Solenting tomorrow

[rogerthebodger]

The Itchen is a law unto itself with winds. It is very grey out here, but not feeling a breath of wind at home though forecast locally is 9 -10 kts gusting to 16 -18. We are about 500metres from the water as the crow flies. Wish us luck, a couple of rather jaded and hung over looking teenagers here getting ready, and one about to be dragged from her bed.
Not so much Down To The Sea In Ships, more Down to the river and sick.
What could possibly go wrong. Oh yes, now it has started raining...

Nice day for a sail just wish I was not 600Km away

https://www.netelligent.co.za/?page_id=1059

http://weather.news24.com/sa/durban

 

[solent clown]

we had to abort, damned lightweights too ill to go. There isnt much wind right now anyway, just rain!

 

[solent clown]

I finally got the youngest two out yesterday afternoon. The youngest has been out on the engine a couple of times, so he considers himself an expert at casting off, and fettling the little seagull. Our youngest daughter however, was less sure of the whole affair, so we took things gently, chugging downriver on just the engine while they took turns on the tiller.
It was a pleasure to see their wonder at a different view of our everyday localilty. One forgets how different things look from onboard. As we got up to the big bridge we paused for a moments reflection upon the wreck site, and resolved never to go there again. It was just then, as if by some celestial affirmation, the wind came up, blowing cold kisses on our foreheads and pinching our ruddy cheeks. It was time to sail!
Katy put the tiller hard over, and I showed Fred how to set the jib. We did not bother with the mainsail, little steps .
With the engine cut, and the breeze carrying us gently along back upriver I spied the sight I had so hoped for, the bright eyes and huge grins as they felt the boat for the first time under sail.
They loved it.
It was a very happy dad day, one for the old memory bank, and the first hurdle crossed for the little ones.