2013 SOLENT CRUISE – 42 Nighter (and WOA South East Cluster Rally)

DAY 1 – Thursday 30th May

We moved onto the boat the day before, so we could get away on the 7.30am lock – woke to rain and light winds, but by the time we had gone through the lock the rain had stopped.  They were NW winds about 8-10 knots and a slight sea.  We had tide with us until past Beachy Head, then just past Newhaven the winds picked up to 12-16 knots and went Northerly.  As we entered Brighton Marina (11.45) one of the Premier Staff passed us on a workboat and said we could go anywhere on the visitors pontoons and we explained that we were going to be joined by more Westerly boats for our rally. (We had already arranged with Brighton to have the Rally there).  Were so busy talking to the workboat chap and avoiding another boat going out, that we ended up in the mud!  Eddie managed to plough his way off and we moored up to a windward pontoon.

We went up to the office once sorted to arrange about the Westerly rally and spoke to one of the marina staff – name of Ed with model good looks and white flashing teeth!  When we returned to the boat we decided to move back to the corner as the boat behind us had gone, then we would be in a good position if any others needed to raft against us.  After a couple of steaks on board for tea we wandered up to Brighton Marina Yacht Club to check on our booking for Saturday night for the Rally dinner (barbecue).  We had a pleasant chat with John Boyce at the Yacht Club who was very helpful and friendly.  He said there would be a free glass of bubbly for everyone and a help yourself buffet with the barby.  Eddie sampled the Harveys whilst there and said it was excellent, the Merlot wasn’t bad either!

DAY 2 – Friday 31st May

Gill and Dave arrived today on Morning Mist and tied up behind us on the linear pontoon/walkway, Teise came later in the afternoon, followed by Starquest and the Commodore of the WOA on Coronado of Lauzun.  They rafted up as requested by Premier with a bit of shuffling and juggling, but everyone tied up safely in the end, and it was quite gusty which didn’t help. We dressed Hurkur overall, so did Gill and Dave, and with a few Westerly banners flying as well the boats looked a picture.

We discovered a problem with the holding tank during the day – the valve was pushed through and we had inadvertently been filling it up, but as it was just filled with water and pee we let it out discreetly during the night.  More Mischief arrived about 6.30pm – they share their Corsair with other people, but fortunately have the boat for this week.  We ate with Gill and Dave in the evening, pooling our food, then went for a few drinks to Wetherspoons after, retired feeling quite light headed!

DAY 3 – Saturday 1st June

Sunny and breezy day, more boats arrived during the day,  firstly Dancing Maid, who had to wait whilst More Mischief and Coronado of Lauzun moved to another pontoon, then rafted alongside Morning Mist.  Ipitombi came in with Tregunna, and that was everyone expected except for Reflections who never made it.  We all gathered for a ‘pontoon’ party at 5pm, but we had it on the main dock and Premier lent us a room to lay out our food on – everyone brought along nibbles and their own drink.  It gave us a chance to get to know each other, then we walked over to the Yacht Club which has a balcony overlooking the marina entrance.  That was where they had the barbecue set up for us, which we shared with another group from a cricket club.  Our Commodore Judith also exchanged burgees with the Commodore of BMYC, which provided a photo opportunity for Dave.  Live music was laid on after the barbecue and everyone enjoyed themselves.  A few other WOA members came along to the evening that couldn’t make it during the day which swelled our numbers to 22 altogether – not bad for our first Rally.

DAY 4 – Sunday 2nd June

Another sunny day today, and lighter winds.  We wandered up to the Boot Sale this morning which is held on the upper floor of the multi-storey car park at the Marina.  We stopped off for breakfast at Wetherspoons on the way back with Gill and Dave, but I just had coffee as I ate earlier – couldn’t wait that long!  Four boats left for Eastbourne after 1pm to catch the tide, leaving four of us to depart tomorrow and head for the Solent, which is where we shall continue our
cruise.  All gathered on More Mischief for drinks before dinner in the evening, which somehow lasted for 2 1/2 hours, then had something to eat to soak up the alcohol, and an early night for an early start tomorrow.

