Pretty much completed washing all of my kit. Soaked my boots for 3 hours to remove the salt, great sunshine for everything to dry. A couple of nights sleeping has done wonders, although it feels strange to wake up in a bedroom in the morning and not be sharing a cabin with Brian! The land has just about stopped swaying.
We had a great team for sailing around Britain. I'd like to thank Peter as skipper and Stella who were fabulous hosts for our voyage; I'm grateful to the crew too for coping with a sailing vicar! Brian, aka Debbie, Jill and Mike: it was good to meet you and sail with you all. In all it was a wonderful experience facing so many emotions and challenges, learning and experiencing so much under the banner of Cornish Cruising who made it all possible.
On the circumnavigation I mentioned the 'Pass The Port' sponsorships, where friends chose their favourite port or part of the coastline and supported me in favour of the CofE 'Climate Justice Fund'; thank you. www.climatejusticefund.org
Others chose to sponsor miles of the voyage from which I am able to support the new solar panels on St.Mary's Church Hall in Warsash. Having mentioned the christian names from 'Pass the Port' in the blog, I'll list those others I know of who've sponsored a mile or supported me in other ways below; thank you all for your kindness. Both the types of sponsorship have helped me offset something of the carbon footprint involved in sailing around Britain.
I would not be able to undertake this ministerial development leave without the support of my colleagues in the church, a great team to whom I'm grateful and principally among them Philippa, my assistant curate, who is continuing to work hard in my absence. I'm sure the parish won't even notice I'm away! My development leave sailing mentor is Nigel off whom I've bounced my crazy ideas and who is kindly guiding my training through to passing the Yachtmaster Offshore Exam. Then of course, my prinicipal support has come from my family, Libby and my boys, for whom my appreciation and love has grown through my absence.
I value the corporate support which has been afforded to my development leave by the Ecclesiastical Insurance Company (Ministry Bursary Award) www.ecclesiasatical.com , the Diocese of Portsmouth www.portsmouth.anglican.org and by Hook with Warsash Parochial Church Council www.stmarywarsash.org.uk
Finally, I thank you for following this voyage on the blog. You've been very patient with me, I hope you've learned a little about sailing and maybe something about me too! Perhaps it's whetted your appetite to venture on to the seas of our magnificant and wild coast?
Next I must reflect on the themes that stand out for me beyond the sailing. The ways the voyage has added to my personal and ministerial development. I'm pondering a principal theme of '40 days and Liberty', how it gives time to break free and appreciate what is really important for future life and ministry. This followed closely by Trust, Steadfastness /Perseverance, and Navigating Life! Send me your thoughts!
I'll sign off with my thanks to God and to you all, and with my appreciation for the kind support and sponsorship of those below: Pat, Michael, Jenny, Miranda, Pat, Glenda, Carol, John, June, Roger, Margaret, Pam, Rosemary, Gill, David, Paul, Kay, Barbara, Lawrence, Roger, Sally, Caroline, Dave, Rose, Mike, Felicity, Brenda, Nick, Mike, Pat, Marion, Peter, Jim, Marion, Anon, Martyn, Jeff, Eileen, Anon, Bob, Brenda, Heather, Miranda, Rital, David, Gill, Bryan, Pam, Tony, Jan, Sian, Bruce, Anon, Rosemary, Pam, Anon, Anon, Richard, Nigel, Ian, Jen; and of course Christopher RIP whom I remember with affection. Not forgetting the young people of the church Pathfinders with Suzi and Ian and Roz.
So that's it, the circumnavigation is complete. As we'd say on the VHF: 40 Days Around Britain... Out!
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Saturday, 19 May 2012
Soon be home!
80+ knots, I'm only used to 8kts!
It's good to see the chart of the whole UK, it's a stunning island with a rich diversity and many warm hearted people live on its fringes. It has been a great pleasure and blessing to discover it all by the power of the wind. A bit slower than the pace of this train whisking me home!
It's good to see the chart of the whole UK, it's a stunning island with a rich diversity and many warm hearted people live on its fringes. It has been a great pleasure and blessing to discover it all by the power of the wind. A bit slower than the pace of this train whisking me home!
Vital Statistics...
