Solent sail from Southampton, May 14  – 18 – report by skipper Phil Steele

GSA Yacht Ocean Flame 4  , skipper Phil Steele  , Mate /catering officer (1st Class) Ian Collins, Engineer Dave Thornton (GSA), Navigator Jim Prescott (GSA), boat’s princess Jane Coombes and boat’s leading hand Bob Hayes  .

On arrival to the boat at Shamrock Quay, Southampton, we had a mini handover by the previous skipper (Steve Freedman) who had been running skills training previously with crew that included Dave. Steve had been sending emails to Brian Hawksworth (fleet manager) detailing minor issues and shortages that will be improved upon in time, we spent some time buying and carrying minor improvements between sailing.

One of which was investigating the engine bilge filling with water needing sponging out up to one and a half gallons per day. The suspect was the raw water pump. I could not confirm any leak in the engine compartment with the motor running checking the coolant and raw water pumps, the filter and anti-siphon systems, and of course the seacock. In the meantime we repaired the rear water tank cap so that future crews could use whilst waiting for the replacement. We filled the water tank the day before leaving the boat; on leaving the boat and baling the engine bilge I noticed the water level was higher. Brian has since informed me that the source of the water was in fact a failed welded joint on the stern water tank.

Back to Sunday; we stowed kit waiting for the arrival of the caterer who was driving from Plymouth, we had brought emergency supplies of tea, coffee, milk, and biscuits. The boat’s key contains a fob to open the barrier to the berth holders’ car park which is much nearer the berth, there is plenty of free parking on site anyway. With a full crew a formal briefing was given and the passage plan was outlined which was a trip to Chichester harbour Hayling Island Northney Marina, the purpose of the trip for Ian’s benefit, then flexibility for the remainder of the trip which consisted of Yarmouth, Cowes and return. The tide and weather were favourable to go south of the island to Yarmouth. That evening we had to have a longish walk to Ocean Village to dine, in future eating on board would be favourable.

The next morning, we set off in a northerly F3 before 10:00 in bright sunshine and smooth to moderate seas for a steady sail to Chichester bar which we could not cross until 19:00, planning to eat underway. Despite sailing an indirect route we still arrived too early so off towards Selsey Bill eastwards, without charts but the navigator had a tablet with Navionics. We tacked up and down on a very pleasant evening before entering the harbour motoring up through the nature reserve now spoiled by the number of yachts moored not unlike the Helford River. The bad news is that the gas ran out during the evening meal but the smooth sea made it easy to replace with the spare. More bad news is that Northney Marina did not carry the right size gas bottle (907) but because it’s an MDL Marina and Brian has registered the contract as a freedom type there was no berthing fee. Jim piloted to the marina and Dave berthed the boat.

The next morning was an early start for the bar. Dave piloted and the crew agreed that after a long day we would sail back down the Solent instead of to the south of the island. Weather again F3 N wind slight sea and sunny, it was the crew’s job to take in turns helming and berthing with a promise of bumps and scrapes sessions to come. Yarmouth was pleasant in the sunshine but not an MDL marina, showers are now free and the good facilities are even better. Off to the chandlers and hardware shop for boat supplies and repairs to the water tank cap with epoxy and pieces of plastic for an excellent repair before the usual après sail drinks before making our way to the Bugle for dinner.

Next morning, we set off in time to catch the remaining favourable tide without wind, motoring to Cowes by mid-afternoon for the promised bumps and scrapes, one of Shepards marina pontoons was selected. The first helmsman brought the boat in beautifully and stopped with fenders just touching. One crew member stepped ashore, stumbled and tripped on his shoelace and fell sideways on to the concrete jetty. This required the need of an ambulance that whisked him off to Newport hospital for an x ray accompanied by another crew member. The news was not good a fractured hip was diagnosed requiring surgery. We decided to wait on the berth and stayed the night with a Chinese takeaway. We returned to the hospital with some essentials in a bin bag to find the patient still not in much pain whilst lying down. His kit was packed up to be put in his car at Shamrock Quay.

The next morning, we filled the aft water tank before setting off in light winds giving plenty of practice at light wind sailing. Still sunny, this is the first sail of the season for the skipper without having ice on the deck, obviously the way forward.

Some spare pontoons are moored near the Itchen toll bridge that are in a good position for bumps and scrapes but the wood looks a bit rotten and are unsafe to put foot on so bow and stern springs were impossible unless the crew could lasso the cleats which they could not. Finally, back to the berth for clean up and handover. Shamrock Quay harbour master was very accommodating regarding the parking of the injured crew’s car “for however long it takes and keeping the car key in the office safe.” This was not a problem because a family member caught the train to Shamrock to drive the patient and his car back home on the Saturday. OF 4 is in very good condition and sails very well typical of a Bavaria 36, according to the navigator. 81.2 miles sailed engine when used ran at 1500 rpm max when cruising.