Ahoy, me hearties

Finished work at the end of August to have a leisurely September before heading off into the sun. Yeah right! Very busy few weeks dashing here there and everywhere to see people, do stuff and learn a bit too. Finally get to my last weekend and off to Ipswich to go sailing for a few days.

Big blue thing with sails

Met up with the rest of the crew and boarded our new home - Ocean Scout - a 15m long blue thing with sails. Bit rusty on the knots but I do at least know the pointy end (bow) from the blunt end (stern)! Bunks allocated and off we go down the river to Harwich, navigating by the red and green lights along the river. Fortunately, this gets us safe to harbour and more importantly, the pub. 13 of us pile in and feel an awful lot better for a swift one (or two). Back to the boat for a late dinner and the anticipation of a good days sailing on Saturday.

Enjoying the waves

Fabulous start to the day, porridge and a fry up, and the weather was pretty spectacular too. Blue skies and sun. Perfect. Sea was a bit lumpy as a result which gave us an Alton Towers style ride - just fantastic as far as I was concerned! Except for the wet feet - that'll teach me not to wear wellies. After a great tour of a bit of sea off Harwich (can you tell I wasn't navigating?) we moored up at Walton on the Naze for the evening. Hot shower followed by (yes, you've guessed it) the pub. Best fish and chips I've had in ages and after a wee dram on board, a good nights sleep.

Sunday was another glorious day - sunny but not quite so windy. We headed back out to sea and I even got to helm. Managed the straight line bit and then got to have fun with some tacking. Most of us had a go and it felt really good. We went up a river (still not navigating and haven't got a map so can't tell you which one) to have a calm lunch before going back to Ipswich - feeling quite exhilarated from the fresh sea air.

Helming - what rock?

Pack up the boat, pack up the rucksack and head off home.

Have now managed to unpack the rucksack - but not quite got it packed again for the flight tomorrow. Something tells me it's time to get on with it! So I will!

Watch out world - here I come!!!

Morning briefing