A gallery for member's photos/video/stories: Click on the photos and use paddles to move to next.

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Lulworth Cove by Jason Hook

2019

24/11/2019 Another sighting of Dave, Danny or maybe Douglas.  From Leigh Merrick Click on the image
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 I have a shot of Dave the Dolphin (attached) who nudged Fusion III twice this season inside the marina and we thought we could have some fun with it at the AGM.

Whilst Dave may claim under ROR that he was engaged in fishing (so we shd have kept clear), we contend he was guilty of half a dozen ROR infringements.

Here is a challenge put out by Leigh as interpreted by WSA
"I would be happy to provide a bottle of whisky for the first AGM respondent to spot, say, three infringements plus an appropriate latin motto for such a bounder."



By WSA
Leigh may be given  leave by the Branch Chairman to explain further at the AGM as I could not quite fully understand Leigh's intention. I think ROR in this case is Rule of Road.
However an example for Dave(Taken from a suggestion by Leigh) could be "Drunken fool carries no steaming light" Motto=Ebrius Fatuus Subvectus Nullus Fumidus Lux
So come along to AGM to see if you could win some Whisky.
Hope I have done this right for you Leigh. regards Brendan.WSA
George Herbert Leigh Mallory was an English mountaineer who took part in the first three British expeditions to Mount Everest, in the early 1920s. Wikipedia
Following a call from Leigh Merrick today 29/11 we joked about how I first addressed him as Lee. He was kind enough to explain the correct spelling of his name. Apparently Leigh's family knew George MalIory and so they named Leigh after him. I told Leigh that his efforts would not be in vane and so this is a small tribute to you for your input. Sadly Leigh cannot make it tonight at the AGM 2019. Thankyou Leigh. Chairman will cover this.
Following update from Leigh this idea was shelved and requested the Chairman to make an award to someone for special effort. So the Bottle of Whisky has gone to Christopher Stonehouse for his work and support to NL75.
23/11/2019 Around Weymouth Bay . Some more photos from Kate and Ian Boker in High Hopes.   Thank you both. Click on the images
09/08/2019 A West Country Cruise . Some great photos from Kate and Ian Boker in High Hopes. Its nice to see you relaxing and still maintaining your interest in racing.  Thank you both. Click on the images
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31/07/2019 150 Years of RNLI in Weymouth.
On Sunday the 28th July the RNLI celebrated this milestone by a grand parade of sail and craft of all types. Our new member Gareth Peaston  has done a fantastic job in promoting this event. Not an easy task considering all the authorities involved. I know that Jean Claire took part and I understand that Nerea also took part. Heatwave was stood down as a little too blowy for the first mate. In a way I'm glad as I was able to capture about 90% of the boats that took part. Battery went flat on phone. Well done to Gareth and all those who took part.

Pam and I enjoyed a really tasty Breakfast at the IVY Cafe and afterwards went along to the RNLI station for a chat.
Later we enjoyed a Bennett's special where I tucked into a "War Time" favorite of a SPAM fritter. We were fortunate that we had to wait for the Bridge before making our way home and we met an RNSA member in a Cornish Shrimper(Humbug). I gave him our Web site and recommended he joined us. I didn't ask for his name but I have researched him from the Central Site by his boat name. From this I have updated our Web Site to access the Craft list Direct.

We were just about to leave when three Jet Skis came past and the lead craft rider started to gestulate to his port side. Suddenly a broad back with dark grey dorsal fin broke the water. I called to Pam but it was gone. However we watched as the Skis went on down the Harbour and the Dolphin again broke the surface on the starboard side of the lead craft. As they were turning just by the visitor moorings the beautiful creature came up between the two craft to half its length. Its body appearing just as a huge black bottle with the sun glinting off its nose. Danny made a guest appearance.

Navigation controls for images. Pause Top Left. Skip Top Right. 190 images.
22/07/2019 NL 75.  1st - 9th June 2019: Photos from Christopher Stonehouse. (Gwendoline Grace)
Click on Photos.

