August 25th: Return Trip to Holbrook Bay

22.1nm; Season's total: 477.8nm

Winds NE F4.  I sailed with reefed main, full jib and mizzen.  Most boats had a reef tucked in today, and there were some stronger gusts, fortunately not too sudden, which made for a great day's sail.  Apart from motor sailing each way along the SE-NW stretch of the Orwell, the engine remained silent today.  I was able to enjoy the last couple of hours of the flood up the Stour to Holbrook Bay, followed by the early ebb on the return.
Splendid sailing weather!
I've brought home the sprayhood for some necessary repairs, from where the gaff halliard and main downhaul run through.  Hopefully, some needle and thread will repair this, although a new sprayhood is creeping ever closer to the top of the wish list...  In the mean time, and to prevent further damage, I'm experimenting with a couple of pieces of old hosepipe to act as conduits for these ropes.  They seem to have worked today - will photograph next time.
Things are also shaping up well for a four day cruise to the Blackwater estuary, beginning this Wednesday.