There was plenty of wind for our sailing trip to Piel Island this weekend. Saturday saw 20 knots, and that was just in the river! Varied conditions encountered on the way across, including SE and SW winds, usually 15 – 20 knots, but also spells of little wind which made things challenging with a fast springs ebb tide. Also some showers and thunder. The boats from Wardleys at Piel Island were Kjersti, Jamila, Rivendel, Kyle 2, Janvier Six and Moonshine. Coming back on Sunday I encountered a wind gust of 33 knots off Walney Island, but we mostly had 15 – 20 knots North-Westerly, which gave a fast trip back under sail!
The Big Six:
Rivendel
Rivendel. (Darran’s doing a very good impression of “Don’t you know who I am”! Simon B, with a brilliant life like cut-out of Jo)Darren: The veritable ‘Captain John Walker’ aboard Rivendale. And keeping up a steady stream of posts on Facebook!
2. Janvier Six
Alan, Bill, and Pablo on Janvier Six. She surged in to Piel under engine and likewise surged out the following morning. Nothing done by halves. No duffers here, and a capable boat for sure.
3. Kjersti
Skippered by Tom. Kjersti is a rare and fine example of a Westerly Chieftain. With a roomy stern cabin, is where Tom keeps his treasure chest – manuscripts and all.
4. Kyle 2
Andy Sargent’s indomitable yacht Kyle 2 moored off Wild Cat Island. With the only functioning outboard engine amongst the Big Six, Andy assumed the role of ferry man.
5. Moonshine
Moonshine (left) aground with Alcudia and still in the river! “Chump-headed galoots” Nancy Blackett might ask? Well, no, it’s an archive photo! This time, Steve in Moonshine was the first of us sailors to arrive at the Ship and was indeed the last to leave.
6. Jamila
With ‘Peter Duck’ resting back at Wardleys, the more roomy ‘Jamila’ is now taking her place. Sailing at large near Fleetwood. Soon to head out to sea in company with Rivendel.
