29th September – Monday – Southampton to Chichester Harbour

25 miles in 5 hours 11:00 – 16:00.  We had reasonable wind on our side so sailed half the way, motor-sailed the rest.

Sparks marina is actually on Hayling Island, where neither of us have been before.  The channel from the sea is well buoyed and relatively easy to traverse, however beware of the sand bar which has a tidal height of only a few metres.  Good tide timing is essential.

 

We entered at high water and were once again amazed as the tide lowered to reveal a lot of land very close to the marina.  The picture shows the boats at the edge of the marina and the dried out land in the background.

Info: The marina is relatively small but has modern facilities.  Hotel hairdryers and no plugs meant hair-drying in the laundry again.  The marina gave us a map but unfortunately did not mark on the local shops which we managed to circumnavigate (miss).

We walked along the seaside which was reminiscent of Camber Sands, and found a chippy for a quick bag to bolster our walk back. 

30th September – Tuesday

Returned to Southampton, Hythe marina.  Good wind assistance and interesting shipping meant an enjoyable trip back.

We have not really given Hayling Island a fair look around and will re-visit in the future.  The weather and tides meant that we were better leaving earlier than planned as we could get stuck behind the sandbar with unfavourable tide times.

Hythe marina is purpose built marina village and is entered through a lock from Southampton Water.  It comprises 3 basins which are surrounded by luxury houses and has its own shops and restaurants. 

1st October – Wednesday

Walked into Hythe town centre, which is a charming small town only 5 minutes from the marina. 

There is a pier on the water front where you can catch a small ferry to Southampton.  To get to the ferry you ride on a small train (above), which looks like it has been there for many years. 

There are nearly as many charity shops as proper shops on the high street, just like most small towns at present.  I found a great bag sewing book for 50p.  There is also a traditional bakers shop too, where pasties were sample and scones purchased.

The marina has a fabric shop, (no kidding) New Forest Fabrics, so I spent a little time staring the spots off the fabrics and managed to only buy 4 fat quarters (small pieces of fabric).

2nd October – Thursday

Walked to Tesco in Dibden.

Lovely sunny evening.

Back to Southampton tomorrow.

15th September – Monday – Lymington to Ocean Village, Southampton

Lymington was a great marina to stay in.  However at this time of year boat owners are plagued with the purple peril.  Our nice shiny white plastic buckets get bombarded by Blackberry Bird Poo.  It takes some shifting, stains and as soon as you get rid of it another little blighter takes a pot shot.  Some marinas have it worse than others.  At Lymington there is a very handy breakfast buffet for the little darlings in the shape of a quarter mile of Blackberry hedge which edges one side of the marina on the path to town.  One boat near us was literally covered and the owner told us he had only been away a few days.  The gentle muttering of boat owners cursing meant it was time to make a sharp exit.

We had a leisurely 4 hour sail back to Southampton.  10-12 knots of wind in the right direction for near perfect tacks all the way back.  The resulting pattern on the chart plotter was textbook.

Celebrated with diner at Wetherspoons near the marina.  Bargain and only one fight.

16th September – Tuesday

Very sunny, cleaned the boat due to potential visitors, shopped at Lidl in Town.

17th September – Wednesday

Southampton Boat Show

For anyone who has not been the Southampton Boat Show it is a massive festival of sailing which takes over a large area of Southampton’s water front.  There are three areas on land separated by walkways over the main roads, many marquees and stalls and the largest temporary floating marina in Britain, which is assembled just for the show.

We have previously been at weekends and used the Park and Ride, but this year we came in the boat to the nearby marina and walked in.  Far less crowded than our normal experience which was nice.  We met Graham and Pauline and then spent all day gawping at all things Yachty.  We took full advantage of the hospitality from our mutual marina providers, so ended the day with a warm glow to the cheeks.

Finished the day with Dinner at Southampton Yacht club, with Graham and Pauline, which is located at Ocean Village and great value for money.

18th and 19th were overcast rainy days so we stayed on board and recovered.

