My first sail in a Drascombe at the Chichester Rally 22nd to 25th May

Making sure that everything was packed, I set off to Chichester Marina for the weekend of the last bank holiday in May, this is the second Drascombe rally of the year in the South Coast, and one which I was able to attend for three days.

Delivering some goods to a customer in Emsworth en-route, I arrived mid-morning to the lovely task of putting my tent up, once set up, it was off to meet with some of the others, Dick, Tony, Norman and Trish had arrived, followed by Alex from Anglia Yacht Brokerage with his Deben Lugger, this was Alex's first time at Chichester, and we are old friends now from seeing each other at various boat shows.

Alex launching his Deben Lugger

The day was mainly sitting out of the drizzle and watching some of the Drascombers launching their boats.

In the evening we headed to Chichester Yacht Club for a meal, during the evening I presented to Dick a drawing by Bob Heasman, of me still learning my manoeuvres.

The picture which I presented to Dick

After the meal at CYC Ken, Dick and I retired to have a night cap with the wonderful Adrian on his Coaster, soon it was time to hit the sack, I for one needed some sleep, after a long and busy week.

Saturday, sleeping in a tent is not the most comfiest of places, however I managed to get enough sleep even if there was a brief rain sower during the night. Once up and showered I joined Dick to have breakfast on Daisleebee, the sun was shining and it looked like we were in for a good day.

Norman and Trish in their Dabber

After the briefing I went to find Peter and his Drifter "Siesta" we were soon ready for the off, followed by Alex in his Deben Lugger. Out through the locks we went, and down through the harbour past all of the boats which were also out, soon it was time for the sails to go up, and once again I had that feeling of knowing I was going to enjoy every minute of it. The morning sail was down to East Head, where were finally anchored up for lunch, in the end there were seven various boats moored together: a Shrimper, two Coasters, One Drifter 22, one Drifter, a Character Boat and a Drascombe Lugger.

Peter is a very knowledgeable and experienced sailor, and I knew I would be in safe hands sailing with him, at one point Peter asked if I would like to take the helm, but I was enjoying myself watching all of the other Drascombe boats sailing, and I was able to take some videos.

After lunch I swapped over to let Roger and Anita go back with Peter, while I walked my way across the boats to Daisleebee for my return journey. Once again I am allowed to sail her back to her mooring, with some careful manoeuvring she goes back with no bumps or scartches, I am getting good at this reversing.

The evening is a social BBQ where we all cook our own food, while this is going on we are entertained by the Drascombe Band (sadly missing a few players, but they still sound good, and get others joining in)

Catching up with old friends and making new ones is lovely, every Drascombe owner is so friendly and always have a story or two to tell, for me, this weekend is about joining in the Drascombe community, these rallies are great social events, where people will travel to join in, let's hope it continues for many years to come.

Soon the evening was drawing in, and a few of us headed to Douglas Hopwood's boat for a drink or two,  I would not like to give the impression that all we did was drink, as it is certainly not true, there was a lot of talking and laughing too!

What I was hoping for was one of Stewart's Gin and Tonic's, I keep getting told that he is an expert at making them, sadly Stewart was unable to make the rally, so I will have to wait for the next one. Soon it was time to say "Good Night" and head off for some sleep.

Sunday - Once awake and up, it was off to join Dick for some breakfast, it was not as sunny today as it was yesterday, but still good enough weather for us to sit out for breakfast (something I don't do at home) 

After this mornings briefing, Glenys and I decided to swap skippers for the morning, this meant that I had the chance to go with Ian Cowie in his Coaster, while Glenys was looking forward to sailing in a bigger boat than the Coaster.

I found Ian and "Moksha" and settled in the cockpit for my first sailing in a Coaster.We headed out through the lock and into the harbour, past all of the boats who again had the same idea as us, out and about enjoy the beautiful weather. A couple of times I out my hand over the side into the water and made Ian laugh by saying that the water was cold, being that close to the water made me realise that these boats are sound and sturdy, and you really have to do something silly to make them go over. 

What I have found is that no one is ever in a hurry when it comes to sailing, everyone goes at their own pace, this is so different to my working in the office, where sometimes I am juggling several things at once ( yes, women are good at multi-tasking)

We sailed out to Thorney Isalnd and saw a seal cub with its mother, this was a first for me, and the quietness of the sails ensured they were not disturbed. We anchored up against Daisleebee to enjoy a leisurely lunch, with Alex in his Deben and Douglas in his Drfiter 22 joining us. Glenys and I both enjoyed our morning sailing in different boats, not sure if Dick was pleased to have me back though. 

