Wednesday 04/05/11

Up at three and fell about trying to get dressed for half an hour. wearing thermal underwear, three fleece tops, thermal lined babygros ,jacket two pairs of socks ,boots, hat,head band and very thick helmsmans gloves. Eventually went topsides feeling like the michelin man to be set various tasks by skipper which I did very slowly as brain not quite connected to the rest of me. Set out at 4am on a good weather forecast after two days of gale force winds (Remind me that the sea does not flatten out that quickly pleasenext time we are going any where.).Lock quiet with two fishing boats and us. Very dark. No wind so we motored around Beachy Head as the sun came up. Enjoying our first cup of tea of the day. I tried a few pictures of Eastbourne but skipper suggested I could be frightening half of Eastbourne with the flash and I wasn't having much success any way.
We rounded Beachy Head and were able to sailon the Genoa. didn't put the main up as the wind was directly behind us.
Phil ate porridge for breakfast. An hour later he had crisps. An hour later he had biscuity bars. an hour later he had cuppa soup (and yes Andy I did remember to stir it.). An hour later he had another packet of crisps and a round of ham sandwiches. The day progressed thus. Weather was sunny and warm and we enjoyed the sunshine. Wind dropped a bit and we had to motor. We couldn't get a way from the wind as it was directly behind us. We saw at most 18/19 knots. Eventually sailed again. Sea was dreadful. Very confused and lots of white tops but no slamming. I got thrown around a lot below and unfortunately I spent a lot of time down below prepring food and drink and stripping off to use the heads as my bladder was working overtime.
Skipper asked and was given his own above deck facilities. Sun dissapeared about 3.30 and galley shut. We put on engine  and arrived in outer rade about 7 pm. Furled genoa and a bang. We came in and moored up to discover genoa halyard on deck.  Much annoyance from skipper. Supper, a tot of ginger wine and whiskey and bed with the electric blanket on.
Very glad to be here.
Skipper would like to deny any knowledge of my writings a s unseen by him yet. Although he has just said am I writing war and peace or can we go for  a drink. The answer to that being yes!