Michael Lithgow

Great sailing conditions. Got cruising chute up and more importantly was able to furl! Last time it had to go back to North Sails. However heavy weather yesterday resulted in the pin that held the vang to the bottom of the mast shearing.

A breezy sail in 19-22kts gusting 27kts. Two Reefs in main.

Wind 22kts+kts. Sailed out towards forts from Portsmouth with 2 reefs, tacked and sailed down the North Channel. Tricky berthing. But in safely after second attempt.

We waited till the afternoon when the wind dropped to 20kts. Arrival at Gun Wharf Quay was exciting. So much so we went in and then back out of Marina whilst half a dozen people grabbed with bringing alongside a 45ft boat. When we did come in we had wind and tide throwing us across the harbour. But parked safely which got a round of applause.

A lovely sail. Seems months since I had a perfect sailing day. Either too much wind and having to reef or too little and motor. A gentle run down the Solent with a strong tide behind.

Winds constant 22kts+ with sustained gusts of 28kts. Beating down the Solent with 2 reefs and half jib. Until …… Shackle sheared on self taking jib. Had to wrestle with sail to tie up and then motored rest of way to Lymington. Lymington Harbour launch assisted with berthing given strong wind pushing us off pontoon. Dinner at RLymYC.

Bit windy but quite a nice sail to Beaulieu. Waited around at Cowes Week Racing Buoy to collect rest of ICOYC rally group to escort over bar and up to Bucklers Hard.

Sail back opposite to sail out! Started gently but by mid morning SW increased to 22kts. Fast crossing but nightmare coming in via Needles Channel before tide had turned. Wind now 30kts. Glad when we got past the bridge. Should have waited or used N Channel.

An early start - 0330 reveille. Departed Hamble 0400 and arrived in Cherbourg at 2030 UK time. No wind so motor all of the way but sun shone. Practiced sun run sun sights with sextant. How accurate? Well it did place us correctly in the English Channel.

A quiet night on the Beaulieu moored up on the mid river pontoon. After breakfast of hot cross buns and a kettle to fill the toilet which had the in take blocked we left on the ebb tide. An uneventful but pleasant trip back to Mercury Marina. Now for the clean up of the boat.