CRUISING -3-5 Jan 2012

With Yolo predominantly being used for racing, it was time to do some cruising in her.... trying to squeeze in a few days to get away being the next big problem.. nonetheless Yolo departed CT at around 1pm on the 2nd JAn.. making for Dassen Island in a nice SW with about 14 knots across the deck making good time for Dassen Island.. the Sail was fast and faily comfortable arriving at Dassen in good time.. We navigated in and set anchor in a good position.. Having just purchased a small rubber dinghy to use as a tender, this was pumped up and launched.. the motor was then taken out.. but had not been used for over 10 years... and well, forgot to frain the old petrol with the result that it had turned all mushy in the tank.. ending our chances of using the new duck...Oh Well.. We watched a beatiful sunset and relaexed aboard.. eventually going to sleep.. During ther course of the night the winds shifted eventually at sunrise with a 20knots NW blowing in with lots of rain.. Not very comfortable and it was decided to depart the anchorage.. With YOLO making for Saldhana Bay our next planned port.. the seas were lumpy and gusty so it was motor sailing which gave us the best way.. With us eventually arriving at Saldhana Bay YAcht Club at around 1pm.. with YOLO mooring Stern to on their Jetty.. The Club  was very welcoming and sociable.. and the Dyer brothers going out of their way.. We Cleaned the boat and enjoyed being at the club eventually going into the town in the evening for supper...
The next morning it was time to go up the lagoon. We set our sites for Oude Pos. We had a good sail across the bay and then we motored into the SE wind into the channel. Neither of us had been up the channel for many years so we needed to be extra careful.. We arrived at Oude Pos and anchored.. We spent the day there, relaxing, sorting the boat out.. Ian swam ashore and went for a walk.. a really beutiful protected anchorage which most people don't seem to use.
That evening we braaied a filet on board..
The next morning had YOLO raising anchor at around 06h30 to make for Dassen.. The trip back was uneventful with a sloppy sea and not much wind causing YOLO to motor sail back.. Nearing Dassen the decision was taken to return to CT. Once back in CT the boat was cleaned.
All in all a very good few days cruising.. the boat performed brilliantly. Aboard were Ian and Dale.