22/06/2019 NL 75. First Photos from Attendees. Click on Photos.
Bob and Debbie Tuckwood (Windhorse)
P Stone (Touch Down)
29/05/2019 First Images of Lime Juicer.
Ian Singleton had spent 10 years building Cloe James and after a couple of years decided to sell her. However he has now purchased another vessel called Lime Juicer. The name coming from our American cousins when British sailors were given Lime Juice to keep out scurvy. He is now cleaning her up near Bristol. Click on Photos.
29/05/2019 Heatwave shakedown. 22 May 2019.
Took spare main battery with me as engine not started since Ist of April. Pam shown how to start engine and as always it fired up. I use mobile scooter batteries kindly donated by my neighbour. Weymouth was the target and so we set off in fine weather. Propulsion fine. The bag of knitting of my experimental lazy jacks caused me a lot of trouble in batten fouling and this needs to be look at. However the jacks work very well in getting the sail down. Still have to work out how to include the sail cover so more research on youtube but boat is seaworthy with working VHF so ok for MUPE. Tender and Outboard ok but Outboard needs some fine tuning to make it start easier. The photos have been produced from a Samsung Galaxy S5 which has a high definition Camera however some processing is still neceassary  but the results are very good. Only problem is keeping the camera still and avoid shake. Click on the photos.

21/05/19 Early Bird Photos from Ian and Kate Bowker.
Some splendid photos from High Hopes during her first shake down around the 13 May. Nice to capture the small fry of our fleet on their moorings.
Thank you. Click on the photos

30/04/2019 Land Slip Portland (A tribute to our Branch Secretary)
During a committee mtg a long time ago I had to apologize for being  tardy on getting something done and offered a lame excuse that I was dealing with a land slip at the time which somewhat amused our Secretary. So in tribute to him I have compiled an Album of the work I have done. I am just about finished now and it was hard. You may see the work if you wish by clicking on
https://photos.app.goo.gl/inoMCPmK3CmVAQE1A
Brendan
 22/03.2019 E 8 Mooring for Heatwave.
A few photos to show the compliance to Mooring Secretary's directive. Note the heavy protection around the eye of the rope strop. I used hot glue to cover the exposed rope. It worked fine last year and did not fully bond to the nylon rope and did not melt the rope. This procedure is not a recommendation by me. The choice is a personal matter.  No chaffing occurred.   The loop tie left by John was untieable and used it to hold the tender next to the riser buoy. It is now left tied to the chain strop. The bitter end of my rope strop is tied to the Pickup buoy(My own preference). Gives a better chance for first time pick up. Both strops are pulled aboard together and then separated for mooring to boat cleat.
20/03/19 Allan Ward and his boat Star Vega(Class Albin Vega) gets pole position in the 2019 Gallery.
Very short down loadable video for Souvenir on right.

2018

22 November 2018. Another Video from the Moonraker Works Studios.
The Pebble Police take us on another sailing trip of Wey Bay finnishing with some stunning shots of what it could be like in the race if you were really unlucky. I recommend you click  the square full screen at the bottom right of the You tube viewer. Thank you Skipper Steve Lowe, Jason Hook, Gosia and Szymon D.
22 November 2018 Sailing Season with Michael Graves in his Cornish Crabber Ripple. Click on the Photos and paddle through via rhs.
Michael has produced some stunning high quality photos for the Gallery and provides some good material for our Journal submission. Chairman, one for you to pick up.  The story starts with a lovely sunset from Ripples mooring then we see an easterly adventure followed by a westerly jaunt into the cold expanse of Lyme Bay. Here in a small boat you get quite a sensation of forboding when skies are dark and the seas growley.  Thank you Michael for your work.

12/08/2018  Photos of WPCA on  their cruise to WORBARROW on 04/082018. Click on the photos. Brendan Moore.

27/07/2018  Photos from Stuart and Pam Naylor on their summer cruise 2018. Click on the photos.

22/07/2018 Raw Photos of JOG Visit to Portland Marina(Hosts for event)  21/7/2018. You may find out about JOG at https://www.jog.org.uk/index.php  Brendan Moore.

