21st August – Hamble to Cowes

This was our first trip out post the Summer Cruise. For some reason it is usually the most nervous trip of the year! This year was slightly worse as we had not finished on a high coming back down the Solent in terrible weather and leaving the main halyard at the top of the mast. We were going across to the IoW for a One Day Metro-Bank 50 over Cricket Match between Kent and Hampshire. Hampshire only play once per year at the Newclose Cricket Ground and it is quite special going there.

We got down to the boat around 1130 and immediately loaded and prepared to sail. The weather forecast was for light winds so there was an expectation of an easy crossing. Departure was a bit tight in terms of coming out of the berth. We had a flooding tide taking us across the channel to the pontoon on the other side – but we managed with inches to spare as an owner looked over his stern as we passed by! Wind was SSW which meant it was funnelled up the channel and felt quite strong – although it was only around 12kts. Main up before we entered Southampton Water and jib unfurled. By this time the wind had got up to 16kts and there was a little lean on Purrfect Tale. Sufficient that the induction hob came flying off the top of the cooker and the dehumidifier turned 90 degrees on the floor! Gillian was quiet but okay. There was a short tack to get around the Bramble Bank and then straight across to Cowes entrance. Jib and mainsail came down fine and we made our way to Cowes Yacht Haven. It took us a little time to work out where our berth was but it was an easy approach as we were at top of tide. We came alongside perfectly but unfortunately due to us each being a little nervous and hesitant in giving instructions, as Gillian was going to attach the bow line I asked her to do the stern. There were a few cross words and steely looks! But we each realised as the evening went on that we had each made much out of little!

After supper we were both feeling tired and to ensure we just did not flop down below we went out for drink in the Anchor before coming back and having a coffee with rum as a night cap.

22nd August – Hampshire v Kent Newclose Cricket Ground

Up at 0730 to respond to some emails regarding the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust AGM. I was in the process of taking over as Chairman and was organising the Board meeting for the Wednesday evening we got back from sailing. Then off to Sainsbury’s for breakfast (bacon, egg, bread) and lunch at cricket – sandwiches and scotch eggs. We got a taxi to the ground which is about 20 minutes away. We remembered to take some seats with us as this is not like the Ageas Bowl in Southampton – there is no seating – you sit on grass banks or bring your own. We sat next to the side screen beside a gentleman who had kept a bot till recently but sold it for a holiday chalet in Bembridge. As the day worn on the sky cleared, the sun appeared and the temperature climbed. It has been a long time since we have had such a nice day. The cricket was tight. Kent batted first and got 325/8 – a high score for a 50 over game. Daniel Bell-Drummond was their star with 150. We came in to bat and kept just ahead of their run rate with Tom Prest 78, Ben Brown 73 and Aneurin Donald 106. It got a little tight at the end but Felix Organ with 31 off 22 balls brought us home with a couple of overs to spare. It felt like a very English Summer’s Day.

We got a taxi back to the boat driven by a Bulgarian who had come across to the IoW on a whim as his mate asked him if he could help out in a hotel. 4 years later he is still here with his girlfriend!

We had another pleasant evening on Board and a drink in the Anchor which was exceptionally loud – post sailing night gatherings.

23rd August – Cowes-Hamble

The forecast was for a sunny windless day and that is exactly what we got. After breakfast I helped the Dutch boat (Bavaria 42) extricate itself from the front of the pontoon to the back. We then set about sorting the boat out for the trip back across the Solent. There was so little wind I did not even bother to get the sails ready. The couple on a motorboat opposite us lent a hand as we departed. It was a very uneventful crossing. There was no shipping or ferries entering or leaving Southampton water, there was no requirement for any deviation from course and the sun shone very brightly upon us. We arrived at the Hamble at precisely the right moment – no wind, not tide and no traffic. A perfect landing and not much tidying up to do.

We dropped by the Gaff Rigger for a drink before going back to the Purrfect Tale to tidy up. This did not take long and we were soon away back home.

A lovely 3 days away helped by some late summer pleasant weather – a rarity this year.