Rival Mischief’s first big trip was down to the Scilly Isles during the last week of July, first week of August, 2007.

 

High hopes for two weeks of glorious sailing were very quickly dashed after the first leg from Gosport to Yarmouth. An easy days run after a late start, we were on holiday after all, saw us beating into increasing winds pushing into the upper reaches of F5 with wet stuff both from the bow and sky but Mischief was well into her stride giving us all a big grin. Entering into Yarmouth harbour it soon became plain that many sailors had decided to call it a day early and it was crowded. Already rafting three out and with the memory of being damaged in a previous crowded visit some years before we decided that the swinging moorings outside looked a better bet. There was a bit of a rock and roll but a bit more Beatles than Led Zeppelin so we were comfortable.

 

As the early evening arrived we did begin to question what was happening with the weather as we became the only boat left on the moorings. Was there an uncomfortable night on its way, did other know something we didn’t? Too late to worry so on with dinner and a movie via the newly acquired portable DVD player. As the evening wore on more boats did in fact join us and the weather did not really change much.

 

A bright start the next day gave us hope for a continuation of the splendid sailing we experienced the previous day. Wind speed also gave us hope just it was coming from the direction we were travelling in, West. By the time we slipped past the Needles hopes of a good days sail to Weymouth faded with the wind. Down to F2 and defiantly not in Mischief’s comfort zone if you’re looking to make some headway. So it was on with the engine, something that was to be come a familiar pattern as the trip moved on.

 

To be continued……………….