Parked the car at Portland and take the bus and train to Poole where Larksong has been fitted with all new steel wires by Chris from XP Rigging.
Before we set off we have a vistor, Michael and Winnie (the poodle) come to say hi and give us some nice presents.
Today the timings are really not that good, and we break the cardinal rule of the Channel “Tide is King” and leave knowing we will be against it for much of the journey.
The Condor ferry to the Channel Islands which we know well overtakes us. I think it waited for us to cross the main channel which is nice.
Sails up at the earliest opportunity although we have the engine on when we pass the chain ferry, especially since the tide is against us.
Looking back at Sandbanks and the chain ferry.
It’s World Ukulele day so I get out the uke near Swanage and entertain my shipmates with a badly played and sung song.
Shortly after this we pass St Alban’s ledge going South and the sea state deteriorates a bit. We keep to the starboard tack until the tide almost turns and pass St Alban’s at slack water, slowly floating to Worbarrow bay as the sun sets. We motor for the last 2 hours.
An odd red light is observed pottering about ahead and at first it looks like a stationary vessel but it turns out the HMS Hurworth is in Weymouth bay and they hail us to ask what our intentions are – obviously we go behind them to let them pass.
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