29th December: Slept on board overnight, motored down River Itchen in the cold and dark, picked up a mooring at Weston Shelf and had breakfast while it got light. For once the current and wind allowed me to raise the main from the cockpit. While congratulating myself, allowed Seatern to go aground. Ended up in less than 0.5m and had to steer Seatern off using the mizzen! Now running towards Hamble Spit, switched on ballast pump which blew a fuse - I guess water in the pump had frozen. This also stopped the Tiller Pilot working. The string and pulley on the Tiller Tamer were already disconnected (having frozen during the night). Threatened with actually having to steer, I hove to and fixed the electrics. At Hamble Spit decided to take advantage of the lack of the normal traffic jams and motored up the River Hamble. A storm cone flying over the Harbour Master’s office turned out to be a Christmas Tree. Hadn’t realised just what a huge parking lot for boats the Hamble has become... but only 4 boats actually moving (Seatern being one). Nowhere to moor (without being charged) or anchor (without being prosecuted). Back outside the river anchored for lunch and then motored home because I didn’t fancy beating up Southampton Water in the cold. Glad to get back to the friendly River Itchen. Last sail of the year (well, I did sail a bit of the way!).
Happy New Year everyone, lets hope it soon gets warmer!
Peter
