownsea Island and anchored along with the others Arabesque, Aquaholic, Twister of Mersea and Kamara.
We didn’t bother to go ashore and had our BBQ in the cockpit. Although Arabesque rafted alongside Aquaholic for their BBQ, no social invites were received, and as we were tired we kept ourselves to ourselves and retired early.
Next day we lazed in bed a bit, had a lazy breakfast and hauled up the anchor about 1100 - still supposedly a bit early for the tide in Poole Bay but fine for the entry to Hurst.
The wind was W 4-5 and gradually increased to a 6 in the Solent, with quite lumpy seas. I caught the ebb out of Poole - which nearly carried me over the chain ferry chains as I waited for it for the first time and was surprised to find a little current with me out to sea to the South. Looking at the tidal diagrams, I should have had some against me, but we carried a little tide all the way to the Needles, by which time it was slack. I gybed into Christchurch Bay and another big gybe off the beach set us into Hurst off the North Channel. We sluiced into the Solent and did another massive gybe off Sconce. Julia was quite tired and cold and we abandoned the downwind zig - zag with crashing gybes and motor sailed back into Haslar as we were both keen to get home. The sail to Hurst had been fantastic and quite fast, so we had had our exhilaration.
All in all a great rally and very enjoyable weekend. We love our folding bikes so much and enjoyed the good company of our fellow cruisers.
RSYC Rally to Royal Lymington YC 25/26 April 2009
A windy beat into wind and tide was hard work (SW 6) but very enjoyable on the Saturday. We then had lunch and cycled to the Gun at Keyhaven, and then drinks aboard Heidi. 40 people on board! Great dinner as usual at the Royal Lym, and a good night's sleep.
Sunday, the wind went SE, so another beat, but not so windy, but still quite hard work as it was lumpy. Off to the Office on the way home as usual.
Sail around Portsmouth Harbour 18 April 2009
Our French friend Philippe came for the weekend with his new girlfriend Veronique, and we took them for a sail around Portsmouth Harbour.
Day trip to Cowes and Gunwharf Quays 15 April 2009
Ed and James were down for a few days after Easter and they both were keen to go out on the boat. As it happened, I had booked the Sea Lift in Cowes so that I could fit the new gaiter that protects the saildrive. The old one came off last Autumn.
We then motor-sailed back to Portsmouth, where I had us booked into Gunwharf where we tied up and went for dinner at La Tasca, before then taking Selene back onto her berth after dark. A great evening was had, and it was a lovely day.
Weymouth for Easter 9-13 April 2009
The strong Southerly scuppered our plans to go to Cherbourg, and the forecast said that the weather would be better to the West, so we went to Weymouth. It being a big spring tide, I was able to carry us into Weymouth in seven hours averaging 8 knots. The weather stayed good but the sea state was very confused into Weymouth bay and I had to hand steer as the new auto helm, simply couldn't do it. We managed to get in for the last bridge lift, and got tucked up into the marina.
The staff were very friendly - typical of a Dean and Reddyhoff marina, and we ate out in town and retired tired. It chucked it down overnight and the next day was grey and drizzly but not the expected rain all day. We shopped, drank at the George and booked ourselves into the Galley Bistro for the evening meal.
Saturday, the sun shone, and we took out our new Brompton folding bikes which we bought from Malcolm and Mave. I have been riding mine nearly every day, and this was Julia's first time. We cycled the Rodwell Trail to Portland and saw Paul at the Portland Marina office. We did climb up Portland, but it wasn't very bike friendly (unless you have a mountain bike) but we did see some great views at the top.
We then cycled back into town and drank at the Boot where we got chatting to the locals. We organised a bridge lift with the Harbour Master and booked ourselves onto the waiting pontoon as we had an early start to take the east going tide on Sunday.
Paul Mason came down for a couple of beers and motored with us under the bridge and onto the waiting pontoon.
I cooked aboard and we saw a band in the King's Arms literally above us on the Quay, and went to bed early.
Sunday, Julia stayed in bed and I got us away at 0600. Motor sailed to start with as it was flat calm, and so was able to take the inner passage at St. Albans / Anvil Point. The wind then picked up enough for a super reach across Poole bay and we motored again through Hurst as the wind had died again. We took up position on the Dan Bran Pontoon at Lymington and the ECA rally gradually made its way down from Cowes. We went up to the Kings Head after Dick and Alice had arrived, and Kotka and Clarabelle came in and they all came up to the pub and we had an afternoon session.
Julia cooked aboard and then a few of us went up to Lymington Town SC for a drink.
Monday, we motored back in glorious sunshine and enjoyed the cockpit for brunch in Haslar, followed by drinks at the office - again in sunshine, and a BBQ at home later
Cowes and Lymington - Boys weekend 4/5 April 2009
Andy and Richard joined me for a boys weekend on the water. We sailed to Cowes and moored in Shepards, then enjoyed a few beers in town, and a Thai meal and drinks at the Island Sailing Club to round of Saturday.
Sunday, we sailed downwind under chute to Lymington where we enjoyed Moules in the sunshine at the Kings Head. Motored back in the sunshine, only to get thick fog about a mile off Portsmouth. Liaised with QHM over the VHF and got in safely.
Bembridge - Selene Hosts the ECA Rally 28 March 2009
Malcolm and Mave joined us on Friday morning, and we zoomed over to Bembridge in a WSW F6, so it was a nice reach. The weather stayed fine and we were able to sit in the cockpit and enjoy champagne on arrival. I cooked us an evening meal, and we somehow managed to demolish another bottle of port.
