The new to us B36 2002 was on the hard when we purchased and had her surveyed, the surveyor indicated that he could see no good reason for a sea trial as it was in lovely condition throughout.
It was with some trepidation that we departed the marina in the Hamble on Sunday - with the aim to make it back to the home mooring in Portsmouth, maneuvering in a tighter space than I was really comfortable with 15 knot winds, driving rain and a very nervous skipper (me).
However, we escaped the marina unscathed and chugged down the river, slowly increasing the revs to a giddy 3 knots until I got used to it and then up to an adrenalin rushy 4 knots. (Historical reference: old boat did about 4 knots flat out under power in similar conditions). Out into Southampton water and visibility was down to bugger all, nav lights on (thank heavens we changed the bulbs!) and into waves and wind.
Wow.. it was in that moment that I knew I had made the right choice, after all the nagging doubts about bigger boats and issues - the stability and grace that she displays was leagues ahead of our last boat. Arriving in Cowes an hour earlier than I had planned (using old boat figures for reference) against the tide - which, has to be said, was in itself a minor revelation (being able to go against some tide) seemed to be so much easier than we were used to - in conditions that would have kept us moored up usually.
Mooring was not a huge challenge and after a nice lunch, set off for home mooring.
We put half the genoa out to test the sailing and with rising winds was all we wanted to use, but enjoyed it tremendously - achieving speeds that we could only dream about with the old boat under similar sail plan and so much less lateral movement and rolling. Actually able to be in the red zone and still go forwards.. how cool is that!
The winds increased to 30+ knots as we entered a deserted Portsmouth harbour and made our way up river, taking up a new mooring in very windy conditions into a slot was challenging but we did it in one go as she ferry glides sideways backward so easily!
All in all a fabulous first outing, not the longest time - but certainly challenging - and the boat simply didn't care and looked after me so well I was over the nerves within minutes.
