Sunday 19 March
Promptly at 1000 our guests arrived to enjoy coffee and said cake over a pre-sail briefing, and then put me through my paces out in a windy Carrick Roads. Due to the gusts they set a triple-reefed main with a part-furled staysail, really only pocket handkerchiefs, and Skipper made sure they each had a good session at the helm and adjusting my lifting centreboard. They seemed impressed that I was steady and stable at six knots, and I heard them say how comfortable and quiet I felt underway in the galley and saloon. They already have a nice boat, but are looking for something a bit bigger to take them on more exciting adventures, and I hope I made them realise one of my new 45.9 stablemates would be just the ticket!
We went back to the Visitors’ Haven for the soup and some of Baker Tom’s lovely focaccia, and more discussion about my finer points. It’s good to hear how enthusiastic my crew still are about me.