A couple of weeks ago, my sailing teacher mentioned that he was planning on a day sailing over the August bank holiday, so I took it upon myself to invite myself along, this actually turned out to be Friday to Sunday break.
Checking first with Simon that he was happy for me to go, I spoke to Dick to find out where we would be sailing, "the Isle of Wight" was the reply. OK! So this could be fun. With plans made, I booked my two bed and breakfasts, first in Yarmouth and then in East Cowes.
Friday, with a mid morning tide, I arrived just in time to see Daislebee being launched, well, I have to say, I did close my eyes for a while, I am sure the Drascombe boats are easier to launch than a Shrimper!
Bags on board, we motor out of Ashlett Creak in the direction of the rain, nothing to bad, but time to dust of the sailing jacket. Soon the sails were up, and we were sailing in the rain. As long as I am warm, the rain is no problem to me, what was the worrying was when we started to heel, my word, that was interesting, feet bracing on the cockpit seat, and my hands gripping the gunwhale, if there is one way to test my fear of water, then this has to be it.
OK, I know I said I wanted to learn to sail, but really did we have to go out in the rain, heel the boat and then manage 7.2 knots, all in the space of an hour?
We took a lunch break at Newtown Creak, a place I have heard off often as a stopping place on their cruises. Anchoring up, the sun was shining finally, and we sat and enjoyed our lunch along with enjoying the views.
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| Some loving sailing going on |
After lunch we headed to Yarmouth, the first of our stops, while coming into the harbour, I was a tad worried about the big ferries, thinking they would get us, but actually they are further away than you think. We were met by the harbour boat, and shown to our mooring, not bad Mr P, we couldn't get any closer to the HM office if we tried.
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| Just love this sign, they even have "Harwoods" on the IOW |
Off for an ice-cream and walk along the pier, we soon found ourselves in a pub enjoying a cold cider or two. Looking at the weather, it was hard to believe that we had sailed in the rain earlier in the day.
After a lovely evening meal in a local pub, I set of for my b&b, leaving Dick in the pub!
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| Daislebee in Yarmouth |
The next morning, I walked down to the harbour to meet Dick, and after looking at the tides, we set off in the direction of Lymington. Sadly there was no wind, so a gentle motor along, looking at all of the other boats who were out, as well as missing the ferries which travel between Lymington and Yarmouth.
At one point, Dick put out the mackerel line and caught one, this was a first for me. Going into the harbour at Lymington there are certainly some lovely boats there. I was looking out for Drascombes, while Dick was spotting Shrimpers, no guessing for who one that one!
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| Catching mackerel |
We motored back over to just outside Newtown Creek this time, and had baked camembert and crusty read for lunch, I could get used to all this eating Al Fresco. As we finished lunch, it started to drizzle, after having a lovely morning and lunch, we see the rain settling in for the day. This is where I took shelter in the cabin, well actually I fell asleep on the bunk listening to the thud of the motor.
Arriving at East Cowes, Dick radios ahead to check on availability for a mooring, having been asked what depth do you draw, we could hear the young lady laugh, when Dick said "14 inches" There are some benefits to sailing boats.
Heading to the HM office to pay our dues, we then head to The Lifeboat for a drink or two, we then headed back to Daislebee and had supper on board the boat.
Off to my second B&B of the weekend, some things I am grateful for, as I am not sure I would have enjoyed sleeping on a boat while it was raining.
I woke to a lovely sunny morning, oh why couldn't it have been like this yesterday afternoon, oh well at least we should get some sailing today.
We head out East Cowes towards Ashlett SC, soon the sails are up, but it is a slow sail. At one point we get the compass out and the sailing chart out, to see where we are on the chart. This is another part of sailing which is all new to me, and something else I have to learn.
Coming into Ashlett, the power boats were out motoring across the solent, as the first one went past us, my knuckles were white from gripping the tiller, and I asked Dick to take it as I didn't like it, only to be told "no", you have to learn (he can be so mean at times). When the next powerboat come along, we went into the wash, I felt a bit more comfortable with that.
Back at Ashlett Sailing Club, the tide was quite high, so wet feet were in order.
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| High Tide at Ashlett Sailing Club |
Once Daislebee was on her trailer, we washed her down, hosed out the brakes on the trailer, and packed her away for the time being.
So, what did I learn
Make sure you take suitable clothing and be prepared for a quick change in the weather
Luckily the harbours and my B&B were booked in advance
If going away over a busy period, book a restaurant - although the takeaway on the boat was different
New to me
Going over 7 knots
Using the compass, and looking at the chart to work out where we are
Catching mackerel - Although not keen when it jumped out of Dicks hand
Pulling the jib out
Next time
Being allowed to put the main sail up
Tacking, until I understand what I am doing
Thank you Dick for a lovely and adventurous few days, some "me" time was definitely in order.
Not sure when I will be sailing next, as we have Southampton Boat Show coming up, but hopefully I can pursued Dick before the end of the season to go back out for one last sail.
Come back soon xx
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