Michael Lithgow

Great BBQ at Buckler’s Hard organised by RSrnYC. Lovely social evening. Lack of wind made this a motoring rather than sailing event.

So little wind I did not even unpack the mai sail! Motor all the way. Just creative the bar at low water neaps avoiding yacht that u-turned in the channel who did not want to risk it.

Each year I offer for the NCI raffle a days sailing. Will won for the 2nd time. A hot and variable wind day from 20kts to 0kts. We sailed and motored down to Yarmouth where we picked up a buoy for lunch. Coming back in Stansore Bay we were admiring a yacht under spinnaker and main when they called across and asked for a tow as their engine had failed. An NCI dream finish to a sail giving a yacht a tow. We coordinated with HMCG, Southampton VTS to cross the channel and finally Hamble Harbour Master to pick up the tow from us once we were in the Hamble river.

Quite a strong sea breeze into early evening and it then settled down to be a lovely night. Woke at around 3:30am as tide turned. Up at 7:30 and was just pondering what time I should leave when the anchor alarm went off! Decision made. A motor back to the Hamble in windless conditions.

Absolutely no wonder today. Motor all the way to the Beaulieu. However when the sea breeze kicked in around 1500 it was very strong. 20kts plus.

A lovely sail to Itchenor via the small boat channel in the submarine wall. Berthed on the mid river pontoon which is soon to be no more as it is converting to permanent motor boat moorings.

Sail to Bembridge for the family weekend. Dressing boat, sandcastle building competition, crabbing, fancy dress. Lovely to be here with the grandchildren- Penny and Noah - 3 years old.

Quiet night but around 0500 a lot of swell from boats. Suspect it was passing yachts or fishing boats leaving at high water Bembridge. Anchor came up fine. Light winds for around 4 hours tacking across Solent. But nearing Hill Head increased to 16-19kts.

Solo sail to Priory Bay. Light winds most of way. Anchored in 3.5m at low tide. Put 25m chain out to take account of rise of tide. Winds increased in the afternoon to 19-20kts. But anchor held well in mud. Quiet night with only one other boat for company.