Poole to Hamble - Day 77

Poole to Hamble - Friday 22nd July 2011 - Day 77

In the morning went to the marina office and met Carrie, one of the managers, who I know from sailing with the Tallships and after our little chat I set off again at 10.00.  The weather was fine and sunny going out of the harbour and still single-handed hoisted all sail when past the fairway buoy.

At 11.00 Portland Coast Guard were giving out on the VHF a mayday relay for a missing diver off Portland Bill who had been diving off one of the wrecks.  It is enlightening how they co-ordinate the rescue operations with lifeboats, helicopters and other vessels in the area but alas after some hours, things were not looking too good for the diver.

The wind began to drop as the day progressed and we were motoring on our way to the Solent, the western approaches are guarded by the Shingles Bank and once past you come to one the famous UK lighthouses, as shown, off the Needles on the Isle of Wight.  In this area there is a lot of boats mostly sailing yachts as they were trying to get the best of the conditions, I was quite happy just motoring along.  Once you are near Cowes on the Isle of Wight, the traffic becomes heavier as you find your way around the channel off the Bramble Bank and Calshot Spit.  Luckily there was no big ships on the move, so it was with not too much difficulty I was off the Hamble river.  Once in here all you can see is yachts, yachts and more yachts, the marina chosen Hamble Point was just past the entrance and with assistance from one of staff taking my lines, I was safely tied up at 16.00

In the evening walked into Hamble which was full of people mostly sailors down for the weekend and the classic boat racing.  Met up with Lizz who had been with me on part of the infamous Scottish part of the trip.  We had a very good meal in the Thai restaurant, talked and caught up with all we had been up to since then and still agree never to go back to the Caledonian Canal or Oban.   Photo shows 'Selene' on her pontoon at Hamble Point.  Tomorrow, I go home for a few days, this saga will continue next week.