Fun on a Fairline
New boater Ross Barrett takes his family on their very first cruise around the Isle of Wight
A new boater takes his family on their very first cruise around the IOW
Following many hours of restoration it was time to take a small holiday on our Fairline Corniche 31, which we’d named
Georgia after our two-year-old daughter. We’d only ever spent the odd night on board, and had just cruised up and down Portsmouth harbour to gain confidence with a twin-engine cruiser.
Built in 1986, the Fairline Corniche 31 was in a poor state of disrepair. We’d spent 12 months restoring everything and ensuring all the mechanics and systems were working.
The day of our departure arrived, and we headed out of Portsmouth harbour and into Lymington. Our trips had only ever consisted of staying to the north side of the Isle of Wight and transitioning from Bembridge to the Hamble and back again. We’d never been out running in the boat for more than a couple of hours and never would have had the confidence to go around the Isle of Wight.
We spent a few days in Lymington and met with boating friends who filled us in on their adventure around the Isle of Wight. We sat and pondered whether we’d actually be able to do this – although it might not seem like a huge achievement for the seasoned sailor, it was a big deal for us newbies!
Having heard there were dolphins off Freshwater Bay, the decision was made – we’d head back to our home berth via a circuit around the Island.
Needles surprise
We set off at noon from Lymington Yacht Haven and cruised up to the Needles at a steady 15 knots. Everything was working great! Lauren and I had both seen the Needles as kids and spent time in Alum Bay filling up little glass bottles with coloured sand. However, we weren’t prepared for how beautiful this place was from the water. Georgia was shouting: “Look at the lighthouse mummy and daddy. Look at the lighthouse!”
It’s magical to be on a boat and see such sights from new perspectives, and I’m sure as we travel longer distances with our boat, the thrill will never go away.
Cruising now into a more easterly wind around the back of the island and taking in the views of such a beautiful coastline, we reflected on how lucky we were.
‘It’s magical to be on a boat and see sights from new perspectives’
The sea got a little rough around St Catherine’s Point but having taken advice we had stayed a fair bit off the coastline to avoid lobster pots and buoys. Unfortunately at Whitecliff bay we didn’t stay out far enough and were unfortunate to pick up a trap, the rope tangling around the starboard prop. Cruising home on the port engine only was not overly exciting, but it didn’t spoil what was otherwise such an amazing trip.
What we had learnt is that you have to be prepared when out and about on a boat. We’d mapped everything in the plotter, created a route, checked all fixtures and fittings and ensured we were wearing all the right equipment when we left. Even circumnavigating the Isle of Wight can teach you a lot about the seas, the winds and the dangers posed by various rocks, ledges and shingles.
We also taught Georgia to sit down when we were cruising, not touch any switches or controls and point out buoys or ‘coloured footballs’ in the sea! It was a fun way to stay safe and alert at the same time. When back on our home berth we felt a real sense of achievement. The trip was a real morale and confidence booster, which was exactly what was needed to fall in love with our boat!. n Do you remember your first cruise? Send your stories to pbo@ti-media.com