henryf
Well-Known Member
Ok, a very very long weekend !
I always enjoy reading about people's boat trips. So much more fun than debating depreciation, berthing costs or whether boil in the bag roast beef is better than traditional spam. If you're landlocked at the moment why not tag along with us as we make use of all that polishing, engine servicing, anti-fouling and thankless hours draining boat builder's drinks cabinets at the various boat shows. Sometimes it's hard to see the wood for the trees and remember why we enjoy boating.
Day 1 - departing Haslar
The general idea is to head West towards Plymouth. There are loads of great spots along the way so we're going to get waylaid but isn't that all part of the fun. As we set off today one or two other people had the same idea but clearly didn't share my flair for navigation. All the gear & no idea springs to mind they reckon Cowes to Plymouth is 600 miles & change whilst I'd say 130 miles is closer to the mark. The only way I could make it that far would be to go via the Fastnet rock !
Cowes was, as you might expect something of a scrum as yachts jostled for position at the Fastnet start line. We followed the big cats down towards Hurst Castle managing to bag a spot at anchor to see the front runners on their way. One or two came within touching distance and it was a hell of sight. You cannot comprehend the sheer size of some of the competitors. At the other end of scale there were double handed entries that would comfortably fit on a 10 metre finger in the corner of your marina. An epic race and I wish everyone taking part Godspeed.
The run across to Poole was uneventful bar a multitude of lobster pots including a black one encrusted in weed just below the surface of the water. I probably should have gone back and pulled it out, there is no excuse. At the other extreme were the lovely bright marks with flags, visible from several hundred metres. to those fishermen I say thank you and I promise to eat more lobster.
Had a V39 (or possibly V42) tack on astern as we headed across Christchurch bay. Portland coastguard were busy chatting to Maitre Coq following it's collision with a small fishing boat. They struggled a little with the boat name, some things don't translate well on VHF radio. I also thought the skipper was boasting about his metric yard length gentleman's appendage. The lifeboat was deployed and by all accounts the fishing boat came off worse in the fight. I did think of Andy 59's recent near miss whilst fishing, maybe our debating on here isn't a total waste of time after all !
I haven't visited Poole for ages. The last few times we anchored off Brownsea Island but this time it was Poole Quay Boat Haven, the former Dolphin marina. I've forgotten to pack my shorts so hopefully the towns purveyors of fine gentleman's country wear will be able to replenish my on board wardrobe.
Met up with a trio of French Princess owners who were Solent bound. Gave them some local knowledge and in return they insisted I partake in small glass of Champagne. A fair trade in anyone's book.
The next time we get asked for length overall when paying our mooring fees I'm going to tell them 8 metres and show this:
Snuck in a couple of pints on the quayside before turning in and was reminded how beautiful the old town is, we really are lucky in having such a rich heritage. People often ask how far I go on the boat. Do you go over to France is a common question. The answer is yes, we have done in the past and there is a definite appeal in crossing territorial boundaries under your own steam but for sheer diversity and heritage I'm not sure you can beat good old Blighty. As for Poole if there's a town with more pubs I've yet to see it !
to be continued.....
I always enjoy reading about people's boat trips. So much more fun than debating depreciation, berthing costs or whether boil in the bag roast beef is better than traditional spam. If you're landlocked at the moment why not tag along with us as we make use of all that polishing, engine servicing, anti-fouling and thankless hours draining boat builder's drinks cabinets at the various boat shows. Sometimes it's hard to see the wood for the trees and remember why we enjoy boating.
Day 1 - departing Haslar
The general idea is to head West towards Plymouth. There are loads of great spots along the way so we're going to get waylaid but isn't that all part of the fun. As we set off today one or two other people had the same idea but clearly didn't share my flair for navigation. All the gear & no idea springs to mind they reckon Cowes to Plymouth is 600 miles & change whilst I'd say 130 miles is closer to the mark. The only way I could make it that far would be to go via the Fastnet rock !
Cowes was, as you might expect something of a scrum as yachts jostled for position at the Fastnet start line. We followed the big cats down towards Hurst Castle managing to bag a spot at anchor to see the front runners on their way. One or two came within touching distance and it was a hell of sight. You cannot comprehend the sheer size of some of the competitors. At the other end of scale there were double handed entries that would comfortably fit on a 10 metre finger in the corner of your marina. An epic race and I wish everyone taking part Godspeed.
The run across to Poole was uneventful bar a multitude of lobster pots including a black one encrusted in weed just below the surface of the water. I probably should have gone back and pulled it out, there is no excuse. At the other extreme were the lovely bright marks with flags, visible from several hundred metres. to those fishermen I say thank you and I promise to eat more lobster.
Had a V39 (or possibly V42) tack on astern as we headed across Christchurch bay. Portland coastguard were busy chatting to Maitre Coq following it's collision with a small fishing boat. They struggled a little with the boat name, some things don't translate well on VHF radio. I also thought the skipper was boasting about his metric yard length gentleman's appendage. The lifeboat was deployed and by all accounts the fishing boat came off worse in the fight. I did think of Andy 59's recent near miss whilst fishing, maybe our debating on here isn't a total waste of time after all !
I haven't visited Poole for ages. The last few times we anchored off Brownsea Island but this time it was Poole Quay Boat Haven, the former Dolphin marina. I've forgotten to pack my shorts so hopefully the towns purveyors of fine gentleman's country wear will be able to replenish my on board wardrobe.
Met up with a trio of French Princess owners who were Solent bound. Gave them some local knowledge and in return they insisted I partake in small glass of Champagne. A fair trade in anyone's book.
The next time we get asked for length overall when paying our mooring fees I'm going to tell them 8 metres and show this:
Snuck in a couple of pints on the quayside before turning in and was reminded how beautiful the old town is, we really are lucky in having such a rich heritage. People often ask how far I go on the boat. Do you go over to France is a common question. The answer is yes, we have done in the past and there is a definite appeal in crossing territorial boundaries under your own steam but for sheer diversity and heritage I'm not sure you can beat good old Blighty. As for Poole if there's a town with more pubs I've yet to see it !
to be continued.....
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