After a leisurely lunch break we were soon on our way, Glenys and Ian headed off to meet a friend with their bigger boat for a cup of tea, while Alex headed back to the marina as he had to drive back home. 

Next was certainly an adventure for me, so where are the toilets at sea? OK, this is where I 

experience using a bucket for the first time, and that is all I am saying on the matter.

As we were anchored, we decided to stop for a cup of tea and a snooze, wrapped in my coat and blanket, it didn't take me long to fall asleep, this sailing makes me very relaxed and along with the sea air, very tired.

When we realised the time, I left Dick to pull up the anchor while I motored off heading back towards the marina. Sadly, this was the end of the rally for me, as I was going home.

Back at the marina, I reversed Daisleebee back into the mooring for the last time, then it was time to pack the last of my things in the car to head off home. 

What I haven't said is that all the time I have been at my first rally in Chichester, Simon (my husband) had a boys weekend at Crystal Palace with some family members watching some Motor Racing, at least we both enjoyed our separate, yet different, weekend.

This weekend was a thoroughly enjoyable time for me, I was "me", enjoying myself with no one demanding my time. The business keeps me busy every day with many hours being put in at home, but that is my choice, being with my family is also very important to me, but I also need something which I can do to relax, and this is it. Being out on the water gives me that, and I am looking forward to my next adventure.

Come back and visit soon, as I managed to sneak off for one last sail out of Chichester xx

Preparing for my first rally

With my first proper rally fast approaching, I was reminded by my husband that I should practice putting the tent up for next weekend - somehow I was talked into cancelling the b&b, and camp for two nights. That's OK for someone who likes camping, my last time camping was when my youngest daughter Hannah was two years old, and soon she will be 18.

Me putting the tent up

Luckily the tent wasn't too bad, how ever there maybe some tyga ties used when it comes to packing away. Once I managed to put the tent up, I made sure the sleeping mat and sleeping bag were suitable, much to the amusement of Hannah, who then zipped me up and told me to get out in the quickest time, yeah, right, OK.

                                                  

                

  

Nice and cosy in my tent

Then come the fun but, having to put it all away, oh well I managed most of it, if all else fails, stick it in the boot for the girls to do when I get home.

 So now I have everything I need for camping, the weather had better be good. 

What am I looking forward too, well apart from a few days to myself, the opportunity to sail in a Drascombe, don't get me wrong, I am really enjoying my time with Dick and Daisleebee, but this is what my New Years resolution is really about.

Now time for me to have a quick taste of some gin and tonic, as there is usually plenty of that being drunk.

Come back after the bank holiday to see how I enjoyed (or survived) my few days at Chichester Rally xx

First Drascombe Rally of 2015

Friday 1st May 2015 sees me heading down to Chichester for the start of the first rally of the year for the South Coast. I am begining to know the journey to Chichester Marina well now. The sun is shining when I arrive - sadly it did not stay like that for long.

I arrived at mid-day to see Tony W (Tony had arrived the previous day after sailing from Ashlet and was already moored up), David M was sorting out his Gig and getting her rigged, she looked huge but I know she would shrink in the water, Adam with his Coaster had arrived too for his first Drascombe rally. Dick P soon arrived, so we went down to put our things on Daisleebee.

While I went off for a wander and have a chat with David, Dick was starting up Daisleebee ready for a trip out, we decided to motor out into the harbour to charge the batteries up. We headed out through the lock, past the dredging machine and into the open water. What a difference it was from when I was last out in February, all the trees are lovely shades of green.

Time for a selfie - not sure why Dick is looking worried though

With me at the helm, we head down towards Itchenor, on the way we see Peter T in his Drifter and manage to say a passing "Hello", motoring on we go down and around to moor up at the visitors pontoon at Itchenor, one day I might be jumping off the boat to tie up, but for now I will leave it to the expert. 

Putting the sprayhood up to keep the wind off us, it is actually quite warm, a polo shirt and fleece keep me snug. Lunch is courtesy of Dick, and we eat Al Fresco, I am starting to appreciate the peace and quiet (when I stop talking).

On our way back, those buoys still kept coming towards me, but luckily I missed them all, much to the relief of someone.