DAY 5 – Monday 3rd June

Alarm went off at 6am and we left at 7am, just before Teise and Starquest.  Coronado had left during the wee small hours as they had a prior engagement.  We had a gentle sail down to Selsey Bill in the sunshine with a N/NE 3, then the wind died at Littlehampton so on with the engine to the Looe channel then we sailed to Chichester Bar as the wind had picked up again.   We had  the wind  behind us  and with just the main on a preventer, we were doing 5 knots.   We had to take care coming over the Bar as it was just an hour after low tide, and we saw Starquest anchored off East Head as we made our way up the channel to Chichester Marina – they had previously overtaken us with Teise.  We had the flood with us as we made our way up but still only had about 2 inches of water under our keel as we scraped our way along the Marina approach.  We were given our berth K25 which was right down the far end of the marina almost in the mud again!  We aim to stay for seven nights as we have a party to go to next weekend and Chichester is a good point to set off from on the train.

David from Teise came along later to see us – Chi Marina is their home port.  We met up with them at the Yacht Club for a drink after dinner, and walked past the new development they are building here for workshops, restaurant, etc.

DAY 5 – Tuesday 4th June

All the electric went off in the marina this morning, but I was lucky enough to get a shower in beforehand, Eddie had to wait until after lunch for his.  We connected to the wifi here but had to use Spectrum, Premiers broadband connection which we have to pay for – decided to get a months’ worth as we plan to visit lots of Premier Marinas whilst away and will then guarantee a connection.  Had a fairly lazy day with just an evening stroll round the marina, it was a lovely evening – we sat on the sea wall overlooking the estuary and absorbing the day’s heat from the stone – so peaceful here.

DAY 6 – Wednesday 5th June

Lovely sunny day again and lighter winds – very windy yesterday.  Spent the morning on the computer sorting out the WOA stuff, then in the afternoon we caught the Circuit bus into Chichester, and checked out the train times and prices to Horsham where we plan to go at the weekend.  It only takes 1/2 and hour from here – a nice short journey.  We walked into town after and did some shopping then caught the bus back, it cost me £3.60 return but Eddie used his bus pass – lucky old thing!  Another lovely evening, and we sat in the cockpit and read, enjoying the late sunshine.

DAY 7 – Thursday 6th June

Did a few cleaning and maintenance jobs today as it was bright and sunny again, though windy.  We worked out that every time we walk to the shower block and back it is 1/4 mile, so we’ll be getting plenty of exercise anyway.  After tea we had a long walk along the coast path to Dell Quay and tried to spot our friends boat that they keep moored there, unsuccessfully, so had a drink in the pub, then a long walk back – knackered by the time we got back.

DAY 8 – Friday 7th June

Took it fairly easy today after our long walk yesterday as the weather not so good.  We did have a walk around the marina, which we were informed by the office was a mile long then set up the TV in the evening – good reception.

DAY 9 – Saturday 8th June

Lovely sunny (windy) day again and we are off to a Golden Wedding Anniversary.  Left at 11.40 to get the 12.00 bus into Chichester, then caught the 12.41 train to Horsham, which was about 15 minutes late.  We arrived about 1.30pm then had a mile walk to Justine’s house, as we were a little early we stopped off at a pub called the Malt Shovel for a (non-alcoholic) drink.  Arrived about 2.20pm and the barbecue was in full swing (or should I say smoke) with John as chief cook.  It was our friends Tom and Jeans anniversary and they had a great afternoon as we all did – lovely food and good company.  Ian and Lyn dropped us off at the station on their way home and we caught the 7pm train, but before Barnham they announced that someone had been hit on the line at Nutbourne and we all had to get off at Barnham!  Then they sent another train to take us all to Chichester, and anyone going on from there had to get a bus being laid on.  We eventually got to the boat about 8.45pm – phew!  Had a lovely day though.

DAY 10 – Sunday 9th June

Spent a lazy day, did some washing, had a walk to Birdham Pool, the next marina, and worked out our passage plan for tomorrow to Southsea – our first visit to that marina and also Langstone harbour.  We have to get there soon after high water because of access, also want to have a go at picking up a buoy to moor as we have never done it, and there are plenty of empty ones along Itchenor Reach.