20th September – Saturday

Walked into Southampton to find the Art Gallery.  It is located near the Guild Hall at the top of the town.  Entrance is free and there was a good selection of traditional and contemporary pieces.

We made the mistake of going shopping in Asda on the way back at the same time as every new student at Southampton University.

21st-23rd September

General ‘lozzing’ around.  Mick updated all the computers and phones.

Walked through the Town Park and bought a Knot book from a charity shop.

We are awaiting the arrival of our friend Andy from Portugal, so more cleaning and re-arranging.

24th September – Wednesday

Walked to the station to collect Andy and made our way back to the marina via the ‘Red Lion’ pub, the oldest in Southampton, for him to get a proper pint.

Wetherspoons again for tea at it was No-Tax Wednesday, where you do not pay tax on food and drink as a protest to Westminster for taxing pubs at a different rate than supermarkets. 

25th September – Thursday

To Cowes as Andy had never been to the Isle of Wight.  Sunny and windy. Gusting to 20 knots with full sails out was exciting.

We stayed at Shepherds marina on West Cowes which is very conveniently located near the chain ferry, just a short walk into town.

We found a real ale pub called ‘Cowes Ale House’ which sold a selection of real ales and was like someone’s front room.

In the evening to went out to a local Indian Restaurant, that had no other than Richard Branson as a patron, probably only once, but the owner had a huge picture of him on the wall.  It was a ‘take your own booze’ place so we did.  Weirdly the end price was pretty similar to the price you pay when you have paid for drinks, oh well, suppose the rates on the Isle of Wight are pretty steep.

Info:  Good clean showers, with plugs.  £29 per night.  Very friendly marina staff.

26th September – Friday

Full English breakfast on board then back to Southampton to sample the marina pub.

Not much wind today so a less exciting return sail.

Dinner on board, house Salmon Pasta.

27th September – Saturday

Walked Andy back to the station via the ‘Curry Man’ on the market who sells excellent Samosas.

It was great to see Andy and hopefully he will have had a little break.  We certainly had a good catch-up and look forward to visiting Portugal soon.

28th September – Sunday

Papers and Washing.

12th September – Friday - Yarmouth to Lymington

Very short trip today across the Solent to Lymington only 3 miles 10:15 to 11:30, we did not even put the fenders away.

Info:  Lymington has entered the marina chart at number 1.  5 star facilities, hairdryers, plugs and straighteners.  Excellent staff, chandlers, ‘free’ Sunday papers from on site shop a bargain at £34 per night.  Tesco Express, M&S food and Waitrose in the town, a pleasant 20 minute walk.

There is another marina on the Town Quay, which is £18 per night, but there is no electric and a high chance of having to raft up.

Lymington is charming, the quayside has chandlers, shops, pubs and restaurants, which lead up to the high street and the ‘Mines a Pasty’ shop for lunch.

13th September – Saturday

I did go on about the markets in France, so it was nice to stubble on a market today, which went the length of the High Street.  Mick bought a hat and we found more Liquorice Ripple Ice Cream.  There was an Antique Fair in the local hall with ladies serving tea and cake at half the price of Costa Coffee.  Finished with Fish and Chips on the quayside and waddled back to the boat.  Lymington could be very bad for the waistline, but what a treat.

14th September – Sunday

Read the papers.  Mick changed the fender ropes and sealed the spray hood with Fabsil.

Then we went for a much needed walk around the Nature Reserve just outside the marina which provides views of the Solent and many types of birds, along the waterside and back to the marina. 

Big News:  At 11.30am today our friends Gordon and Louise on Camira arrived in Lagos, Portugal.  We last saw them in Pornic and went our separate ways.  They have done so well making the long journey and we are very proud of their achievement and a little envious.  Love to you both.

Back to Southampton tomorrow for the Boat Show.

9th September – Tuesday – Southampton to Beaulieu and Yarmouth

We sedately made our way around the corner to Beaulieu.  A short one hour hop to take in the sights of the Beaulieu River arriving at 13.15.