 First things first. Many thanks from Portland RNSA and its Committee to JOG members and Org for allowing us to visit you on your 2018 week event. It was very pleasant to meet you and chat to some of you. Hope you all made itpast our infamous "Race" which even on pleasant days can be unpredictable. Special thanks to Dan Norris and Richard(Race Officer and Portland RNSA member) and Jennifer Stevens for looking after us. Brendan and Pam Moore.
 Using a PC - Accessing and Copying the photos. Click on the first one and a larger image will be displayed. Each image has a paddle middle left or right edge. To download an image go to the middle top edge of the large image and use right hand mouse button and "save picture as." Enhancing can be done with third party software but I would leave that to third parties.
Images associated with the JOG event  may not be copied for gain by organisations or persons. They may be used for the promotion of JOG but must show a general accreditation. "Reproduced by kind permission of Portland RNSA and taken from https://www.portlandrnsa.org/gallery1.html "

22/07/2018 Raw Photos of JOG Race to DARTMOUTH 22/7/2018. Same T's and C's as above. Some Yachts  not JOG. Images taken from Cliff top near the Borstal and from the Upper light (Marie Stopes house Portland Bill.) It would have been great to see you on the inshore passage. Next time maybe. Brendan Moore.

Saving Private Eddy 21/7/18. Brendan Moore. Sadly due to no interest this year this trip was not taken up officially but it worth saving. As yet I have not fully ridden the eddy properly and got stuck in foul tide. So a detailed course has been  added below for another attempt next year.

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20/07/2018 Introduction of Chloe James.

From the following of Chloe James initial 10 year build at Ferry Bridge by Ian Singleton I have waited and nagged Ian to get her full Sailing Rig up and tested. Well the waiting is over and with the help of Janet (Ian's wife) and David Clark Williams Ian has now achieved in getting this magnificent vessel dressed in her finest and I congratulate you. A heartfelt well done. She looks fabulous.
 19 July 2018. Moonraker Passage West  (addendum to Lyme Bay Cruise Brixham and Lyme Regis. 30th May 2018.Report and Photos by Jason Hook)  Click on the Photos.

PicturePortland Bill Lighthouse
We left Portland approx 0715 with very little wind on our passage to Brixham, accepting we would need to motor sail most of the way, at least we'd have the best of the tide to help us along. As we passed Portland Bill on the inner passage we couldn't see you sat with your flask of coffee & binoculars.  I am on just to right of main lighthouse keepers house at the cliff top.
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 Then on closer inspection & lots of enlarging..... is this you? This is good Jason and shows the quality of your camera. You can see the flask of coffee to my right and I am holding my low resolution(6MP) Pentax Camera but my telephoto lens helps. The lines on the shot are merely due to interference patterns from display screen. The original raw image must be very high res but maybe too big to send by email.
On our passage across Lyme bay with no real deadline we occasionally switched the engine off tacked accordingly and sailed to enjoy the available wind. We arrived in Brixham to be met by Chris, Alan & Wayne, rafting up to them on a very busy visitors pontoon. We accepted a kind offer from Chris aboard Gwendoline Grace of pre dinner nibbles & beverages then we went off for a walk around the harbour.
Sunday 24th Destination - Salcombe. Departed Brixham 0830 we decided to enjoy the south easterly wind and sailed across Torbay heading for Torquay marina. Fabulous sail lots of yachts out enjoying the weather.
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Off Torbay. Thatcher Rock.
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Close in to Thatcher Rock.
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As is often the way shortly after arriving near to Torquay the wind dropped off & we motor sailed to Salcombe. As we entered the estuary Steve advised having read the almanac that we needed to stay on the port side following the deep water channel. On a low tide later on in the evening as we walked up the hillside we could see why. Very good pilot photo.
In the middle of the river at Salcombe we found this swinging mooring.. Click on the Photos
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Steve had booked in advance to berth at Whitestrand in Salcombe we arrived early & couldn't get onto the berth until 7pm when the ferry & water taxis finished operating so we went up river & made use of the RNSA swinging mooring for a couple of hours (cheques in the post). Steves friend then arrived with his rib & took us up river to Kingsbridge to his apartment overlooking the river.
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Monday 25th We had to sail out of Salcombe around 0800 BST as the pontoon is used for ferries & water taxis, destination Dartmouth, we could have motor sailed & arrived in Dartmouth within 4hours but we didn't want to, we had a 8 to 10kt Easterly wind so we switched the engine off & headed southeast (we had all day) we tacked & tacked & tacked again, we both agreed it was one of the nicest sails we've ever had helped by the fact we had no real deadline, a flat sea state & wind in our sails..
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We arrived in Dartmouth having made no prior booking, we radioed the Harbour Master & they were so helpful, we were met by the Harbour Masters rib who offered to guide us into the berth right up by the footbridge into the town. Its worth noting if you stay on the town side of the pontoon you can stay all morning, on the riverside you must be gone by 0800 for ferries to operate.
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We liked Dartmouth so much we decided to stay another night. On Monday we took to steam train to Paignton.
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On our return the river Dart just looked so inviting, although we were fully aware of how shallow the river can be in places.. I was talking to the ferry operator & he said why don't you just follow us up the river, that was one option, it was 3 hours off high tide, we had two other options... 1. Go & have a nice meal in a nice restaurant.... or 2. Carefully motorsail up the river Dart and eat our fresh cornish pasties on the way..... Well, you know us well enough by now.... option 2 it was to be!!
We left Dartmouth on Tuesday morning close to 0900, it was idyllic in the estuary & then as we came out into the open sea, bag we were hit by an easterly wind & waves.. we looked at one another, 43nm of this, no chance, we tacked & headed for shelter towards Torbay, the sea state settled the further north we sailed & once again we had a great sail back towards Portland Bill. We rounded the Bill just as the tide was easing.. lumpy but safe!!!
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Steve & I would like to thank Chris Stonehouse for organising the trip to Brixham, its been great for us as we've often gone around the Bill but never ventured further West.. Now we know Torbay is easily reached within a day.
 04 July 2018. Lyme Bay Cruise Brixham and Lyme Regis. 30th May 2018.  Click on the Photos.

