Yachting and Boating World forums: We didn't sink

Well, we finally got the boat into the water on Friday (Thanks, Graham for the pics). The previous owner John very kindly drove up from Dorset on Saturday and off we went. Got the sails up and had an hour or so on the bay. I was very concerned with how manoeuverable Ishtar would be and was extremely surprised that she can turn around in almost her own length. John put her into a very tight spot on the pontoon at Cardiff yacht club and left us to it.

After a curry and a few (too many) beers on Saturday night, I thought we may as well try her on our own on Sunday. I had intended to just motor around, getting used to how she felt, but when we got out we just thought, why not?

We then switched the engine off and sailed back and fore across the bay, tacking upwind and then running down wind. Main sail only at first and then we got more confident and put the foresail up. Burgee flying too!

It got too busy then, so we left it. About 5pm we couldn't resist and went out for another couple of hours, just sailing with huge grins on our faces. Even managed to put her back on the pontoon!

Might not sound a lot to some of you experienced guys, but we were stunned that we could do this. We've never been on our own on a yacht before. I was surprised how much the dinghy sailing we did last year helped. I really didn't think it was worthwhile at the time, but the basic principles gave us the confidence to try it.

I'm away until Thursday, but itching to get back out.

Still loads that we want to do, and the 'wanted' list involves us selling the house to pay for it all, but we've decided that the main thing now is learning to sail and enjoy it. A lot of the work is cosmetic and can wait.

Edited by Alcyone (09/06/2008 08:37)

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