An exhilarating and challenging day sailing into the wind and waves along the Solent with hundreds of other yachts taking part in - and spectating - the round the Isle of Wight race. Then through the turbulent Hurst narrows at west end of the island and across Christchurch Bay in a lumpy sea to a sheltered anchorage in Poole harbour.
Leaving Haslar marina and passing the green light ship (which now a pub that drank in last night).
Cherete (Phil’s boat) sailing out and heading for start of the race.
Another Contessa 26!
The Race Marshall Boat
Passing Hurst Point. Taking the shortcut over the shallow shingle bank the bow ploughed into a steep standing wave and came over top of Arwen and splashed down into the cabin!
Shoes getting pretty salty after waves coming into cockpit and getting a soaking (waterproof socks so dry feet!)
The Needles at western end of Isle of Wight
Approaching entrance to Poole harbour and can see the mansions at Sandbanks and the car chain ferry across to Studland.
Drying out everything that got soaked crashing through the waves today.
The wind to increase up to Force 7 tomorrow from south so rest day and found anchorage sheltered by tall trees on Goathorn Point (Arwen is red arrow).
Goathorn Point
39 nautical miles
