Swanage Cruise

Published 17:53 on 13 Jul 2020

So, My first singlehanded jaunt to Swanage in New boat Alchemy was a bit different, having left Weymouth around 0800, I drifted out in the bay, waiting for the others to show, why not have some breakfast I thought, and duly cooked up some Bacon and Eggs.Simon & Mairi Kershaw on Playaway were first boat out, quickly followed by Merlot, Double Vision, Moon Shadow and Rum Runner, later to leave Ray and Lesley on Crystella. The weather had been favourable in terms of Sunshine but not in wind, so setting the course for 105 deg, it was a case of Äúget your motors runningÄù and off we went to St Albans. Passing 4 different cruise ships, it was interesting to see how much rust had accumulated, I suppose passengers canÄôt see that part of the ship. No dolphins on way out.Arriving at Swanage around Midday, we picked up SSC bouys which Ray Capp had organised, relaxed with a couple cans of Fermented Apple juice before rowing ashore and heading to Black Swan for evening meal, organised By our own Commodore Steve D. Excellent food and service, I would recommend if you're in the area to pop in.Just like the last time when I visited Swanage with Nick Munson on our epic 2 month trip, the most arduous task was getting back to the boat with an onshore breeze, choppy waves, fishermen on pier chucking lead all over the place, all combined with a little apple juice, I thought at one time I was heading for Poole, but then bang, straight in side off boat, I was joined on board for a nightcap by Mike Street before retiring around 2230, I think it was the Sun that got to me during the sail. As ever, I was up at dawn for sunrise, a cup of tea, and dip in sea. Slipped the mooring at 0545 and headed home, a good 10-12 knots of Northerly breeze took me down and around the head, and thatÄôs when it disappeared and back on Engine I went. A good time to have a look around the boat for defects, and hey ho, water dripping from prop shaft, I swear Rocky has been on board since I bought it, have you noticed whenever you visit Bussell's everything is ¬£40 or more LOL.I arrived in Weymouth around 0930 in time to see the racing boats go out, hopefully the wind would pick up for a bit but IÄôm not sure they were going to make it to the first mark on a sheet of glass.All in all, more motoring than sailing, but, the main idea of getting the Cruising side back up to speed in the Club went really well I thought, 8 boats all took part, and a special mention to Ray for taking up the organisation helm.Look out for the next one coming soon. Aye John.

Last updated 15:13 on 28 July 2025