Today we have been offered the opportunity to go for a sail in Chichester Harbour, and this we gratefully accepted. The boat was a Southerly 110 and I was almost immediately told to take the helm while the owner did things with the sails. The fairway, as you head towards the sea from Chichester, is fairly narrow. As directed I tacked to and fro and enjoyed the experience. Eventually, as we got nearer to the sea, the request to tack was made a little late and we grounded on a shallow patch of sand. Fortunately, Southerlies have keels that can be raised. It was therefore just a matter of pressing a button, to lift the keel, and we were free and sailing again.
Eventually we reached the sea and more wind. This caused the boat to heal over a little more and Ann to get even more nervous about this sailing lark. We turned around and headed back up the channel. The tide was now against us and the wind behind. The owner therefore ‘goose winged’ the sails and, on an even keel, we headed slowly back into Chichester Harbour. Unusually, the sun shone and the wind was fair. A pleasant afternoon was had by all and we headed back to the mooring with the aid of the boat’s iron sail (motor) to help us on our way.
Eventually we reached the sea and more wind. This caused the boat to heal over a little more and Ann to get even more nervous about this sailing lark. We turned around and headed back up the channel. The tide was now against us and the wind behind. The owner therefore ‘goose winged’ the sails and, on an even keel, we headed slowly back into Chichester Harbour. Unusually, the sun shone and the wind was fair. A pleasant afternoon was had by all and we headed back to the mooring with the aid of the boat’s iron sail (motor) to help us on our way.
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