Five inexperienced crew members join stormy yachting weekend
Five crew members, with little or no experience on large yachts, joined Mr and Mrs Poole on an interesting sailing trip last weekend.
On Saturday, with a slight breeze and plenty of drizzle, it was fortunate that the tide was going with the yacht, sailing west from the Hamble, Southampton toward Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. Mr Poole taught the crew six different knots and there was a competition to see who could tie them correctly. All students had the opportunity to helm, pull sheets or halyards and trim sails. On the way, there was a stop off at Newtown Creek for lunch; a stunning area of outstanding natural beauty and a bird sanctuary. Later, the crew set sail again but as the wind died they motored off towards the west end of the island to view Hurst Castle and the Needles before finishing up for the day in Yarmouth Harbour. The evening was spent playing card games, going for a walk and eating Mrs P’s delicious Spaghetti Bolognese supper!
The crew were up at 6am the next day to prepare for the return journey to Hamble before a storm came through. Breakfast was had at 9am outside the River Hamble before a short sail, and as the wind gathered strength, the sails were quickly dropped before it became too dangerous. The crew were very happy to return to the safety of the Hamble before 40-knot winds came through; the day finished with a walk around Hamble Village.
“The fact that the student crew had at the very best, minimal experience, added to the excitement!” Simon Poole, Master-in-charge of Sailing.