Stargazer catches the first of the northbound tide in the Little Russel channel.
We're soon gulped down thirstily by the Alderney Race.
The Quenard light gives us a familiar wink, over Alderney's shoulder as we surge past - reaching under main and jib in a force 4.
Out in the shipping lanes of the Channel the breeze settles into the west and builds steadily from 4 to 5.....
...and on to 6. I take a reef. Suddenly there's a splash and a breathy snort - a large dolphin (probably 5m - about as big as Funghi, over in Dingle) skims up level with the cockpit and holds station; makes eye contact, then blazes off in an arc astern, dives beneath us once, and vanishes; leaving an empty sea and a lingering sense of wonder.
Ahead the evening sun glints off the chalk of Old Harry to port and the Needles to starboard.Stargazer romps into Studland Bay and drops anchor. The wind roar and the rush of water quiets. Up on Ballard Down a lamb bleats.
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Location:United Kingdom
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