Some days are truly inspirational. Sunday 2nd May 2004 at 15.30 is one of those days. The weather is great, there is a nice breeze and everyone is cheerful. There can even be small problems that are solved easily and quickly with a bit of teamwork and it just makes things better. These days are remembered for their carefree and enjoyable atmospheres.

This particular day we had a good crossing- we hoisted the main, came up into the wind and in about 4 knots of wind, Mystere was happily doing 7 knots… a wonderful day. During the hoist of the headsail Aidy, being on the foredeck, notice that the foot was twisted, 10 seconds later and we have both sails up and the boat is now doing 8 knots and is so perfectly balanced, she can sail in a straight line with no one at the tiller. This was the first time Mystere had worn that sail and it was a great sight to see it fit so perfectly.

Shane headed up to the bow with Aidy to tidy up the spinnaker halyard and pole up-haul leaving Helen at the helm. Shortly afterwards, Helen was insisting that Shane take the helm as Mystere was coming up to Herm quickly. This in fact meant we were sailing into the harbour! Aidy, Shane, Helen & Leigh all chipped in and in the space of 2 minutes did the following in a particularly smooth and controlled manner which surprised everyone! Headsail dropped and bungeed to the foredeck, gybe main to avoid other moored patrons of herm (a RIB decided it would cut in front of us and then stop), tack around to avoid Herm ferry, start motor, drop the main and motor to the area we had decided to anchor.

As we were coming up to the anchoring position, Aidy as ‘Anchor Master’ (A position held for 2 years!) informs us all that the head sail needs to be shifted as he cant get into the anchor locker… this is what the fore hatch was designed for… shoving it down below! With the foredeck cleared Aidy is ready to drop the ‘hook’ as we scan for a nice sandy patch. Amusement ensues when Aidy states that he is dropping the anchor, Shane at the helm put Mystere into reverse but the engine strap has come loose. Leigh is ordered to stand on the jumping bubbling engine to push the prop into the water and Mystere shifts into reverse at about 3 knots. During the cockpit excitement of Leigh doing the ‘twist’ with the backstay, Aidy has managed to get the anchor on a patch of sand into which it readily bites… this had three consequences… Aidy is nearly pulled off the front of the boat, Leigh nearly went off the back and Shane had to stop laughing and take the boat out of gear… then start laughing again!

Now that we had anchored, it was time to get to work, Leigh was provided with a flat dinghy, a pump and a bottle of beer! Helen gets a Capri Sun and has a small tidy up, Aidy and Shane get a beer and sit down in the cockpit overseeing the various tasks.