Toucando took the opportunity of a daysail on Saturday, joined by Rob (who has much experience crewing on a variety of sailing vessels old and new) and Alison (who completed the Clipper 09-10 circumnavigation). We filled up with diesel at Itchen Towage and motored out into Southampton Water. There was very little wind, but we got the main up, then the staysail and jib, and sailed towards the Solent fairly slowly on a broad reach. As we went the wind built up and we finished up crossing over to Osborne Bay at a reasonable speed. Although it was bright, Alison spotted some threatening clouds to the west, so we got our waterprofs on. We dropped the anchor for lunch, which we ate in the cockpit. The sun continued to shine, even when we were bombarded by a hailstorm. To the north over Lee on Solent there was a large, shallow arched rainbow... or perhaps that should be hailbow? We didn't linger. The anchor was hauled up and we set off this time with two reefs in the main. Conditions were squally going back, with the wind varying between Force 3 and 5, gusting 6. It also moved round to the north west so we had to tack up past Hillhead towards Southampton Water. As we got closer we saw the first of five large liners come out of Southampton, including P&O's Arcadia. We put the engine on off Hamble, dropped the sails and motored in the dusk back to the Itchen. It was completely dark by the time Toucando was back on her mooring. Thank you to the crew!
On Sunday I did some more work on "varnishing" the woodwork. There is a lot to do! I will have to make the most of the opportunities that present themselves to keep on top of it. Tonight I go to the committe of the Solent Gaffers, where one of the big topics of discussion will be next year's Round Britain Challenge.
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