On 18th September we moved back on board to prepare for the arrival of Tony’s sister Alison for her first visit aboard Antipole.
Alison writes: It was with great anticipation that I joined Ynskje & Tony at Ridge Wharf for my first sail on Antipole. It was so calm and peaceful moored in the reeds for our first cup of tea and an introduction to the boat. The weather was beautiful, mainly sunny, and the wind fair as we sailed around Brownsea, Furzey and Green Islands within Poole Harbour before anchoring in South Deep. We were blessed with the most beautiful evening as the sun gradually set between the islands and darkened from a pinky orange to a fiery red.
The next morning we had a leisurely start and after mid-morning coffee and croissants we set off for Weymouth. We sailed along the stunning Jurassic Coast. After a bit of essential instruction I was invited to take the helm — quite challenging after a gap of several years since last sailing!
We finally reached Weymouth harbour after dusk — the lights looked most inviting and welcoming in the distance. Tony executed a brilliant manoeuvre to berth the boat between two others on the pontoon. After a delicious supper prepared by Ynskje we settled down for the night.
We spent a leisurely day in Weymouth, walking along the beach as far as Melcombe Regis church, where our grandfather and great grandfather were baptised, and around the Nothe Gardens before going out for a meal at the Old Rooms Inn. The next morning, in quite a stiff breeze, we sailed under genoa only to Lulworth Cove. We spent another very relaxing day there, mostly in beautiful sunshine.
The following day we had to tack three miles out to sea to clear the firing range and then, under genoa only, passed close in to St. Alban’s Head and back to Poole. It was a brilliant sail and we made good time back to the mooring.
The real highlights of the trip for me were spending time relaxing with Ynskje and Tony; the warmth of their welcome and care; Ynskje’s scrumptious meals; the opportunity to sail again in such a well designed boat and sharing interesting conversation, family news and pictures! And all in some of the most stunning scenery in the UK. I hope to be invited again!
Tony adds: It was lovely having Alison on board and to chat about old times. This was our last outing of the season and we have started preparations for laying up for the winter. The four winches have been serviced and the genoa removed for overhaul by the sail maker. We are now back home and will be returning to prepare for hauling out in a couple of weeks time.