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by Eamon Furlong
We left our berth on Layla at 1010 and with no free flow, Chichester Lock provided our only stop, before sailing around the Solent and making for our final destination of Port Solent. After a pleasant evening and enjoying a sun filled breakfast "al fresco" we had a second day of good sailing before returning to Chichester in the late afternoon. Now for those of you who like to skim through articles or who wouldn't contemplate midweek cruising, please skip to the next page of the Log, for everyone else I'll continue….. Well, you know what it's like when you find a decent restaurant, a picturesque anchorage or a new travel destination, you want to tell your friends, in fact everyone you meet, but if you do, you wonder and worry if it gets overbooked, crowded or spoilt. Yes, I know it sounds selfish but I've found a little gem!
Kath and Chris were super, very welcoming and extremely hospitable, obviously since purchasing Layla they have spent many loving hours fashioning her to their liking and their efforts have certainly paid off!! Nothing was too much trouble, it was almost a pitched battle just to make it to the sink to wash up. I feel that we (the crew) left on Thursday with a tinge of sadness having to leave such a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. However it isn't to say that the sailing wasn't exciting. During the two days the wind probably averaged 3s and 4s, gusting 5s and maybe even 6. Without parts of the windex "probably" is the best I can do - although with 2 reefs in the main and head sail and the water texture, it must have been around there somewhere, she certainly took it in her stride.
During our cruise we were saluted by the Royal Navy and took a close look at one of the forts, but more interestingly we saw only two other yachts (sailing). That's another "Brucie Bonus" we had the Solent to ourselves and the pick of any marina, without the worry of getting in or parking up - even Port Solent, on a Wednesday evening resembled a ghost town.
However, I think I've said enough, I think I might be giving the game away - my selfish side seems to be surfacing.
So, to sum up, please don't go on a midweek cruise - I want to keep them all to myself.