Winter Sailing

More hardy types, dinghy sailors, making their way out of the Hamble on a blisteringly cold day.

I am jealous of their enthusiasm and dedication, but having decided it was very much a spectator sport Mrs BB and I were heading for the cake shop and some warming hot chocolate. 

That said I did safety boat duty on a chilly, early February Sunday for the Weston SC optimistically described, Spring Series. 

 I will probably have more enthusiasm for sailing after Easter.

Solitaire

 Corinthian yachtsman and triple around the world sailor Les Powles passed away in 2022 but his yacht Solitaire is still on the hard in Lymington, sadly land perhaps unsurprisingly looking a little neglected and in need of TLC.

It would be interesting to know if the family intend to keep her or if she's for sale, it would be great is such a famous and accomplished boat could find a renewed life. If I recall correctly Solitaire is a Bruce Roberts design. 

 

Cagarro

 I received and email from the owner of Cagarro a 5 meter Setka which is an interesting yacht a 5 meter version of the Globe 580 racing boats.

 

 When I say these are my kind of boats, I appreciate the absence of sweeping sheer and long overhanging stern and stem but in terms of practicality and following the old Bauhaus  design philosophy that "form should follow function" these boats absolutely hit the spot fast, fun and very seaworthy.

One of the Global 580 owners and competitors described the experience of building of the yacht as tough, but giving him huge confidence in the boat, how it works and his ability to fix potential failures which is exactly the position you need to be in.

You can read more about Cagarro here which sails from Horta in the Azores  which is described as "5 meters of excitement"

Burial of the Sardine

 February half term found us in Barcelona and coincided with the start of Lent for which is celebrated at local events around the city, when we arrived there was a street party in the adjoining street with around 150 families and children sitting down to a feast of meats and fish cooked over open fires.

The18th Feb marked the end of celebrations and the beginning of Lent, hich is marked by the "Burial of the Sardine" ("l'enterrament de la sardina), apparently after days of feasting which often included a large catch of sardines, it was thought to bury the remaining sardines as 40 days of fasting for Lent began rather than let them rot and to honour the noble fish.

 

Our fist sight was at the local market where this lady had turned up in suitable mourning attire, she had also set up a little coffin and a cross on her fish counter

 Later outside the Parroquia de Sant Miquel del Port in Barceloneta as suitably decorated for the event

and an area where the fish was laid to rest in an open coffin and places were set up for mourners to pay their respects during the service.

Apparently such events take place all over Spain in local communities rather. than big orgainsed events.

 

 

Black swan event

 The definition of which is an unpredictable, rare, (and high-impact) occurrence that defies conventional forecasting - which probably doesn't really describe another back swan sighting, this time in Emsworth, but acknowledging that they are quite rare birds.

 Of course the bird may have just moved down the coast a few miles from Hamble to Emsworth where a local man Gordon has been feeding and leading Swan welfare activities.

Busy start

 Caught the start of one of the model races at Slipper millpond in Emsworth which washeld in almost idea conditions.

The walkway was crowded with competitors and spectators both old and young.

It's easy to see the appeal at this time of year, a couple of quick races and then back to the club house rather than being out on the water.

Rainbow

 Looks like a diamond in the rough, a varnished clinker built SCOW being used as a yacht tender.

 Not a bad boat to use as a tender, but without regular attention those lovely varnished planks are probably not up to the use and  abuse of the dinghy pontoon.