July 15, 2012, Braye Harbour
Sunset enjoyed a fast cross Channel passage from the Solent; with the wind steady at WNW 15kt, reefed main and full genoa and sheets nicely eased, we flew across the seas at 8 knots.
Shipping Lanes were as busy as ever; including a long tow that we had to avoid; the tug master made sure there was no doubting his business by lighting up the tug and huge barge like a Christmas Tree!
A lively sail; now very happy to be in the lee of Braye Harbour's splendid breakwater - probably until Wednesday.
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July 14, 2012, Hurst Castle anchorage
Dep Chichester harbour at 0635 on passage for Alderney; however with the wind at WSW 12-16kts it was prudent to make our westing in the sheltered Solent.
So five hours very close hauled saw us anchoring off Hurst Castle at 1200.
Perfectly sheltered anchorage for some serious ZZZZZs in the bunk, prior to an overnight cross channel tonight.
1730 Update: as forecast, the wind has veered NW - perfect - but will back again 'later'. So on my tried and trusted principle - if the wind is right USE IT!
we plan to sail on the tide this evening
Photo: Hurst Light
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July 2, 2012, Solent
Sunday July 1; Studland - Chichester Harbour
Left Studland Bay running well reefed 'wing & wing'.
The wind quickly increased to 28-30kts; furling the foresail, Sunset still ran at hull speed across Christchurch Bay. There were dozens of opposite direction yachts pounding westwards on the wind; no doubt the survivors of yesterday's 'Round The Island' yacht race (1600+ yachts). This old hand likes to keep the wind firmly 'abaft the beam'.
Running up the Western Solent we were the only yacht under sail; a perfect target for a 'beat up' - sure enough from dead astern, an RAF Typhoon fighter bomber roared very low & fast over us - aaaah, memories of 55 years ago when this young fighter pilot roamed the Solent in his RAF Hawker Hunter fighter.
those were the days my friends, we thought they'd never end ....
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June 30, 2012
With the rain fronts clearing at last, we transited the 0730 Poole Bridge, sailing the few miles to anchor in the shelter of Studland Bay.
Photo - Old Harry Rocks at the entrance to the Bay.
We have a good southwesterly forecast for the run home to Chichester tomorrow.
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June 29, 2012, Cobbs Quay, Holes Bay
With the LOW pressure systems continuing to roll in, we have found shelter in Cobbs Quay Marina. Hoping for better weather over the weekend.
Picture shows the rather stunning new 'Twin Sails Bridge' over the Holes Bay Channel.
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June 26, 2012, South Deep
In a gentle southeastly breeze, we sailed on the ebb at 0600 for Poole. Arrived at Low Water, anchoring off Brownsea Island to wait for a little more tide for South Deep. A beautiful peaceful anchorage south of Green Island, in photo.
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