Dandelion 126

 

Crabbing is in full swing, on the Hamble quayside, by the time that Stargazer slips her lines. We have waited, until mid morning, for the tide to turn in our favour, and for the lightest of sea breezes to fill in.

We thread our way through the maze of pontoons and finger berths, which fill the river. Dodging the bright pink Warsash ferry, as we go.

The Southampton ebb carries Stargazer into a glassy Solent. Where we hug the shallows, to cheat the last of the west bound tide. Inching our way east. Making two to three knots over the ground.

Eventually, we bring Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower abeam. The slow motion tranquility, of our passage, momentarily shattered by, fast moving, big city bustle. As powerboats take to the waveless waters, for a Friday afternoon spin.

And the Isle of Wight hover service, erupts from a skyline of tower blocks, to thunder by astern.

Peace is restored, once Stargazer rounds Horse Sand Fort. The tide now firmly in her favour. Its thrust increasing our apparent wind to a heady (by the lowly standards of the day) eight knots.

Although it is near to local low water, today's tide is a neap. Leaving sufficient depth, for Stargazer to take the rhumb line route, directly along Hayling Island's southern shore.

We arrive, at the West Pole beacon, as the Chichester flood begins.

Sweeping Stargazer through the harbour entrance, as it gathers pace.