
Friday afternoon (12th August) was the start of a memorable weekend. The weather forecast was SW 3-4, 5-6 for a time, slight/moderate, rain, visibility good, poor for a time. This seemed ideal sailing conditions. Our course was 185° putting us on a fine reach.
With Victor as skipper, our crew comprised, Robert, and the Ramets, - Dave, Simon and Lorraine.
We had a hearty meal at 1730hrs at the Ketch Rigger ready for the off at 1830hrs. We finally departed Hamble Point Marina at 1900hrs making our way under power down to Bembridge. Arriving there with the last light, we set the sails with one reef for the night ahead. Dave having undertaken many sea watches was invaluable for identifying the various aspects of shipping and also staying awake.
Everyone stayed up until the beginning of the first watch at 2200hrs. Dave and Simon took the first four hours. At about 0130hrs they decided to motor sail as the wind was on the nose. Lorraine plied us with cuppa soups through the night, which were most welcome.
During the second watch, starting at 0200hrs, we experienced heavy rain and poor visibility. Keeping a watch for vessels in the shipping lanes was less stressful using radar. With a North-up display and an EBL (electronic bearing line) watching the oppostion move down the line meant danger of collision. Using the “precautionary principle” we slowed at a mile distance and steered around the stern. On one occasion we saw the other boat on radar but not in the flesh. Then suddenly, nav lights and two large spotlights on the stern. Just as it passed ahead of us the nav lights disappeared and we were left with the spotlights. This was rain showers coming down from a great height, they even showed up crossing the radar screen.
Nobody enjoyed the crossing, either being unwell or the lack of sleep. Moral of the story – get the bucket out of the locker before you set off.
By sunrise we were north west of Barfleur. We considered altering course to Cherbourg but due to the strong flood tides, we carried on around Barfleur lighthouse, on to St Vaast, finally arriving at 1030hrs BST at the visitors pontoon E05. We tied up and explored the area. Food was on our minds so we satisfied our wants. The vin du pays is cidre, by the wine glass. Having satisfied our stomachs, as the old saying goes – the rest of the day is yours! So we spent it looking around the town and, suitably refreshed, we went in search of that genuine French cuisine in the evening. Ah, but monsieur, you ‘ave not booked. So we went Italian instead.

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