2017     More bimbling about going nowhere in particular

21 January        Coldest Sail Yet

On a very cold day (ice on decks & pontoons) but with sun shinning we sailed over to Bembridge lifeboat house then to Langstone harbour and back to POG via the Dolphin Gap. Good fast sailing in an easterly 3/4.

18 February      Raising the Spinnaker

A ‘warm’ February day sail to Chichester harbour entrance and back      (18 nM), with Tim & Mark. The return run was done mostly with the spinnaker. Also saw Destroyer Dragon whilst out.

24 March          Equinox scrub and back to Wicor

Stayed onboard overnight to be ready for an early start for a 9am scrub at Haslar. Tim & Andrew joined me about 8:30 and I set off with Andrew in wind and rain to make the appointment. Really interesting to see how this lifting dock worked. Tim joined us there with the new anode he had just purchased, which we didn’t need in the end as there was little corrosion. Returning to OG we readied the boat for its transfer to Wicor. This required getting the dinghy ready and moving a car up to Wicor. All the time the wind was getting stronger but on the good side the rain had stopped and it was bright. The wind was so strong from the NE that HN had to be reversed all the way out into the main harbour before we could be sure of getting her nose through the wind. All this time with the dinghy in tow. At Wicor the near gale force NE was still with us and the only way to get to the pontoon was to reverse. It worked well and after a few alarms and plenty of faffing HN was secure with 8 warps and 13 fenders. A very choppy and wet crossing in the tender completed an action packed day.

17 April            Easter Sail with Tim & Fay

Over night trip to Southampton. Cold & blustery but a very noteworthy trip for the 3 Maydays we heard, the all you can eat for £16 Indian restaurant and outboard motor failure mid channel with no oars.

3 June               Anti Fouling and Testing

2 days of sailing. Day 1 met Tim at Wicor and we transfered the boat to Haslar for a 12 o’clock appointment in the boat lift for anti fouling. Whilst we waited for the painting to be done, we visited the pub, had a walk, then a cuppa and ice cream. Fay joined us and we sailed to POG for the evening. Meal at the new place nearby the Victualers. Very good. Day 2, Andrew joined us, Fay went shopping, we sailed fast in glorious conditions covering about 30 miles, passed Cowes and back to POG. Andrew and Fay left us and Tim and I returned HN to Wicor. All very good fun.

1 July               Sail with Gemma & Tim

Same day as the Round the Island Race, so plenty of company out on the water. Lovely breezy bright day for a sail against wind & tide to Cowes. Gemma came with us and recorded her greeting for mum’s 90th. Lots of tacking and we didn’t get as far as Cowes.

2 September    Round The Cans Race

With 5 on board (Time, Me, Andrew, Paul & Dave) we entered the POG round the cans race. After an exciting start HN was in a good forth place when the very light wind failed and the tide started to take us backward. Here’s the official report of the event:

7 September    3 day September Cruise

Despite the rather grey, wet & windy forecast, this long planned event took place, with Tom, Colin & his son Dan. Despite the weather we had some excellent sailing and as usual plenty of food.

17 December   Last sail Of The Year

It had been so long since we last sailed that despite the wet cold grey conditions we went for a day sail. It was a great opportunity to try out my new Christmas present - Sea Boots.