May 26th 2013 - There and back again!

A warm early summer's day and light evenings meant a sail up past the Humber Bridge was clearly on the cards.  Lynda and Andy joined us and we penned out from the marina at 1710.  A convenient Force 3 from the south and favourable tide saw us making 8.4 knots (SOG), practically whizzing past the bridge and past Ferriby.  Of course, wherever we get to, we've also got to get back from before the lock closes, so we turned back, pushing as hard as we could against what was left of the tide with a wind that was becoming a breeze! Firing up the engine we motor-sailed back, getting back on our berth at 2200, happy with the boat and a good evening's sailing.

May 6th 2013 - Sunny sailing, drifting and Lydia's first sail.

Bank Holiday Monday and the sun is shining, with temperatures above 20 degrees - unheard of here in the UK!  Today we had Gareth and Lydia with us, this being her first time on a sailing yacht. 


Leaving Hull Marina (thanks for the pics Patrick).

We went out onto a very calm river and very little wind - rarely moving the anemometer cups.  We enjoyed drifting on the river and enjoyed a really great vegetarian picnic that Sam prepared.  Most of our motion was due to the tide, but eventually the wind did get up to a Force 2 / 3 and we were able to get some more positive forward motion, making around 4.7 knots for a while. 

Gareth - check out the guns.

Sam and Lydia, basking maidens on the foredeck.



Yours truly at the helm - getting dazzled by the bright sunshine (honest!).

Lydia - not looking too afraid of the monstrous waves.
 

Kal - our nautical cat (just checking that we're keeping the sails trimmed correctly)
 

A lovely, if rather leisurely sail, but so pleased we went out - and once again managed to get back onto the berth without drama - and a little help from Patrick.

May 4th 2013 - Star Wars Day! Lynda's first sail.

Lynda and Andy joined Sam, Kal (the cat) and myself for a sail up the Humber.  We left the marina lock and joined a very choppy river, with winds gusting over 25 knots.  To make life as pleasant as possible for Lynda's rather nervous first sail, I decided that we would sail under Genoa alone and beat our way up river and under the bridge, making a cracking 7.7 knots.  Nearly a year since her last sail and Phira reminded us of how impressive her sailing capability is, especially considering that she carries all our worldly goods down below, adding considerably to the weight!  The run back to the marina was very comfortable and we were gaining ground on a new Dehler 39 and stormed past other boats of similar size and with similar sail configurations. 

Lynda's first sail - and she's smiling!  Andy has the calm look of a seasoned sea dog!

Sam took the helm for much of the return to the marina, looking the part and keeping a good steady course - not always as easy as you might think.


Sam at the helm - deep in concentration (aiming for The Deep!)




That's more like it - a smile!



A great sail and Lynda did so well, especially given the fairly blowy conditions.  The icing on the cake was our return to the berth, where we gently reversed straight onto the berth, no bumps or grinds and we even had a witness in Bob, who helped us with mooring lines.