Trip 4 Skippers Report

Day 1

All helpers and crew arrived on time and after a lunch of the famous LSP pasties we set sail.
Unfortunately due to a regatta being held at Gunwharf Quays we were unable to stop over at Gunwharf Quays and therefore West Cowes was our stopover port for the first night. With a reasonable breeze we sailed through the North Channel towards Portsmouth and then tacked our way towards Cowes. We tied up at West Cowes Marina and after an excellent dinner we retired to the local hostelry. A live band was playing and all had a great time listening and dancing!! to the group.

Day 2

The forecast was for a warm day with no wind until the evening. Therefore the crew went shopping followed by a proper cup of coffee ashore. We bumbled out into the Solent late morning and motored towards Osborne Bay where we dropped anchor. At that point someone ( the Skipper ) suggested swimming. Chris, Helen, Peter and Wayne all took the plunge into the warm ( Icy ) Solent. After our bracing swim lunch was served and eaten on deck. After lunch there were trips around Donald Searle for photos and instruction in driving the Coypu with a very temperamental outboard motor. The wind then arrived and we had a gentle sail back to East Cowes for dinner and entertainment.

Day 3

The forecast was for a fresh wind and our plan was to go to Yarmouth for the last evening. We set sail mid morning and after leaving the river we put 2 reefs in the mainsail. Unfortunately during this evolution Andrew Downey slipped and fell injuring his back. After discussion with Andrew we turned round and went back to East Cowes. We arranged for the paramedics to meet us and Andrew was taken to the hospital for a check up. Wayne kindly volunteered to keep Andrew company. As we couldn’t now sail without Andrew we all took a bus to Ryde and proceeded to enjoy the delights of Ryde, crazy golf, amusements, ice creams and hovercraft watching. Andrew and Wayne joined us in Ryde after being given the all clear from the hospital. As we had failed to get to Yarmouth we had our traditional last night meal ashore at the Lifeboat Inn in East Cowes. A superb meal was had with the staff looking after us fantastically.

Day 4

We awoke with a strong south westerly wind ( gusts of 30 knots ) and screamed back to the Hamble. We arrived back in glorious sunshine. Yet again another great trip albeit eventful. As always full of fun.

Chris Matthews

Skipper

2007 Trip 4 - More photos added

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Thanks for the photos to: Hannah, Helen, Francis, Wayne and myself.

Found Property

When I got home I found a pair of black ladies sailing gloves in the pocket of my anorak. No idea how I ended up with them but if they are yours get in touch and we can re-unite you. Frank

Some photos to share?

If you have some really good photos from your trip you would like to share via the website then contact Frank for how to get them added.

2007 Trip 3 Report and Photos

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As usual, we had a fantastic trip, and the weather for September was typically strong winds, but no rain this time. It was good to see the crew arriving, some new to me: David, Robert, Graham, Sandy, Paul, Philip, Michael and the two Peters.

After an excellent lunch to charge our batteries, everyone was shown around, and a start was made getting the boat ready for sea. We were booked in to Yarmouth for the first night, so we eagerly got a move on, practising our tacking skills down the western Solent.

After a bit of shopping and showering, we had a splendid meal on board, and then went to our favourite hostelry ashore. There was no live music this time (see report on Trip 1), but most of the crew took advantage of the pool table.

The second day we returned up the Solent, and decided to go up to the top of Southampton Water so that we could look at the boats attending the Boat Show – very colourful and spectacular. Although there had been a strong wind warning forecast we had a very gentle sail back down to West Cowes,. We just had time for a shower before our evening meal aboard. After dinner we were welcomed again by the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club, their pool table getting much used by all.

We awoke on Day Three to very strong winds, so we treated ourselves to another hour’s shopping before donning all our safety gear. The wind was too strong for us to go to Portsmouth, so we tucked ourselves round the corner in Osborne Bay where we dropped the anchor and had a nice lunch. On our way back to West Cowes the crew valiantly put up the staysail for a couple of tacks, but the gusting wind soon persuaded us to take it down again. We headed gratefully back in to harbour and had a very enjoyable meal in the Lifeboat Inn.

The last day saw us back in Universal Shipyard, tired but triumphant. I thank the LSP and the helpers for their hard work, but especially the crew, all of whom had a wonderful time.

Skipper John F