50:25.00N 01:10.00W
Whisper
Noel Dilly
Mon 9 Jul 2012 09:59
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Swanage 50:36.27N 01:57.43W
We left Littlehampton just before high water in
sunshine and blue skies. The forecast was good with the odd shower
and gentle westerly winds, our next leg would be a long but gentle one
overnight. Our fridge and food lockers are well stocked thanks to Vicky, who
also ensured that we had a splendid lunch before we left. The sails were
set and we were on our way.
So who writes these forecasts? It was not
long before we were tight on the wind with the instruments showing 20knots of
wind, water everywhere and a reef in the main. Things were settling down
in the lockers or the cabin sole and a two pint bottle of milk decided to
empty its contents in the fridge! Sadly, I had to retire to my bunk and
leave the experts to it, but I was occasionally able to drag out the odd
Mars bar and Coke, fix the Navman and change the battery over when the GPS
needed more amps. It was a difficult sail for the helm with wind over tide,
but eventually he managed to get us passed St Catherine's Point. It was
not an easy night.
This morning is a bright sunny day and I managed to
provide breakfast for the stoic helmsmen! Our point of sail was
directly to Swanage Bay, so the decision was made to drop anchor there and catch
up on some much needed sleep, dry a few clothes, whilst waiting for the
next tide rather than battling on against it. We plan to have
lunch in our quiet anchorage and leave at 3pm this afternoon. The
forecast - west or southwest 4 or 5!
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