Savouring a slower pace of sailing

Much of our plans for Xray, our Beneteau First 31.7, in 2020 had to be scrapped due to the pandemic but this led to some very enjoyable cruising with my children, rather than the usual racing schedule.

In July, my 16-year-old daughter Anna and I had an exhilarating sail out of the Medway and along the Thames to St Katharine Dock in strong winds. Due to an unreliable engine, we spent most of the trip under sail.

Then, at the end of October, I organised a half-term trip with my son Charlie, 18, who had finished his A-Levels and