06/06 The first week afloat

Our first week has been spent in a very leisurely manner just like sun drenched Mediterranean style sailing. Very little wind (even though the Metoffice thought otherwise) with lots of motoring and subsequent cold drinks from the fridge.

It was great to return to the Solent, our old cruising ground, and to explore new developments on the way. We entered the new Portland Harbour Marina, just opened 3 weeks ago with some surprises and a so far missing visitor pontoons (R,S,T). But in general, well worth a visit.

Stopping at our favourite anchorages South Deep, Newton Creek and mooring in Beaulieu river was quite emotional and it struck me how genteel the landscape is here when compared to the wild coastline around Plymouth.

After stopping at Lymington where we made essential errands for our continuation, we head for Chichester and than at the ‘crack of dawn’ to Dover. From then on, it will all be new and for us ‘uncharted’ – so to speak. The East Coast of England is looming.