Yesterday Daz (my brother) and I went for a sail to Littlehampton (18nm). After leaving Brighton at midday, it took approx 4 hrs to get there (should take 3hrs) due to winds gusting from 10kn - 25kn on our nose.
We hove-to offshore for an hour for lunch (4pm) before returning to Brighton.
Then the wind died... With wind barely above 6kn, we limped home with the wind and an amazing sunset behind us.
I did get the chance to finally try the Hydrovane I had fitted last week... To be honest, the wind was too light for it to do its job so despite a dissapointing first effort I think it will perform in suitable conditions.
One lesson I did learn was that leaving the Hydrovane rudder attached and locked prevents the boat from turning properly when coming in to our berth, this called for the quick use of the boathook to prevent a faffed mooring. We were 'home' and tied up by 11:30pm.
We hove-to offshore for an hour for lunch (4pm) before returning to Brighton.
Then the wind died... With wind barely above 6kn, we limped home with the wind and an amazing sunset behind us.
I did get the chance to finally try the Hydrovane I had fitted last week... To be honest, the wind was too light for it to do its job so despite a dissapointing first effort I think it will perform in suitable conditions.
One lesson I did learn was that leaving the Hydrovane rudder attached and locked prevents the boat from turning properly when coming in to our berth, this called for the quick use of the boathook to prevent a faffed mooring. We were 'home' and tied up by 11:30pm.