A spot of fishing

Thanks for asking but no, we’re not aground, just enjoying an extended angling session

- Flotsam and jetsam

There we were, full sail, six and a half knots on the clock, wind in the ear, steering with one finger, tide under the bilge keels, pushing us towards the open sea.

I know this creek like the back of my hand. But come to think of it, is it normal that the boat is sailing... uphill? The sails are still drawing, but frankly we are not going anywhere any more, and suddenly I am bent over the wheel as if I need a seatbelt and damn it to hell we are aground.

Busy creek, this. What is it, half tide? Dropping like a stone. Put out a kedge. Wind winch. No movement at all. Kedge comes home. We will be here for six hours. Six hours of people tittering behind their hands and pointing out the buoys.

Appearances must be maintained. Quick. Out with the fishing rods. Good morning, Commodore. Yes, fishing. Splendid run of cod this year. Have a nice sail...