A maidens' maiden voyage

[louiseishtar]

Today I completed my first single handed sail in the sea (as opposed to Cardiff Bay).
This involved man handling the tender from the tender park and down to the sea, fitting the outboard, motoring to Ishtar and getting aboard, tying the tender to the mooring line and then going sailing! To be honest I didn't go far and the wind was so gusty I was only sailing on half the genoa, still getting 5.7 knots S.O.G. The scary bit was then putting Ishtar back on the mooring single handed, something I have tried several times before and have managed to either miss the buoys or run over the painter for the tender. Today I managed it 1st time and without any trouble. Then I had to do everything in reverse, motoring back to Dale, taking the engine off and getting the tender back to the tender park.
I know it is a very basic thing to most people but I was absolutely delighted, it's a bit like taking your first drive after passing your test.
Don't worry though Martin kept a close eye on me using the Dale webcam!! ;D

[ishtar]

With winds gustiung at 20 knots, you did brilliantly.

[rose]

Well done, not as easy as it looks,so next out you need to do even less martyn.

[ishtar]

Yes, that's always been my plan........Unfortunately, I ended up painting the outside of another yachtsman's house whilst Louise was out sailing, whic is not how I'd imagined things.........

[allan]

Well done, I have always thought you could do without Martin! I think you should have said "woman handled the tender".
Just think, only a short time ago, you and Martin were worried about getting to Aberthaw, now you are off on your own.
Allan

[sheila]

Well done Louise, you are even more confirmed as my role model heroine! You are brilliant.

[Viv]

I do not post very often but well done Louise.
It reminds me of when I had to pick a buoy in St Marys Bay i take my hat off to you.
Vince.

[Deleted]

Well Done!!

the only single handed I've done is in Cardiff Bay ..and that didn't exactly go to plan!

Peter

[louiseishtar]

Thanks to everyone for the encouraging comments, if I can do it anyone can!
Lou

[Viv]

No they can't! You are special.

[allan]

I partially agree with Shevin. Most people can sail alone. Not many people of either sex can sail alone on a boat with an engine fitted by themselves. Again, very well done.
Allan