Blogs from Cowes, Isle of Wight, England, United Kingdom, Europe
Cowes Sailing Regatta
Published: August 6th 2008Europe » United Kingdom » England » Isle of Wight » Cowes
August 2nd 2008
This is now becoming a bit ridiculous. Every time this summer that I have had an event planned, I wake up to lousy weather. And today, that was no mean feat. The alarm went off at 6.00, so I was at least hoping for the sun. But no, overcast and actually raining. Putting my faith in Poseidon, I donned a bathing suit, a skirt and a golf shirt for the better weather that I knew would eventually come along. Oh yeah, I put a fleece over it all. At 7.30, nine of us all met at the pub (stop it, it was just an easy place to meet) to climb on our coach for the journey down to the sea. The journey was fraught as our driver didn't have the directions, a map or SatNav, but ... read more
All packed up and ready to go
Published: December 23rd 2007Europe » United Kingdom » England » Isle of Wight » Cowes
December 23rd 2007
This time tomorrow I'll be almost on the flight to Mumbai. Weird thought. Just sorting last minute stuff at the mo and drinking a G&T. Have had a hectic few days here on the island but great to spend time with family and friends before the off. Am feeling relatively calm but legs keep jigging every now and then in excited anticipation. Wahey! I'm going.............. read more
Isle of Wight with Tanya Jourdan
Published: November 26th 2006Europe » United Kingdom » England » Isle of Wight » Cowes
December 1st 2006
Travelled down to Bournemouth Hospital where Tanya was now posted. Stayed with her in her staff accomodation, very basic but comfortable. First night we just ate and slept as we were both knackered. Second night we decided to go and see a pantomine as it was the festive season, Cinderella if I remember correctly. There was the usual not so funny jokes (but the kids loved it) but Tanya and I did manage to get out our seats and do some silly dances when the singing started. Sunday we decided to get up early and head off to the docks to catch the ferry over to the Isle of Wight. Never been before so we weren't sure what to do and see, but we ended up having a nice drive around the island, some really ... read more
Isle of White Festival
Published: June 27th 2006Europe » United Kingdom » England » Isle of Wight » Cowes
June 27th 2006
I have never been to anything like the Isle of White Festival!!!! That is a true statement. From the moment we arrived on Thursday morning the action never stoped. We had the perfect weekend of Blue sky's, music and fun. I went down with two of my flat mates and some of their friends from Slough. The head line acts on friday night where Placibo and Prodigy, Saturday night was Foo fighters and Sunday went off with Richard Ashcroft then Coldplay. But all the inbetween bands where great to. There where big dance tent's to and heaps of rides to go on. It was just fantastic. I'm sorry I only managed to get four pictures attached before my camera ran out of battery. I'll get some more on tomorrow, but hpefully they give you a little ... read more
October 13th 2003
Well, I'm in. Felt like the proverbial spare part a lot of the time, not wanting to touch anything in case the guy 100ft (yes, 100ft!) up the mast suddenly came crashing down to the deck. Did my fair share of grinding, which comes with the territory when you're built like a rugby player. How do you think that guy got up the mast? Learnt a bit about the water ballast system, and had a safety briefing. Found out where the 'triangle of death' is, and also discovered that the 'first aid kit' includes a body bag! Nice touch. The accommodation was pretty much as expected, i.e. a bunk, and, err, that's it. The only slight luxury is the curtain across the loo. Also learnt to pack spinnakers, which I assume is similar to packing a ... read more
October 10th 2003
Well, what I thought was going to be a chilled day, meeting the skipper and crew for a look around the boat, followed by a pie and a pint, has turned into two days of sail training! Got to be at Cowes ready to set sail by 10am tomorrow, which meant a lot of running about for my dear old mum yesterday, collecting foul weather gear for me etc. Same again Sunday. Well, at least it'll show what I'm made of I guess. Fingers crossed I don't embarrass myself.... read more
Baptism of Fire!
Published: October 7th 2003Europe » United Kingdom » England » Isle of Wight » CowesOctober 7th 2003
Well, I've just signed up to help deliver a 60ft Volvo racing yacht from Cowes to the Canaries, non-stop. It'll either be the best 8-10 days of my life, or I'll never want to see another boat again as long as I live. Watch this space.... read more
