Hop across the pond

Andy Riches

Mollie joined us after getting in on the ferry at 6. Glad she had a cabin and a good sleep. Rigged the code zero and cast off for fuel at 0815 Fuelled and off 0840 129.1L to fill tank Once out of harbour entrance got the main up. A bit gusty and closer to wind than I’d anticipated making it a bit fiery to start with. Rolled out jib to 1st line. Flew off at 6.5 knots. Bore off on course to Rousel tower and things quickly settled down. Wind dropped as we got past tower and we unrolled the code zero immediately giving us 0.5-1 knot. Good sail up to and past Alderney with around 1-3 knots of tide giving great SOG. Once past the top of Alderney white water to each side in shallower area but also ahead . This was the race! Hit 10.5knts SOG! And it catapolted us into the channel. Still half way between shipping lanes almost 1 knot extra. Once passed shipping lanes went for lie down, couldn’t sleep but switched off. Got up about 1830 and made dinner. Pasta bake and garlic bread! 15m off needles by now. Sunset about 2000. Now pushing a bit of tide. Light going fast as we closed the Needles. Disorientating as it got really dark even though had prepped lights on bouys coming in. Identified red 1 every 2.5 and the 9 vq. Hurst section light initially showing green over powered other lights. Found a good course in following the white sector. Quite choppy as we past the bridge cardinal. Once past the bridge it settled down quite a bit - both us and the sea state! Spotted q flashing Sconce and ECM to port, Rounded Sconce and approached Yarmouth. Disorientated approaching Yarmouth. Girls recognising the lights of the town but I thought it was further on! Turned to drop main, which kept snagging and did not come down as easily as usual. Nik steered, Mollie shon light on joy and I picked up. Perfect pick up but boat hook got stuck on rope of pick up bouy. All good and got secured though. Beer and bed!