Southampton Boat Show

It felt strange to set out for Thésée on a Wednesday morning instead of at the weekend, but we were both full of excitement and enthusiasm. On the road, somewhere along the A34 we overtook a very shiny gold coloured car. On closer inspection it had wording on the back which read  'Rio 2016 Olympic Gold Medallist'! Not wanting to take my eyes off the road, and Dean having a snooze, I'll always have to wonder which Olympian it was that we passed by.

Shortly after arriving in Gosport a large wooden ship sailed into the marina, registered in Gdansk.

Polish mariners from Gdansk

We sorted ourselves out and set sail for Southampton Town Quay along with our friends on fellow rally boat 'Liberty'. The sail went really well, and Dean was pleased after testing his modifications to the genoa, having added a strop to make the sail sit higher on the roller furler. This all came about a couple of weeks back when we unfortunately found ourselves with 'halyard wrap'! Anyway, today we made the most of the calm sunny weather which was perfect conditions for flying the cruising chute. 

Cruising along the Solent

On arrival at Town Quay the BOA Commodore and his wife were there to greet us, and they kindly invited us all for early evening drinks and nibbles aboard 'Aquitaine'. Dean proudly hoisted his Beneteau flags on the topping lift, hoping nothing would snap in the middle of the night and the lot would be lost forever....

Showing off the Beneteau flags

Thursday was Boat Show Day and we woke to find a falconer on the pontoon alongside Thésée, who happily agreed to pose for photos along with his well-trained hawk. 

Keeping watch at Town Quay

After breakfast it was time to set off to the show. Dean had a shopping list as long as his arm, and during the day splashed out on a 'Red Box Wireless Router' and a 'Vesper Marine AIS Transponder', all for Thésée's future adventures. At 5pm we arrived waterside for the Ancasta/Beneteau drinks reception, which had been arranged for BOA members. We drank Champagne and mingled with the other guests, swapping stories of sailors' adventures and dreams. 

In good company at the BOA Champagne reception

No time to hang around too long though because we were off to the local Italian Restaurant for dinner with the rest of the rally members.

Il bel pasto italiano

So sunny Friday arrived and we enjoyed breakfast outside in the cockpit. Afterwards, our friends came aboard Thésée and joined us for coffee before we all set sail once again homeward bound for Gosport. Not much wind so we motor-sailed down Southampton Water, until we could get a good heading to set the genoa. It was another lovely day with only a handful of yachts in the Solent.

Saffy playing the fool

On Saturday, Linda was invited to join Sue & Louisa on their mini shopping trip across to Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth. This entailed a trip across the harbour on the green ferry, a first for Linda on her first visit to Portsmouth proper, and she could not resist the temptation to bag some pick 'n' mix in the Lindt Chocolate Shop.

Lindt chocolate heaven

Thanks to our fellow BOA members and friends for making it 

such an enjoyable few days xx