End of the summer

Another lovely weekend and I came down for half of it. Followed a Drascombe Coaster ("Nonsuch") being trailed from Shaftesbury to Poole. Then when I was anchored for the night off Shipstal point, she glided in to spend the night just a few yards away. Very peaceful night and not many boats out.. I think most treated last weekend and the end of season.

Strong winds and I sailed a lot with a double reef in the main, which is unusual. Worked very well. I used to have trouble tacking with a double reef, but didn't this time, so I may be learning how to handle it better. The winch is still proving itself invaluable. As the wind dropped I successively cranked out each reef, just tightening the topping lift, releasing the reefing lines and then cranking up the main. No need to turn into wind and the sail never fluttered. All of 30 second to complete.

Still warm enough to swim, so I was in several times. Beautiful clear views of the Isle of Wight, which has been hidden in haze for most of the year. I am away for a couple of weeks now, so the next trip down may well be to bring her home for the winter.