Hurricane
Well-known member
This was our first long trip on the boat with just the two of us.
SWMBO and I have always taken an experienced crew of friends with us in the past.
The boat is over 51 feet long and I've always considered it a handful for just the two of us.
However, the previous week I'd been to the forum's Wokingham pub meeting and it appears that someone (who will remain nameless) "single hands" his Squadron 58 so it can't be that hard with two of us on a smaller boat.
Anyway, armed with loads of advice we set off.
Alderney was to be the first port of call for lunch. We did our first cruise here last year and there was a particularly nice little restaurant we wanted to revisit.
Then off to Beaucette on the evening tide for the night.
Rick - I dont agree - the gap is VERY scary but with careful preparation on the approach and help from the marina staff all went well.
The next day we headed off towards Brittany - St Quay for a couple of days.
Yeh - this is the life - Flat seas and nobody for miles.
In the pub Derek had recommended Iles Chausey so we thought we would give it a try. I've not done "green stuff" on the chart before so this would be a real challenge. The place is full of evil rocks poking up everywhere. We popped in just after low water on the riseing tide and had the best meal of the whole week. Apparently only 7 people live here during the winter.
We could have stayed the night but decided that St Malo would be more comfortable. Again thanks do Derek, we chose to "lock in" and moored up next to the ancient walled city. Whilst checking into the marina, I calmly asked if there were any restaurants nearby and got a confused look. So we stepped inside the walled city and there were simply hundreds of eating places - fab place to go - I believe Timbad and FenderGirl are there right now.
Dont forget to stock up on that cheap French wine before you leave! - At one time, I think we had more wine on board than fuel.
Early start (in the dark) to catch the lock - but there's something very special about sunrise in summer when you are out of sight of land.
Then it was off to Guernsey and St Peter Port. Even picked up a passenger.
After refuelling we dropped the hook in Havelet Bay had lunch and a swim.
Three and a half hours later we were safely tied up at our home berth in the Hamble. SWMBO and I both agree that we can easily handle the boat on our own. It wasnt the first time just the two of have been out but it was the first long cruise together and he boat behaved herself with no misshaps.
For those interested this was the round trip - 6 days - Sunday morning to Friday evening - missing all the crouds.
SWMBO and I have always taken an experienced crew of friends with us in the past.
The boat is over 51 feet long and I've always considered it a handful for just the two of us.
However, the previous week I'd been to the forum's Wokingham pub meeting and it appears that someone (who will remain nameless) "single hands" his Squadron 58 so it can't be that hard with two of us on a smaller boat.
Anyway, armed with loads of advice we set off.
Alderney was to be the first port of call for lunch. We did our first cruise here last year and there was a particularly nice little restaurant we wanted to revisit.
Then off to Beaucette on the evening tide for the night.
Rick - I dont agree - the gap is VERY scary but with careful preparation on the approach and help from the marina staff all went well.
The next day we headed off towards Brittany - St Quay for a couple of days.
Yeh - this is the life - Flat seas and nobody for miles.
In the pub Derek had recommended Iles Chausey so we thought we would give it a try. I've not done "green stuff" on the chart before so this would be a real challenge. The place is full of evil rocks poking up everywhere. We popped in just after low water on the riseing tide and had the best meal of the whole week. Apparently only 7 people live here during the winter.
We could have stayed the night but decided that St Malo would be more comfortable. Again thanks do Derek, we chose to "lock in" and moored up next to the ancient walled city. Whilst checking into the marina, I calmly asked if there were any restaurants nearby and got a confused look. So we stepped inside the walled city and there were simply hundreds of eating places - fab place to go - I believe Timbad and FenderGirl are there right now.
Dont forget to stock up on that cheap French wine before you leave! - At one time, I think we had more wine on board than fuel.
Early start (in the dark) to catch the lock - but there's something very special about sunrise in summer when you are out of sight of land.
Then it was off to Guernsey and St Peter Port. Even picked up a passenger.
After refuelling we dropped the hook in Havelet Bay had lunch and a swim.
Three and a half hours later we were safely tied up at our home berth in the Hamble. SWMBO and I both agree that we can easily handle the boat on our own. It wasnt the first time just the two of have been out but it was the first long cruise together and he boat behaved herself with no misshaps.
For those interested this was the round trip - 6 days - Sunday morning to Friday evening - missing all the crouds.
