Graham Little, Commodore of the Offshore Cruising Club, and Bob Hazell, past Commodore and skipper, were delighted to welcome the RSYC Commodore and his wife, Colin and Julia Lewis, together with 10 members of the RSYC, for a day’s sailing on Overlord, departing from Haslar Marina.
The day dawned sunny, soon to give way to cloud and rain as our guests arrived. The forecast was for a Southerly 5 to 6, veering South Westerly and decreasing 3 to 4.
Consequently after a short summary of Overlord’s history and full safety briefing, we cast off. But with the prevailing wind, Overlord decided she would not go astern in a straight line (her propeller is offset and exits through the side of the port hull).
A quick demonstration of classic yacht handling was called for. This involved turning her in her own length, with the wind threatening to take over and drive Overlord onto the boats at the end of the pontoon channel! With a few feet to spare, the 180 degree turn was completed, and much to everyone’s surprise, apart from the skipper’s, a safe exit was achieved!
We hoisted the main in the harbour, and the genoa once under way. Colin Lewis took the helm as we set off for the small ships’ channel on our way to Chichester. A perfect passage was made. The sailing plan was for off-the-wind sailing (8.5 knots average) on the way there, and a fair tide. By the time we had had lunch, the wind would have decreased as per Met Office forecast, and we would have a gentle sail home, with another fair tide!
All those who wanted to helm had a spell on the tiller that steers the 58 ft yacht. Having sailed into Chichester Harbour we handed the sails and motored to Itchenor, where we picked up a buoy. Lunch was enjoyed in sunshine, but some of the shine was removed by John Strudwick studying the reports from the Chimet weather station, and sharing his newly acquired knowledge that the wind had increased to SW F6 gusting F7! So much for the forecast.
So we set off homeward with two reefs in the main and the No. 1 Jib for a choppy sail back to Haslar, with the starboard gunwhale submerged most of the way, and occasional spray catching those who were unable to tuck themselves away under the spray hood.
With a short tack to take us safely round Horse Sand Fort, we were then able to ease sheets and race for home, with Colin taking the helm to get us quickly back to warm baths to drive the cold from some chilled limbs.
The Offshore Cruising Club is very grateful to Colin Lewis and Maggie Puleston for making the arrangements on behalf of the RSYC.
Bob Hazell