The entrance to the river is peculiar in that it is in the open water of the Solent, marked by the sign (above).  You then follow a channel of markers which guide you to the marina, winding along the river.  The channel follows a long spit of low lying land.  We arrived at almost high tide and were amazed how far the water fell and the land it revealed, which had looked like reeds on passing.

The water had been at the top of this jetty.  It was another super moon night and the marina staff said they had not seen the river so empty for years.

They told us we could walk to the village of Beaulieu along a riverside walk, which was a beautiful and shady 2 and a quarter miles (which felt longer).

As we arrived in Beaulieu we got our first glimpse of the wild donkeys.  We knew there were horses roaming in the New Forest but did not know about the donkeys.  They seemed oblivious to the comings and goings of the village and the tourists and wandered about happily, but they do live here. 

Mick won today’s Ice Cream challenge with Liquorice Ripple.

We then walked back to Bucklers Hard which is a historic boat yard next to the marina.  There is a museum, historic cottages and old chapel.

The cottages line both sides of the street and there is an excellent pub at the end, where we sampled a pint. 

Info:  The facilities are good but a bit old fashioned.  There was no phone signal at all and very little wifi.  We did not find any shops, so go prepared.  At £37.50 per night, we thought it a bit steep.  You are paying for the location, location, location.

10th September – Wednesday – Beaulieu to Yarmouth

We chose to leave Beaulieu as we were told there was a regatta arriving and we would have to move anyway.  On the way out of the river there was a large boat on our tail, we had to move in to let him pass.  It turned out to be Tom Cunliffe, the author of our Pilot Book and sailing legend, in his new boat.  Bit like seeing George Best played football and he passed us by.

We left at 11:45 and arrived in Yarmouth at 15:30.  It was a sunny day with light wind and we had a pleasant sail across, apart from another impromptu ‘man over board’ drill to save my shoe.  I was trying out my Croc sandals which I only usually use in the showers.  I have seen lots of people sail in them this year, but I caught my foot on a rope and over it went, fortunate floating face up so it was pretty easy to scoop out of the water with the boat hook.  Problem was we were not far from the marina and the tide was running so we overshot Yarmouth and had to apply more engine to get us in passed the Lymington to Yarmouth ferry.

We had a walk around the small town and found a good antique shop.  Some of the other shops closed at 16:00 which I found strange for a tourist spot.

Info:  Yarmouth marina is only £24 per night but you have to buy a token for the showers.  The facilities are good and the staff are friendly.  There is a Costcutter in Yarmouth 5 minutes walk from the marina.  It is a very busy marina as people use it as a hop from the southwest and vice versa.

11th September – Thursday – Yarmouth

We stayed in Yarmouth to catch up on a few jobs. 

When we were based at Largs on the Clyde we would often see the ‘Waverley’ which is the last seagoing paddle steamer.  We saw it so often we thought it was stalking us.  It makes a very distinctive noise, so you hear it before you see it.  We heard that noise again today and popped our heads out of the cabin to see the Waverley, full to the rafters with punters. It apparently sails the Bristol Channel, the Solent and the Thames and returns to the Clyde in October, who knew.  But lovely to see her.

We need to come back to Yarmouth to explore further.

5th September – Friday – Brighton to Southampton and Cowes

We really like Brighton and look forward to returning. 

Up to 05:20 for a 6:00am start.  56 miles to Southampton, therefore a 10 hour journey.  The weather was mostly cloudy, with occasional wind and quite a flat sea.  So mostly motor sailing in the busy channel.

Info: Ocean Village marina is a modern marina in the centre of Southampton surrounded by new build flats.  Good new facilities with hotel hairdryers, and the only plug available is in the Laundry Room.  There is a Tesco Express 5 minutes walk away.  Asda and Lidl in Southampton are 20 minutes walk.

Walked to the Tesco and tidied the boat.  Made space for Andy (Mick’s old friend) to sleep when he arrives tomorrow.

6th September – Saturday

Andy travelled to Southampton by train and then walked the 30 minutes from the station.  It was a very sunny day so we sat and had lunch before departing for the Isle of Wight. 