DAY 11 – Monday 10th June

Woke just after 7am to an overcast but quiet day.  We had a leisurely preparation to leave at 11am.  I called up the marina and we made our way to the lock, only dropped down slightly in there as the tide was coming in until 1.30pm.  We motored down to just before Itchenor and had a practice at picking up a buoy – no problems, Eddie got the boat right next to it facing into the tide and I hooked it up quite easily.  After that we motored out to Chi Bar arriving about 1pm as planned and motor-sailed round to Langstone harbour, only about 3 nm from West Pole, avoiding the East Winner sands.  I called up Southsea Marina as we entered the harbour and they gave us berth B11, port side to.  We followed a winding passage in between red and green buoys and over the cill (about 2pm) at more or less slack water.  Tiny little entrance, and a charming small marina.  Very sheltered in here.  After we had sorted ourselves out we had a walk along the road through a council estate to find the nearest small food shop – very expensive so bought the bare minimum.  We visited the bar/restaurant on site in the evening and had a nice meal with wine, then a night cap on the boat.  Had a lengthy chat with the friendly security chap here who was doing his rounds, before retiring.

DAY 12 – Tuesday 11th June

Dismal rainy day today so didn’t rush to get up.  We tried the showers which weren’t a patch on Chichester but adequate.  We walked along the ‘spit’ at the entrance to Langstone harbour to where the ferry comes in – it crosses the entrance to the harbour regularly.  Unfortunately it was drizzling most of the time and very misty.  We watched the tide zipping in the harbour entrance, wouldn’t like to go out against that!  After lunch and a dry out we had another walk along the seafront, long, straight and quite desolate but there is a large marine museum there.  We cut inland to make our way back and walked past Bransbury Park where the bus goes, we intend to use it during the next few days.  By the time we returned both tired, but put the cockpit tent up anyway – nice and snug in there out the rain!

DAY 13 – Wednesday 12th June

More rain today and wind – it was quite noisy during the night.  We took the bus into Portsmouth today, the No. 15, which took us to the Hard Interchange near Gunwharf Quays.  We had a look at HMS Warrior and the Spinnaker Tower which were there and a wander round Gunwharf Quays shopping centre.  We had a coffee and snack in a little café under the railway arches and the very helpful waiter there showed us on his computer how to get to the town centre and where the Trafalgar pub is (a Wetherspoons!).  Not too far to walk and we shopped for a while then had a coffee in Tesco, before walking back to the Wetherspoons pub for a meal and drink.  We caught the No. 1 bus outside back to Gunwharf Quays as it was raining hard and got some food in the Co-op before getting on the No. 15 again to go back.  Pleasant day apart from the weather.

DAY 14 – Thursday 13th June

Gales today, up to a force 8 with lots of rocking and rolling in the night!  Spent the morning sorting out our passage plan to Port Solent tomorrow, weather permitting.  After lunch we walked to the headland – it was really blowing and white horses in the harbour, looking out to sea it was a froth of white.  There are loads of old boats along the beach here – most look as if they’ve been there for ages and a couple of houseboats (or sheds is more appropriate!).  We watched the ferry come in – still going despite the gales, then walked back to the marina bar for tea and cake.  So civilized.

DAY 15 – Friday 14th June

Overcast this morning but light winds, didn’t have to get up early to leave as we can’t get over the cill until about 1pm near high tide.  Our neighbours arrived on their boat – a Hanse called Perfect Pitch, and said they were going out for a sail and it would be ok to leave about 1.30pm, so we waited till then.  Motor sailed out of the harbour then sailed for a bit until we got the forts, where we turned and had the wind behind us so carried on with just the main.  Motor sailed into Portsmouth harbour and buoy hopped up to the Port Solent marker buoy.  We called Port Solent up and they told us to proceed to the lock, by the time we reached there it was free flow so they gave us our berth as we passed through G27,  so we went straight there.  Must mention that our bow thruster has been worth its weight in gold getting into the berths, especially at Southsea where room is tight.  Treated ourselves to fish and chips in Wetherspoons in the evening.