Report and photos by Chris Stonehouse (Sailing Secretary)

Lyme Bay Cruise to Brixham and Lyme Regis 2018
Status: Success. Light winds, favourable tides and clear skies greeted the participants on Saturday 23rd June, the first day of the cruise, and lasted through the weekend and beyond. Flexibility in planning proved the name of the game, with Alan Clifton leaving his yacht behind to join Wayne Elkins in “Casey”. They accompanied us in “Gwendoline Grace” throughout a shortened 3 day cruise, whilst Steve Lowe and Jason Hook "Moonraker"  joined us on the leg to Brixham before sailing on to Salcombe and returning the following Wednesday. Despite a lack of space on the events pontoon in Brixham, we all enjoyed pre-dinner drinks on board “Gwendoline Grace" in the evening sun. Our sail across to Lyme Regis on the Sunday was not only memorable for England’s success in sporting events but proved to be the highlight of the cruise. We received a warm welcome from the Harbour Master’s team in Lyme Regis and “Casey” was able to stay moored up at the summer pontoons overnight in the calm conditions. The return to Portland was hampered by very light winds but the sun shone to ensure we had a fitting end to a memorable cruise.
“Gwendoline Grace”  Portland to Brixham.
 ( Showing 7+knots boat speed in 12 knots apparent wind speed)
Alongside Events pontoon in Brixham Marina, on board “Gwendoline Grace” for pre-supper drinks.
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“Casey" and “Gwendoline Grace” alongside summer pontoons in Lyme Regis.
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Looking across at “Casey” berthed on summer pontoons in Lyme Regis.
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“Casey” rounding Portland Bill on Leg 3

23rd June 2018. Click on Photos by Brendan Moore.

Casey: Skipper Wayne Elkin. Crew Alan Clifton.
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  Momento image for Casey.
Moonraker: Skipper Steve Lowe. Crew Jason Hook.
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 Momento image for Moonraker.
Gwendaline Grace. Skipper Christopher Stonehouse. Crew family and friends
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 Momento image for Gwendoline Grace.
What it means to navigate the Bill on the inshore passage. On this day the West Bound  tide gate was open at 06:30 and still open at 08:15 due to all affecting conditions!!!!.
14th June 2018. Volvo Ocean Racing 08th June 2018 Cardiff  Bay. Captured by Jason Hook (Moonraker). Click on the Photos.
Steve & I visited Cardiff on Friday afternoon to watch one of the races.. Here's a few photos of the yachts..
Not quite so glamorous when the waters a murky brown.. Jason Hook.
11th June 2018. Report by Nick Leather. Click on the Photos.

