First nautical mile

The first time you slip the dock lines and motor out of your marina berth is daunting to say the least. When our instructor explained that the Solent has the busiest Coastguart and rescue service in the world, along with the most MayDays and PanPans, my confidence went out the window. My anxiety levels weren't aided by chunks of ice falling from the lazy jack as we set up the sails. It was a gorgeous blue sky day but at -1c rising to 4c, it was always going to be a cool day.

Nevertheless, we cracked on and took Inelsamo out through the breakwater of Lymington for the first time. Ahead of us was a departing ferry, with an incoming ferry on our port side, and we were surrounded by a Lymington Yacht Club dinghy race. So its fair to say it was a very busy departure. But what a relief to actually be on the moving deck of our own lady.

After a full day of 'own boat tuition' we both felt happier and more comfortable about our dream. One step closer!