Storm bound in Poole

We had a longish passage to Poole yesterday, starting with no wind whatever in Southampton rising to a force five occasionally six in Poole Bay in the afternoon. We berthed at the quay just by the harbourmaster's office. This morning four SSC boats set off. Two returned in less than an hour reporting gusts of 53 knots in the harbour (storm force ten). We're staying put until it gets better.

Yarmouth Old Gaffers' Festival 2011

Toucando set off for Yarmouth on Thursday 2nd June, with crew comprising Lesley, David and Andrew (skipper).  First job was to top up with diesel at Itchen Towage.

We had a bit of a sail down Southampton Water, but a light westerly was not helpful when it came to the Solent, so we motored the rest of the way.  Toucando wore a good selection of flags, like the other gaffers.

She was much admired.  Several people remembered seeing her at Brest in Brittany with her previous owners.
On Friday we enjoyed the shore entertainments, including Rob da Bank of Radio 1 (who lives nearby) and a range of musicians.

Saturday was an opportunity to go sailing.  Toucando did not join the race, but instead went out and practised tacking, gybing and different sail settings, with a crew comprising Andrew, Anne, Lesley and Paul.

Tall ship under the boom

Paul, Anne, Andrew and Lesley... back in Yarmouth

Saturday night was very windy... blowing from the northeast straight into the harbour.  Even Toucando at 11 tons was bouncing about, and the mooring lines were creaking and groaning.  At 0130 the lifeboat went out on a call.  As we were moored just 10 metres away we couldn't help peer out through the portholes as it went off on its mission: it would not have been a nice night at sea.

On Sunday we returned to Southampton (Andrew, Lesley, Paul and Vee).  We had a little excitement when the engine started smoking just outside Yarmouth.  After a few moments thought we checked the cooling water strainer and removed a large clump of seaweed.  As is so often the case the wind was blowing the wrong way, so it was more of a motor than a sail.  Toucando arrived back on her berth in the Itchen in the late afternoon having enjoyed the festival and welcomed five new crew members over the weekend.

A blustery sail to Cowes and back

Ava and Alexander joined Andrew on Saturday morning.  We set off down Southampton Water, with two reefs in the mainsail and crossed the Solent in a Force 6 with some biggish waves rolling up from the west.  We berthed at Shepard's Wharf on the third attempt as the wind kept trying to blow us off.  On Sunday morning Ron and Beth of "Nightingale" came aboard for a cup of tea.  They remembered seeing Toucando at Brest in Brittany a few years ago. On Sunday we returned to Southampton.  It was just as windy, although the waves seemed smaller.

Alexander, Ava, Hugh and Andrew - photographer: Sara

On Monday we were joined by Sara and Hugh.  It was a grey, damp day... more wet mist than rain.  After a tour of the docks we motored down to Fawley and then practised tacking back up Southampton Water.  We gradually improved our technique after getting a few tangles.  The crew were very enthusiastic and resourceful: we all had a good sail.  Back on the Itchen we had some high tea before everyone went on their way (except Andrew).  After a typical "Bank Holiday Weekend" it is now a bright, calm morning on the Itchen. Toucando is now looking forward to a trip to Yarmouth IOW later in the week having logged another 44 miles.

A busy weekend for Toucando

As previously mentioned, five crew joined us on Saturday for a sail in near perfect conditions.  Pete kindly sent this photograph taken as we approached the Itchen Bridge on the way out of Southampton:

On Sunday another three came out... Beki, Rich and Ruth.  We had lunch aboard. It was a pretty breezy day (F5 at Dockhead), and there were white tops on the waves in Southampton Water.  We decided to motor rather than sail.  Everyone got a turn on the tiller.  On Monday evening another potential crew member, Carolyn, visited, and this evening we will be visited by ex-colleagues Nik and Ben.  Toucando's summer programme is beginning to shape up!

Next weekend we hope to go to Cowes, and then on Thursday 2nd June we'll be off down to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, for the Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival.  More soon...

Day sail in the Solent

It was an almost perfect day for sailing... Sunny, but not too hot, and a force 4 south southwesterly. Becca, Kevin, Lesley, Pete and Steve joined me for a sail on Toucando. We had a look at some of the cruise liners in the docks today... Including one on its maiden voyage being sent off by Shirley Bassey. We went down Southampton Water doing a few tacks for the fun of it. Then we went down to Hillhead before returning home. Another 24 nautical miles logged. Pictured will follow. Thanks to an excellent crew!

Press gang?

There may be some opportunities for crew throughout the 2012 season. This could include occasional novices as well as experienced sailors. Use the contact form on toucando.net to get in touch.

More from Haslar

Moored by the Lightship bar and restaurant at Haslar:

As viewed through the periscope at the Submarine Museum:

A clearer view:

A nice view of Portsmouth: