N50'27.524 W003'31.755

Well, the first day went well! We left Ocean Village Marina about 1330 and made slow progress down the Solent. When the tide turned we then made swift passage through Hurst Narrows and out past the Needles. Portland Bill was soon abeam.  It got dark as we rounded the Bill and then we embarked on the long passage across Lyme Bay, arriving at the very welcoming Torquay Marina about 02.50am. Excellent welcome – there was even a guy to show us to our berth and relay the gate code!

The boat was fantastic – the clean bottom really made a difference. We averaged 7.1 knots over 13 hours.  Thanks to all the scrubbers!

The crew wondering if this is a good idea!

The farewell party!

The last view of Ocean Village Southampton

Susan, what a fantastic cake you have just baked –

It looks just like that one Mother left us!!!

Last view of the Needles

The IOW disappears astern

Who says the romance of the seas is dead!

This was the only boat we met between Southampton and Torquay.