After 3 years of working on her, we finally got to spend a few days and nights away, on board Deux Poissons. We set off from Fareham on Wednesday 29th December 2021 at a little after 06h30 heading for Cowes, Isle of Wight. With forecasted South Westerly winds of 25 knots, gusting to 30, and fog, we were ready to test both the boat and ourselves. Conditions were as predicted, but the fog cleared a little and we had visibility of about 3 miles across the Solent. We headed towards Ryde and the lee of the island, so it wasn't too bad for a first time out there since 2018! Once outside of Portsmouth Harbour we averaged about 6.2 knots and made it to Cowes in a about two and half hours. We got the boat settled in / tied up and set off to explore Cowes and enjoy a much deserved and celebratory beer.
The last time we were in Cowes it was towards the end of summer, years ago, and the whole place was pretty busy. Today, mid-winter, cold and drizzly it was considerably different but still as pretty as I remember.
Cowes is located on the west bank of the estuary of the River Medina, facing the smaller town of East Cowes on the east bank. It has been home for international yacht racing since 1815 and known for the world's oldest regular regatta, Cowes Week, which occurs annually in the first week of August. There is plenty else to do and visit here; Osborne House is a former residence of the British royal family and a popular tourist attraction, there are a few museums and I managed to find the location of the Isle of Wight Distillery and home of Mermaid Gin!! Not too far from Cowes and a quick bus ride there and back.
But for today we planned to stay local. A couple of friends had confirmed that they will make their way over to Cowes to join us, but with the wind picking up both today and tomorrow, we thought to just wait to hear what their plans were.
We found the perfect place to do just that. The Union Inn Pub was warm and cozy. The fire was blazing, the beer was delicious and it was the perfect way to start our holiday.
But we had been up since 6 o’clock that morning, and we needed to find some food. We wandered back up the high street and found a table at The Coast Bar and Dining Room. The pizzas were delicious (Patrick had fig, goats cheese and honey!!) and the beers here were just as good.
Finished with lunch and on the way back to the boat, we were tempted by the promises made by Cowes Ale House = Mulled Cider to warm us up (add Rum as a choice) = yes please !! A delicious and warming drink (and promises fulfilled) which went down really well. Luckily and before it got too “messy”, we got a call from one group of friends to say they were coming into Cowes, having made the crossing in some horrible wet and choppy weather. Reluctantly we said goodbye to the Ale House with promises to return soon.
Mike and Anne on Tekoa arrived not too bedraggled after a rough sail over. Once they were all secured and tied up, we spent a bit of time catching up. Then off to grab some fish and chips for dinner, a few more drinks to celebrate something and then off to bed.
It had been a good day. We felt exhausted and with the wind and the rocking boat, I was sure I was going to sleep well.