We were joining Graham and Pauline at their ‘Moody Owners Club’ rally (Moody is a type of boat) at the Folly Inn.  Sadly we did not have any windy and motored to Cowes.

When we arrived at approx. 16.30, and rafted 4 deep onto the other rally boats.  Just in time for drinks with Graham and Pauline and then Pimms on the Pontoon. 

The Pontoons at the Folly Inn are not connected to the land and so we caught a water taxi to the pub. £2.50 return, as you have not an option but to return.  Good night had by all, good food and company.

7th September – Sunday

We woke to a very misty morning and we all had the intention to stay and have breakfast to let the mist clear.  However the problem with being on a raft is that you leave when the earliest person needs to go and unfortunately the boat on the inside of the raft needed to go.  So we all peeled away and set off back to Southampton.  Another very busy morning leaving Cowes but a good experience for Andy who did a great job as chief look-out.

Pauline and Graham on ‘Liberty’.

Our early start turned out to be a good move as we got a call from friends Nigel and Debbie, saying they had been to Beaulieu Motor Jumble and were in the area.  So as we arrived back at Southampton they were stood on the quayside waving us in.  It was a scorcher of an afternoon, so we put up the canopy and sat drinking wine and eating nibbles and enjoying the day.

During our chats we heard music coming from the other side of the marina.  A Hindu society had hired a ferry boat to take themselves and their flowered offering out to sea.  It was a very lively and colourful scene.

It was a lovely unexpected surprise to see Debbie and Nigel, and we really appreciated their visit.

We had homemade curry and chapattis on the boat that night.

8th September – Monday

We had a full breakfast today on Andy’s last day and he treated us to bacon and homemade jam.  He left us at 11:00am to walk back to the station.

We don’t see Andy too often and it has been great to have a proper catch up and see him looking so well, we really appreciate his visit and the effort he made to come and see us.

We walked to town in the afternoon to top up at Lidl.  We passed the Queen Mary II bringing back happy memories.

1st September – Monday – Hamble to Gosport and Brighton

Departed at 10.30 for the 12 mile trip, arriving at 13.00.  Good sunny and windy sailing to Gosport, Haslar marina to meeting old friends Graham and Pauline.  They keep their boat at Haslar and have also been on a summer sail to the South West of England.

After a chat Pauline and I went on the ferry to Portsmouth to have a mooch around Gunwharf Quay.  It is a large outlet village with many eateries.  We settled on Blancs bistro and met Mick and Graham there for dinner.  Drinks back on ‘Liberty’ and a good catch-up prior to the Boat show.

They also managed to get us an inner berth, so no Rock’n’Roll as our last visit.  Big thanks.

2nd September – Tuesday – Gosport to Brighton.

A long day ahead for the 44 miles to Brighton, starting at 08.30 we arrived at 16.30.  The first four hours were hard going with dark skies, and cold winds.  Wind over tide again just put the finishing touches to an unpleasant few hours.  As the day wore on the weather improved and the sea settled into a sunny calm afternoon.  We arrived in Brighton in warm sunshine. 

It looks like a metropolis from the sea.  The marina is the largest in England.  We were asked to go into the bottom of a ‘U’ shaped pontoon, as they were expecting some tall ships.  Bit tricky and thankfully they knew that and sent two guys to take our ropes.

Quick walk around to get our land legs and an Ice Cream to make me smile.

It is amazing that after being on a boat for so long you can still feel unwell!!

Info: £31 per night.  Good facilities with hairdryers and plugs.  There is an ASDA store on the marina complex as well as every type of eating establishment.  There are shops underneath the bars and restaurants.  Number 7 bus to town.

3rd September – Wednesday

A Grand Day Out in Brighton.

We walked to town approx 30 minutes.  There is a bus from the marina and a small vintage railway along most of the east promenade.

The pier is still a great draw and was very busy on this sunny day.

We went along the seafront and then cut into the ‘Lanes’ where all the antiques shops are.  The area I really like is the North Laine area which comprises three streets of bohemian shops and eateries which has a great feel to it.  I managed to find some totally un-necessary fabric for my stash.  Walked back through Kemptown and found a very unusual junk shop, great end to a great day.

