www.Lets-go-Sailing.co.uk
Lady H blogs
January 2011
The year started quietly with our good friends Simon and Perrine on board, then we were joined on the 1st
by Alex and Lucy - and what interesting company they turned out to be. They were both new to sailing so
Simon and I kept them scared with exagerated tales of daring-do at sea. But we obviously didn't frighten
them too much as they both became pretty proficient crew quickly. I can't remember what the weather was
like but I am sure we had winds on some days although probably in the wrong direction.
First stop was La Maddalena then Santa Teresa, then across the straits to Bonifacio where we dropped off Simon and Perrine who both had to get back to work. Well someone has to keep the world turning whilst us sailors sail.
The return was via La Maddalena and Porto Rotundo. 126 miles in the week. Alex and Lucy are both
professional musicians and while they were on board we talked of their return in the summer with a
quartet or quintet to do some summer busking/concerts. If you go to www.souzawinds.com and click on
'media' you can even have a preview!
8th January 2011.
I had often thought, 'if there is one person to help me find my sea legs, it would be Jack Sparrow', and my dream came true.
Speaking on behalf of both of us, there was a lot of apprehension before we boarded the Lady H, having only experienced 'sailing' on a ferry from Dover to Calais. There was no need for nervousness as it turned out. Seven days sailing and living on board was not nearly enough and our time just flew by. What a way to start 2011. It is safe to say we are hooked and will definitely be returning with some musician friends for the summer seaspn! (Hopefully to make some pennies!)
Can't wait to return to the cosy forward cabin, the home cooked meals, the litre cartons of red wine, the sun, sea, sand and sausages. No topic was taboo, from the deepest philosophy to the least bad musicals. Our tastes often overlapped and where they didn't you've opened our eyes to some of your passions. I hope we've shared some of ours with you as well.
Thanks to Jack for constant love and affection in return for crumbs and secret snacks. Thanks also to Simon and Perrine who helped our initial baby sailing steps. It's wopnderful to meet such like minded people so unexpectedly.
Last but by no means least, thank you, Tim, for your knowledge, patience and showing us a wonderful week in a beautiful part of the world. You're a firm friend and a fantastic skipper - a pleasure to crew for. ------- Lucy and Alex.
After a week's down time, Jack and I were joined by Stephen who was more great company. He is studying for his Day Skipper and wanted some sailing to put some of the theory into practice.
The week started with barely any wind and ended with strong winds and torrential rain. The last few miles across Olbia bay on the last day, when the islands disappeared behind rain clouds and the lightning and thunder flashed and crashed around us is something that neither of us will forget! We also had three occasions during the week when the wind changed through 180 degrees in almost a matter of minutes.
On our sail back from Corsica we did a night passage to La Maddalena which gave Stephen a chance to see the difficulties of night navigation. He certainly learnt a lot during his time on board, and it is nice to sail with someone who is so keen that they absorb information as a sponge absorbs water.
And now Jack and I have a few day's downtime but as it has turned a little cold and wet I think we just might hibernate. Next crew arrives on the 29th but you will have to wait until the February blog to read about them.
23rd January
Well, what can I say?
This was an amazing trip. I learned so much and the company was brilliant. It is a fantastic area to sail and Tim is such a tolerant and realistic skipper. A real philosopher and an appreciator of music with quite an interesting film collection. But most of all - a great sailor. ---- Stephen