Yarmouth, Isle of Wight

              Mooring at Yarmouth

After leaving Southampton we spent six days on a mooring buoy at Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.

waiting for enough wind to sail further south to Torquay.  Yarmouth was a lovely picturesque anchorage outside the local yacht club.   

With no RIB (dinghy to get off the boat) we were fortunate the marina offered a water taxi service so we were able to go ashore, fill up the gas bottle which ran out during dinner, and explore the local region.  

 

Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes 

The Pinnacles on departure

The local bus service was excellent so we were able to visit the infamous Cowes which is 'home' for international yacht racing since the founding of the Royal Yacht Squadron in 1815. Although smaller than expected Cowes was a beautiful seaside village to stroll around.  We then caught the bus out to the headland to hike towards the Pinnacles.

While at the mooring we had plenty of sailing activity to watch over the weekend with the local yacht racing start line about 30 metres from our bow so there were several close tacks to Sabbaticus which at times were too close for comfort.  The tourist steamship Waverly, which is the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world, would pass about 50 meters from us twice a day.  She was impressive to watch as she belched steam from her funnels.  

Waverly passing Sabbaticus's bow

 

 

Next stop Torquay.