Charissa Baldock

Left the marina with approximately 15knots of wind which quickly picked up to 25-30 knots. Quite choppy due to wind over tide. After about half an hour the wind died down so put up the headsail. Shortly after followed by main sail and achieved about 3.5 knots against the tide. Went down to Darnet and then turned round and sailed back. Locking in was exiting as the forward line was removed to early causing the boat to 180 prior to the aft line being removed. Managed to push off and spring with the aft line to turn back round and head out.

Headed straight out the lock as it was in free flow then headed down river. Put out half of the headsail due to forecast of 25-30 mph winds and we were currently sheltered by st Mary’s island. As we headed round the corner, the wind wasn’t apparent so also put up the main. Sailing along about 3 knots we then fully opened the headsail and were achieving an average of 4.5 knots. Upon re-entry to the marina the tide was racing which made it exciting but non eventful.

Very low wind, so started off motoring down river. Emma’s first sail so step by step going through everything. Got the main sail up and was going 1.5 knots against the tide. Started unfurling the Genoa and it jammed part way. Managed to unfurl by hand and lower down the sail. Nothing was obviously seized but gave everything a good oil and raised back up. Achieved 3.5 knots with both sails up, turned round and had a leisurely sail back to the marina.

Started with heavy wind pushing onto dock, but after a few tense moments managed to clear the boats and head for the lock. Upon leaving turned to port and headed up river under motor before turning round. Unfurled the headsail about 10% moving about 4 knots in 30-35 knot winds. Headed down river under sail to darnet. Turned round and headed up river back to the marina. Luckily on the final approach winds died down to roughly 10 knots which made entry into the lock much more pleasurable.

Headed out in calm weather and motored up river past sun pier. Wind picked up as we turned around and headed down to strand mooring for lunch. By now wind picked up to force 6/7 which was much higher then forecast. Headed down past Darnet fort and then headed back to Chatham marina. Constant force 6/7 cross wind heading in to marina gate, which made it a challenge but entered with no issues. Overall an exciting day with mixed weather.

First ever lock out of marina to flat calm conditions with little wind. Made way to the strand to meet scouts in the drascomb. Sailed in tandem up river where wind pick up. Turned round near Upnor castle and headed back to strand. Waited for scouts to make it to shore then headed back to marina. Conditions worsened on way back to marina. Got blown into the lock door on the way in but luckily no damage to either. Wind working against us to enter slip but luckily made it in second try after aborting the first one. Had dinner on the boat in the marina where the conditions worsened throughout the afternoon.