We were up really early at first light to catch the last of the ebb tide through Hurst Narrows. A beautiful dawn, quiet and still. Just made it on time and once out into Poole Bay the tide was against us and with no wind we just pootled along on the engine. We tucked in under Anvil Point to avoid the worst of the tide and as the easterly wind built off Swanage we unrolled the genoa and headed south on a broad reach with the self-steering (Hydrovane aka George) working well. What a relief to be out of the Solent and in the open sea and actually reaching rather than beating!!!!
Then of all things the fog closed in as we approached St Albans Head. We saw a yacht appearing out of the gloom and recognised it as Further Horizons, a Rustler 57, owned by a Laser sailing friend from King George SC, Ian Robson, heading east. We had a quick chat on the VHF and he soon disappeared into the murk.
We had to head outside the Lulworth Cove range firing area and the overfalls off St Albans Head so there was no problem heading out to sea on a broad reach. Then a couple of gybes later and we were heading towards Portland Harbour. The wind ended up right astern so we rolled up the genoa and motor-sailed into the harbour. We had intended to anchor in the harbour but it would be really uncomfortable in this wind direction so Anne telephoned the marina and requested a visitor’s berth. It was blowing quite hard by now but helped by the really friendly marina staff, and Anne’s quick work arranging the fenders and mooring lines, we were soon safely moored up head to wind. We were among the early arrivals followed by the Sea Cadets and Maybee 4, Tim and Lucy Barlow from Marchwood YC. Lucy is the Commodore of the Club. The forecast is horrible so we are sure we will be here two nights.
