Windrunner at sea

19th August 2014. At first light we left Chichester marina. Engine ticking away lovely, log, speed and depth all working fine. On board there was 4 of us including my brother Micheal, Steve Read, Ian Magee. Initially we were thinking about Brighton but as it panned out we made it to Eastbourne. Meanwhile back in the entrance to Chichester harbour we were going through all the safety checks before we ventured out to sea. The main went up and down ok, headsail furls fine and engine not missing a beat. Micheal checked the electric anchor winch, this seemed not to be working. Down below there was a strange burning smell, Micheal went forward to check its battery, it was cooking! We managed to disconnect it before it burst into flames. We decided to press on as everything else was working well. It wasn't long before the mainsail was up, headsail unfurled and with a brisk SW 4 she was surfing down the waves along the south coast. Lots of big smiles all round, full english breakfast and sunshine. At long last Windrunner was doing what she does best, irons out the waves and chugs along in a stiff breeze. 

Eastbourne, Ramsgate & Burnham on Crouch

We were very lucky with the weather from Chichester to Ramsgate. Wednesday 20th August was like Mediterranean sailing . Again we were initially thinking about stopping at Dover but pressed on to Ramsgate. We left her in Ramsgate Wednesday evening to go back to work for Thursday and Friday. Steve helps and my brother John, Ian Magee and I sailed her home to the Crouch on the Saturday. 

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