First solo sail on my first sailboat...

Tim Campbell

Calm, gentle waters (1.5 knots) and wind (max 13 knots). Motored beyond Puffin Island and practised tacking... Sailed back through and practised anchoring near a wreck. Had a sleep for an hour to be sure there would be enough water at the mooring. Experimented with a bungee cord as an autopilot, which was great because it allowed me to do quick jobs. Water in the bulge came from what I now know is called a 'stuffing box'. I worked out that a brass syringe thingy is full of grease and that you need to twist it to keep the oil in the stuffing box so it didn't leak... More reading about this... Rowing to shore in the blow-up dinghy whilst rubbish. It was terrible to row; it had leaks in the floor and was blown off course by the wind. Oh, and that I don't really know how to sail!!! A lot to learn.