Started with rain and misery as well as a ferry coming into the Yarmouth in the early hours of the morning. As the crew were waking up to the song “Baby shark” we made our way to breakfast and setting up our vessel for our final journey home. Then we left Yarmouth harbour with course set for Portsmouth, Genoa, stay, and mizzen flying with the crew still depressed and tired. During the middle point of the voyage we had a dilemma which meant we had to sail through a race course. We were arriving at the port singing country roads and call me maybe and there our sailing ended but not the fun. In the port during our feedback we quoted and remembered our journey together with amazing quotes with memories of learning how to reel dance and much banter along the way. My personal opinion this has been an absolutely amazing voyage and I’m usually the joking one and the person you don’t take seriously but I want to thank each of my crew members, the watchleader, first mate, and skipper for giving me a great time with lots of laugh along the way. This Hallam signing off.

After breakfast, Giles gave a session on passage planning using charts and the nautical almanac, after this we planned the passage from Poole harbour to Yarmouth Marina, taking in to account high/ low tide and the direction of the tides. Then we prepared the cat for departure and left for Yarmouth. Following the channel from Poole Harbour, round Brownsea island out into the sea. Then from a pilot pickup point we hoisted the mizzen sail and followed a bearing of 089^o towards the needles channel. En route we then hoisted the genoa sail and continued towards the needles channel. During this we had a buffet style lunch just as the sea began to get rough. Getting closer to the entrance to the needles channel the wind picked up and it began to rain, at this point the sea began to get particularly rough. Passing through the needles channel we passed Hurst point and Hurst castle. The rain then stopped and the sea began to calm down as we headed into Yarmouth marina. After berthing at a hayling station we went for a walk around the town of Yarmouth, then returned to the boat for a lamb curry and showers.

Ollie

Day 3 began with a swift departure from the astoundingly beautiful and effortlessly tranquil Beaulieu River.  Due to an unfavourable wind direction, for our line of travel, the 2 sturdy motors towards the rear of the faithful catamaran were engaged. Knot practice was undertaken with an accompaniment of cordial chatter between the crew members. Unfortunately, as an experienced ‘jack’ is aware, the weather could not be tailored to our desires, and instead, the heavens opened and a short storm ensued. After a few bouts of mild queasiness, to one incident of legitimate seasickness, we ‘motor-sailed’ with the Mizzen hoisted under comparatively pleasant weather.

This extract has been written from our current position inside Poole harbour town quay.

Tilly & Libby

Day 3 began with a swift departure from the astoundingly beautiful and effortlessly tranquil Beaulieu River.  Due to an unfavourable wind direction, for our line of travel, the 2 sturdy motors towards the rear of the faithful catamaran were engaged. Knot practice was undertaken with an accompaniment of cordial chatter between the crew members. Unfortunately, as an experienced ‘jack’ is aware, the weather could not be tailored to our desires, and instead, the heavens opened and a short storm ensued. After a few bouts of mild queasiness, to one incident of legitimate seasickness, we ‘motor-sailed’ with the Mizzen hoisted under comparatively pleasant weather.

This extract has been written from our current position inside Poole harbour town quay.

Tilly & Libby

Today we sailed from Gunwharf Quay to Bucklers Hard Yacht Harbour. After preparing the boat for departure, we embarked on our first voyage at approximately 11:20. Unfortunately, due to high winds of 20 knots, we were forced to motor all-day. Approaching lunch-time, we decided to anchor at Osbourne House at 13:28, eating a buffet lunch. We set off again at 14:40, passing alongside the Sail GB race all the way to Beaulieu River. Everyone sat at the bow, watching the race and enjoying the rough conditions. At 16:47, we entered the river, mooring at Bucklers Harbour at 17:20. In the evening, we had meatballs with pasta and garlic bread and Hallam and Robert played an ‘interesting’ game of chess.

James

Due to strong weather, we were unable to leave Gunwharf Quays. We instead spent the afternoon learning about the boat and covering charts. After that, we went on to shore for a while before dinner. During dinner many stories were told.

Robert Wolrige Gordon.