Christian Lunkes

The final stretch home was met with a F4 to F5 from the Southwest. The day was characterized by moments of relatively low visibility and maritime mist settling over the Western Solent as the boat returned to Gosport.

Turning back East across Lyme Bay, the wind held a reliable and consistent F5 from the Southwest. During the passage, Solent Coast Guard radioed the vessel to request verification that a cardinal mark near the Needles was flashing its correct light sequence.

The shortest leg of the journey was dominated by a sustained F6 breeze, making for a punchy and active sail across the bay. This was the wettest day of the trip, with persistent medium to heavy rain from start to finish.

This long westward leg started with a NW F2 and hazy horizons. As the day progressed, the wind freshened significantly, and by the final approach between 21:00 and 22:00, the wind had built to a cold and demanding F6, making for a rigorous night watch in the spray.