Nearly becalmed, windless sea marks our crossing to Yarmouth. Isn’t motoring a drag? Ten miles off the Needles wind kicks in – SW4. I dig out the spinnaker. An hour of perfect sailing. We made good time so far, in fact, we’re at the Needles too soon. The tide is still against us. A day after springs we struggle to make three knots over the ground. We finally picked up a buoy outside Yarmouth around 7am. Had a quick meal, a final pint and an early night.

Next day we head for Cowes – home of yachting. No wind to speak of, but the tide carries us towards our destination at a respectable 4 kts. Who’s in a hurry? Alongside in Cowes Yacht Haven at eleven. Everywhere you can see the debris of what was only recently Cowes Week. The big clean up is in progress. Strolling through town yachting is absolutely everywhere. It’s nice to have been here, but it’s got a somewhat artificial feel to it. Been there, done that. What’s next?