Can I be the first to say

[Alcyone]

welcome back to a dear friend who, I understand, returned to her home in Cardiff early this morning?

I first sailed on this boat shortly after joining the forum, 3 1/2 years ago, when her owner took me out for a trip down to Penarth, for tea and donuts. It was this trip that decided me I wanted to learn to sail, and to choose Cardiff as our base when we bought Ishtar a bit later.

Welcome back, Banjo, and thanks, Graham.

 

[Morpheous]

That doesn't look like a Soling!

 

[graham]

Thanks for thjat M. You guys have certainly put some miles under Ishtars keel since then.

Had a great sail back, bit fresh and lumpy initially (I had decided to spend the night at Dale but left Dale at 1900 as the wind had dropped by then) but easing through the night set off with just half a Genoa and no main gradually increased to full sail.

By St Govans the sea was much smoother and Banjo surfing along on a run/ reach.Tiller pilot not really coping but good enough to get coffee and donuts sorted

Visibility was exceptional so enjoyed the spectacle of a very starry night .Had thermals hat gloves etc etc and didnt really notice but apparerntly it was 4 degrees overnight.

Wind died completely off Barry so Mr Honda saved the day.



Arrived Cardiff at 10 am so 15 hours passage which I was really pleased with.

One good thing the fisherman must take all the pot buoys in at night as I didnt see any
(Thank God)

I think Banjo looks good in Blue also Gareth has done some alterations below that I quite like now .

Sun coming up near Nash

looking good in blue

 

[graham]

That doesn't look like a Soling!

Sail was given to me a few years ago and fits/ sets really well.

 

[Alcyone]

Aye we've done a bit, much less this year than I'd have liked. Sadly, some work came along.......

She looks lovely in Blue. I agree.

15 hours is great. Our last trip back took, er, 33. Even if I take out anchoring at Oxwich, it's 27!

 

[Morpheous]

Sail was given to me a few years ago and fits/ sets really well.

I've got a nice kevlar Phantom mainsail that needs a new home, don't think it would clear your backstay though - big roach

 

[graham]

Aye we've done a bit, much less this year than I'd have liked. Sadly, some work came along.......

She looks lovely in Blue. I agree.

15 hours is great. Our last trip back took, er, 33. Even if I take out anchoring at Oxwich, it's 27!

On the way to Milford to see the tall ships race it took me a full week to get there in a Hurley 22. A perfect Easterly turned into a gale and kept us anchored behind worms head for a few days. Then a quick dash across to Caldey Island when a new Wly gale was being forecasted.

Got there eventually .amazing seeing so many tall ships in one place.

Springtide 24 following us across Carmarthen Bay to Caldey.

Coastguard were broadcasting requests for information about various overdue yachts which put a sombre mood on everything .As far as I know none were in any real trouble.I know one yacht was lifted out at Saundersfoot and went home on a lorry .