Jane Smith

A fresh day which looked promising 10° and low sun. Sailing on two reefs. Lovely, if slow, sailing/tacking all the way out of Poole Harbour. The Easterly wind in the bay made hard work in all directions, with big swell, so skipper suggested we return to save our spirits and to keep the boat whole. No argument from crew. A short time on the buoy for a cuppa and pre-sunset, and then back. A small embarrassment with the crew's inability to translate instructions into meaningful and swift rope handling, but made it safely and happily back into dock.

Super conditions, a few minor lulls, not too cold, beautiful weather, great chitchat, great company.

Excellent sail, company and weekend. Wind was perfect today, waves were perfect, sunshine less than perfect. A couple (!) of attempts and finally picked up a buoy under sail with a good swell in Studland Bay. Lovely. So grateful to have been able to share this trip with Yan and Mario.

The route shows only half the story. The bit where we were going backwards whilst going forwards was the other half! A great learning experience on many levels. Fabulous company, and would definitely have continued on to France given the chance, which we nearly did...

Force 1! So little wind, Force 2 perhaps for the last two hours.

Zero wind. Pootled around the Solent, then some pontoon bashing. Nice drink at Haslar and fish and chips in lovely Gosport. N.b. Sailties only started mid-Solent, oops!

Lovely day. Gentle sail and heaving to by Bournemouth. Much learning, much fun. Thanks, Skipper 😊