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.