Episode 7 Portsmouth

Well after plenty of walking in Brighton we were underway 0945 to Portsmouth having waited for the tide to get out of the harbour. Very comfortable hour to be getting underway.  We had a lovely motor sail to Portsmouth, the wind was light and I was able to do some sewing under way. As the Isle of White came into view the wind filled in and we flew the last 5-8 miles in 20 knots. Entering the harbour we had wind against tide and sloppy conditions. We figured we would drop the main in the harbour as well there was room and it was just too lumpy and breezy. Sheeted in tight and gybed twice, not so great but managed. We tried to go to the Hornet Sailing Club that Steve from MYC recommended. Oh man the wind was strong and Kalinka 1 is not good in reverse. We got broad side to the wind and had a hairy time so  out and up to Gosport Harbour that we knew and had the hammer heads clear. We were assigned a dock but got blown onto the hammer head. Bye this stage the wind was very gusty and strong. A front was passing and coming fast.  

Entering Portsmouth, wind up our skirt.   

The front bought a solid down pour and odd lightening later that evening that was high in the atmosphere above the clouds. Beautiful in an awesome way and photos just do not work some times. Well after the rain we got the photo below of the Royal Navy Fuel vessel.

The lightening that evening was flashing away to the point that it distracted me from reading and I got Noel up to see it. Fascinating show and glad we were not the tallest mast about.

Power issues seem to hunt us and so the harbour master joined us for a cup of coffee and we got that sorted. 

Had gone for a bit of a shop earlier and we went to the electronics outfit and Noel was able to confirm that simple VHF radio coax cable would be fine to re attach the ham radio antenna to the back stay. When we change the rig the previous connection from the antenna tuner would no longer reach so added section had to be sorted. 

The harbour master also sent by the rigger about the anchor windlass. Well he was not sure but his pal would come by and let us know. Well within about 2 seconds with a wire he told us the three phase electric motor was shot so either keep messing with the old one or get on with your trip and replace it. Noel got on line and found a remove and replace edition up stream in Port Solent. We could get there by boat so we did. 

Air craft carrier

Heading up stream avoiding the shallows

Shared mooring buoy's

Some fast shopping

Thankful to used the wagon

What we purchased....ouch!

Had to get rid of the box it was too much on the boat. We wanted to get under way and heading with the tide to Lymington. Join us next in Lymington.