Work has slowly progressed on the self-steering, it's almost ready for a sea trial (that makes it sound professional!). Problem is that getting any sailing done has been a problem lately due to various reasons.
So when I got the chance to run away to sea for the weekend on someone else's boat(s!) I jumped at the chance.
James had a Hunter 26 which he was swapping for the "Andrea Gail" - George Clooney's boat from the movie "Perfect Storm" which has benefited from the addition of a mast and sails.
Sorry James! But you can see the resemblance.....
James keeps his boat in Calais, the other boat lives somewhere in The Solent, this made arranging a swap slightly more complicated.
Plan was to nip over on Thursday evening ferry, catch the last lock out of Calais and run straight across to Dover. Friday would be a run from Dover to Eastbourne where the swap would take place. This was changed when we saw F5/F6 on the way over....
Due to a bet between James and Phil, a fine meal was enjoyed by all, the bill was "enjoyed" by Phil all on his own! One or maybe even two drinks went down before we tried to maim each other on the dodgems.....
Plan B was to leave on Friday morning and run straight to Eastbourne, a day of good sailing and failing winds later meant we motored into the marina at midnight.
Saturday was a day off, problem being that there is bugger all to do at Eastbourne marina....and it rained.
Boat swap went without a hitch, although nobody could understand how James packed so much gear into a 26ft boat!
Sunday morning we left on the Andrea Gail for Boulogne for a night before the short trip round to Calais on Monday morning. I couldn't resist the chance to use the mast steps for a photo.
Another good meal and wine in Boulogne, Phil only paid for his own this time!
The sail to Calais in the morning was great, at times, with the engine on tickover just to help things along, we were touching 8kts.
After another French pavement cafe meal (egg and chips!) it was time to get the ferry home, finally got in my own bed at 2am, not bad considering that morning I'd sailed from Boulogne to Calais!
Thanks again to James for the experience, great company, great weather (apart from Eastbourne) and some great sailing.