DAY 16 – Saturday 15th June

Lots of rain during the night, then the wind started – Gale 8’s today.  We got the bus to Tesco to do some shopping – bus stops in the car park here at the marina and stops just outside Tesco, so very convenient.  Eddie had a trip to the chandlery here to try and get an ‘O’ ring for the heads pump but no luck, didn’t do much for the rest of the day and the wind continued to blow hard.

DAY 17 – Sunday 16th June

Woke up to a still morning, though overcast.  As it was Father’s Day we had breakfast in Wetherspoons, then I did some washing the launderette – expensive.  The boys phoned their Dad during the day, we had a visit to the chandlery again, then had our tea at Wetherspoons again!  Making the most of it whilst here.

DAY 18 – Monday 17th June

staying one more day here and still overcast.  We walked to Tesco in the morning to stock up on wine and tea – life’s essentials and had coffee and cake whilst there.  Walked the long way round there but found a short cut on the way back following the sea wall and across the locks.  Had a chat with our neighbours who have a Moody, and are planning to go off on Wednesday to the Channel Islands and French coast.  We visited the cinema in the afternoon and saw Man of Steel, a new Superman film which we both enjoyed then had a quiet evening as off tomorrow to Cowes.

DAY 19 – Tuesday 18th June

We left in the 8.30 lock and had it to ourselves, a grey murky morning with no wind to speak of.  We motorsailed across to Cowes in the mist, then entered via the main channel after letting the ferry go first then made our way up to East Cowes Marina – we contacted them on channel 80 and they gave us a finger berth C7.  We had to use the bowthruster to get the bow round as the tide was taking us away.  Felt quite excited as this is our first visit to the Isle of Wight and Cowes on Hurkur (or indeed on our own boat). We found the showers and the office, quite a walk from the berth, but nice and clean.  We caught the ferry across the Medina for a walk round Cowes, then after tea had a drink in the ‘Lifeboat’ pub on the quayside near us, very expensive £9.20 for a pint of beer and a glass of wine!  So retired to the boat for a few more drinks before bed.

DAY 21 – Thursday 20th June

Misty, moisty, dull and chilly morning.  We left at 8.30 not forgetting to pop the toilet key through the HM office letterbox.  We had plenty of water when we left and a couple of boats arrived as we were going.  Down river there was a big barge coming up with a wind vane on it – huge great thing.  There is a building with a small dock on the West Bank that looks like they manufacture them there.  When we reached the Solent it was very foggy, we motored across buoy hopping to Southampton Water and the Hamble.  Once in the river it wasn’t so bad.  We made our way up the river to Swanwick (another first for us), contacted them on the VHF and they gave us berth A7 which was right at the beginning of the Marina next to the boat yard.  We are planning to stay here a few days.  Nice little café on site, and showers aren’t too bad (in the main building), the other ones are in a mobile building near the boatyard and not so good.  Will be using the launderette whilst here.  There is a Force 4 Chandlery near here at Deacons Boat Yard a short walk away, which we visited, had a coffee in the café and spent a quiet evening on board.

DAY 22 – Friday 21st June

Got the tender out today and rowed over to the opposite bank where the boats are moored at the Jolly Sailor – we have a friend with a boat there called Taylor Maid and we left a note on board in the hope they may be around in the next few days, but it started to rain and blow so it will possibly blow away!  Got very wet on the way back to our boat.  Spent most of the afternoon back and forth with the washing to the laundry room – bit of a walk, then had a pleasant meal in the Boat House café in the evening.  Walked over to the Jolly Sailor for a pint afterwards – we did try to book a table there for tomorrow but they were chocco.  Very popular pub.

