We Are Sailing

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.

Sundays

Most of the week the River Seine has been devoid of people – apart from the commercial traffic. However, on Sundays the sullen fishermen appeared attached to their lines. Most people, including the bargees, waved to us as we passed by; but not the fishermen. We also encountered many people rowing and occasionally a relatively small family cruiser out for the day. The numbers of these increased as we drew nearer to the city until finally we reached Maisons-Laffitte, about 60 kilometres from the centre of Paris. Here the entire river was blocked by dozens of small yachts. Everybody knows that power gives way to sail so we could have been there all day.

With a flourish, the commodore drew alongside Jomima and noticed our Red Ensign. He then shouted, “Follow me” and set off at about twice our usual speed towards the fleet of yachts. Like Moses parting the waters, the small boats all moved aside to let us through. There was very little wind for them so they all enjoyed riding our wake as we passed swiftly by. We were probably the highlight of their day and it certainly improved ours.