The trip has been fantastic but I'm glad to be on the train going home now. Last night's fireworks were to celebrate the Olympic Flame; Falmouth and Truro were buzzing with it this morning. I'll write a final blog after recovering over the weekend!
For now you might enjoy a few voyage statistics:
1838 logged miles.
115 hours of sailing.
171 hours of motoring.
4 litres diesel per hour.
8 shore days: Amble. Whitby. Stromness 2. Gosport. Scrabster 3.
14 nights at anchor.
15 nights in marina or on pontoon.
5 nights harbour walls.
3 nights on buoys.
4 nights on passage.
2 times up the mast.
2 visits to the laundry.
15 islands visited.
1 swim in the sea!
For now you might enjoy a few voyage statistics:
1838 logged miles.
115 hours of sailing.
171 hours of motoring.
4 litres diesel per hour.
8 shore days: Amble. Whitby. Stromness 2. Gosport. Scrabster 3.
14 nights at anchor.
15 nights in marina or on pontoon.
5 nights harbour walls.
3 nights on buoys.
4 nights on passage.
2 times up the mast.
2 visits to the laundry.
15 islands visited.
1 swim in the sea!
Day 40+1: Isles of Scilly to Falmouth
18th May
ETD 0815; CTS East; 65nm
Will this be the day we complete our circumnavigation of Britain? The prospect of motoring all that way against the tide and wind was not appealing, though the morning forecast had improved somewhat. Slipping the mooring in New Grimsby Sound we put up a tiny piece of mainsail below the spreaders.
At first the swell was uncomfortable and some slamming didn't ease of concern for the rigging, and we wern't used to just 3kts over ground as we were headed by the tide. But progress was made, Wolf Rock Light a good mark (photo with me; other light is Round Island by St.Martin's), and conditions steadily improved. We were on the way home!
Across Mounts Bay with Penzance on a heading for The Lizzard (chart shot). We crossed The Lizzard on a good day; it was only rough!
Turning north east we headed up for Falmouth. Navigating the ships anchored off, the birthday Viking Helmet came out for the entry to Carrick Roads (photo and chart shot).
On the way to the town quay to drop aka Debbie off early for a family do, we first stopped to look at one of the most famous racing yachts in the world. The J's are gathering for a rare regatta: the vintage Valsheda was in the harbour (perhaps the most beautiful of yachts ever!).
After the drop off we took a mooring buoy in the bay in anticipation of our welcome home at 2200. The crowds filled the town quay and the cheers started with the first explosion of the fireworks. We felt we'd truly been welcomed by Falmouth following our voyage with the 20 minute spectacle; we had a grandstand view.
1830 miles beneath the keel in 41 days; we'd returned to the celebrations and colours cascading through the night sky as the fireworks exploded above. A great end to the voyage.
Just half mile from the marina we'd slept on the buoy to return early in the morning, pack and clean the boat, say our farewells and I'd be catching the train home.
ETD 0815; CTS East; 65nm
Will this be the day we complete our circumnavigation of Britain? The prospect of motoring all that way against the tide and wind was not appealing, though the morning forecast had improved somewhat. Slipping the mooring in New Grimsby Sound we put up a tiny piece of mainsail below the spreaders.
At first the swell was uncomfortable and some slamming didn't ease of concern for the rigging, and we wern't used to just 3kts over ground as we were headed by the tide. But progress was made, Wolf Rock Light a good mark (photo with me; other light is Round Island by St.Martin's), and conditions steadily improved. We were on the way home!
Across Mounts Bay with Penzance on a heading for The Lizzard (chart shot). We crossed The Lizzard on a good day; it was only rough!
Turning north east we headed up for Falmouth. Navigating the ships anchored off, the birthday Viking Helmet came out for the entry to Carrick Roads (photo and chart shot).
On the way to the town quay to drop aka Debbie off early for a family do, we first stopped to look at one of the most famous racing yachts in the world. The J's are gathering for a rare regatta: the vintage Valsheda was in the harbour (perhaps the most beautiful of yachts ever!).
