Walrus II is moored stern in, port side-on to our pontoon berth E13 in Poole. Despite the unlucky connotations of the number, she has suited and served us very well over the last three years. With the aft cockpit facing almost due west, many a glass of rosé has been drunk with friends watching the sun sink down behind Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills. When the wind is conforming to its prevailing direction, I find it quite comfortable reversing into our slot using short bursts from the single stern-drive and just the odd blip of bow thruster to push the pointy end neatly onto the pontoon. Our immediate neighbour, a mighty imposing Windy Khamsin 34, certainly concentrates my mind and, whilst we both have an abundance offenders, I would rather not give her a potentially expensive shove. Fortunately, we both have a beam of three-and-a-bit metres and there is actually a fair bit of room. However, when the wind veers northerly and blows up, it is a different matter altogether.
With the saloon table repositioned outside and cushions fitted correctly, we also have the opportunity to pass pleasantries with fellow club members as they walk to or from their boats along the boardwalk. As a newish and somewhat unique boat in our marina we have become used to them stopping and passing comment on our little Landau 29. To date, the judgements have always been complimentary, which kind of helps us justify the money we’ve invested in our new boat.
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