Taking the helm we head back down through the lock to the marina to see who else has arrived. This time, no reversing, it is straight in we go. Tony is on hand to help tie her up, and we head off to find some Drascombes and their owners.

John B, Ian C, Adam and Aidan with their Coasters, David with his Gig, and Peter T with his Drifter are moored up at the pontoon, we walk along to Peters Driter for pre-dinner drinks - now this is really the start of the rally. 

This is the first time that I have been on an original Drifter, and I have to say that I am liking it, a roomy cabin for sleeping in, along with a quaint little galley (sorry Peter), in the cockpit there were eight of us at one time. The wine, beer and gin were soon flowing, and many laughs were had, in between the rain showers.

Happy Sailors!

Soon another Drascombe arrived, this time it was Douglas with his Drifter 22, I have seen Stewarts D22 many times on a trailer, but this was the first time I had seen one on the water - a lot of firsts for me today!

Douglas arriving

Douglas soon come aboard and joined us, more drink, more laughs and even a hat show from Tony and Douglas.

Discussing hats!

Adrian arrived after some confusion as too where we were, so we had a few more drinks. I am beginning to wonder if the rallies are just one big social, with a little bit of sailing in between.

Soon, we said our goodbyes to the others and Tony, Dick and I headed back to Daisleebee, where super was cooked by Dick. 

As the evening light was starting to go, it was soon time for me to head back home, after a fun nine hours in great company, and lots of laughs, I was starting to look forward to my comfy bed. I may not have attended the full rally, but if those few hours are just a taster, roll on the next bank holiday, when I will join in for two days, and have my first sail in a Drascombe. Now, which will be the first Dracombe I sail in?

Thank you all for making me welcome, and here is to some good weather at the next one.

Come back soon for the next update xx

Sunshine at last in the yard

Sadly, my planned sailing trip was cancelled last week, probably a good thing for me as Chichester would have been busy with Easter holiday makers.

This meant an extra day in the office for me, catching up on my accounts. Sadly it is that time of year when prices have to go up, and with Stewarts help, we have now adjusted all the prices.

One task which we have been talking about, is weighing the boats, as over the years the gear stored within the boats have increased, and so have the weight of the trailers themselves,  so this week, we have set the task of obtaining the correct information, this will be in time for us to launch our new brochure, only a year after the launch of the new website, which is what I was hoping for.

In the yard the workers have been busy, I have decided to hold off asking Simon to do any painting at home, due to the amount of antifouling he has completed over the winter months. Martin has been busy making many Dabber drop plate rudders, with matching curved laminated tiller, and often matching tiller extension. It is rewarding to see the skilled craftsmanship when these are being wrapped up, and the comments we have from the owners when they unwrap them their end, is very pleasing, it shows how we like to satisfy our customers.

Tuesday as you know is the day I look after my Grandson Kyle, this week he was having a lesson with Vernon about booms and sheets, well, if he is going to join the Solent Cruising Group on their cruising jolly in July, he is going to have to learn fast.

Kyle is holding on very tightly, as he was told too!

Kyle is watching Vernon to ensure he does the job correctly

                                                

What next, well we have some more refurbs to complete before the start of the sailing season, then the next new boat will be coming in for them to fit out and complete, ready for its journey to Greece.

And I am hoping to get that date in the diary for some sailing, I am starting to miss the peacefulness of being on the water, along with some "me time" away from every day life, come back soon and I should have something to report xx

Drascombe AGM and counting down the days

Sunday 29th March 2015

I decided to take a day off work on Friday and headed to Bristol for some "me time", not something which I get much off with my busy family and work life. 

After spending time looking around Bristol on Friday, I headed over on Saturday to the MV Balmoral for the AGM of the Drascombe Association. This was the first time as a DA member that I had attended, not wanting to bore you all with the details, there were a few lively moments, but a good turnout on a dull and wet day.

Following the AGM, I joined 26 other members for an evening meal at the local Loch Fyne restaurant. 

For me, it was a good opportunity to meet some of the people whom I have spoken to on the phone, and also introduce myself to other members, there are times when mixing business with pleasure works, and this was one of them. It was also lovely to hear of the many adventures which owners have in their Drascombes, along with also being asked how Stewart was keeping, too which I answered that I had got him out of retirement this week to help me in the office.

After a lovely two days, it was time to head back to my family, sadly I lost my purse on the train journey home, so many phone call have been made today.