After the drop off we took a mooring buoy in the bay in anticipation of our welcome home at 2200. The crowds filled the town quay and the cheers started with the first explosion of the fireworks. We felt we'd truly been welcomed by Falmouth following our voyage with the 20 minute spectacle; we had a grandstand view.
1830 miles beneath the keel in 41 days; we'd returned to the celebrations and colours cascading through the night sky as the fireworks exploded above. A great end to the voyage.
Just half mile from the marina we'd slept on the buoy to return early in the morning, pack and clean the boat, say our farewells and I'd be catching the train home.
Thursday, 17 May 2012
Day 40: St.Martin's Sound to ...
ETD 0930, CTS East, 35nm
A pleasure to be asked to navigate us back to the mainland on day 40. 40 days and tonight, 40 nights to be back in Falmouth tomorrow.
Winds have built again for a brisk sail, except we'd be beating to wind in Easterly 4's to 6's. 0930 and we made our way north out of Tean Sound, piloting the pitfalls of the now to be expected and plentiful Scillonian rocks. Mainsail up, headed NE as close to wind as possible. Given half a chance the tide stream would be pushing us back to Ireland!
A couple of miles out and tracking towards Seven Stones rocks I popped down to the chart table. Why do things always happen when I pop down to the charts? 'Ping' it went from down below; when I say ping I don't mean ping but rather PING. Topsides they described it as a bang or a twang making it a TWBANG!
Casually popping my head up to find part of the starboard rigging had snapped; the V2 section between the end of the spreader and the upper mast, designed to stop the top section bending. A quick change of tack put the pressure on the port side giving a moment to take stock. We were beating to strong and increasing winds, it was clear we couldn't sail on. The main sail down and under a reduced genoa (first outing since repair!) we turned and headed west for the shelter of New Grimsby Sound, Tresco. It would seem that we just cannot get away from the Isles of Scilly!
Picking up a mooring buoy we had lunch whilst the skipper called his mates. Unfortunately the island's riggers needed the replacement to be assembled on the mainland and sent out for fitting. We needed to get the cable down to measure the various dimensions. But, as on the Orkney's, we still have no Bosun's Chair. Peter called Phil who we met on Alycone yesterday for petrol. They were not far off and so again sailed to see us, coming alongside for a second time, on this occasion they lent us their Bosun's Chair.
Yours truly fitted up this nappy device and was attached to a halyard for the second time on the trip. The chair was in fact much better and less physically demanding than climbing the jury rigged steps as before. It also meant I had hands free to work the rigging which was still attached at the outer end of the spreader. There was a bolt through the joint fixed by a split pin. All, parts plus me, descended merrily and the work of assessment, measuring and ordering started. The end of the stainless rig had a swaged on piece of 8mm stainless rod attached; it was this rod that had sheared!
Peter spoke to Wheal Go's rigger, Mel at A2 Rigging in Falmouth who was happy we could motor but not sail home, a bit of our repaired genoa out to steady the boat. So our plans were revised to mean that we would stay here for the evening and then motor 60 miles back to Falmouth tomorrow in slighty better conditions.
A shore party to Bryher with a good walk around the island. A good time for prayer, reflection and thanksgiving to the Lord.
I thought that the Isles of Scilly would be a quiet end to the 40 days, as it is the sailing adventure continues up to the last!
A pleasure to be asked to navigate us back to the mainland on day 40. 40 days and tonight, 40 nights to be back in Falmouth tomorrow.
Winds have built again for a brisk sail, except we'd be beating to wind in Easterly 4's to 6's. 0930 and we made our way north out of Tean Sound, piloting the pitfalls of the now to be expected and plentiful Scillonian rocks. Mainsail up, headed NE as close to wind as possible. Given half a chance the tide stream would be pushing us back to Ireland!
A couple of miles out and tracking towards Seven Stones rocks I popped down to the chart table. Why do things always happen when I pop down to the charts? 'Ping' it went from down below; when I say ping I don't mean ping but rather PING. Topsides they described it as a bang or a twang making it a TWBANG!
Casually popping my head up to find part of the starboard rigging had snapped; the V2 section between the end of the spreader and the upper mast, designed to stop the top section bending. A quick change of tack put the pressure on the port side giving a moment to take stock. We were beating to strong and increasing winds, it was clear we couldn't sail on. The main sail down and under a reduced genoa (first outing since repair!) we turned and headed west for the shelter of New Grimsby Sound, Tresco. It would seem that we just cannot get away from the Isles of Scilly!