DAY 20 – Wednesday 19th June

We left our moorings about 7.30am today to catch the high tide up to Newport at the head of the Medina River.  We had a lovely motor up the river in the sunshine past the Folly Inn but when we reached Newport town depths were very low – as little as 0.1 ft. and this was meant to be high tide.  Friendly chap took our ropes when we arrived alongside a long pontoon for visitors – plenty of room but I am sure it gets busy in high season.  It was very quiet but they had recently had the IOW festival which we fortunately missed.  Saw the marquees over the trees on the way up, so they are still clearing up.  The harbourmaster came along to see us later and take our money, he also issued a key to the shower and toilet facilities which we leave behind at the office when we go, they issue a key as the facilities are on the public quayside – very basic and a bit spidery!   We took the trolley and walked to Lidl which was close by, and by the time we had returned the water had run away and we were high and dry.  The floating pontoon here is ideal for bilge keelers, but there is a stone quay for fin keelers too, but because of the mud the yachts there had settled in very wonky positions.  We noticed that a lady from the boat in front was trying to protect a female duck that had been attacked by the male ducks, so Eddie came to the rescue with his landing net.  They scooped it up and put it in the HM’s boat until a local couple came along and took it away in a box to the RSPCA, though we did wonder if they were going to cook it!  Poor thing was on it’s last legs (or wings).  Later we found a Wetherspoons (The William Coppin) for dinner and enjoyed a bottle of wine, then walked back enjoying a beautiful evening.  Slept in the middle of the boat that night so as not to put a strain on any keels.

DAY 23 – Saturday 22nd June – EDDIE’S BIRTHDAY

62, Eyes of Blue!  Woke to wind and rain, and we had slap, slap on the stern.  Eddie wore his ear plugs all
night!  We decided on a day out in Southampton, caught the bus from just outside the Marina, which took us into the city – got off at Ocean Village.  From there we walked into town and the shops, finding a Chinese restaurant to return to later.  We had a coffee and rum in The Standing Order (Wetherspoons of course) then walked back through the park and had lunch at the Chinese place,  We had another drink in the Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis (another Wetherspoons near Ocean Village) before getting a bus back and crashing out on the boat.

DAY 24 – Sunday 23rd June

Still quite windy today and we had a quiet day, making the most of the hot showers as we are off to Beaulieu tomorrow and there are no facilities on the visitor’s pontoon, unless we get the tender out.

DAY 25 – Monday 24th June

NW winds today, but have eased since yesterday.  Left Swanwick about 10am and it was blowing about a Force 4 in Southampton Water.  Turned into the Beaulieu river about 12 noon and it took an hour to get up to Bucklers Hard.  As we approached the ‘berthing boy’ came along on his skiff to give us instructions.  He directed us to the visitor’s pontoon, a long one just north of the Marina with private moorings one end and visitors the other.  It cost us £17 for one night, which we thought wasn’t bad.  Our first time here as well and we both liked it – very quiet with only a few boats, but it does get VERY busy during the season. Spent the time relaxing and watching the wildlife.

DAY 26 – Tuesday 25th June

We left here at 10am after the tide had come in enough – loads of jellyfish came in with the tide, never seen so many.  We motored gently down the river in a calm sunny morning.  The Solent was like glass, no wind, so we motored over to Newtown Creek.  Unfortunately there were no visitor’s buoys to be had and we didn’t fancy anchoring not knowing the terrain.  The tide was ripping into the narrow entrance as we left.  We decided to go over to Lymington and stay there for a couple of days as we plan to meet up with an old school friend of Eddies, Graham, and his wife Caran.  We managed to beat the ferries into the harbour and went into Lymington Yacht Haven where we were given berth F24 next to a big Nauticat.  After an obligatory Gin & Tonic we went to office to pay: £66 for 2 nights – Blimey!  They gave us a plastic folder with brochure, pen and floating key ring to soften the blow.  They also gave us a code for free Wi-fi which funnily enough is with Spectrum, we told the receptionist that we already had Spectrum and had paid for it, so she gave us a code to last for a whole year!  Very kind of her, we can continue to use that until next June.  We walked into town along the river and found the Six Bells (Wetherspoons).  It was steak club day so we had a very nice meal there and walked back a different way.  Arranged with Graham and Caran to meet them tomorrow.

