Lugworm's epic voyage

I'm not especially a fan of sailing and cruising travel books, they all start off well but they eventually and perhaps inevitably set into a repetitive pattern . No matter how daunting and epic the voyage there are only some many times I want to read about "setting the spitfire stay-sail and had whisky in my tea"  

Not so with Ken Duxbury's account of sailing an open Drascombe from Greece back to the UK, the writing moves along quickly, not to much nautical detail but enoughtto demonstrate the authenticity of the Duxbury's experience. 

 I first read the book back in the 1980's thinking what a wonderful boat to go off adventure cruising in. In the 1990's I met a couple who had spent 6 weeks cruising the western isles of Scotland but somehow life and lack of motivation have always got in the way which is a poor excuse.

These days Igor Stropnik is showing what fantastic adventures can be had in small boats, so the only thing stopping us is ourselves. 

Down memory creek - Horta

More from 1980's Practical Boat Owner, that looks like Horta with Pico in the distance.

Back in 1998 we were approaching the island of Faial in the Azores archipelago some 24 days out from the British Virgin Islands, all the sailing instructions had warned that we should have capacity for 150Nm or so motoring in the light winds caused by the Azores high.

 In the event we scooted along the southern coast of Faial and sailed right into the outer harbour of Horta before dropping the sails and coming alongside at the customs office.

The islands are probably a great place to explore by boat, but after over a year living on board we became marina dwellers while we were there taking buses around the island and the ferry over to nearby Pico. 

With direct flights  now available from the UK and air B&B's on the island it would be a great place for a holiday even if sailing there isn't a practical proposition.

Laser days

Weston 2nd fleet (apparently we're not supposed to use the term fast and slow fleets any more) comprised mostly Lasers

 The start line was just off the clubhouse due to recent fire damage to the race hut

One of the marks in the clear air and some tide out in Southampton water and a sparking sea on this fine day, things can get a little wild on occasions but still relatively protected water

 Finally back under the shadow of the castle, what a great location to sail.

Some like it hot

 

Judging by the crowds who took to the shoreline between Hill Head and Lee on Solent enjoying a sunset while the temperature was still up in the high 20's

Starter sailing

 A balmy evening during the recent heatwave was perfect for a joint sailing try out,  Hamble River SC provided the boats and instructors to take local cub scouts sailing.

The wind was very light but enough to get around, a lot easier for the Opi's but  the bigger boats managed pretty well. Definitely no danger of a capsize or crash gibe which are probably the most off putting experiences for beginners.

 

Keyhaven Walkaround

 I can't resist a walk around at Keyhaven and especially not having been over there for a few months it was a good opportunity to see if there were any new and interesting boats.

Above a very tidy and practical harbour launch, great for fishing, picnics around teh harbour or even setting a few lobster pots.

Not new to Keyhaven but very tidy Drascombe Scaffie 14'9" double ender , simple and seaworthy which seems like an ideal boat for exploring the western Solent.

Not typically taken by motorboats but this example seemed very practical, called the Coastworker 210 looks to be a fast, stable and rugged working craft, the company also produces a smaller 18 foot version.

 Again far from new but nice to see this classic up on the hard presumably for ongoing maintenance.

Local supporters

 Local supporters are out in force for the World Cup over at Sarisbury Green.