Sunday 23 May 2010

We are sailing...

It's been a long time in the coming, but we're away and sailing.









We have 11 knots apparent and Pixie is making around 5.5 knots through the water. We have a foul tide, meaning it's going against us, like walking up an escalator going down slowly. But the sun is shining, our new Crusader sails are working a treat, and now there is some wind from the right direction this really is turning into the perfect day to set off.

Yesterday we came down by train, went shopping and fitted the last bit of electrics. This was a data logger made developed by Tim Thornton. It logs our position and depth and is like a black box flight recorder, except the data logged could find it's way into charts of the future








It does feel a bit like big brother is watching us, but it's a fun idea.

Once that was fitted we went off to the shops to buy food and beer for the small pontoon party.








At 7 o'clock we dressed Pixie over all as the crews and friends arrived, we've gained a new crew member... Meet Lucky Duck!








She was a present from Jelly and James, and she'll be keeping us company on the trip.

After a beer or two we headed to The Royal Spice in Gosport for a very tasy curry.

This morning we left at 9 and motored to Yarmouth. The plan was to stop there for the night, but it was such a good day we refueled and set off
carrying on towards Swanage. On the way down here we re packed the flags...it took a fair while to untangle the flags, fold them up and stow them away again. I now know why they are saved for special occasions!






We got to Swanage just after 6 this evening and anchored, Kirsty set about cooking a chilli, we've now sitting in the cockpit watching an Ovni anchor next to us. I'm still in shorts and there is still a lot of warmth in the sun,


Location:At anchor off Swanage

1 comment:

  1. Hi sailors
    that sounds like a good start. Pixie looks gorgeous with her flags.
    Hopefully you will get some more wind tomorrow. Hi to Lucky Duck
    I wondered what an ovni is in boats. It is the spanish term for UFO. Looking forward to following you on your trip
    Elke and Dave

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