Blog

After a quick launch (with new engine) and late night tesco shop, the boat was ready for summer season in the solent. Saturday morning we departed the river hamble, where a gentle NW wind was blowing down southampton water. With full canvas, we drifted eastwards with the current past spinaker tower and the 2 forts. A close flyby (and good view) of No Mans Land fort was required to dodge one of many tankers. With the SE sea breeze building, we reached across to Hayling beach for a siesta and swim. The late afternoon was spent practising MOB - with everyone onboard succesfully picking up Bob! We slowly floated across the chichester bar, and anchored off W Wittering in time to watch the sunset. Sunday morning was spent motoring towards Ryde sands, where the hovercraft whizzed by - sadly all attempts to sail behind it were unsuccesfull. The breeze increased to a huge 4kts, which was enough to hoist the A2 and reach around. Another siesta and swim was required by early afternoon, this time in Osbourne Bay on the IOW side of the solent. One more kite leg in 10kts true propelled us to 7kts boat speed straight into the hamble where the trip concluded. Many thanks to Javier as FM and rest of crew!