With more windier weather due at the weekend the fleet make a break for the UK
And we’re off
Lymington Yacht Haven Position 50°45.073 N 001°31.648 W
An early morning weather check revealed that today offered the only window for a Channel crossing for the next few days. Therefore a stopover in Weymouth was sadly, out of the question. Some last minute contingency planning by the MBM team produced a new agenda, we would rendezvous in Lymington Yacht Haven. Those boats that needed to get to home ports further afield would look to take this weather window to make tracks towards home.
Time Flies departed St Peter Port at 0800 to assess the conditions for a passage back to the UK, by 0945 Richard and Claire had reported smooth conditions in the Channel. The fleet was given go ahead by Neale, and the first boats departed 1030 with the faster boats slipping lines at 1130.
Once through the Alderney Race boats headed in their respective directions, with east coast based boats such as Petrolia, Braveheart, Zanique and Pearl Trader peeling away and heading east and west bound boats, Rosie and Sophie making tracks to Weymouth and Christchurch. Considering the weather over the last 24 hours, the fleet experienced almost perfect conditions- a gentle rolling swell and bright sunshine. As Solent bound boats were approaching the Needles the forecast easterly wind had filled in and conditions were gradually deteriorating although once inside the Solent, conditions returned to mirror calm.
By 2100 all boats had logged out with the team confirming they were safely secured in port. The Solent fleet, now eight in total, are happily installed in Lymington Yacht Haven and an evening meal was arranged at the Mayflower for the remaining participants. Blue Fin and the seven other boats plan to stay two nights, departing Saturday for their home berths.
Photos
Braveheart Seaward 35
Illusion Fairline Phantom 40
The evening meal at the Mayflower, Lymington
