Just 4 Fun - Easter 2008

Thursday
Plans to sail overnight towards the West Country were quickly downsized in ambition due to the forecast of northerly gales for Friday and Saturday. With the wind howling through the halyards, we settled in on "Just 4 Fun" and enjoyed
Pascal's Ultimate Risotto followed by a trip to the Victory in Hamble Village.

Friday
Squalls of icy rain rattled through Hamble River in the morning with gusts of over 30knots in the marina. Definitely a day for a Full English breakfast and a walk around the village followed by a leisurely read of the papers. By the time we had Quiche Lorraine with Salad, some patches of blue sky had appeared and the wind had dropped off a fraction. Watching the wind speed and the time between squalls like hawks, we cast off for a short sail up and down the Hamble then poked our noses out into Southampton Water for a couple of hours. The Solent was practically deserted and our valiant crew remained cheerful despite the short hail storm. After blowing away the cobwebs, we returned to Port Hamble for Champagne and Cake to celebrate Xavier's birthday followed by dinner at the Whyte Hart in Hamble and another trip to The Victory.

Saturday
North force 6 to 8 decreasing force 5 later, squally wintery showers, sea state moderate to rough: we were not going to be going far today! Plenty of time for Pancakes and fresh coffee then. It was looking like we were never going to leave Hamble - although there are worse places to be storm-bound - so another morning of long showers [hot ones in the marina facilities, not wintery ones!], reading the papers and Carrot & Corriander Soup with freshly baked bread rolls. We hoped to have a short window in the weather to zip across to Cowes in the afternoon and finding a gap in the gusts, we flew across the Solent and surfed into Cowes towards East Cowes Marina for the night. Tonight we had Smoked Salmon canapes on Poilane bread, Cruidtes with sour cream dip followed by Xavier's Souffle Surprise.

Tempting as it was to stay in "Just 4 Fun's" warm and snug space-heated saloon, we braved the elements to go to West Cowes to meet up with friends who were in the vicinity. The Anchor was heaving as there was clearly more action happening indoors than on the water today and we had to tear ourselves away to catch the chain ferry back to the East side.

Sunday
The forecast was only for a mere force 5 to 7 [ocassionaly force 8 in the East] although the squally wintery showers were still in evidence.
After a breakfast of Scrambled Eggs and Smoked Salmon, we set off towards Lymington. Once the first squall had passed through, blue sky appeared and we had a cracking sail down to Hurst Point where we stemmed the tide and had our lunch of Bacon, Gruyere Cheese and Spinach Muffins. A short hail storm in the afternoon, with hail the size of tic-tac mints, did not diminish spirits and we moored in Lymington Yacht Haven for Sharon's Sausage & Mash Special followed by a digestif in the bar at the marina.

Monday
Where had the wind gone? After 3 nights of howling gales, the marina was a picture of peace & tranquility. We'd have to get all the sails out today! After a quick Continental breakfast, we cast off before 0900 to make the most of the flood tide. The breeze did freshen once we re-entered the Solent and we had a fast sail down to Beaulieu River with Sharon getting the top helm's score of 9.6 SOG on the way!

We didn't have time to sail all the way up to Bucklers Hard as we needed to be in Southampton water before the tide turned. After a chilly sail back to Port Hamble we warmed up with Cornish Pasties and baked beans before setting to work putting the boat to bed. One last thing needed to be done: the annual Great Easter Egg Race. This year's winner was Sharon who won by several lengths.

So, even though we didn't sail very far, we had a great time: good food, good company and exciting sailing!