Bridport to Lymington

© 2008 - Miss Moneypenny J and K All rights reserved.

After the horrors of last night it was obvious that we couldn't stay in Bridport for another night. There were still no marina managers or anyone who might be able to help us, so the only option was to leave. Jay managed to cancel his work commitments and sailed her out of Bridport at 0700.
This meant that he would have to do Portland Bill all by himself, but anything was better then being on the rocks for another night!

We had been told by the locals that the quickest and easiest way to pass Portland Bill was go close enough so that you could throw a pebble onto the shore. If you were too far out you'd enter all the turbulent water at the end of the Bill (obviously, too close and you'd run aground!) Only problem is, nearly every boat which wanted to pass the Bill was using this route, going both ways. There were two lines of boats and they passed close enough to see each other's freckles! An interesting time- much holding of breath. But the speed generated by the tide was incredible- up to 10.8 knots over the ground!

He cleared the Bill and got most of the way towards the Solent when.... the alternator belt snapped! If you can imagine how frustrated I am having to type 'alternator' so often on this website, you can gauge a little of our frustration at the object itself!
It took him nearly an hour to fix- again with his head in the engine bay and hoping no big ships came by- which was a little more worrying this time as the Solent has very little room and all vessels are generally within a short distance of each other!

Anyway, he made quick repairs and got her slowly on her way again. He turned into Lymington entrance, after having to move aside for the ferries to come in and out. He followed one in.... and ran aground.

He was in the middle of the main channel. Ferries came in and out all day long. And yet we had managed to hit bottom. This was not good, especially as a quick glance at the chart showed the tide was still falling. Kat had come down to meet him and could see him in the channel, not moving. Very frustrating.
Eventually, a rib came past and offered his assistance. Jay told him many times that we are a heavy boat and he should tie the rope to a cleat. However, the guy tied it to his pushpit and insisted it would be strong enough.
He gunned the engine, took up the strain, and bent his pushpit almost out of shape! Oops. He looked shocked, let go of the rope and shot off. Luckily, he'd done enough to get Money loose, so Jay slowly bought her into her berth at Lymington marina. Another eventful day!