Picking up a mooring buoy we had lunch whilst the skipper called his mates. Unfortunately the island's riggers needed the replacement to be assembled on the mainland and sent out for fitting. We needed to get the cable down to measure the various dimensions. But, as on the Orkney's, we still have no Bosun's Chair. Peter called Phil who we met on Alycone yesterday for petrol. They were not far off and so again sailed to see us, coming alongside for a second time, on this occasion they lent us their Bosun's Chair.
Yours truly fitted up this nappy device and was attached to a halyard for the second time on the trip. The chair was in fact much better and less physically demanding than climbing the jury rigged steps as before. It also meant I had hands free to work the rigging which was still attached at the outer end of the spreader. There was a bolt through the joint fixed by a split pin. All, parts plus me, descended merrily and the work of assessment, measuring and ordering started. The end of the stainless rig had a swaged on piece of 8mm stainless rod attached; it was this rod that had sheared!
Peter spoke to Wheal Go's rigger, Mel at A2 Rigging in Falmouth who was happy we could motor but not sail home, a bit of our repaired genoa out to steady the boat. So our plans were revised to mean that we would stay here for the evening and then motor 60 miles back to Falmouth tomorrow in slighty better conditions.
A shore party to Bryher with a good walk around the island. A good time for prayer, reflection and thanksgiving to the Lord.
I thought that the Isles of Scilly would be a quiet end to the 40 days, as it is the sailing adventure continues up to the last!
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Day 39: Porth Cressa, St.Mary's to St.Martins.
8nm
A great sleep, trunks on and straight off the back of the boat and in to the sea. Good Morning the Isles of Scilly! Duly invigorated I couldn't resist diving in again: positively chilling at 11 centigrade; that'll shower me until Falmouth.
Next job of the day: the good exercise of hoisting the repaired genoa back up the mast. Beautifully calm conditions, all repaired an in good order to sail home.
Motored around the west of St.Mary's to drop anchor in a bay within tender reach of the town quay. Emtied the 3 spare water cams into the rear freshwater tank and took a group to the town. Filled up the cams with fresh water and back to the boat to empty them in the tank. It was on the third such trip that the engine caught fire! Although we were approaching the pontoon Brian and I were alarmed to see how much smoke was billowing out from the engine hood. I turned off, closed off the petrol supply, tied up the boat and stood back. Approaching I heard a bizarre crackling from the engine which was more than overheated. Stella arrived from the town as we let the engine cool down. Took the canopy off to check and cool further. Stella phoned Peter on the yacht and we arranged to row out and rendezvous in the bay.
Back on board and I enjoyed the pleasure of steaming the yacht from St.Mary's up New Grimsby Sound (where we removed the outboard engine in the calm) around the top of Tresco, east and then south down Old Grimsby before heading east again to a mooring off St.Martin's Hotel. We're having our end of voyage dinner there this evening because Falmouth is full of Olympic Flame celebrations and fireworks on Friday.
Checking the 4-stroke outboard over we found, or rather, didn't find any oil in her at all. We believe this accounted for the unusual overheating although one might have expected more noise and awkward behaviour from the engine before now. So, just need to give it some oil and... Ah! No 4-stroke oil! No probs, Peter has a sailing mate Dave on St.Martin's who kindly brought some oil to the quay; Mike and Jill rowed over, oil in the engine and it works like new.
Bizarrely, at the same time, Peter took a call from another Cornish Cruising yacht in the isles that had seen us motor up Old Grimsby Sound. Had we any fuel to spare for their outboard? When later, Alcyon came up alongside us (pic) they offered us oil in exchange - but we were sorted by then.
It is such a lovely spot on a sunny day we decided to take a team photo with our Cornish Cruising circumnavigation T-shirts and caps on. Pic below excludes Stella, but in future she'll be there when I can get timed shot off my camera.
A great sleep, trunks on and straight off the back of the boat and in to the sea. Good Morning the Isles of Scilly! Duly invigorated I couldn't resist diving in again: positively chilling at 11 centigrade; that'll shower me until Falmouth.
