As I mentioned last time, Poole (like all other harbours, marinas and anchorages) has eyes. The little fiasco with Juliet Jay had been fascinating entertainment to many watching from ashore. One of these pair of eyes became a good friend. I nicknamed him my Guru, a gentleman sailor of much experience and wisdom and an engineer of great skill and generosity.
From his window he could see my mooring and made the effort to strike up a conversation each time I went sailing. Gradually he parted with help, advice and practical support invaluable to a totally green beginner.
My sailing lessons began soon after the little fiasco. Paul had saved the day and I now had confidence that he could teach me to sail.
We went out two or three times in good weather and I got the hang of setting the mainsail and Genoa. We tacked and reefed and I thought I got the gist of it. One problem I had was my growing puppy now eight months old. We had a kind puppy sitter in my next door neighbour.
On one occasion the puppy sitter was unavailable but as Juno was getting bigger I felt I could leave her for a short sail. I explained this to Paul and we agreed to be back for Juno by a certain time. The weather was fine and the forecast F3 to F4 gusting F5 later. Well as you know weather forecasts can be accurate, can be nearly accurate and sometimes not so accurate. On this day it was, well let’s just say it should have been plus 1, so F4 to F5 gusting F6 later! Starting with sails fully set we had a great sail until it was time to return. Paul basically went on strike. He refused to do or advise anything. He wanted to sail on, he turned really nasty, cursing the dog and me, he let me broach four times. I felt the rudder lose contact, Juliet Jay rounded up neatly. To be frank it was quite alarming, I was still very green! As we approached our fifth it occurred to me to let the main sheet out and reef the Genoa. By now we were moving quite quickly the wind was 20 to 25 knots and Paul sat there in a big sulk! We continued to heel alarmingly but at least we were going in the right direction. To reef the mainsail was my next task, this meant going up to the mast. I had done this once before but with willing active crew. Fortunately the auto pilot worked and I managed not to catch the battens in the lazy Jacks. I will not go on but somehow I got to the mooring, managed to pick it up and secure everything in 30 knots of wind. I took Paul ashore without a word and decided I would not take him sailing again.
Of course the ‘eyes’ of Poole harbour were upon me!
The truth is I learnt a lot that day. A lot about myself, a lot about sailing solo. I think Paul’s lessons taught me quite a lot too! Juno was very pleased to see me!
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