A perfect evening sail with a slightly imperfect ending

Former colleagues Ben, Darryl and Nik came to Toucando straight from work. We got her ready for sea and motored down the Itchen. We raised the sails and sailed around Southampton Water. Everybody took the helm for few tacks: each of which was executed perfectly. We also hove to, demonstrating how to stop at sea. Eventually we lowered the sail and turned for home. Just as we entered the Itchen the engine started to smoke and Darryl reported hearing a sudden squealing sound ... or perhaps it was something wrapped round the prop. We turned the engine off, rolled out the staysail, and sailed up the Itchen. Perhaps over ambitiously we sailed onto the pontoon. Ben's fingers got cut holding the bow line and Darryl tumbled over. We gave an illegally berthed yacht a (non lethal and non damaging) fright with our bowsprit. Anyhow, we were back. After a little first aid we got Toucando properly moored. We then enjoyed a fantastic repast washed down with beer kindly supplied by the crew. Thanks to all three of them. (More on the engine next time!)