Slipped out to Studland

As the season end rushes towards me I have to take every opportunity to use the boat.   This weekend turned out to be much better than predicted so I decided to take a trip out to Studland.   I met Paul   at the club around 11am, and took him out to his Corribee before boarding Ciao Bella.

We raised the sails but it was fairly pointless, there was barely enough breeze to fill the sails let along make the boat move.  We motor  sailed nearly all the way to Studland as we wanted to get there for lunch. We just hoped there would be a bit more wind on the way back.

Dinghies inflated we paddled to the beach and traipsed up to the Bankes Arms.  We spent a nice couple of hours in the beer garden overlooking the bay with a pint of 'Force 4' and a Chicken Chassuer.  

Another club member and his daughter also joined us along with Paul's family who came around by car.

It was soon time to make a move and as hoped the wind had filled in.  We paddled back to the boats and set off back. The conditions seemed ideal for full sail and both boats set off well, they were both well matched, including the amount of weed on both hulls :o)). The Corribee seemed to be just  slightly faster than the Hurley on a broad reach but on a run the Hurley managed to hold station. 

Back at the club and there was a small gathering. We hung around for a chin wag, the subject of channel crossings came up and I came under serious pressure to organise a trip across next year.  I resisted valiantly but I fear this may not be the end of it. :~)

Paul delivering essential sustainance