Lymington – Poole, March 30/31 – report by Becky Goddard

Boat: ‘Galaxy’ a Bavaria 36

Skipper: Bob Buchanan

Crew: Becky Goddard, Hugh Hayward, Becca Hayward , Colin Evans, Kevin Lay and David Winks

We chartered Galaxy from Lymington Yacht Charters in Lymington Yacht Haven having last sailed on her in October 2018. Sadly a number of faults we had highlighted then were still not rectified eg the heating, heads door handle!

We were late arriving so had an excellent curry provided by Becca whilst catching up on all the news.

The handover was done next morning and we were in no rush as there was no wind and we were only aiming for Poole.

We motored all the way in only fair visibility and tied up in Poole Quay Yacht Haven about 1600 hrs after Hugh had radioed the marina ID-ing us as Lady Emma! Oops!

Some of the crew went off to explore (aka beer hunt!) and we all met up for dinner at the Hope & Anchor pub one street back from the waterfront. We enjoyed an excellent meal with good service in this busy pub.

With the change of clocks to BST that night and no need to be at the Needles too early we were slow moving next day and slipped moorings about 1300 hrs. There was, as forecast, quite a bit of wind (f4) but being from the NE we weren’t sure how long we’d be sailing to get back into the Solent.

We hoisted main and genny once out of Poole Harbour. On starboard tack she was zinging along (top speed 8.9 knts) but no progress at all on port tack. With the wind rising to 35 knts we decided to drop the sails about 1530 hrs to motor back through the Needles or risk not getting in till very late! After fuelling we tied up to our mooring about 1630 hrs, ate a late lunch, cleaned the boat and left for home about 1900 hrs.

A lovely sunny start to sailing in 2019 but we would have liked a more even spread of wind!