Next job of the day: the good exercise of hoisting the repaired genoa back up the mast. Beautifully calm conditions, all repaired an in good order to sail home.
Motored around the west of St.Mary's to drop anchor in a bay within tender reach of the town quay. Emtied the 3 spare water cams into the rear freshwater tank and took a group to the town. Filled up the cams with fresh water and back to the boat to empty them in the tank. It was on the third such trip that the engine caught fire! Although we were approaching the pontoon Brian and I were alarmed to see how much smoke was billowing out from the engine hood. I turned off, closed off the petrol supply, tied up the boat and stood back. Approaching I heard a bizarre crackling from the engine which was more than overheated. Stella arrived from the town as we let the engine cool down. Took the canopy off to check and cool further. Stella phoned Peter on the yacht and we arranged to row out and rendezvous in the bay.
Back on board and I enjoyed the pleasure of steaming the yacht from St.Mary's up New Grimsby Sound (where we removed the outboard engine in the calm) around the top of Tresco, east and then south down Old Grimsby before heading east again to a mooring off St.Martin's Hotel. We're having our end of voyage dinner there this evening because Falmouth is full of Olympic Flame celebrations and fireworks on Friday.
Checking the 4-stroke outboard over we found, or rather, didn't find any oil in her at all. We believe this accounted for the unusual overheating although one might have expected more noise and awkward behaviour from the engine before now. So, just need to give it some oil and... Ah! No 4-stroke oil! No probs, Peter has a sailing mate Dave on St.Martin's who kindly brought some oil to the quay; Mike and Jill rowed over, oil in the engine and it works like new.
Bizarrely, at the same time, Peter took a call from another Cornish Cruising yacht in the isles that had seen us motor up Old Grimsby Sound. Had we any fuel to spare for their outboard? When later, Alcyon came up alongside us (pic) they offered us oil in exchange - but we were sorted by then.
It is such a lovely spot on a sunny day we decided to take a team photo with our Cornish Cruising circumnavigation T-shirts and caps on. Pic below excludes Stella, but in future she'll be there when I can get timed shot off my camera.
Day 38: Old Grimsby,Tresco to Porth Cressa, St.Mary's
Tuesday 15th May
7nm
A few of us were sleepless through the night as the F6 blew through, though Brian, next to me, slept like a log. A sterling job laying the anchor saw us through to the morning with the winds still howling.
Plan was to collect the repaired sail from Hugh Town at the end of the day after lunch time anchorage between Puffin Island and Samson.
The rocks and shallows around the Scillies are pronounced and many, navigation uses many transits and is tide critical. With high tide we left Old Grimsby Sound motoring south towards St.Mary's before turning west to loop round and a wigley north towards Samson near the entrance to New Grimsby Sound west of Tresco. Lunch off a lovely beach, but no shore party, so weighed anchor to head for the south side of St.Mary's to anchor in the bay behind Hugh Town.
All ashore to the town or walks. Got a call from Peter to meet at the sailmaker on the harbour side (photo) to carry sail back across town to the beach and on the tender to the boat. Started to prepare the veg and get ready the dinner. The wind had dropped, all was calm for a quiet night.
7nm
A few of us were sleepless through the night as the F6 blew through, though Brian, next to me, slept like a log. A sterling job laying the anchor saw us through to the morning with the winds still howling.
Plan was to collect the repaired sail from Hugh Town at the end of the day after lunch time anchorage between Puffin Island and Samson.
The rocks and shallows around the Scillies are pronounced and many, navigation uses many transits and is tide critical. With high tide we left Old Grimsby Sound motoring south towards St.Mary's before turning west to loop round and a wigley north towards Samson near the entrance to New Grimsby Sound west of Tresco. Lunch off a lovely beach, but no shore party, so weighed anchor to head for the south side of St.Mary's to anchor in the bay behind Hugh Town.
All ashore to the town or walks. Got a call from Peter to meet at the sailmaker on the harbour side (photo) to carry sail back across town to the beach and on the tender to the boat. Started to prepare the veg and get ready the dinner. The wind had dropped, all was calm for a quiet night.
