2007 Trip 3 Report and Photos
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
