As crew on our outbound leg to Cherbourg I was looking forward to sitting back and letting someone else take charge. We slipped our moorings at 0445 so we could catch the strong tide and let it sweep us out of the Solent and east around the island. We hardly needed our night lights on as it was already getting light as the sun was due to rise at 0540. Continue reading Crossing the Channel on a single tack
All posts by Paul Blacknell
Taking the Yachtmaster Coastal Exam
I’m traveling back from Plymouth having, early this morning, completed and passed my RYA Yachtmaster Coastal exam. It’s been a tough week with challenging weather that limited the preparation somewhat. On reflection I think I enjoyed the exam but at the time that wouldn’t have been the right word. I felt pretty stressed throughout the 8 hours and under a consistent pressure throughout. Continue reading Taking the Yachtmaster Coastal Exam
Great sunrise, marina crabbing – not much sailing
I woke early and noticed the red tint from outside so I nipped on deck to take a photo from the pontoon of Nomad 1 in the sunrise. A great way to wake up I have to say. A leisurely breakfast, much walking around looking for parts we weren’t quite sure of at the chandlers and we bade farewell to Joe who had to work for a living today. Continue reading Great sunrise, marina crabbing – not much sailing
Great spinnaker sailing on the first day
After an excellent bacon buttie to get the day started, we slipped from Gosport marina at about 10am. We had run through the routines for getting the spinnaker hoisted before slipping our lines but the winds were too strong at around 15kts – gusting even higher. We had the sails up very soon and Continue reading Great spinnaker sailing on the first day