A loud splash, followed by an ululating howl, brings me on deck . Seal pups are at play, on the point.
Stargazer is anchored, deep into the Clamerkin Lake arm, of Newtown Creek, on the Isle of Wight.
The parents have hauled out, keeping a watchful eye on their offspring, from the shore. The pups throw back their heads and sing their ethereal song. Before plunging, once more, into the water, for a morning dip.
On the opposite bank, a troop, of Canada Geese, meanders through the shallows, of the long shingle spit, which separates us from the the western Solent.
Yesterday, Stargazer beat out over the Chichester Bar, under full sail, in sixteen knots apparent. The breeze so warm, that I was in shorts and a polo shirt, even upwind.
We ride the westbound tide, past Portsmouth's harbour entrance. Guarded by the Horse Sand Fort, marked by the Spinnaker Tower.
Three or four tacks, carry us to the Royal Yacht Squadron start line, off Cowes. The breeze is funneling between the Isle of Wight and the New Forest shores. Up to twenty two knots apparent now. I tuck two reefs into the main.
The tide is running hard. Stargazer is making between seven and eight knots, as we make one last tack. Sweeping, through the gap in the spit, into the serene calm of Newtown Creek.
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