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.