A ‘fabulous’ weekend on the Solent

Paul focuses on setting top speed on Adina

Twas a Busy weekend for Adina on the Solent. And finally the sun came out and shone down its rays big and bright.

Joining us as our very first sailing guest was Paul Botton. We met Paul at good friends Simone and Islas wedding exactly a year ago in Italy. Paul and I have since become good friends and meet up for drinks in Westminister near his abode or in Chelsea.

We agreed a few months back to treat Paul to the best of the Solent and had booked up marina spots. It was a good thing we did as with the combination of good weather, a super-yacht rally, and a J-class regatta the Solent was rammed with boats like I’ve never seen it before.

Friday night was a very quick intro to casting off for Paul and lessons in coiling ropes as we had to dash down to the Beaulieu River getting into Bucklers Hard at 9.15pm just as the sun set. It showered as we headed out with the sun creating some stunning views as it peaked out after the downpour. The Beaulieu River was a kaleidoscope of contrasting colours – exquisite. Susie whipped up a storming dinner, a closing hour beer at Bucklers Hard Hotel, and back to the boat for a cheeseboard, and getting to bed at 1am the scene was truly set for the weekend.

Saturday dawned and Paul was soon trying his level best to tie on fenders – the trick Susie had taught him about thinking about a heart shape was just not clicking. Maybe one for the girls!
A leisurely cruise down to see Cowes and admire the super yachts was enjoyed followed by a tide assisted dash down to the Needles. And pure luck, the J Class Regatta was coming around the Needles – three super yachts Velsheda, Ranger and Lionheart. As a size comparison Velsheda is 129ft (39m) long. We tacked over to position ourselves for a closer look as they passed. Simply magnificent. And then there was the flotilla of 200 odd powerboats wash to deal with. Adina was soon sailing in rapid like waters.

Saturday evening we wound our way into Yarmouth, packed to the rafters with boats. For sundowners we were joined by fellow club members Vernon (a regular visitor now) and Gareth Wear who we have enjoyed several club trips with. Guest of honour was his dog Zeus. Zeus is a german shepard that Gareth rescued and is now a much loved dog and also getting accustomed to boats (See the gallery for a fabulous photograph of them leaving us in Vernons dinghy).

Vernon, Zeus and Gareth row home!

After that Paul had to be dragged into the famous Salties for some good food and the traditional sing-a-long! They serve possibly the largest fish and chips in the land. You get a big dinner plate mounted with chips and your fish comes on a separate plate – simply enormous. Paul to his credit finished it all! And yes, we joined in the sing-a-longs of sweet Carolina and What shall we do with a drunken sailor eventually stumbling to bed shattered.

Paul was awakened on Sunday by Zeus popping his nose through the port hole announcing Vernon and Gareth had arrived for breakfast. Scrambled eggs and bacon on deck on a rare sunny day. Lovely.

A quick walk of the Yar River and my father was the next visitor coming along for a cup of tea followed by a beer. Dad has sailing friends but requests to see if he will join us on a trip have fallen on deaf ears. I fear in his retirement years he has tired of cramped quarters. So after a tour he announced he may join us in a warmer climate – and the Caribbean was the minimum! Fair enough. Was good to have a family member pop along for a visit.

So off we went punching tide on a nice beam reach as Paul either helmed, slept or whistled. A good sign as he is one of the folk I hope will come and pay us a visit on our RTW one day.

Back in the marina and Paul Newman joined us for Sunday dinner. Paul is a very experienced skipper and just an all round good chap. So it was a treat to have him onboard and we quickly had a tip or two along with some good laughter.  We’re hoping he will join us for a longer sail in the Med as he’s one of those you can just learn a lot from!

Paul Newman joins us for Sunday dinner

One of Paul Bottons favourite words is “fabulous”. It really was a fabulous weekend – great weather and so nice to have friends on board. More of the same please.

Oh yes – and Paul now holds the fastest guest speed clocked on Adina – 7.3kts.