It was a good sail across the Solent. Russ did a brilliant job tacking, and it was a great team effort to get to Bembridge on time. We also saw the Bembridge Lifeboat pass us as we were approaching the harbour.
We've come here for the Jazz on the Quay festival today. There were a lot of boats here and lots of people about in party mood. The festivities started at 5.30pm with music and food. We all voted to eat on the quay and it was a good choice. Good quality and very reasonably priced.
A lovely couple of hours was spent in the low evening sunshine listening to old time gypsy jazz from Cat Skellington and the Unity Stompers. Then Russ suggested we end the evening by going back to the boat for a game of Nominated Whist. Whoopie! Well done to Wendy the Winner. More competition tomorrow night....must try harder.
Sunday 11th June... Good weather predicted for today, and so we made a decision to stay here for another night. Bembridge has lots of nice walks, a particular favourite of ours being the amble along the beach to the Lifeboat Station. We were feeling energetic and set off around the harbour instead of taking the water taxi. There are lots of interesting things to look at including the unusual houseboats. Here's some photos we took on the way.
Should have used better anti-foul
Saffy's favourite runabout
Setting off on our expedition
Seafood cafe, Thesee in the background
Boat bench
Lovely houseboat.... and sailboat
When we walk along the beach here, it always feels like we are castaways on a deserted island.
Wow, we could be anywhere
Dean setting the pace before the tide comes in
Saffy doesn't like shingle, should have worn trainers
After a while we came to civilization and stopped for a well earned coffee and pieces of cake. A huge slice of chocolate cake for Russ, flapjack for Dean, and the ladies shared a scrumptious piece of cherry and almond.
Bembridge Weather Stone
What's the forecast?
Really pretty beach huts, cost a fortune
Lifeboat Launch
Where's the cake gone?
We found out the lifeboat station didn't open until 2pm so we had time to spare, so we set off further round the coastal path to explore unknown territory! We could see that the sea was considerably rougher along Bembridge ledges, however we were having a great time looking at the posh houses and continental flowering gardens.
Dolphin tree, carved from a storm damaged tree in 2012
Bay Tree beauty
And so, after a visit to see inside the Lifeboat Station we made our way back through countryside footpaths to the harbour, arriving back at Thesee considerably exhausted. We think we walked about 6 miles, and Saffy definately was flagging as she needed a carry towards the end. We dined onboard and the second night of competition ended with Linda winning Nominated Whist, Wendy winning Sevens, and Dean winning Triominoes. Russ needs more practise. I think he wishes he had never suggested card games. Good luck for tomorrow night Russ.
Awaiting the next 'shout'
Flight of Cormorants, undisturbed by us tourists
Monday 12th June... So we departed Bembridge in about 17 knots of wind, springing Thesee's bow off the pontoon without any hiccups. Carefully navigating the narrow channel out of the harbour, we soon had the reefed main and genoa sails up and were heading North on a beam reach hitting 8-9 knots all the way. Russ was at the helm again....he's good at this! Dean was also doing a great job of setting the sails perfectly. So much so that we entered Portsmouth harbour with both sails still up. That's a first for Thesee. We had to check the speed limit to make sure we didn't get a telling off. Reaching base the wind was still strongish, but the skipper popped Thesee against the pontoon in expert fashion.
After our arrival, Dean turned the galley fresh water tap on and to our surprise it spluttered as if we had run out of water! According to the electronic gauges we should still have half a tank left?? He spent a little time puzzling over what was going on, and before we knew it he had sorted the problem. We have two fresh water tanks which are both turned on so that the water feed comes from both equally. However, it seems the main one had run out and the pump wasn't drawing properly from the second tank. He turned the main one off and 'hey presto'....the second tank produced water!
Who needs a watermaker when you've got Dean?
After pizza, salad, and profiteroles (not all at the same time) we spent the evening chatting, and never even got around to playing any card games.
Tuesday 13th June... A glorious morning today, in fact it was so lovely we decided to have breakfast outside in the cockpit. Not a breath of wind, just clear sunny skies and warmth.
Portsmouth's La Rochelle moment
Cheerio Thesee
What a shame we couldn't stay here longer. Nevertheless, we had other things on our minds. At 10.30am we were in the car heading back up the motorway. Wendy and Russ treated us to a lovely light lunch at their local cafe. What's going on with this wonderful weather?
The second al-fresco meal of the day
Afterwards, they took us to visit their beautiful narrowboat, and we relaxingly drank coffee whilst taking in the most peaceful surroundings you could ever wish for.
From one boat to another!
Notice the hand painted artwork
Thanks Wendy and Russ for a super way to end a super weekend x
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