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.

 

Skiffs in action

The 18 foot skiffs were out recently at Weston SC while I was doing safety boat duty, fortunately the skiffs are largely self supported otherwise I might have had a problem keeping up, not to mention leaving the Lasers and regular b0ats behind.

I did rush over o this one but the crew were really relaxed so just stood by while they righted the boat and then sped off into teh distance down Southampton Water.

My summary would be - Fantastic boats, very fast requiring good athletic, sailing and swimming skills

 

New houseboat

There's been a variety of houseboats on this spot in the saltings over the years ranging from serious sea going craft ot a wide body canal boat. This latest looks to be a dutch type barge with a modified wheelhouse and stern enclosure, looks really nice. 

That looks like the perfect  spot for watching the evening sun going down on the river with a cold beer in hand, there's perhaps a clue to a possible downside in the top photo - yes that's a motorway speeding camera sign - who know barges went so fast.

 

Bursledon Windmill

Despite having lived here for almost 30 years I've never actually been in the local windmill so took the opportunity on a rare open day to take a look.

The mill apparently is one of the oldest of it's type with wooden engineering powering the mill wheels, the mill wright's expertise with wood was quickly replaced by metal from the start of the 18th century and few of older mills survive.

The mill was operational until around 2014 and it was a lovely sight in summer standing above the trees on the top of Providence Hill with the white sails rotating. 

The mill has had a few difficult years, apparently leased to the council who were to run it as a museum and then decided to get rid of all the museums, now back with the trustees the plan is to fit new sails and get the mill operational and making flour.

In addition the plan is to use the site for events which is a lovely and unique location for weddings and other activities.

Local legend has it that while the mill was in use King Charles insisted on Bursledon flour for some of the Duchy  biscuits or cakes.

 Above the governor mechanism to keep the mill wheels turning at the correct speed, apparently the mill has no tail piece so to bring the sails onto the wind the entire top piece is rotated manually, there is a scheme to automate that with electric motors and wind direction detectors.