our first 2022 Winter Charter Sailing Day
This was our first CBYA Charter Sailing Day of the winter season, which usually runs once a month from October to April, weather and sea state permitting. The weather was ideal, about 23 DegC, and the sun was shining. We were offered a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44.9 – A lovely, well-maintained yacht.
For viability, comfort and safety, we usually restrict crew to 6 per boat. But today we had 7 crew sign up for the day. They were:
John Goodsell, Allen Bradley, Anita Bell, Galloway Bell, Patrick Harrild, Kevin Lunn and Jacqui Hart.
A good group of people, all with some degree of sailing experience, which is not essential, but is always an advantage.
We met at 10am, made introductions, had a coffee and a short briefing.
John Goodsell was appointed as my ‘First Mate’, as he has ICC Skipper qualification and could take over in case of an incident.
We set sail at 11am, the wind direction, as normal was not coming from the direction or strength as first forecast, it was NNE and around 12-15kts. The sea state was good, as expected, with only about a 0.3 mtr swell. So to make the most of the wind direction we headed East, out to sea, towards Ibiza. We were averaging a SOG (Speed Over Ground) of around 7kts.
All crew fully participated in sailing the boat, each taking a turn on the helm. We lunched on the move.
As the wind started to die, down to 6-8kts, we headed back towards land, and came across our fellow CBYA member boat, TrickyD.
After a very enjoyable day, we returned to Marina de Dénia at 4pm.
Then finally the much appreciated wind down beer…..
NOTE: Potentially the next CBYA ‘Charter Sailing Day’ will be Friday December 9th. Look out for the announcement later.
Graham Hustler
Day Charter Coordinator