Musketeer Channel Islands Adventure 14th -18th May 2018
Musketeer Westerly Storm

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NICK LEATHER SKIPPER
 Where would be an interesting place to visit, offer challenging sailing and opportunities to practise a bit chart work? It did not take long to figure the Channel Islands would offer all of these. I mentioned it to my old friend Colin who leapt at the chance. It was not long before I had an able crew with my father in law Keith and Cousin Robert and local Dorset friend John joining. It was also the first big trip I was about to embark on as skipper. I undertook chart preps a few days before departure and kept a close eye on weather conditions, which as it turned out tended to be excellent throughout the week. Our boat was “Musketeer” a Westerly Storm built in 1988, old but trust worthy.
THE TEAM
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KEITH AT THE HELM AND COLIN
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ROBERT AND JON
 We slipped our berth on the 14th May early on cool morning NE F4. After a course to steer drawn to Shambles East cardinal marker we then crossed the Channel. It was a broad reach initially and the crossing was made in glorious sunshine. The Shipping lanes were crossed uneventfully and it was not long after passing Eastward Shipping Lane that France appeared on the horizon. Unfortunately wind shifted slightly so we were almost in a training run which meant some gybing. As we approached Cherbourg it was apparent the strength of the tides was going to keep us on our toes.
PictureWEST OPENING TO CHERBOUG HARBOUR
It was springs but we managed a reasonable course through the West opening to Cherbourg Harbour. You could see the effects of the tide on nearby buoys near the entrance which was being well tugged. We finally came in to the Marina having run 77 miles. Entering Cherbourg Harbour with the impressive tide pressing against port hand channel marker
Next day our target was Braye, Alderney. The wind was North West F3 and the initial run was good up to the Cap de la Hague. We then had the Alderney Race to cross which we managed, quite a challenge with sea pouring south and it created the most odd wave pattern. We managed to crab slowly over to pick up a North Easterly eddy and past Alderney light house and it was not long after we sighted Braye. We picked up on the spire transit and followed channel in securing ourselves on to the visitors’ moorings and then used the dinghy and outboard to visit Braye. For medicinal purposes, of course, we all stopped for a beer at the local inn.

PictureGERMAN GUN EMPLACEMENT
 Next day Colin and Rob went to visit the German fortifications and came back with fascinating pictures of the preserved and extensive fortifications. There remains the engraving of German soldiers and other untouched artefacts.
Old German gun emplacement on Alderney. Fortunately a howitzer was not present to damage Musketeer GRP nor the good folk on board
The wind swung to NE and the mooring became untenable.
 PictureJERSEY MARINA - TRANQUIL SURROUNDINGS AFTER ARRIVING FROM A "BIT OF A BL0W".
 We agreed to leave for St Helier, Jersey with NE F3 wind and with a fair Spring tidal stream we were recording up to 12 knots over ground. I tossed a fishing spinner over the stern in the vain hope of catching a mackerel or tasty food for supper but it was not to be. As we approached the East Coast of Jersey we passed RNLI life boat which appeared to have fouled fishing gear or the dreaded lobster pot! We passed Corbiere light house at the recommended mile off and then took our transit line into Jersey Marina and approached with plenty of water over the sill. The night involved frequenting a nearby fish and chip shop and then enjoying the local pub “Liberation” beer (which is recommended).
PictureLOW WATER SPRINGS GURNSEY
 The 17thMay involved calculating a course to steer to Peter’s Port, Guernsey. Again we used the tides and NE F4-5 to make close/ beam reach with some of the most thrilling sailing of the trip.With such a pace it took four or so hours to reach Little Russet Channel and pick out the harbour wall. We were unable to get into the marina at the time but came alongside a waiting pontoon. The berth was fine with sufficient water at low water. The town was a delight to visit with a continental flavour to it. Being berthed near the marina entrance we got a first-hand view of the enormous tidal range, up to 11metres, a truly awe inspiring piece of nature.
 
The 18th May was our final day and we used the tides to push us to the Eastern corner of Alderney before making an eventful passage back to Portland Harbour. By the end of the trip we had sailed 247 miles by the log and gained a healthy respect for the powers of nature.
 Overall an adventurous evolution with plenty of practise at pilotage and passage planning and an appreciation of the careful working of the tides, rock avoidance using transits, back bearings and of course GPS.

 My thanks go to my crew and the members of the RNSA such as Simon and John who have given me some sterling advice prior to setting off. Also, for the help from friends who were good crew and company and putting the excellent photos capturing the trip.


