Last sail
01 August 2009 | River Orwell
What should have been the start of our Summer holiday may very well have been our last sail of 2009.
In search of the very best price available I have now decided to ask Fox's for an 'all-in and no surprises' quote. For them to be able to give quote as accurately as possible we would need to get Guapa up there and if necessary hauled out.
Saturday's forecast was quite helpful in that respect - SSW 3-4. A nice upriver sail on a rising tide. How hard could it be?
As it turned out - not very and quite fun too.
Sailing off our mooring was a buttock clenching moment. Been way too long since I had done that, and wind and tide weren't exactly cooperating. Adrenaline rush, but no more than that.
Once under way Guapa proved a delight to handle. (Broad) reaching under full sail boat speed went up to 9kts at one time. That's what I do it for. Still my girl.
Pin Mill and Woolverstone came and went all too soon. Orwell Bridge and the wind dropped to a zephyr. We were adrift with sails up. Time to call the cavalry. Fox's work boat to the rescue. Towed in the marina and tied up all snug in no time. And that was all there was to it.
Not exactly what you would call 'going out with a bang' - a whisper more like.
Awaiting lift out.