26th August: Seascow to Ballast Quays

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Launch showing “Surveying” flags with ROV
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The Remotely Operated Vessel (ROV)
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Harbour Masters launch off Shamrock Quay
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HMCG Training Vessel
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Almost at the Ballast Quays
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Andy at the helm

Winds at the jetty (sailing period unshaded)

Based on a southerly force 3 forecast I had suggested to neighbour Andy that we could go sailing on the morning of Wednesday 26th August. starting to rig at about 09:15.  When the morning came there was no wind but while we rigged some ripple patches suggested the wind might set in from the SW which it did, gradually strengthening during the morning (see plot).

We partly motor-sailed down to Northam Bridge and did much the same once under it.  We got nearly to the Ballast Quays before turning back and with a little time to spare went almost to the railway bridge.  We dropped the sail and motored into the pontoon which I managed to do gracefully for once.

Both going downstream and returning we had a launch flying flags Romeo over Yankee which I misinterpreted as “Surveying”, apparently it means “pass at slow speed and minimise wake”.  I was confused with India over Romeo which apparently means oceanographic surveying but  is used in Southampton for “Engaged in Survey work”.  I think the more general “ball-diamond-ball” is easier remembered, at least it was what the research ships showed.

I was surprised to see a HMCG RIB on one of the outer Shamrock Quay pontoons.  I didn’t know the Coastguard have RIBs but on the photo you van read “Training Vessel” which explains all!