21st April 2009

Departed Poole Harbour 10:00 hrs. In a light NW wind. Weather fine and sea slight. HW Portsmouth 15:10. The tide favoured a trip to the West.

Gentle sail past Studland Bay, Old Harry and Swanage Bay. At Durleston the wind strengthened to F3 backing E. After making a couple of tacks arrived at St Alban’s Head. Advised Lulworth Range Control on Ch8 that we intended to lunch at Chapman’s Pool which is just outside the range.

12:00 arrived and dropped anchor at Chapman’s Pool. One other yacht was anchored up. Very peaceful. Ate a leisurely lunch washed down with a fine ale!.

13:00 weighed anchor. The wind had dropped and the tide was still flowing west. Motored back to Poole hugging the 10m contour to avoid the worst of the tide. The tide turned as we passed Anvil Point.

15:00 We passed Old Harry. The wind picked up from the NW. A small coaster and the Barfleur ferry departed Poole Harbour following which we raised the sails and enjoyed a sail back to the buoy.

16:00 took the club launch ashore. All in all a very pleasant day out.