07/01/2012, IOW/Solent
Just to give an update on "Freedom's" activities..... took part in the 2012 Round the Island Race which had an entry list of some 1200 odd boats, of which I think about 1050 took part on a very blustery day. Previously the weather had already been up and messy, so conditions were quite hectic and needed "Freedom" to have 2 reefs down on the start. Race distance is approximately 60 miles around the Island, starting off in staggered classes from Cowes. Skips start was at 08.30 and crew on board were Andy Hamlett (action mainsheet man!), Mel Scott, Tony Mason, Claire and William Philpot who were all either jib trimmer/tacticians/lookouts, or g n t/beverage providers but either way gave fantastic support to the event.
I had an entertaining day prior to the Race, as everyone around us at the Elephant were busily offloading their weighty objects, stripping their yachts of unnecessary equipment, and scrubbing their respective bottoms, I was busy polishing the woodwork, hoovering and making sure the crystal was packed away nicely !!! It paid off too, because we did brilliantly well for a 45ft floating home......... 1st in Class (about 44 finished), 3rd in our Group of over 165 and 16th overall (ISC over 650 finished). The IRC was a separate entity which had approximately 500 entries who finished give or take. We couldn't believe how well the old girl did. There are photos of the day taken at different moments.......
|
Comments [1]
Just thought I would post a pic of yours truely to show I am around, and what's more for this one day I was able to be in short sleeves because the sun came out!!!
|
Just posting a view across to the Isle of Wight with the sun shining. You can just see where the Hamble meets up with Southampton Water, and then you can make out the strip of Solent between the mainland and the Island.
|
This lovely thatched cottage is on the farm, with beautiful gardens..
|
A view of the gardens..... the farmhouse had originally been a Pub years ago, hence the sign!!
|
06/21/2012, Stoke Charity
Had a lovely day out up at the farm at Stoke Charity a small village not too many miles away from Winchester. Beautiful farmland stretching out in the sunshine. Met up with Bill and Margaret at their daughter Nicola's farm. Whiz and Candy were with us for a break too. N is heavily involved with horses and keeps 7-8 while husband Nick farms wheat and does a lot with eco-farming etc. Beautiful house and surroundings covering about 1000 acres which is quite big for the UK! We were able to enjoy a lovely picnic in the garden and then went for a long walk enjoying the scenes. Have posted photos of Nicola with horse and pony, which was being exercised ready for eventing over the weekend, and a couple of the gardens and views. It was wonderful to be in some warm sunshine and having a complete change from the boat! xx
|
