Phil had managed to put together a good group of like Scorpions for an Alderney run. So after getting up at 6.30am, it was down to the Hamble in the Caterham 7 to collect my salopettes and hand-held VHF off Black Tie. Fortunately, Black Tie was ashore in the yard, as planned, with a ladder alongside, and the first challenge was completed. Black Gold was launched by Hamble Point dry stack despite short notice.
Still just on schedule to meet in Yarmouth early for our Alderney sortie, I ran out of the Hamble and off down the Solent in the morning sun.
With engine up to temperature and a quick run up to 60mph, I was soon at Yarmouth for 9.15am. No wait at the fuel jetty, so a big fill of our 450 litre tank in order the check the fuel used calculator (Smartcraft) for the race. It was within 10 litres which is very accurate in this world and certainly much better than the tank gauge. We will rely on this for the race.
With engine up to temperature and a quick run up to 60mph, I was soon at Yarmouth for 9.15am. No wait at the fuel jetty, so a big fill of our 450 litre tank in order the check the fuel used calculator (Smartcraft) for the race. It was within 10 litres which is very accurate in this world and certainly much better than the tank gauge. We will rely on this for the race.
Phil called to say don't rush as he was running a bit late. Soon the other two Scorpions joined us: Martin and family with an 8.75 metre inboard, and Vince and family with an 8.5 metre with stepped hull and an Etec 250hp.
Phil had come from Portsmouth with Martin, but was joining me for the channel crossing.
Phil had come from Portsmouth with Martin, but was joining me for the channel crossing.
We agreed on a 40 knot cruise which given the calm conditions was no problem. After a beautiful run across an oily, calm channel - stopping only to retrieve my hat and to look at a dolphin that didn't want to play - we arrived through the haze into Braye Harbour - in time for lunch.
We had used 100 litres for the trip. The three Scorpions picked up a buoy and the harbour taxi had us ashore.
We had used 100 litres for the trip. The three Scorpions picked up a buoy and the harbour taxi had us ashore.
A beautiful lunch on the terrace in the Braye Bay Hotel (recommended) was followed by a walk into St Annes and back.
We left at 4.30pm and one hour 45 minutes later were at the entrance to the Needles Channel. I transferred Phil back onto Martin's boat to go to Portsmouth and then took Black Gold into Lymington for its final list of jobs and engine checks to be done at the builder's yard.
We left at 4.30pm and one hour 45 minutes later were at the entrance to the Needles Channel. I transferred Phil back onto Martin's boat to go to Portsmouth and then took Black Gold into Lymington for its final list of jobs and engine checks to be done at the builder's yard.
My only concern was that our speed seemed to reduce on the way back and the run up the Lymington river had the engine feeling less than silky smooth. We need to get this checked.
Next weekend, Roger is down with the helmets and intercoms and we plan to do another long run, but perhaps in a sea not quite so horizontal.
- Gavin Sunday June 1st
No comments:
Post a Comment