So, the end of Day One and we are finally under way after so much anticipation and so many changes to schedule. With welcome help from Liam and the Finesse crew to put the repaired jib back on, we left Haslar shortly before 2 o'clock and motored through a busy Solent full of boats practicing for tomorrow's Round The Island race. Despite being a lovely day for a sail, the wind was on the nose and the tide against us and we were keen to get a good berth in Yarmouth for two nights so the iron mainsail was the order of the day.
Mission accomplished as far as that was concerned but the "landing" resulted in some minor damage, sadly, as we were caught by an unexpected cross-current and were pushed onto a sharply angled end of the finger pontoon.  Some minor gel-coat repair will be necessary! An annoying end to a great first day, enjoyed in shorts as we enjoyed the sunshine.
Looking forward to watching the RTI race for a change, from a vantage point above the Needles.  Go, Finesse!
22 miles logged, all under engine.