Saturday was still windy, similar to the previous day, but not too much rain. We all walked to South Quay and poked around the boat jumble, and then returned aboard Selene to welcome the rally participants. First to arrive were Dick and Alice aboard Tringa 2, and then Kotka with Richard, Helen, Charles and Nicky and Pete and Natalie. Then Tony aboard Elwing 2 followed closely by Jeremy and Nicky (and bump) in Ransom.
Just when we thought there would be no more, Graham and Val Holt appeared in Satisfaction, and we rafted them outside us. Julia and I went to the bookshop, but it wasn't open, so after a quick pint in the Vine, we returned and prepared for the drinks party.
The usual drinks party ensued, and then we repaired to the Brading Haven Yacht Club, and 16 of us sat down to dinner. (APB having come by road) Great food, and a great evening. We got a taxi back, but as everyone was so tired, there was no late drinking session.
Sunday was pleasant but with light winds, so after breakfast and some pontoon parading, we saw all the boats off, and then motored back to Haslar, where we had more lunch, and took delivery of our Brompton folding bikes from Malcolm and Mave.
Ocean Village for Peter Whatley's 50th Birthday party 21 March 2009
Motored in no wind up to OV, and enjoyed the nice weather by walking into Southampton. Gordon and Christine came aboard for drinks about 1700 and we went up to the party about 1915.
Great evening - Black Tie and the food was the same as the Pudding club evenings.
Sunday, lazy sunny morning - had breakfast in the cockpit. Sailed under cruising chute all the way to Gilkicker. Afternoon spoiled by the toilet blocking up, and the bilge pump packed up. I spent the whole afternoon stripping out the old sewage pipes which all need to be replaced, and nearly sliced my thumb off when hack-sawing through one of the rubber pipes as it was reinforced with wire, so the blade jumped. Blood and sewage all over the place - yuk.
Got to get new pipe and get these jobs done ahead of hosting a rally next weekend!
RSYC Rally to Warsash in the River Hamble 07 March 2009
Had a good sail there with the wind allowing us to beat al the way up to the Hamble. Wind strengthening all the time. We were only given a bit of pontoon to hang off and were pinned there by the wind.
We took the pink ferry over to Hamble Village and had lunch (Welsh Rarebit) in the King & Queen, and then walked all the way out to Hamble Point and back.
I then started to feel unwell, which sadly persisted through the drinks on board Rex's boat and the meal. We were in good company at dinner on a table with Peter and Wendy, Gordon and Christine and Bob and Jackie.
Overnight I was violently ill and we left as soon as we could in the morning, motoring back before the gales blew in later. I came home and went to bed!
Trip to Swanwick in the River Hamble 21 February 2009
Neil and Jane arrived on Friday evening, and I cooked us cassoulet.
Although Saturday promised no wind, there was a light and usable breeze and some lovely sunshine. Jane enjoyed some helming, and we had a game with her making her guess where we were going. We had yet another great sail to windward and Jane enjoyed her surprise as our intention was to go to Swanwick so that she could see a boat she really likes at Deacons Boat Yard. ("Nonsuch").
We were given only a small amount of pontoon, but had no mooring problems, and had a leisurely lunch in the cockpit.
We then walked round to Deacons and after some waiting got taken out to see Nonsuch.
Afterwards, we tried to eat in the Jolly Sailor, but it was fully booked, so we took a cab to the Bugle in the village, where we had a super meal. We then had a drink in the Royal Southern, where Monica was very welcoming and they even helped organise our taxi back.
Sunday was a grey no wind kind of day, so we motored back and Jane cooked us all a splendid brunch. They departed on their long drive home, and we popped into the office on the way back.
RSYC Frostbite Rally to Port Hamble 7 February 2009
We had one of the best sails to windward for a long time, with the wind a NW 5/6 with some lumpy gusts, we enjoyed ourselves tacking on the shifts as far as Gurnard and then up into the Hamble on a couple more. The weather was kind and it wasn't too cold.
We got moored up and shot into the King & Queen for lunch and caught the Six Nations rugby, got a good seat and saw England struggle to beat Italy.
We retired to the boat and I fixed a locker catch that had given up the ghost, and then we went for drinks aboard the Westerly Fulmar Trivial Pursuit, hosted by Paul and Jan Crouch.
Dinner was at the Victory Inn, and it was a great evening. We sat with John & Ann Bass and Roger & Penny and James Hanratty.
There was very little wind on the Sunday, so we motored back and got back in time to have lunch with the Square Brewery crowd at the Queens Head in Steep.
ECA Frostbite Rally to Cowes 10 January 2009
The weather has been very cold for as long as we can remember and it was indeed a real frostbite rally. Selene was covered in ice and it was very cold. It was misty and calm, so we motored over to Cowes on Saturday, and joined Richard and Helen who were with Dick in Tringa 2, Dave, John and Bev aboard their boat, and Graham turned up last about 1400.
We all repaired to the fire at the Anchor and then had a rest before drinks aboard Tringa, followed by dinner at the Island Sailing Club and further drinks at the Duke of York. A good time was had by all. The Saturday was Richard's birthday, and he celebrated in style.
Sunday would finally see the weather change and a great breeze got up along with glorious sunshine, so we enjoyed a sparkling sail back into Haslar. The new auto helm works a treat, and it was a very satisfying sail. Tide time meant an early start so we were all tucked up in the Square Brewery at lunchtime, and by nightfall a gale was blowing in.
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