DAY 27 – Wednesday 26th June

We walked into town this morning to visit Tesco and stock up, walked back yet another way.  Then had a clean up on the boat as we have visitors later!  After lunch we went for a walk out on to the coast path, lovely view from there, then went to the Chandlery on site – they had the Jabsco spare we have been trying to find.  We had a coffee in the Haven Bar on the marina overlooking the boats and phoned Adam up.  He had a small operation today on his leg, but all went well thank goodness.  Graham and Caran came along at 6pm and we had some drinks on board before going off to a nearby pub for fish and chips. Talked a lot about boats as they have a Dutch built river cruiser which they keep in Belgium, and we compared our journeys through the canals.  A very good evening.

DAY 28 – Thursday 27th June

We left Lymington at 8.30 in hazy sun and a strong breeze – Force 4-5 but the sea was slight.  We reefed the main and the genoa and still got up to 8.8 knots with the tide – wow.  Then as we passed Cowes the wind started to drop so shook the reefs out – the wind eventually died near Portsmouth so had to put the engine on for the last half hour.  Arrived at about 12.15 and radioed into Gosport Marina, we were given berth G5 (the same number as our home berth) which was near the outside of the Marina, so quite bumpy. We are staying here for four nights then decide where next.  We saw another Seahawk come in further up our pontoon – Fridays Child, which is berthed at Chichester, where we have seen it before.  Had a chat with the skipper.  Walked into Gosport early evening and up the pedestrianized High Street – found a Wetherspoon funnily enough!! The Star, where we had a curry then saw a Morrisons at the end of the High Street where we shall visit to stock up again.  Raining by the time we returned to the boat.  Early-ish night.

DAY 29 – Friday 28th June

Had a lie in today as the weather was overcast with showers.  Walked into town and trawled the charity shops where I bought a nice dress, and then found a belt in the Pound Shop!  On the way back we noticed that ‘More Mischief’ was on her berth.  They came along to the Brighton Rally and this is their home berth. We had a chat with them as they had just returned from 2 weeks away to Boulogne, then found that Gill and Dave had arrived on Morning Mist while we were out shopping, so had a few beers together.  They are just beginning their cruise.  We went back there later after dinner for more drinks!  They are on ‘O’ pontoon tucked nicely away inside the marina, and overlooking the hoist, which is where they were lifted to have the survey done when they bought ‘Misty’.  Made plans to do some sightseeing tomorrow.

DAY 30 – Saturday 29th June

Turned into a lovely day today – hottest so far.  Before lunch we did some shopping in town, then after we all took the ferry across to Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard – discovered it was Armed Forces Day so was very busy.  We had a tour round HMS Defender and a wander round the Dockyard, which had various events on. We were glad to be on foot visiting, as the roads were absolutely gridlocked when we returned to the ferry due to some roadworks causing bedlam on one of the busiest days of the year.  A bus driver we spoke to said he was running 2 – 3 hours late!  Returned to our berth at Gosport, and had some entertainment watching a couple of training yachts come in on the berths opposite and their ‘water games’ that followed.  Went over to Misty after dinner again, and we all enjoyed a game of Rummikub – it got quite competitive.

DAY 31 – Sunday 30th June

Another beautiful day, but started very foggy.  We had a pleasant walk along the waterfront to find the Submarine Museum as we plan to visit there tomorrow.  Popped into the chandlery on the way back and bought some crab buckets for the granddaughters, and a boatie frypan for us.  Eddie watched the Grand Prix in the afternoon and in the evening we went to Wetherspoons for their Sunday Roast with G & D.  Went back to theirs for pudding and more games of Rummikub.

DAY 32 – Monday 1st July

Left the boat at 10am to visit the Submarine Museum, cooler & breezier today.  We had a guided tour round HMS Alliance, very interesting, and had a walk round the museum after.  Had a lazy afternoon whilst Eddie walked into Gosport to get some shopping.  After dinner G & D came round for a nightcap, as we are off to Chichester tomorrow and they are going the opposite direction.

