Bénodet to Hamble surfing in a Force 10 🌊 😬

Chris Jacob

Our own weather lockdown in Benodet came to an end as France announced a national lockdown coming into force. We spotted a small weather window that should allow us to get at least to Guernesey, hopefully further with the weather behind us in the channel. Getting out of Benodet and into the Chenel du Four was pretty lumpy, things calmed down after leaving France behind us. Fuel was running down quicker than expected as we were mid channel, but half a headsail kept the Lagoon cruising around 10kts thanks to a strong F8 behind us. As we approached Portland bill area, wind picked up to 50kts+ (far and beyond a new record for me!). Sea state turned into big rolling waves on the beam, a couple of which tried their best to spin the boat, but to no avail. Entering the Needles was very rough and we were being pushed all over the place by opposing swell and tide, but once inside the Solent the sun came out and it was a simple, fast sail back to Hamble!