Sail beats motor

Derek Hathaway

Oh that was a tough start to the passage! Strong wind over strong tide again. Passing the “Bridge” near the end of the Needles channel it was full on roller coaster with Thalmias nose buried deep into short big waves. Without my experience of her I would have been really scared - and the autohelm kept the steering all through - absolutely amazing piece of kit when you factor in the pitching and rolling and almost corkscrewing! The videos you see are when i wasn’t holding on with both(!) hands - yes there was worse! After the end of the channel I was determined to sail and give the motor and my ears a rest. Deep tack to make my destination but in 17-18 knts gusting 22 I had 2 reefs in main and equivalent of 3 in Genoa she made good speed - generally around 6-7 knts SOG and a manageable heel. I was clipped on of course! Now a calm evening in the really good shelter in Studland bay and assess what to do next!