Not quite Poole

It was the weekend of the Gaffers' Poole Rally. We were looking forward to anchoring in South Deep and having a barbecue at the Royal Motor Yacht Club. Two crew joined Toucando - Lucy, who normally sails from Ramsgate, and Terry, the owner of Irene, a Memory 19.
We were up at four and on our way just after five. It was a nice morning and we had a good sail down Southampton Water. When turned west into the Solent at about 0730 the wind went up a few levels and was right on the nose. We had a fair tide until about 1100 - then it would be against us. Toucando was slowed down by the relatively large swell. We decided that a twenty mile beat across Poole Bay would not be much fun, so instead put in at Yarmouth.
We had an early lunch, a bit of rest,a walk along the seafront, a drink at the Royal Solent, a "barbecue" aboard, and sang some shanties accompanied by Terry's accordion and a bottle of Merlot.
Other notable events: Terry whipped the ends of lots of ropes (thank you) and we followed the rescue on Channel 16 of a Bavaria 38 which had been blown onto the beach at Alum Bay. We had heard the rockets go of and watched the lifeboat speed out of the harbour. Thestricken vessel looked ok when she was towed in later.
Sunday started grey, but soon brightened up. We had a leisurely breakfast and then went out in near perfect conditions, practising tacking, gybing and heaving to, under main, staysail and jib. We headed home to Southampton, only dropping the sails 50 metres away from the berth, just using the motor for the final approach.
It's a fantastic day today (Monday) and I am planning tomorrow's maintenance day. I also hope to add a few pictures soon.

 Andrew and Terry sailing back to Southampton on a perfect day

 We seem to be going quite fast!