Paul Merriman

Motored back down Southampton Water in light winds. Tried for some sailing and to get onto a buoy at Calshot but tide over wind was too strong. Enjoyed watching 3 tugs manoeuvre a tanker in the channel whilst making way. Headed back to Hamble for lunch - high tide with a slight ebb so some pontoon practice both in reverse and ahead before packing up.

Arrived at Newtown to find the cardinal was missing! After anchoring at the mouth of Newtown and watching the complex current flow interactions as the tide dropped we had an early supper and prepared a passage plan. The wind came up and we were able to sail up the channel all the way to Ocean Village. Challenging but instructive trying to spot the marker lights against the background on the shore. Arrived late and the very sheltered well lit marina made berthing easier despite the low light and full berths.

A skippering course/practice. Not much wind so focused on planning, pilotage. First leg into Wootton Creek at high tide and then some sailing (and tidal drift) down to Newtown. Anchored and relaxed with plans for an early supper and a night passage.

Met at the boat around 0815 and familiarised ourselves before setting off. Left just after second neaps high tide and motored out into Southampton water. Put sails up and had a lovely sail down the North Passage to anchor in Priory Bay for lunch. After lunch packed up and sailed over to Chichester Harbour. Decided to drop sails and motored in as first time (for a while anyway) crossing the bar. Meandered up the river to Itchenor and a spot on the visitors pontoon (no walk ashore but a quiet night). Photo shows dawn the following day.