Collective noun?

Is there a collective noun for a group of jet skis?

How about a noise? Or a buzz? An irritation?

What do you think?

Long view to the Needles

Across the marshes, the moorings at Keyhaven and the Hurst spit.

Military Cemetery at Royal Victoria Hosital

At nearby Netley, the former Royal Victoria Hospital and grounds is now a rather loverly park.

Although I've visited many times I had not walked through the military cemetery in which the majority are the graves of WW1 servicemen from Britain, Commonwealth and other nations including German soldiers.

The landscape is particularly beautiful and while not like the immaculately kept military cemeteries of France and Belgium, is a tranquil and peaceful resting place and memorial.

British and German soldiers, patients of the hospital lie side by side in a glade under the protection of a majestic tree.

First impressions

Although the Hurst Castle SC club house remains closed we've been able to use the outdoor facilities and have taken the opportunity to sail the new (to us) Wanderer dinghy a few times.

Apologies for the lack of pictures but between forgetting my camera and avoiding pictures of the fore deck/rear deck as we sail which can be a little dull, the best I have is pulled up for lunch near Hurst castle.

Early experience: she's really easy  to sail, light and responsive, although I did manage to get her stuck in irons under mainsail only weaving in and out of the moorings. Out in the open Solent she feels safe and solid pushing aside the small choppy waves easily and riding over the larger waves.

There was a slight opportunity for panic when running down wind and the tiller detached from the rudder, but she rounded up nicely and settled into a hove to position while I made hurried repair.

For the three of us there is ample room and good stowage both under the fore deck and in the stern locker.

The weather has been fair and apart from some strong gusts which had us tearing along, nothing that would warranty reefing the main, although I did sail single handed with just the mainsail as recounted above.

Ashore although a relatively heavy boat nothing I can't handle alone and more easily when help in at hand.

If the weekend weather forecast holds we plan to go over to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight.

What SUP

A group making the most of a fine, calm, winter day, heading out of Readymoney cove last November.

Safety in numbers, heading out around the headland

And safely returning close in to the rocks, not really a problem in those conditions as long as a careful eye is kept on the tide I guess.

Must get out on ours more this year, that is on the assumption and hope that we will start to get out at all soon.

Vandals

Someone set fire to the wrecked MFV on the mud in the river on Tuesday evening

It's pretty much burned away the remaining bulwarks and decking above the high water mark. When I was out running this morning there were a few oak frames washed up on the shore.

It's been slowly falling apart for a few years but you can see how much has been lost by comparing this photo of 4 years ago.

Shame.

Glorious June

It's probably due to improved air quality with so few planes flying and reduced traffic, the saturated evening twilight colour recently has been spectacular.

My phone pictures don't really do justice, to the flat calm and rich colours.

The trees are heavy with leaves, the grasses starting to turn golden, it was really England at it's best .

Troy Class exhibition

Last year we dropped into Fowey Gallants SC where there was an exhibition of the Troy Class.

Most of the material has been provided by local boat builder Marcus Lewis who had very kindly taken me sailing in his Troy on a previous visit.

On exhibition were some terrific pictures of the class in action.

Suspended in the clubhouse eves are the original patterns from which the Troys are built.

 There was a great deal of history including the account of a well traveled Troy which had been converted to a small cruiser with the addition of a cabin. Subsequently it was returned to Foweyand restored.

It's great that this unique class still thrives and that such a lot of historical information has been preserved.

West country Schooners

From the archives, a couple of schooners approaching the Fowey entrance last November on a calm sea.

Sails furled on the approach and a boat to guide them in.

At rest in the settled anchorage.