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Day 37: Hugh Town, St.Mary's to Old Grimsby Sound, Tresco
Monday 14th May
5nm
Rain, 0930 loading the Genoa onto the RIB for the short journey to the back of Hugh Town. Landing on the beach we trekked through the streets, 3 of us carrying the sail down the alleys to the sail loft.
Turned out to be the retail shop where traditional canvas bags, buckets and fisherman's smocks are made and sold. As we unravelled the sail the maker arrived from the other site on the harbour pier to assess the damage. A few hours work, we'd pick up the sail at high tide tomorrow.
An hour to explore the town, see all the gigs ashore, talk to my wife Libby at last! First time my navigation got me lost, in the small town I couldn't find my way back to the beach with the tender! 5 mins late, we returned to 'Wheal Go' to take high water to Tresco. After an hour, 5 miles, we anchored in Old Grimsby Sound for lunch and the night. As the rain eased the wind built from the west and north. Here to shelter from F6 & 7s tonight. With a bright afternoon all took the tender to the quay on this immensely picturesque island. A walk across the island to the site of C11th St.Nicholas Priory, now Tresco Abbey Gardens. With 30 mins to closing the 4 who walked didn't go in but still enjoyed mooching around the open spaces and visitor centre and shop. Some lovely sculptures in the gardens and some reflective mosaics: love, peace and happiness.
I took a fabulous lone coastal walk back to find the others all relaxing at a very nice beach bar overlooking the boat. The entrance decorated in lovely mosaics. It was strangely reassuring to see how much she was swaying whilst holding fast, on the yacht the movements feel more exaggerated.
Some returned to the boat to prepare supper, others moved on to the open evening with canapés at the art gallery for the Scilly Art Week. Took a photo of the mosaics covering the school and of the mosaic style art inside St.Nicholas Church (ideas for home?). An island of mosaics then, except none at the gallery; paintings and sculpture instead. An inspired bronze star fish for £5000 etc; a relief Libby forbade me from buying her any gifts, phew! Back for 2030 supper and a night to let the winds howl through.
5nm
Rain, 0930 loading the Genoa onto the RIB for the short journey to the back of Hugh Town. Landing on the beach we trekked through the streets, 3 of us carrying the sail down the alleys to the sail loft.
Turned out to be the retail shop where traditional canvas bags, buckets and fisherman's smocks are made and sold. As we unravelled the sail the maker arrived from the other site on the harbour pier to assess the damage. A few hours work, we'd pick up the sail at high tide tomorrow.
An hour to explore the town, see all the gigs ashore, talk to my wife Libby at last! First time my navigation got me lost, in the small town I couldn't find my way back to the beach with the tender! 5 mins late, we returned to 'Wheal Go' to take high water to Tresco. After an hour, 5 miles, we anchored in Old Grimsby Sound for lunch and the night. As the rain eased the wind built from the west and north. Here to shelter from F6 & 7s tonight. With a bright afternoon all took the tender to the quay on this immensely picturesque island. A walk across the island to the site of C11th St.Nicholas Priory, now Tresco Abbey Gardens. With 30 mins to closing the 4 who walked didn't go in but still enjoyed mooching around the open spaces and visitor centre and shop. Some lovely sculptures in the gardens and some reflective mosaics: love, peace and happiness.
I took a fabulous lone coastal walk back to find the others all relaxing at a very nice beach bar overlooking the boat. The entrance decorated in lovely mosaics. It was strangely reassuring to see how much she was swaying whilst holding fast, on the yacht the movements feel more exaggerated.
Some returned to the boat to prepare supper, others moved on to the open evening with canapés at the art gallery for the Scilly Art Week. Took a photo of the mosaics covering the school and of the mosaic style art inside St.Nicholas Church (ideas for home?). An island of mosaics then, except none at the gallery; paintings and sculpture instead. An inspired bronze star fish for £5000 etc; a relief Libby forbade me from buying her any gifts, phew! Back for 2030 supper and a night to let the winds howl through.
