Gosport Marina

We gave way to all the out coming yachts and some power boats had to give way to us - we had nowhere left to turn. We were sails down and motoring, threading our way through. 

     Gosport Marina answered our VHF calls eventually ( busy channel, what with the race an' all ) and allocated us a berth in their Northern section. 

We entered on a rising tide and moored with the bow just kissing the pontoon. (10.30 am) Bit more reverse next time. 

  We had brought with us, a hitch hiking wasp from Eastbourne. He had been in and out of my ear a couple of times on the way. After we moored he buzzed off. 

    We paid up for two nights and had breakfast at the Boat House Cafe and went to bed. 

Late afternoon Alison washed the hull and scrubbed the decks and cockpit. (Don't stop her if she's in the mood) while I tidied downstairs. 

     That evening we had dinner at The Castle Tavern - big portions - as we had switched our fridge off to save power. So the Gammon and huge pack of bacon ( thanks Seamoors bar at Eastbourne ) went in the bin. 

With all the electronics, we were drawing 16 amps, which halved without the fridge. 

    The next day we repaired the Dutchman system on the mainsail but need to buy some spares tomorrow if we can source them. 

    There is a storm sail on board that I would like to get operational. Might be possible if I get some hanks and use the spinnaker lanyards. 

   Also on the list is phone calls to make and some kind of cockpit lighting, as seeing which rope to pull at night required shining a torch. 

Looking over to Portsmouth 

    We stayed an extra night as our list of jobs took longer than anticipated. 

Silicone spray hood lights 

Off again destination Falmouth. The spares for the mainsail will be waiting for us there. 

Busy again leaving Portsmouth Harbour and rather foggy. Gave me chance to try out our fog horn. 

After a good start, the wind died so we got out the fishing rod. 

Bored after 10 minutes we put the fishing rod away. 

The wind was on and off, so was the engine, as we kept drifting off course. 

We saw a small pod of Dolphins heading the opposite way with the current. 

We took turns resting on the night shift. Painfully slow going. But we are moving in the right direction according to the GPS. 

Now it's raining! I didn't order that!