Sundowner II log – 2004

Friday 12th March 2004
Finished work 2 weeks ago today. First week spent drinking and saying goodbye. Second week getting ready to head north to Thornham Marina at the end of Chichester Harbour, via Alderney and Isle of Wight. After a week of North East winds – still here, still saying goodbye! Wind moved south yesterday – force 8. A French fishing boat with 4 crew was lost off Jersey yesterday afternoon. We are staying here. Looks like mid next week.

Tuesday 16th March 2004
When we left Weymouth we vowed we would never sail with a hangover, but the Ginger Tosser of Beaucette came on board last night so now we have major hangovers. Waiting for the tide. Left Beaucette in the afternoon and an early night in Braye Harbour, Alderney.

Wednesday 17th March 2004
Made a run for U.K. but coastal fog reached into the shipping lanes so returned to Braye Harbour. St Patricks day and cheap Guinness.

Sunday 21st March 2004
We have been storm bound in Braye harbour since Wednesday.(We forgot about the Equinox gales!) Omelette no eggs! Learning a lot about alternators and deep cycle batteries and today charging at 14 volts and radar working.

Monday 22nd March
Shore run as wind has eased a bit. No showers - just Guinness! Wind returned late afternoon - too strong to row back. Our weekly budget spent on a night in hotel. Nice shower though!

Tuesday 23rd March
Back on board - omlette 4 eggs!

Thursday 25th March
Left at 6.30, calm, wind on nose - motored all the way to Weymouth. Dolphins like Bowie - we had six including baby swimming with us for about 20 minutes. Town bridge at 20.00 then to Sailors Return and Scoffers. Will be in Weymouth until 13th April when we will head for Thornham Marina.

Thursday 29th April
Finally got internet access again. Boat is now out of the water, work going well. We left Weymouth on 13th April and spent a couple of days in the mud at Mudeford Quay near Christchurch. Had an excellent run to Chichester Harbour - we spent 2 nights at Chichester Marina before moving to Thornham Marina, Emsworth. Hope to be back in the water next Friday. Will post more details when we get chance.