Straps and Chains

This week's new beige covers photo no 1...

Watching the amazing opening ceremony for the 2012 Olympics meant we had a late start on Saturday so again only a short sail in the Solent this weekend. Before setting off we were able to finish fitting the pad eyes and securing straps to the deck for the new dinghy. Definitely a two person job with me wiggling the nuts and washers into position from underneath whilst Nicky tightened the bolts from above. Yes, we did get gooey sealant everywhere!

As well as buying a padlock and a length of heavy-duty chain this week, I also made a beige cover for the new dinghy. It is therefore tied down, covered and locked to the deck ready for us to try out properly during our summer holiday cruise starting in a few weeks. Both the new dinghy and outboard are much heavier than our old kit so it will take a bit of experimentation to work out the best place on deck to inflate the dinghy, lift it overboard and then attach the outboard engine.

... and no 2

We were also able to check out the new AIS which is now 'talking' to the notebook so we can see a picture of all of the ships and AIS equipped craft that it is detecting.

We had a good beat west into both wind and tide.  As we came abeam the southern end of the Beaulieu we decided to stop so that we could watch some of the Olympics events.  It is a peaceful spot and fantastic place to wake up to in the morning.

On Sunday the wind built to a force 5-6 so we elected to sail with just the genoa raised.  Very easy sailing and big grins all round as we took it in turns to steer.

There was the usual maelstrom of racing yachts to dodge as we passed Cowes plus a square rigger training ship and a Thames Barge to add variety.  It was great to get out on the water again for a short sail but we are both itching to travel further afield.  We're also hoping for a phone call this week to say that the Bimini and sprayhood are ready to be fitted.