Sei Whale, and Homeward Bound

Issued at 0717 Friday 8th July, sea area Wight: Gale force 8 imminent. Inshore forecast for Selsey Bill to Lyme Regis: South or south west 5-7 becoming west or southwest 4-5 later, sea moderate or rough, showers, becoming fair later, visibility moderate or good. We sailed! Coming down the Lymington River, on the last leg of the voyage, it was blowing. I eased out a tiny area of headsail, and we charged off at 7kts, then 8. then 8.4kts. Almost 12000 miles of sailing and the worst conditions were in the Solent!

It was emotional sailing through home waters, knowing family would be there, on the quay, to take my lines. Already though, the thoughts were there - Where next?

I have made so many friends, and had so many invitations - Will it be the Mediterranean and Israel, or maybe the Baltic and Scandinavia, or maybe the States. One thing is certain, this was Chapter 1, the preparation for Chapter 2 has begun.

I will need crew ...... are you coming?