EPIC SAILING ADVENTURE: Mutineers, FISHING Mishaps & More! What Next on Our Voyage?

EPIC SAILING ADVENTURE: Mutineers, FISHING Mishaps & More! What Next on Our Voyage?
Ringstead Bay Burning Cliff Sailing 'Oyster Blue' and Drone Explore, 9 September 2023
Prepare to embark on a captivating weekend voyage with a crew that knows how to make waves: Jon, Michelle, Paul, and Tom, aboard the Oyster Blue, graciously hosted by @jonnyonthesea on his sailboat. As we set sail, you're in for an unforgettable maritime adventure.
Our journey began early, not quite at the crack of dawn, but with the sun casting its first rays on the horizon, we departed from Weymouth Marina. The winds were light, and we mostly relied on the power of the motor, but that didn't dampen our spirits. The day was blisteringly hot, and we were eager to dive into aquatic action.
Our destination was the mesmerising Ringstead Bay and the iconic Burning Cliffs. Once we'd moored up at Ringstead Bay, the waters gradually cleared, thanks to the natural currents dispersing any wastewater in the area. They had a deep, inviting green hue, growing cleaner and more inviting as we enjoyed our stay.
But before we unleashed Paul's ingeniously designed ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) to explore the underwater world, Jon had that unmistakable twinkle in his eye. He left the vessel, taking charge of a small rubber dinghy tied on by a length of wet rope. With a grin stretching from ear to ear and a look of sheer mischief on his face, he seemed like a captain about to mutiny from his own crew, if only temporarily.
As he set forth in his tiny vessel, we watched in amusement, wondering if he'd claim a deserted island for himself or perhaps start a one-man pirate crew. Yet, it was all in good fun, and Jon's daring escapade was the source of many laughs and raised eyebrows among the crew.
As the day unfolded, we had more tricks up our sleeves than a magician's hat. Paul took on the mast, ascending to dizzying heights to capture breathtaking views of our surroundings. Encouraged by the grunting commands of the previously mutineering skipper, Paul once again hastily donned the climbing harness and strapped in tight for another hoist up the rigging. Suppressing pirate outbursts and exclamations of 'haul,' 'HOLD,' and 'no, I REALLY MEAN HOLD!!!,' Paul was winged and climbed to the very top of the mast. The drone, our bladed spectator, circled overhead, creating a mini cyclone that tousled his fine hair and came perilously close to capturing a souvenir strand or two.
It was a scene straight out of a swashbuckling comedy, with Paul as our fearless mast-scaling hero, and the mischievous drone playing the part of the mischievous sidekick.
And now, for Michelle's superb ability to steer the boat safely back to harbor while all the crew on board were distracted with tasks like hauling back in the hastily rigged fishing line, whose reel was on the wrong way. It had become a two-man job between Paul and Tom, who were now cack handedly struggling to gain torque on the wet line whilst the yachts engine hauled the drogue along at 4 knots.
With the increasing chaos ensuing amongst the gents on deck, Michelle, our unsung hero at the helm, expertly navigated us back to the safety of the harbor, dodging other vessels and avoiding potential collisions. Her calm demeanor in the face of fishing line mayhem earned her the admiration of the entire crew.
Now, as we reflect on this unforgettable maritime odyssey, we can't help but cherish the moments of adventure that defined our weekend voyage. Each day was a new opportunity to uncover the unexpected and embrace the beauty of the sea, whether we were conquering masts, braving nudist beaches, or trying to catch our dinner in the quirkiest of ways.

[@davewright9135]

Nice boat! Looks like you had a great day 😃

[@tomonamission]

Arrrrr, me heartie! We had a blast on @jonnyonthesea 's Oyster Blue in Burning Ringstead! It's smoother than a mermaid's serenade. Y'need to come aboard one day, mateys - it's a treasure worth discovering! 🏴‍☠⚓