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HOME AT LAST . APPROACHING THE DELIGHTFUL DORSET COAST LINE

02nd June 2018 MOONRAKER Two Bays in a Day. Story and photos from Jason Hook. Click on the photos.

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Moonraker out on Bank Holiday Monday 28th May. Nice early morning start to catch the tide left Portland 0545BST heading for Chapmans Pool.. 2kt tide in our favour, wind northerly, forecast 6kts actual gusting upto 15kts then occasionally dropping off to 2kts.. Always great to see the sun rise over Weymouth Bay.
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 Headed out towards the shambles first to benefit from the tide. With Chapmans Pool in view Steve & I sat on the bow with our backs against the mast & had a video call with our Day Skipper Instructor... the joys of autohelm... That was a first, quite relaxing too..

We anchored in Chapmans Pool for breakfast.. attempted to snorkel but just dipping our toes in was enough to tell us the sea water was still far too cold.
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Then around 1400BST we headed to Lulworth again catching the tide. Lulworth was extremely busy with boats anchored everywhere, still we've learnt to motor in, take a look around & find a suitable spot to anchor, remembering that the almanac tells use Lulworth is renowned for anchor slippage... What a delightful Cove. Sadly by 1730BST 3kts of wind & against the tide we motor sailed back to Portland two contented sailors having experienced blue skies all day.. There's something magical about sailing the sea & that wonderful salty air I'm sure you will all agree. Until the next time, Jason Hook & Steve Lowe

18 MAY 2018 MOONRAKER New Technology. Story and photos from Jason Hook. Click on the photos.

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For a couple of years now Steve & I have been itching to get some video footage of us sailing Lady Mona & Moonraker... We decided the way forward would be to buy a drone which maybe after practise we could fly off the stern of the yacht.. Here's the Parrot drone being tested..
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Steve experimented with the drone up & down the canal outside his house then we ventured down to Portland Marina. Here's some photos from above the marina.. all went well, no wet drone so far!!
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The next challenge was to fly Polly the parrot drone as we're sailing along. This required a slight consistent wind & minimal wave height.. On our recent passage coming back from The Isle of White we launched the drone, wind 7kts, we were sailing at around 7kts with the tide had the cruising chute out too.. so ideal, at least that's what we thought.

The drone and Steve were working really hard dealing with the different wind strengths coming from the sails. Steve flew the drone around the yacht then over the mast while videoing the wonderful sail we were experiencing.. Next challenge, landing the drone in the wind while we're travelling at 7kts.. First we tried bringing the drone in on our starboard side, this was tricky with the variety of winds coming from the sails. Steve then tried manoeuvring the drone from the stern to land in the cockpit, this was also proving tricky, then suddenly the drone stopped working & dropped into the English Channel.. Sadly all the video footage that had been recorded was stored on a memory card in the drone which was heading for the sea bed... The following weekend we met up with a friend who owns a motor boat, he offered to video us in the harbour... great result!! Motor boat video sent on separate email due to size... The hunt is now on for the next drone, question is how much do you need to spend in order to battle the elements successfully? Any advice would be appreciated.. Jason Hook & Steve (the drone master) Lowe..

14 MAY 2018 MOONRAKER final leg from Newtown Creek to Portland Starting 6 May 2018. Story and photos from Jason Hook. Click on the photos.

