Mid June 2023 – Lymington and Weymouth

12th June – Monday – Portsmouth to Lymington

We left our mooring at 06.30am to make the 18 mile trip to Lymington.  It is a flat calm day and perfect for Hovercraft.

Great action shot. 

A short time later the Solent became quite misty.  Not forecast but nothing like the French Fog seen previously.

After an uneventful passage we arrived in Lymington at 09.30am.  Lymington to Yarmouth ferries play in twos, and there is always one coming and one going whenever you arrive.

An early arrival and a tank of hot water courtesy of the engine, led to washing day then a walk into town.

The next couple of days were very hot, but we summoned the will to walk to the monument across the river from the marina.  Only because it was poking out from the trees and our curiosity won.

Admiral Sir Harry Burrard Neale was a jolly good chap by all accounts.

 

There are large plaques on each side of this obelisk extolling his virtues.  A gallant admiral who then spent his time and money supporting the poor, widows and orphans.  The people of Lymington wanted a permanent memorial to a well loved citizen of the town.

The Town Quay

Georgian shops leading to the High Street.

Sailors Info

We stayed for 3 nights at £153.

The facilities are still very good and additional ones are available on the pontoons.

It is a 20 minute walk to town with everything you may require, including several good chandlers.

15th June – Thursday – Lymington to Weymouth

We awaited the tide until 08.30am.  For once there were no ferries in the channel but we did see 3 boats from the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust on their way in.

They are impressive boats.  The trust encourages young people from 8-24 to attend 4 day sailing experiences throughout the UK.

We needed to pass Hurst Castle (above) in the North Channel as the tide started to turn westward.

With the tide behind us we passed Anvil Point at 9.1 knots and made good time to Weymouth, arriving at 15.00 after 42 miles in six and a half hours.

On the way into Weymouth we spotted The Osmington White Horse.  It is a hill figure cut into the Limestone of Osmington Hill just North of Weymouth in Dorset which was created in 1808.  It depicts King George III riding his horse.  He was a regular visitor to Weymouth.  I read that he was annoyed that it was facing away from Weymouth rather than towards it.  It was restored in 2012 for the Olympics.

River view Weymouth

Weymouth Bridge.  We sat on the waiting pontoon for the 16.00 bridge opening.  The guy in front had left us very little space, but Mick managed to reverse into the small space available.  We polished off the remaining sandwiches and drained the flask, under the close observation of the sightseers, lining the harbourside waiting for entertainment as the awaiting boats jostled before the bridge opening.

We had phoned ahead to be allocated a berth, which is more necessary at this time of year.  The boat in front had not……  He proceeded through the bridge with no clue where to go.  The dozen craft behind him were getting heated, as he very slowly drifted around, oblivious to the chaos he was causing.

While we were waiting we saw this lobster fishing boat arrive and get unloaded.

Additional supplies of lobster had been stashed in secure barrels under the pontoons from previous trips, to be sold together with todays catch as fresh.  Very enterprising.

16th June – Friday

We stumbled upon the Tudor House Museum after our coffee in the courtyard near the brewery.

It’s a little gem.  Free entry Donations are appreciated.

The house has survived since the 16th century including Floods, Plague and Wars.  It has many interesting items.

Including this rope tightener used to tighten the ropes on the bed, which supported the mattress.

Then onto tea.  Recommended internationally by Rebecca and Trevor currently on SV Dignity Too in Grenada.  The Marlboro Eat-In Chippy is located near the bridge.  The recommended delicacies on offer were Pea Fritters.  A ball of Mushy Peas expertly wrapped in breadcrumbs.  OMG.  Don’t knock it till you try it.  We have yet to figure out where the North/South divide occurs for these delights.     

The highlight of our day came afterwards in the cinema to see Greatest Days, the Take That, Mamma Mia styled movie, filmed partly in Clitheroe.  We were marshals on the film due to still being useful folks on the list after covid jab marshalling, and were excited to see the end result.

We booked the day before (just in case), we were the only people in the cinema to start with, eventually there were 10 of us.  The Clitheroe spotting was great fun as is the film.  Light-hearted but heartfelt.  We enjoyed it.  Quite a day all told.

18th June – Sunday

It was veterans day in Weymouth.

The parade started at 11.30 after a service on the promenade.

There were several groups of veterans, bands, cadets and then the military vehicle parade.

It made our day when one of the veterans flagged down a US Army jeep and hitched a lift, ‘one of the perks’ he shouted grinning cheerfully.

These ladies really epitomised the day. 

It being Weymouth, there is always a sand sculpture to admire.  It is the Kings turn this year.

Sailors Info

Boatfolk are in charge at Weymouth marina. 

It is very well managed and maintained.  New individual bathrooms are available and more are under construction.

£43 per night including electricity.  Excellent wifi.  Tesco, Asda and large shopping area nearby.

Next stop Brixham