It would be rather unjust to describe last month's weather as disappointing, since it did offer up a rather fine storm. However, little sailing could be managed throughout October, so it is good to be back on the water seizing the opportunity presented by high pressure on this cold November day. Any opportunity with the boat at this time in the year can only be viewed as sailing gained!
Cockpit view
The mizzen boom still makes use of my 'jury rig' - ever since the damage incurred from unknown passing traffic on the mooring at Pin Mill.
No engines permitted on Rutland Water. If the wind drops, oars must be deployed.
Sailing without an engine is a liberating experience and I've only ever once needed to resort to rowing on Rutland Water - and that was for the final few hundred yards. Today, Daisy II sailed beautifully throughout the day.
Sunset at 2pm?
Winds were pleasantly F3 NW but, as with most of my previous sailing on Rutland, which only ever takes place at the beginning and end of a season, it was cold. As I drove in, the car registered 4 degrees, enough for its usual ice warning. I was on the water by 12.15 and sailed non-stop through to 3.30pm by which time the Watersports Centre at Whitwell require all boats to return.
In the latter stages of the sail, before returning to Whitwell Creek, I managed a top speed of 6.1 knots.
Poor attempt at a panoramic view...
10.4nm, season's total 654.5nm
I think I'll keep the rigging on the boat just in case another winter opportunity arises!
This is a log of sailing activities aboard Daisy II, a 22ft Drascombe Coaster No.280. Formerly named Aquarius, she was built in July 1997 by Honnor Marine(UK) Ltd of Totnes, Devon. The original Daisy, a Devon Lugger, was purchased in 2005 following an unexpectedly early opportunity to realise a mid-life crisis! Daisy II, with cabin, afforded more scope for overnight stops, and was purchased at the end of 2006.
For several seasons she was moored at Pin Mill on the River Orwell, Suffolk. More recently, the trailer sailing option, utilising a versatile ‘roller coaster’ road trailer, has extended the sailing range. Over the years, we have sailed from various locations off the south coast from Cornwall to Hampshire, a number of inland reservoirs and the Norfolk Broads. However, her key stamping ground is the east coast, usually based around the Harwich area and reaching destinations ranging from North Kent up to Southwold, whilst also launching on the North Norfolk coast at Wells next the Sea. Most recently, a trip from Harwich to Whitby has served only further to whet the appetite: perhaps, one day, Daisy II might complete her journey, in small stages of course, around the UK!
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