| Daysail - Langstone Harbour Sat Jan 12 2008 Preceded by a day of storm and rain, and with a forecast of up to Force 8 'later', it was perhaps not surprising that only two of us turned up. But Shipping Forecast wording is very specific, and the weather 'window' was just wide enough to permit a fine sail in superb weather. Steve Bradwell in his 13 foot Enterprise, and Len Wingfield in his 11 foot MkI Gull turned up . Our sail to Southsea's old locks was in brilliant sunshine and (comparatively) warm winds, but against the springs flood. Initially in the broad waters tide was not a problem, but towards Langstone entrance Len had trouble with the set of his newly modified rig. Whereas Steve could just lee-bow the flood sluicing in against us, Len in his little Gull was forced away and had to tack along the Hayling shore in slack current until he reached the entrance channel. Here the current slightly exceeded Len's boat speed but at an angle to allow him to lee-bow across at right-angles to his boat's heading. At Southsea's old locks we sat on one of the seats lunching in comfort. With a fair wind F 3-4 getting back against the savage springs ebb was not an undue problem, and there was time for brief calls at Eastney and at The Kench nature reserve. All this time the next storm could be seen approaching from windward but we were both back, as planned long before it broke. (We could have aborted the sail any time, and run back to Bedhampton under jib.) Our winter day-sails are still experimental, and the final decision whether or not to sail is made on the spot. If in doubt we would leave the boats and walk, then find a pub. Len Wingfield PS from Liz: Steve tells me that near Locks SC they were joined by potential member Chris Partridge in his home built rowing skiff. Chris also joined us during our December cruise. |