Well, today we learned that discretion is the better part of valour. The wind picked up rapidly after we'd rigged and was an F6 by the time we reached the end of the slipway.
We reefed at that point and launched with our hearts in our throats. On a run we nearly pitched, so at the earliest opprortunity we tightened up onto a reach and headed towards Inner Pulley.
We fitted the extra long tiller extension, so that Martin could steer from the wire, and I could power the main with both hands. This worked very well, and we didn't capsize. By the time we got to Inner Pulley, it was blowing old boots, and we decided to head for the beach at Instow, rather than risk getting stuck with other boats in the moorings. By now it was blowing a good F7, and possibly gusting as high as F8.
We derigged on the beach and I went back towards the club to pick up the trolley wheels. Mary Jane Scott kindly gave me and the wheels a lift, and Ellie also gave us a hand getting back the half mile along the Esplanade.
Only one other boat went out was a Dart 15, and that was Ellie's brother Sam, with two crew. Their extra weight made all the difference.
A thoroughly enjoyable and exhausting sail. Maximum speed only 15.3 knots.
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