Meanwhile, now I am counting down the days until my next sailing lesson, Yes, I have caught the sailing bug, and hopefully I will have another chance before my first rally at the end of May, when I get to live aboard, another one to tick of my list.

While I have been enjoying myself (I call it networking) the workers in the yard are busy with three drop plate rudders, two curved tillers and a tiller extension (sounds like the twelve days of christmas) for Drascombe Dabber owners. This is along with two refurbs and a new boat to fit out, and two boats booked in for winter refurb work, so things are going well for us all.

Anyway, off to check that my sailing bag is all ready for next week, come back later and see what I learnt this time ........ xx

Keeping busy before my next sailing lesson

It has been a couple of weeks since I was on the water, and I am starting to look forward to my next trip. The date is already arranged and in the diary, all we need is the sun to shine, a bit of a breeze and  hopefully we will have a lovely day.

In the meantime back in the yard we have been busy with selling trailers, covers for boats and other spares and accessories, you can tell that owners are starting to think about the sailing season.

This winter we have had some really good refurbishments and winter work, sadly it is always afterwards that I say to the team, "we really should have taken some before and after shots". Next time we will. Martin's wood working skills are second to none, and poor Simon has spent many hours stripping old antifoul off a boat, and re-antifouling. I am so pleased I do all the office work.

Tuesday is my day for looking after my Grandson Kyle while his mum Lauren is at work. I started working from home, but feel as this is a family business (now the second generation) Kyle now comes to work for a few hours with me, luckily it is all safe in my office, and he has his own space to keep himself occupied.

Kyle with his Mummy Lauren (my eldest daughter)

Oh well, back to typing invoices, answering emails and then counting down the days until I am back on the water, and enjoying my new way of relaxation.

Come back and look soon for the next update x

The sails went up

Friday 27th February was the date set for my next adventure on the water, as this fitted in nicely with the Drascombe Supper in the evening.

I met up with Dick P outside Winchester, and we headed off down to Chichester, I have to say, I couldn't have chosen better weather if I had tried, when we arrived at Chichester it was a lovely clear blue sky, not a cloud in site.

After motoring out of the marina, and through the lock, I only had one near miss when the depth sounder was starting to beep at me and the centreplate was hitting the ground, but Dick soon got me back on course.

We turned the engine off, and Dick put the sails up, he had warned me that it would make some noise, but nothing to worry me too much.

With the main sail up

Once the sails were up, we headed past Itchenor and down through to East Head, now the fun began, as I learnt how to tack and jibe. I was actually enjoying it until at one point I was closer to the water than I wanted to be, I heard Dick say "if only I had a camera, your face was a picture"

Lunch time soon arrived, and Dick dropped the anchor near East Head and the sprayhood was pulled up to give us some shelter.

Someone decided to have a lie down on the deck

After a bite to eat, we then headed back down the marina, the sea air must have got to me, as at one point I said to Dick "those buoys keep getting closer to us" only to be informed, that it was because I was moving the boat to close too close to them ....... 

Heading back to the marina, we got to 5.2 knots, not bad for my first time sailing.

Once back near the straight to the marina, the sails had to go away, this was interesting, as I turned the boat 180 degrees to let Dick put the mainsail away, now I know what you have to turn into the wind to put the sails down, I hope that bit is correct!

Time for a selfiie

Once back in the marina, I asked if I could reverse Daislebee back into her mooring, with that look which says "no, never, not on your life" I got my way, and was very careful at putting her back safely in her mooring, with no dents or scratches.

What a great end to a lovely day, the weather could not have been better, the company as always was great and sailing was brilliant, I think I might have an new hobby now.

We finished of our time on the water by going to the Chichester Yacht Club in the evening for the first of this years Drascombe Supper, with the usual crowd of Simon, Stewart, Brad, Bob, Ian, Glenys, Tony,  Jenny, Michel from Holland and of course Dick, it was a fun filled evening.

The evening did not end there, as Dick presented me with a Certificate of Achievement "for not minding the wobbles and missing the red and green things" and for once I was quiet.

So, my thoughts on sailing - it was relaxing and peaceful, although I still have a long way to go before I take Daislebee out on my own (only joking DP)

The date is in my diary for my first rally, but before that, a few more sailing lessons are required.

Thank you DP for your patience.

And a note for Bill G, I am beginning to understand the 'big secret'

Until the next time .......... x