It's easy to see why the Solent is so popular. It must be one of the most attractive cruising grounds anywhere. Deep water, attractive destinations within easy reach... what's not to like?

We left at a civilised 8 am to be off Yarmouth not later than 11 am before the tide turned. A doddle. Sails up, engine off and we were on our merry way. Tacking all the way across the Solent from Gosport to Cowes - easy does it. Relaxing - the advanced course. The very light winds meant we made less progress than anticipated. To add to our 'woes', the wind backed - W to SW. Bang on the nose.

Enough of the relaxing: furl and stack sails and we'll relax some more from the comfort of a mooring. Off we went - all tied up 40 minutes later. Not before being ripped off to the tune of �18.00 - for 1 (one!) night on a swinging mooring.

When we were there last Yarmouth had been one of the highlights of our trip. Not so this time. The place has changed, and not for the better either. Maybe it was because we were there on a week-end, but I did not enjoy our stay one bit. Place was crowded, marina staff and natives were downright rude... The family spent some time on the beach swimming and sunbathing, but I stayed on the boat reading and having a drink (again). My only foray into Yarmouth was to collect the family when they summoned me on the VHF.

The Solent - very nice cruising ground; only spoiled by... the people. Motorboats in particular. Motorboats don't do it for me, but if it's your thing - fine by me. Don't bother me, and I won't bother you. Some people however consider motorboaters to be the scum of the Earth - and I can see where they are coming from.
One giant motorboat in particular took delight in zooming past the anchorage at less than a cable at top speed leaving all the moored yachts bouncing in his enormous wake. Yes, Valkyrie, I'm talking about you. Twat. Judging by the size of your wake I can only assume you must have a microscopic penis.
Other contender for wanker of the year award: Shamu. Big and shiny. Picks up a buoy right next to us, music blaring through the speakers at an infernal volume. Arse end opens up - big RIB appears and a bunch of hormone fuelled teenagers proceed to slalom through the anchorage at high speed. I hope you choke on your City bonus - if there is one - next year.

Then there was what some-one I got chatting to referred to as the 'Romford Navy' - pesky PWCs.

Get me out of here, and fast.