27. Weymouth to Poole
32,85M
50° 36’ 40”N, 002° 27’ 25”W - 50° 42’ 29”N, 001° 59’ 16”W
25 July
After proceeding to the town quay, a radio call revealed that the marina was full. Then the thunderstorm broke as the town harbour was circled in search of the overspill marina. The harbourmaster gave directions but it was necessary to make several tight loops and take action to avoid numerous incoming boats, two outgoing ships, a pilot boat and a motor boat which cut across the bows at zero distance, all in the gloom and driving rain. The GPS tracker duly recorded these manoeuvres.
Weeki Wachee entered the overspill marina and tied up as the thunderstorm stopped and the sun re-appeared. The crew dried out and then took a courtesy water-taxi to meet Sue, Lindsay and Gordon on the quay and proceed to an Italian restaurant. A quick walk round the town ended a good evening together, and Gordon drove the crew back to the marina.
Departed Weymouth, and at first a moderate breeze filled the sails. Motor assistance was needed later however, and finally the sails were abandoned. It was another very hot day.
Dark clouds developed over Poole and rain started as the boat approached the entrance to Poole Harbour. Sue, Lindsay and Gordon were sighted, waiting at the Haven Hotel on the Sandbanks to wave. Derek went below to change into waterproofs and came up on deck to find a hasty manoeuvre in progress to avoid collision with the chain-ferry.
