A Weekend on the Ocean Wave
A challenging trip from Portsmouth to the Channel Islands was the weekend aim for a team led by the Gosport Unit from the MVS.
Skipper Kevin Attwood and Navigator Stuart Harrison were joined by Susan Baker and Chris Glover from the Rushden Unit and Neil Hunter and David Baird from the East Sussex Unit.
Kevin and Stuart organised the chartering of the Yacht Ocean Wave from the Royal Marines and slipped from the moorings at 1800 on Friday 4th of April.
They headed out across the Solent and into the English Channel heading to Braye Harbour on Alderney.
22 hours later, despite strong winds and the tidal races of the Channel Islands they arrived safely at Braye.
Following a pint and a meal in the local Thai restaurant the team set for home at midnight due to an adverse weather forecast.
Ocean Wave made a fast passage home with a following wind arriving back in Portsmouth on Sunday afternoon
The crew enjoyed the trip but for the inexperienced members of the team it was a steep learning curve, testing their seamanship and navigation skills.
Sue Baker from the Rushden Unit had sailed before and said the trip was enjoyable particularly as it renewed her offshore sailing experience which was made better by a good crew and a dose of adrenalin to get through the night watches.
Anyone who is interested in in joining future voyages should contact Stuart Harrrison on 01329 846440 or 07730 89274