West Country Cruise 2017

We, the "Magnificent 7", rose with ease to the challenge presented to us by the previous crew, who had wedged Brighton Belle unceremoniously into an impossibly tight berth, and slipped elegantly away to the amazement of the Harbour Master who stood watching in a state of stunned admiration, not witnessed since the time of Drake.

A week of fine weather and good winds (at 10.7kts, we considered getting the water skis out). Dolphins, whales and the odd seal kept us entertained (a pity that Skipper George and Mate Peter missed them due to their intimate relationship with the 'bowels' of the vessel and the automatic hydraulic oil moisturiser in the aft shower).

Thanks to team Julie, Lynne and Liz, fine food and wine flowed from the Galley. All tastes were catered for, be it Tripe & Onions for the Yorkshire contingent, Snails for Pascal or two Puds for Peter.

Ice cream seemed to feature large in our voyage, at the anchorage in Swanage, where it had to be carried back on board, melting in the heat, balanced on Lizzie's knee or in Osborne Bay where it was delivered by "Mr Whippy" himself.