Thursday 15th July – Hamble to Lymington
A steady day with a sail down to Lymington onto the Dan Bran Pontoon. We came to the boat the previous down weekend to load the boat – a lot of stuff for 2 weeks sailing; clothes for every type of foreseeable weather, food and drink plus spares and cruising almanacs. We had a gentle breeze from the NW to take us down the Solent arriving in Lymington around 1700hrs. It was already busy as many marinas are this summer so we doubled up next to a very pleasant couple who had sailed across the Thames estuary. The evening meal was chilli – which nearly did not happen. We had attempted to leave the house twice – went back once for the boat keys and went back a second time for the chilli. And we still forgot the bread and eggs! From the Dan Bran Pontoon you can see all of life on the water in Lymington sail pass you, incoming yachts, dinghy sailing and Isle of White ferries plus a beautiful view across to Yarmouth and Newtown Creek.
Friday 16th July – Lymington
A non sailing day. Hovered around the marina for a little while to find out whether the boat on the inside of us was staying or going and whether the Harbour Master felt the need to move us. We were very happy on the outside – an early morning start to Poole meant we did not wish to be getting others out of bed at 0600 in the morning. A short walk into town for some fresh food – local cheeses, salami, bread yoghurt and strawberries with an iced coffee at cafe. In very hot weather sitting around drinking iced latte is a luxury that does not come around that often in UK. After lunch on board we took a stroll over the salt marshes that face out onto the Solent. A breezy afternoon but the Chequers Pub at the end of the walk was worth the limited effort. A jug of Pimms between the two of us was sufficient to quench the thirst. As usual my communications with Gillian were not all that they could have been and after 30 minutes of walking she did sort of hint that if she knew it was a ‘walk’ and not a ‘short stroll’ she would have put on some suitable footwear!
The two other boats joining us for the run to Poole arrived late in the evening – Dino Volante with Pat, Ken and Linda – followed by Karisma with Bryan and Britt on board. The Cobb BBQ was put on and pigs in blanket were shared around. This was followed by a healthy meal of burgher, sausage, baked beans and new potatoes. Diet and healthy meals out of the window whilst sailing as well as dry weekdays!
Purrfect Tale 