Denny Christochowitz
Barely knowing much about coastal or offshore sailing, I had the luck and pleasure to attend one intensive week of cruising onboard Regina Laska.
Regina Laska with her fancy underwater light in Weymouth.
I was experiencing the Solent, tidal waters, seasickness, crossing the Guernsey Channel twice (as they call the English Channel on Guernsey!), and reaching Portsmouth at night.
Me changing the curtesy flag to the Guernsey flag.
Leon never seemed to become agitated – always staying calm. With his thoughtful nature he provided a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere during these days, which was wonderfully complemented by his delicious food creations.
We were boarded by the Border Force checking our passports and they saw it was my birthday that very day! It didn’t take long for the rest of the crew to organise a birthday cake and card!
One of the many cozy dinners onboard with delicious food! The longer the night, the more ideas were implemented in my head…. I think I got infected by the idea of going cruising one day!
Sauna-time after a cold sailing day. Wow! How cool is this with a sauna onboard!
Despite the fact that this was not a leg intended to prepare for a RYA certificate, I have learned a lot. I felt like a sponge absorbing all the things Leon was so willing to share.
The most important takeaways from this week? The confidence of becoming a skipper myself one day and the now having this omnipresent idea of going sailing for a longer time!
Endless discussions about time off and long distance cruising. I think my mindset changed completely during these days!
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Denny Christochowitz, German living in Switzerland, sailed on Leg 3-2017 from Lymington to the Channel Islands and back.