Biggars and Boats: 2017

Jim planning breakfast

Two drivers

Whats this bit for?

The important person on the cruise The Skipper, was too busy, falling down a hole, to be photographed.

However let the saga begin.

Thursday 21st Sept 2017 Hamble Point Marina

The crew, after passing their wills to their soliciter's, Googling the nearest Hospitals to Cowes and leaving instructions on how to use the lawn mower for their wives, assembled at Hamble Point Marina or to be more precise, The Ketch Rigger Pub. A small libation and a nibble was in order as the boat would not be ready until 1600.
Our original choice of boat was "Viola" a 36' Gibsea, however her rudder had fallen off! So we were now allocated "Gull" a 42' Beneteau. She seemed very big and the skipper was thankful when he noted that she was fitted with bow thrusters. With the spoon counting finally over and the light fading it was decided that Cowes was the right option for her maiden voyage.
The Cowes Yacht Haven was full and we were at bottom of spring tides. Tried to raft on outside berth but it was very lumpy, then were waved off from another boat and told we might sneak into the Marina. With the depth alarm at full scream we managed to secure a inside berth.

Then the shit hit the fan! Clearing topside of winch handles the skipper elected to descend the companion way in a novel manner. Opting not to use the steps he fell badly on his side and jarred his back. When the screaming stopped, Grahams screaming that is, not the skipper, who had thoughtlessly knocked a fresh cup of tea from Grahams hand as he watched from the bottom of the steps as his skipper hurtled pass!

The shock of loosing their skipper obviously affected the crew badly and it was decided that a stiff drink was required. So leaving him writhing on the cabin sole they went for a pint. Actually they did bring him a bag of chips on their return.

Friday 22nd Sept. 2017 Cowes Yacht Haven

Magnificent breakfast by "Cholesterol Jim" you could feel your arteries hardening just by looking at the pan.

lashing the skipper to the mast after letting him get the boat out of a difficult berth. They sailed east to Portsmouth. Weather was warm and there was a light wind from the west.
The skipper lost his Tiley over board and it was retrieved. Then "Two no trumps Bartlett" contrived to loose his overboard, which was not retrieved. He did it again, but this was ignored as we thought he was attention seeking.

Motored warily up to look at the QE 2 the new plane less aircraft carrier. A couple of patrol boats had a look at us and decided that we would not be capable of blowing up a balloon, never mind an aircraft carrier.

Grabbed a mooring in Halsar Marina then went to office to tell them what we had done. Good job as this vast Marina filled very rapidly.

Plane Less

Lunch in the Halsar Marina Lighthouse "Mary Mouse Two"

Pain Killers

Then "Cholesterol Jim" "Two no trumps" " Hop along Burkill" and "Usain Postel" went on a marathon walk seeking someone who could repair "Two no Trumps" phone. They walked miles, much to the delight of the skipper who languished on his bunk eating turkish delight. Or it might have been a Twirly Whirly.

We were promised for supper by a young maid who attended our needs at noon, that they were serving steak and kidney pie in suet. This was opted for by all except the skipper who selected the moules. Conscious of the fact, that getting to the lavatory and accomplishing its rewards was proving to be very painful in the dark.

Proper sailing victuals

Steak & Kidney Pud

Usain getting his money's worth.

Delicious bacon leek and wine sauce
with the moules

The bill

Saturday 23rd September 2017 Halsar Marina

The crew unanimously decided that the skipper should get some proper attention and a return to The Hamble was agreed.

Jim, determined to stop all movement of blood through our arteries, prepared yet another fine repast. I think we are carrying enough fat inside of us to fuel Harry Ramsdens for a month.