Friday saw the start of the CCRC Spring Cruise with the race to Cherbourg. The start was moved from Hard to Bembridge Ledge in the hope of some more wind. A smaller than usual fleet of five yachts then headed south with spinnakers and chutes flying in the warm sun. For an hour or two we jostled for position but slowly the wind died and ETAs stretched into Sunday all retired and started motoring.
Then as we approached the shipping lanes the mist gradually thickened and the final approach to Cherbourg was with visibility of maybe 50m or less. We were all grateful for AIS, RADAR, GPS and VHF to navigate, communicate and avoid ships.
Cherbourg was busy with multiple rallies and full of Brits escaping for the long weekend.
