Col
Well-Known Member
Where were you on Cowes Fireworks?? Called up Brenda on "I've eaten a rod" No answer. BurgundyBen tried my boat handling skill by ringing me as I was trying to anchor!
Anyway, weekend went a bit like this.
Fri Cowes-
After picking up Solitaire at Warsash, trundled over for the big display.
First tried to raft up to friends F37, but both anchors started to drag. Decided to anchor on our own, and after about 4-5 attemts, the 7.5Kg Bruce held. Fantastic display, especially liked the fireworks that burst into the shape of a smiley face (how the hell do they do that?)
Waited for a bit for the lunatics to leave the asylum, Just as we were about to leave, big boat on our port side lifts his anchor only to find he has pulled up a big mooring chain. Poor guy was getting a bit stressed so we shouted out a bit of advice, and shone a torch for him and soon had him on his way. Just then, even bigger boat on our Stbd side does the same, only this one hasn't realised and motors off. His bows must have been pulled over towards an anchored yatcht by the chain, because he thottled up to regain steerage. We could see what was going to happen, so we all shouted. Luckily he stopped before hitting Yatcht. My turn to lift anchor, I was dreading the worst as now yet another boat was caught up. Luckily no problems and we were clear. We had a fairly slow trundle back as there were too many unlit boats about to risk going faster.
Dropped Solitaire back at Warsash, and headed back to mooring for the night. Bit of a late nightcap meant I overslept Sat morning.
Sat
just woken up when phone rings "Col, it's Dom! are you still coming?"
"W-what? ooerr yeah, Spirit of Cardiff thingy, have I missed it?"
"Not yet, we're at horse sand fort"
Got crew organised in treble quick time and shot off to meet them, caught them as the were going into Portsmouth. Moored up,and while I was having a pint, unbeknown to me, Dom was diving in the harbour and nicking everyones prop anodes to melt down and make into Soltron. I was a little upset at this, as to gain my confidence he had given my daughter a Soltron hat, and then, while I wasn't looking, was off on his toes with my anode. I did wonder at the time, what was in his rucksack!
Anyway, as we were only across from Bembridge, we decided to make priory bay our next stop. After we anchored up, the day just kept on getting hotter. In fact so hot, you couldn't get away from it, saloon normally offers a refuge from heat of the day, but not this time. Only thing for it was to make full use of the sea! Brilliant! Water was lovely and warm. Atfter a bit we went ashore for BBQ on the beach. After usual beach type fun & games we overnighted in Bembridge rafted up against a nice raggy family (well! we did fix their outboard) Visited the "Pilot boat inn" who had a duo playing live music. Bumped into the people off of the Cranchi that had rafted outside of us. Bit worse for wear, we all went back to the boats for a good nights sleep.
We had such a good time, we went back around to Priory bay, and did it all again on Sunday.
This must rank as one of the best Summers so far. Just hope it continues.
<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/colspics> Cols Picture Album</A>
Anyway, weekend went a bit like this.
Fri Cowes-
After picking up Solitaire at Warsash, trundled over for the big display.
First tried to raft up to friends F37, but both anchors started to drag. Decided to anchor on our own, and after about 4-5 attemts, the 7.5Kg Bruce held. Fantastic display, especially liked the fireworks that burst into the shape of a smiley face (how the hell do they do that?)
Waited for a bit for the lunatics to leave the asylum, Just as we were about to leave, big boat on our port side lifts his anchor only to find he has pulled up a big mooring chain. Poor guy was getting a bit stressed so we shouted out a bit of advice, and shone a torch for him and soon had him on his way. Just then, even bigger boat on our Stbd side does the same, only this one hasn't realised and motors off. His bows must have been pulled over towards an anchored yatcht by the chain, because he thottled up to regain steerage. We could see what was going to happen, so we all shouted. Luckily he stopped before hitting Yatcht. My turn to lift anchor, I was dreading the worst as now yet another boat was caught up. Luckily no problems and we were clear. We had a fairly slow trundle back as there were too many unlit boats about to risk going faster.
Dropped Solitaire back at Warsash, and headed back to mooring for the night. Bit of a late nightcap meant I overslept Sat morning.
Sat
just woken up when phone rings "Col, it's Dom! are you still coming?"
"W-what? ooerr yeah, Spirit of Cardiff thingy, have I missed it?"
"Not yet, we're at horse sand fort"
Got crew organised in treble quick time and shot off to meet them, caught them as the were going into Portsmouth. Moored up,and while I was having a pint, unbeknown to me, Dom was diving in the harbour and nicking everyones prop anodes to melt down and make into Soltron. I was a little upset at this, as to gain my confidence he had given my daughter a Soltron hat, and then, while I wasn't looking, was off on his toes with my anode. I did wonder at the time, what was in his rucksack!
Anyway, as we were only across from Bembridge, we decided to make priory bay our next stop. After we anchored up, the day just kept on getting hotter. In fact so hot, you couldn't get away from it, saloon normally offers a refuge from heat of the day, but not this time. Only thing for it was to make full use of the sea! Brilliant! Water was lovely and warm. Atfter a bit we went ashore for BBQ on the beach. After usual beach type fun & games we overnighted in Bembridge rafted up against a nice raggy family (well! we did fix their outboard) Visited the "Pilot boat inn" who had a duo playing live music. Bumped into the people off of the Cranchi that had rafted outside of us. Bit worse for wear, we all went back to the boats for a good nights sleep.
We had such a good time, we went back around to Priory bay, and did it all again on Sunday.
This must rank as one of the best Summers so far. Just hope it continues.
<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/colspics> Cols Picture Album</A>
