Solent Fun - champagne in the rain

The last week has been totally relaxed, wet but alot of fun. We spent a couple of nights in Yarmouth, explored a bit and ran from pub to pub in the rain. We then went to the Hamble for the rest of the week and based ourselves at the fabulous Swanwick Marina - great service and a top location in Bursledon. This was a perfect spot for a visit from our gorgeous friend Ellen, who hadn't been in a cockpit for 10 years since she sailed from the UK to New Zealand; so of course we had to go out for a sail even though it was a bit rainy. Sailing on a Saturday in the Solent was a bit of a shock for us who have not seen so many boats for a very long time.

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight

Loved this in one pub - should be standard in all restaurants

Gorgeous UK summer in the Solent

Bubbles on board -Andrew and Elster

Andrew testing our new Hook & Moor system!?!

Dingy Ride to the pub

Jolly Sailor - home of 'Howard's Way' 

Enjoying a pint in the Hamble

So much fun sailing with Ellen

First helm for 10 years!

Very serious Elster - great sailing skill!

We had a great sail out to the end of the Isle of Wight, stopped for lunch and then sailed straight back to Southampton water. It mostly stayed dry but wasn't a particularly nice day.

Lunch anchorage by Osborne House - QueenVictoria & Prince Albert's summer house on the Isle of Wight

Sailing back into Southampton

Girls in the cockpit!

Neatly Castle from Southampton water

Itchen Bridge - we just fit!

We are now in Saxon Wharf - right by the Oyster Yard in Southampton, while they attend to our warranty items. It's all go and we have had about ten people through the boat today but good progress has been made and we hope to be all done by the end of the week.