The first sea dive of the season was out of Hayling Island, diving the Luis by the Isle of Wight.
An early start from home for a 8am meeting at the carpark by Ferry Bridge Inn. Prepping the boat, changing into suits, paying the launching and parking fees and off we went. Launching was really easy and it was good to see the boat in the water.
A flat and calm sea made for a quick journey towards Shanklin on the Isle of Wight. Boat was doing well. Both engines performed as expected after a very small hick-up with port engine. It needed a few moments to decide that is was going on all cylinders but once it made up it’s mind it was working perfectly.
First we did a drift dive as slack was not till 2pm. A fast drift dive it was. We covered a lot of distance ‘flying’ over a sandy seabed with rocks and boulders. Did we manage to see anything? Certainly, but only very briefly. Crabs in all sizes, rays, and the odd fish.
Lunch on the boat followed by a dive on the Luis. Managed to shot it right by the boilers. Again lots of fish and crabs. And metal and more metal and more metal. Parts of it’s cargo are still visible and the crates with shells are the attraction of this wreck.
Visibility was about 3 to 4 meter. Not the best but still OK. The weather was overcast and some fog which was a shame as most of us were feeling a tiny bit chilly after the drift dive and a bit of sunshine would have warmed us up.
By the time we were heading back to Hayling Island, we came out of the haze and continued our journey back in the sunshine. Retrieving the boat was a bit more challenging due to the incoming tide but we managed without any problems. Washing the boat by the pub, followed by food in theters pub, both in the sunshine.
Did everything go as planned? No, that would be boring. A weight pouch was lost, a mask disappeared and boat yard keys made a little detour via the harbour masters office.
Despite all of the above, we had a good time and cannot wait for our next trip.
Dutch.
