Today started with a comprehensive phone round of available Volvo engineers until we tracked down one who was visiting another boat in Yarmouth and would call on us at the same time. We had traced the water leak to a pin-hole in the cover of the heat exchanger and feared that a new part would be necessary. On arrival Rob, of Buzzard Marine, advised that he would be able to effect a temporary repair by sealing the whole, but not until later that afternoon. It was 6pm by the time we were ready to leave but we preferred to make the easy trip across the Solent than spend another night at the mercy of Yarmouth's pile moorings. There was little traffic about on a dull and gloomy evening and we arrived at Shamrock Quay just as it was getting dark. The duty manager had requested we more "as close as possible" to the boat in front, but he was a little taken aback by the mere inches that we left between the two boats.

As luck would have it Norwich City were playing away at Southampton the next day and St Mary's Stadium is within sight of the marina. We had already arranged tickets and joined the smattering of away fans to see an unlucky 1-0 defeat. A disputed penalty was saved, and then retaken after an encroachment - eventually proving to be the only goal in a disappointing performance.

The evening was spent on more pleasant activities in the company of Daniel and Isabel, who moor their Fairline Corniche, Mr Solitude, in the nearby Itchen Marine boatyard. It was our first chance to meet four week old baby James, who seemed to enjoy his first trip on the boat, his first night away from home and the next day, his first meal out in Pizza Express!

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 18 nm

Total to date: 2075 nm

Avg Speed: 8 knots

Duration: 2:15 hours

Diesel: 23 litres

Wind: N 2-3

Mooring: £35.20

Electricity: Included

Water: Included

Charts

5600.5

5600.11

5600.8