Foreword by Sailing Secretary Christopher Stonehouse: Jason & Steve, Thank you for a good story and excellent photos.  I wish you luck with your next phase. Keep me posted.
Chris Stonehouse
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We set sail at 0430BST on Sunday 6th May leaving Newtown Creek just before sunrise on a high tide with just enough light to manoeuvre around all the anchored yachts.
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Steve & I decided that the wind was consistent & strong enough to hoist the cruising chute as we headed towards Anvil Head.
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Our passage plan was to catch a favourable tide past Hurst Point & beyond The Needles. The wind was forecast North Easterly 7kt gusting to 8kt which will be ideal as we aim to sail all the way back to Portland to conserve fuel, maybe even raise our cruising chute if the wind stays consistent. Once out into the Solent the wind picked up as forecast, as you know this doesn't always happen but boy when it does it sure feels great!!!! Passing the Needles the wind picked up a little more the sun was on our backs & with the 3knt tide in our favour this made for a great sail.
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We were travelling at 8kts SOG with a 7.5kt NE wind with the tide & the sun still on our backs, we agreed this was our best sail ever.. we passed St Albans Ledge & Anvil Head approaching slack tide & by 0830BST we were anchored in Chapmans Pool with breakfast cooking.
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After breakfast had gone down followed by a light sleep in the morning sun I decided to get my wetsuit on & go snorkelling & yes that waters chilly in May.. It was a great opportunity to see why the forward scan alarm kept gong off, there were patches of concrete heaped up on the sea bed leaving only 8ft of water in places. I was able to guide Steve who was still on board to wind in some anchor chain & move the yacht away from this concrete, I was also able to check where the anchor & chain lay. Another benefit of getting under the water surface was to be able to still see mud on the keel & rudder from our experience the night before in the creek, there were muddy streaks along both about 10inches from the bottom. We set sail once again leaving Chapmans Pool heading over Lulworth Banks with the tide & as the forecast predicted the wind ceased. With low fuel reserves we chose to hove to, which allowed us to slowly drift towards Portland with the 1kt tide & get the fishing rods out. We were in no hurry as we often sail back to Portland in the dark.
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Steve caught a pollock for tea.
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Once across Lulworth Banks we motor sailed back to Portland as the sun set over Weymouth.

13 MAY 2018 MOONRAKER RETURNING FROM GOSPORT Starting 4 May 2018. Story and photos from Jason Hook. Click on the photos.

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We arrived by car in Gosport on Friday 4th May..
Next challenge, how to get the car to Portland..
Saturday 5th, Steve left for Portland by car 0900BST. Arrived Portland 1045BST taxi to Weymouth train station (£11 fare) another option could have been the Portland to Weymouth ferry. Train to Portsmouth via Southampton (£32.60) which leaves every hour & twenty past the hour arrived Portsmouth 1330BST, passenger ferry to Gosport (£1).
We then prepared the yacht ready for an evening sail across to Newtown Creek, via Cowes to top up our fuel incase we need to motor sail on Sunday/Monday to Portland, currently the forecast looks in our favour.
Departed Saturday 5th 1730BST for Cowes.
Farewell Haslar Marina.
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Worth noting if you visit Haslar try to berth away from the entrance where the green lightship is located as the pilot turns near to the entrance all night making for a restless night & the pontoons are very narrow & quite unstable, (for future reference we were on H52).
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After spending a lot of our time sailing around Portland we are always amazed at how busy the Solent is, never a dull moment there..
Saturday evening sail to Cowes, tide just turning in our favour, southerly wind 7knts. Motor sailed to just beyond the Fort. We then tacked for a sail towards Cowes. Absolutely delightful sail. Arrived Cowes only to find all fuel berths were closed (all open from 0900 to 1730) its funny how we expect 24hr service just like our motorway services.  Equally it's nice that we don't while on the water..
Slight concern now, we have just under half a tank of fuel for our return trip.. we decided we will cut the engine to conserve fuel where ever possible to remain safe..
Farewell Cowes & all your ferrys..
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Back into the Solent ready for an evening sail to Newtown Creek where we intend arriving 2100BST just before dark, we will also arrive at low tide so care will need to be taken while motor sailing up into the Creek, fortunately we're close to neaps tide & Moonraker has a 1.4m draught thanks to her fin keel..
Tide is now 2knts heading west in our favour, wind still southerly 7knts. 
Engine off to conserve fuel & no rush, although the Solent is a very busy waterway it's wonderful to sail in the late evening & we often have the Solent to ourselves as most pleasure craft have long gone in, we tacked a number of times avoiding much larger ferries 
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& just as the sunset we arrived at the entrance of Newtown Creek.
It was full of anchored yachts (no surprise as the weather was fantastic over this Bank holiday weekend) this made our passage quite challenging at low water, great opportunity to test Moonraker latest addition, forward scan.
Here we were meeting our friends who were also our Day Skipper instructor from last year. They had motor sailed in at high tide & were right up in the creek at the far end where it was very shallow, I'm sure he did this just to test our nerve in shallow water.. oh well, here goes, we chose to motor sail & weave our way slowly & carefully through the centre channel of the anchored yachts. This proved effective until we slowly stopped & ploughed into the silt only to be told by the crew on the boat next to us they were also stuck & high tide was still 3hrs away.. we contacted our friends who advised us to reverse hard & continue up the creek keeping to the north channel. We did as advised & continued up the creek at the amazement of on lookers who were enjoying the entertainment we were giving. Arrived next to our friends where we rafted upto their boat for an amazing peaceful nights sleep.

