Yacht Sailing around the Islands

The weekend had finally dawned, clear skies and a moderate breeze from the west. Captain Ted and his first mate Sue, both from Churchhill Avenue, had invited us to a cruise around Poole Harbour and the surrounding islands. Yep, there are a few, Brownsea island is well known and then there is Long Island, Round Island and another one that is actually a BP oil pumping Island. Yes, there is oil under the harbour waters. Brownsea Island is known for its natural beauty and the fact that Matthew Dickens proposed to my daughter there a long time ago. That is what really put it on the map, a destination, not just a little island with a few red squirrels and some cheeky peacocks.

I digress. First Mate Sue met us in the car park and guided us to our designated parking bay while complimenting us on our choice of transport. Seems Captain Ted had just bought a new 4X4 Kuga and First Mate Sue found it hard to park in the Marks and Spencer’s car park. We set off in search of the yacht, after meeting the club chairman and being welcome to the marina. 

First Mate Sue apologised for the distance we had to walk as their boat was in the number 1 berth. After a while, we saw Captain Ted hoisting the main sail in readiness for our departure. Now Captain Ted is a master of his craft and is suitably attired, Captain's hat with a Buoyancy vest and glasses that can see approaching vessels through the haze and mist with ease. We were offered a buoyancy vest on-boarding but declined, not our finest hour, in hindsight we should have accepted gracefully. Hopefully, we will get a second invitation and this time we will wear those life jackets with honour, you can never be too careful.

In all fairness to me, I did follow Susan's direction, she is a seasoned sailor. First Mate Sue did point out it was like wearing a seat belt, very well put and almost tipped me over the edge.

Captain Ted took us out of the marina into hostile waters with confidence, he is a seasoned sailor and races many a regatta. Their boat, well it is really a cruise liner, capable of sleeping 6 in comfort, was amazing. The bridge was either inside, if the weather was foul or he could open the hatch and stand, guiding us into the sailing channels, with apparent ease.

I say apparent ease, he did notice the depth meter was showing a range between 3 and 11 meters, being the season sailor he knew instinctively that the channel should be about 3 meters deep. This did concern him, being the perfectionist, he did tap it a few times but to no avail. First Mate Sue stepped in and guided us most expertly through these challenging waters, she had a chart and without much ado convinced Captain Ted it was safe to proceed. 

We were warned that the trip might get a little rough, it’s the waves. When a carefree motorboat comes by at speed, it does create a bow wave, but on every occasion, Captain Ted announced ‘Waves’ and expertly turned the vessel into the waves to minimise the pitching of the boat. 

This was the time to bring the fenders in. First Mate Sue was asked to take the helm, Captain Ted was the fender bringer in’er and as he said, in yachting terms, one must bring your fenders in, it is the same as a man going to the loo and not zipping up his trousers. Most informative and a side of this experienced mariner I never expected. Sailor talk at its best, First Mate Sue was unimpressed, fenders are a natural extension of the boat, no more, no less.

We had the most enjoyable time catching up with our sailor friends and as can be seen from the images I have attached, the harbour was serene and relaxing. First Mate Sue did say her most enjoyable time while sailing was when she put down the anchor and sat down to scones, jam and cream. Captain Ted, being the perfect gentleman agreed. 

We had a moment when a sailing boat capsized and Captain Ted was about to go around, sailing term for turning around, you do pick up this sailing terminology after a while. 

First Mate Sue was concerned that the passengers were all accounted for, but I assured her there was only one and he was trying to upend the vessel. My long-range camera lens did pick up a struggling passenger, desperately trying to get back on board, I said nothing, not wanting to end the tranquillity of the day with the drama of rescuing two wayward sailors. They did have life jackets on and the shore was a mere 10 meters away.

Captain Ted has secured a perfect combination of his passion and a very competitive First Mate, making this a day to remember. 

Thank you both for an unforgettable day of relaxation and enjoyment. 

Will we get invited again, no one knows but if there is anything to go by, we have never been invited on any of the other boat cruises we have been on, we can only dream.

In parting, I would like to say, well done the guys, your boat is yours and you enjoy her without pretension, not many in this world have an ocean-going yacht.

Ted and Sue, hope you enjoy the photos.