We did not visit the Pavilion as we have been before, but would highly recommend it.

4th September – Thursday

Hair dyeing and blog.  Walk to Asda and chandlers.  Mick found a second hand plotter (another computer for the boat which duplicates the plotter inside the boat) to go in the cockpit and is currently reading the instructions, very happy nerd. 

Just when you think you are doing alright in life this happens…

……there’s always someone with a bigger boat, but this will win most of the time.

Good job the sun had gone in as we were literally put in the shade.  Apparently at 30 knots it takes 700 litres of diesel per hour.  So most of us could not even afford the fuel.  It is being delivered to Norway.

23rd August – Friday – East Cowes to Southampton and Hamble

We only had a short trip of 12 miles today, so made the butties and set off at 11.00.  Arrived at 15.00 after a gentle sail across the Solent into Southampton water.  We had a walk round on arrival.

24th August – Saturday

We had another epic walk today into Southampton, around town, West Quay shopping centre (which seemed like a social experiment, a warren of busy people, Mick does not understand that people go shopping as a pass-time) and finally IKEA.

Mick purchased some size 34 trousers, impressive from a tight 38.

25th August – Monday

Rainy, cross stitch and blog.

26th August – Tuesday

Windy and overcast.  Tried the local greasy spoon for breakfast, bit of a treat.  More walking.

27th August – Wednesday – Southampton to Port Hamble

Another short sail exploring the area.  11:50 start, arrived 13.30.  20 knots of wind which enabled some sailing.  We passed some huge tankers and car transporters which dwarf the tankers. 

The Hamble is entered through a channel which the book tells you not to ignore.  The shallows are very shallow.

There are about 6 marinas on the Hamble and it is a very yachty area.  People seem to like to say they keep their boats on the Hamble.  The channel is well marked and busy.

We moored up and walked the short distance into the village, which is very small, but very pretty.  There are galleries, several pubs, a deli and a very pretty ‘everything you never needed’ shop in a topsy-turvy cottage.

Info:  There is a Co-op only 5 minutes walk from the marina in Hamble Square.  The facilities are good with OK hairdryers and plugs. 

28th August – Thursday

Windy.  Walked to next marina along, then back on a footpath to Hamble.

Had a sort out in the boat, and of clothes and threw some (not even fit for charity shop) away, also altered some on the sewing machine.  When sailing you do actually wear clothes out.

29th August – Friday

Windy.  More cross stitch.

Scraping the bottom of the barrel for things to do, Mick got out the dinghy and gave Fleur’s waterline a good scrub.  It gets a bit furry after a few weeks with the sunlight getting to the algae.  And its a good excuse to test the dinghy.

30th August – Saturday

Windy.  So got up and did the washing and left that to dry prior to a big supermarket shop.  The small co-op in Hamble was good but we needed to stock up.  We had been told there was a Tesco on the outskirts of town, about 3 miles, so off we set with trolley.  We passed another larger co-op about a third of the way,  which with hindsight would have been suitable, but we plodded on.

Almost an hour later a mirage appeared in the shape of the ‘Tall Ship’ chippy.  A bag of chips sat in a bus shelter sorted us out and Tesco was a further 10 minutes.  An hour round Tesco and another hour home.  Phew.  Indian Meal for 2 as a reward and X Factor.

31st August – Sunday

Sunny.  Cleaned the boat, cut hair and read the papers.

Our friend Allen paid us a visit late afternoon in his big white van.  He is the backup vehicle for the Tower to Tower, Blackpool to Paris cycle, raising money for Trinity Palliative Care Services and Brian House Childrens Hospice. 

http://www.justgiving.com/T2T2014BLACKPOOLTOPARIS

Lovely to see a friendly face from home and have a good chinwag, really appreciate him dropping by, before catching his ferry.

You may have noticed there is not much to do in the Hamble, apart from walking.  We have had a good relax, while the weather has been blowy.