DAY 33 – Tuesday 2nd July

6am start today to beat the tide so we can get into Chichester, and Force 6 predicted for later so an early start was necessary.  Cloudy and chilly – we reached Chi bar about 8.50am and reached Chi Marina about 10am.  We asked at reception if we could have our old berth again if it was free, and that was ok with them.  Tied up on our old spot, then had a lovely hot shower in their excellent facilities, followed by use of the laundry room.  Stayed on board in the evening as weather horrible.

DAY 34 – Wednesday 3rd July

Took the bus into Chichester town today and had a mooch round the shops followed by late lunch in Wetherspoons.  Eddie booked up Bosham Quay for Friday so we can dry out and he can put an anode onto the drive shaft, then we plan to leave on Sunday weather permitting.

DAY 35 – Thursday 4th July

After lunch today we took the bus into Wittering and had a walk round reminiscing about my childhood, as that’s where we spent all our summer holidays.  We had a meal at the Yacht Club in the Marina in the evening, which has changed – it used to be cafeteria style system, but now waitress service.  Food is still very nice, but a little pricey for non-members.

DAY 36 – Friday 5th July

Off to Bosham today – weather beautiful as forecast and continuing until Sunday too.  Left Chi Marina at 9am and had a very slow motor round to Bosham Quay arriving at 10.15am as requested by the Quay Master.  We came in bows first and he turned us round on a long line, but the bow got a bit scraped as the rope was a bit tight.  We got blocked in by a boat in front that plan to stay the night so we may have to stay too, no extra charge for that.  Eddie did all he wanted under the boat – pressure washed all the Newport mud off, put the anode onto the prop shaft and cleaned the log paddle wheel.  Used the shower facilities in the yacht club here, two little cubicles in a large changing room.  The water was very very hot, and I couldn’t change the temperature – very basic, but I had the place to myself.  We had a walk round the village after tea and slept in the middle of the boat to steady the boat as she dries out during the night.

DAY 37 – Saturday 6th July

I didn’t sleep too well as the saloon seat is a bit lumpy.  Warm and humid today.  We had to wait until about 11am for the tide to be high enough for us to sail away.  While we waited chatted to passers-by, of which there are many on Bosham Quay!  Spoke to some Swedes, who were also yachtsmen, and had never seen a bilge keeler before!  We returned to Chi marina and reached there during free flow through the lock.  We checked with the office about leaving tomorrow, and they said we may be able to get away about 6.30am.  Early night tonight.

DAY 38 – Sunday 7th July

Up at 6am, and we called the Marina, they said there was about 1.5m depth so we went for it.  But as we came out of our berth we took it too wide and went into some mud, Eddie had to reverse out, then we continued down to the lock and out.  Took the channel from the marina very slowly because of the depth.  It was a beautiful morning, and there were crowds of boats anchored at East Head as we passed.  Anchorage just past Itchenor was quiet though, so will bear that in mind for future.  We had Force 3’s all the way until Brighton, then Force 4.  Got onto a visitor berth just in time to listen to the final game of the mens final at Wimbledon, and Murray won!  What a red letter day!  Went to Wetherspoons for dinner and ate out on the balcony, in the sunshine.

DAY 40 – Monday 8th July

Had a walk down to the chandlers today and bought another block so Eddie can make up another barber hauler, then we will have one each side for the Genoa sheet – we tried it yesterday and worked well.  North easterly winds today, quite strong, but the sea looked okay because of the direction.  We are hoping to leave early Wednesday and if the winds stay in the same direction should be ok.  Had dinner in the Harvester (for a change!).  It was a noisy night on the visitors berths with the wind buffeting us and we had another boat rafted up too, which made it noisier.

DAY 41 – Tuesday 9th July

Saw our neighbours off this morning, and most of the other boats were getting ready to go so we decided to leave too.  It was gusting Force 5, but the sea state was slight so ok.  We motor-sailed with a reefed main, but when we got to Beachy Head inevitably the sea got up.  The last few miles back to Sovereign seemed to take ages, as the tide had turned too.  I phoned Sovereign ahead to warn them we were coming back onto our berth in case they had put a visitor on there, noticed loads of visiting Dutch boats as we came in.  After putting the boat to bed, we went over to Pablo’s for a lovely meal to wind up the holiday.