Lyme Regis to Old Harry 43nm
Tuesday 30 September
There was absolutely no wind this morning. A beautiful dawn over the Dorset coast after a lovely sunset last night.
The swell that rocked us to sleep (or not) was gone by the morning.
We motored on a flat sea and went well outside Portland Bill, but there was no sign of the race as it’s neap tides, gentle as a lamb.
We were glad we went out as we saw more dolphins off the Bill, but they didn’t come close this time.
David got on with his jobs while I enjoyed the view. All this motoring makes me feel sorry for motor boat owners as it must be a bit boring.
The wind finally hit 6 knots so we decided to try Lily as we turned towards Old Harry Rocks. She flew almost immediately and we turned off the engine and glided past Swanage.
What a beautiful end to our day.
In Studland we blew up Zigzags and had dinner at the excellent Pig on the Beach restaurant.
Old Harry to Lymington 17nm
Wednesday 1 October
There’s enough wind to sail today – 6-7 knots but coming from a 40 degree angle so enough to clip along with the Yankee and Stay sails up at around 5 knots.
We have the tide with us which added another 2 knots by the time we got to the Needles. I saw a dolphin just outside the Solent.
David showed me another new toy – a moveable clamp that will hold any rope so you can swap it onto a new winch. Very ingenious!
It’s another lovely day, the weather is expected to turn this weekend so we are happy to be back.
We filled up with diesel and tied up on our home mooring.
Tomorrow we tidy the boat etc – it’s been another lovely adventure.