To be continued..Jason Hook & Steve Lowe.

26 APRIL 2018 MOONRAKER OUT AGAIN bound for Gosport. Left Portland Friday 20th April at 2200 hrs for a night sail to Swanage. Photos and Story from Jason Hook. Any fish about Steve. Click on the photos.

Left Portland Friday 20th 2200 for a night sail to Swanage..
Arrived Swanage 0300 hours.. picked up a bouy for overnight stay in the bay near pier. Saturday 0900 headed for Beaulieu River.
Fantastic sail up into the Solent tacking to our hearts content with 3knt tide & 15knt wind all in our favour.. eta with the tide 1555 high tide at Butlers Hard for an overnight stay. Sunday morning ready for Boat Jumble at Beaulieu.. Steve & I bought a life boat & cradle, 4 snuffers & loads of other stuff.... great day,
Sunday 2000 set sail for Haslar Marina, Gosport... after a tranquil moonlit cruise down the river we then experienced the Solents cruel wind over tide which felt like a caldron... here's Steve dressed accordingly.
14 APRIL 2018 RAW PHOTOS FROM WPCA FITTING OUT  SUPPER AT WEYMOUTH GOLF CLUB
 14 APRIL 2018. AN EARLY EDDY RUN BY JASON HOOK.
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 Moonraker has been up early and has rode the infamous Eddy. Well done to  Steve Lowe and Jason Hook.  It would appear that they also splashed about in the Portland Race. Keep those pictures coming.

Click on Image.
 25 MARCH 2018. SOME WINTER PHOTOS IN MARCH 2018. CLICK ON THE PHOTOS. BRENDAN MOORE.

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2017

09 December 2017: On a recent trip to Japan our Central Web Master Mr Ian Bowker has manage to secure some marina berths at very reasonable rates

2017

Southampton Boat Show trip 16/09/2017 Video from Steve Lowe, Jason Hook and Szymon Dworski

A Viking LongShip at Caretan Normandy France. Showing how it is constructed. Brendan Moore

Crew of Antaris Regal by John Hasker.
Jason Hook and Steve Lowe Photos.
Steve Lowe and Jason Hook bringing Home new yacht MOONRAKER
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​Here's a photo of Moonraker, she's a Legend 336, now safely moored at Portland.

What a wonderful yacht to sail, she has self tailing winches, one electric winch make raising the main sail a pleasure. Autohelm with a wheel,   Fantastic size cockpit, all control comes back to the cockpit. Windlass anchor winch.. & stern rail seats.. For the ladies there's heating & hot water!!!  The space internally is very roomy & bright.. So far we love her to bits!!!  Photo and text Jason Hook.
Karuna  Click on Photo
Laykin Summer Cruise 2017 captures Micky Mouse coming into Portland.  Any other photos will be added.
The cruise ship Disney Magic on her way to Portland, seen as we were clearing The Shambles for Cherbourg. Must have known there was an empty mooring!
                                      Stuart and Pam
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Doug Odgers snaps Heatwave at Mupe 13/5/2o17. "Our Leader at Mupe"Click on Photo
Card from Richard Stevens: "Some of us get about."Click on Photo
Thank you Richard. Have a nice time. Need proper pics if you want a bottle and that depends on whether we get our Cruising Budget. Another Story! I am glad Ben is enjoying his Promenades de chien.
Douarnenez, (Breton: douar (land) an enez (the island) or land of the island), is a commune in the Finistère department of Brittany in north-western France.
It is located at the mouth of the Pouldavid River, an estuary on the southern shore of Douarnenez Bay in the Atlantic Ocean, 25 kilometres (16 mi) north-west of Quimper.

Steve Lowe and Jason Hook Cherbourg video

Steve and Jason in Lulworth again in June.

 A brace of whales and gales.  Portland to Kyle & back.  Fusion III - May/Jun 2017 by Leigh Merrick Click on Photos. Full report available end of October.