We have finally managed to escape the Solent! We set off on Saturday with high hopes of making Studland Bay fot the night and setting off the next morning for Dartmouth.
However, out in the Solent with green waves crashing over the boat, 25kts of wind on the nose, and having to dodge the whole P n O cruise fleet, two coasters, a car carrier and a dredger we decided to retire gracefully to Cowes.
Sunday we slipped at 6:00 am and set off with a resonable forecast. We motored to the Needles and put the sails up. Spent a while sorting out 'Arry the Hydrovane, named after the only other sailor in the family. We had an absolutely horrible sail, strong quartering seas, rain or drizzle most of the day and finally, more westerly wind than predicted.
With the wind on the nose and now pointing at Start point we decided to motor sail the last 10 miles. At least we would arrive with full batteries having had very little charge from the lack of sun over the last 3 days. This charge was not to be, as we discovered that the alternator was not charging, so we went in with no nav lights and using a torch to see the instruments saving the last of the batteries for the deck light and anchor light.
With great relief we dropped anchor at 01:45 in Dartmouth.
Today we have at last got the alternator repaired. With new brushes and voltage regulator we are finally good to go.
We leave on the tide tomorrow bound for L'Aber Wrach in N Brittany, foreign lands at last!
sounds like a testing start, love the name 'Arry for the Hydrovane.
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Sorry we didn't make the send off but it sounds like you are having a real adventure.We will follow your progress with envy.Best wishes to you both. Dave & Anna.
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