Sunday, 13 May 2012
Day 36: ... to The Isles of Scilly
Back on watch in the Celtic Sea at 0700, about 100 miles travelled. Engine was on now, sun was up, Scillies just over the horizon. Motored on for our St.Mary's rendezvous with Jill & Mike. GPS chart shot of our approaches in the isles for the pick up at 1230 on the quay of the 'Island Parish'.
Greetings and relief all round as mike and Jill returned on board, then to leave St.Mary's for an afternoon anchorage and lunch on St.Agnes and Gugh. A walk around both islands before moving back to St.Mary's eastern Porth Cressa to anchor for the night. In glorious sunshine we took down the genoa so that we can deliver it to the island sail maker first thing in the morning.
Here in St.Mary's now feels so close to home, just a few days left of the forty, nearly 1800 miles beneath the bows. I look forward to exploring St.Mary's in the morning as one of my 'Pass the Ports' kindly sponsored by Rita.
Greetings and relief all round as mike and Jill returned on board, then to leave St.Mary's for an afternoon anchorage and lunch on St.Agnes and Gugh. A walk around both islands before moving back to St.Mary's eastern Porth Cressa to anchor for the night. In glorious sunshine we took down the genoa so that we can deliver it to the island sail maker first thing in the morning.
Here in St.Mary's now feels so close to home, just a few days left of the forty, nearly 1800 miles beneath the bows. I look forward to exploring St.Mary's in the morning as one of my 'Pass the Ports' kindly sponsored by Rita.
Day 35: Kilmore Quay to...
Saturday 12th May
ETD1300, CTS South, 142nm
Departed Kilmore Quay with high water around its shallows, heading out to go between the Little and Greater Saltee islands. Clear after 4 miles we turned to 180 degrees across the Celtic Sea. Ahead of the stronger winds we were close hauled to the South Westerly 3, great progress in bright sunshine and calm sea. Wind backed so we could close reach for improved speed. A rolling watch shared among the 5, sandwiches and stew prepared, the afternoon passed to the evening with the company of dolphins and gannets diving.
Through the evening our sharp eyed skipper noted a tear starting along the leach of the genoa, a foot long on the seam where it crosses the radar and spreaders when tacking. A search for tape, speed reduced to 2kts and the huge sail dropped to effect a temporary repair on the foredeck. All taped up and raised again, we sailed on in the light wind. Will try to find a sail loft in the Isles of Scilly.
Farewell to the green and charming Eire, I lowered the green, white and orange tricolour at sundown. The sunset was amazing and encouraging as the open sea loomed ahead (screenshot of our position).
We were soon entertained by a Swallow seemingly seeking a place to rest in the sea. Twice it flew inside the saloon and in to the cabins. Thereafter we had to close down the companion way hatches to keep this determined little fella' at bay. Eventually it settled for the shelter if the steps and so all watches had to take care throughout the night. I thought I heard a crunch underfoot at one point, but all was well as the sunrise watch reported seeing it off in good health.
During the night it was beautiful to see the array of stars and sail south towards the Scorpio constellation (Night Sky app. screenshot). The stars were mirrored in the water by very bright phosphorescence, I'd not seen since the first night out of Falmouth. The sparkling plankton, spangled when disturbed by our hull, appeared like the stars thrust powering us along.
I felt suddenly caught out by a fast moving bright orange spinnaker sailing north, why would they light it up like that? A bit odd until I got the binoculars to find it was the moon rise in the East!
Mindful of sailing down the Welsh coast past beautiful Pembrokeshire sponsored for the Climate Justice Fund by David & Gill G, with Solva supported by Pam and Bryan and Milford Haven sposored by Rose.
Moving thoughts, prayers and songs during the early hours of Sunday in the wonder of the open sea. Off watch and to sleep at 0400.
ETD1300, CTS South, 142nm
Departed Kilmore Quay with high water around its shallows, heading out to go between the Little and Greater Saltee islands. Clear after 4 miles we turned to 180 degrees across the Celtic Sea. Ahead of the stronger winds we were close hauled to the South Westerly 3, great progress in bright sunshine and calm sea. Wind backed so we could close reach for improved speed. A rolling watch shared among the 5, sandwiches and stew prepared, the afternoon passed to the evening with the company of dolphins and gannets diving.
Through the evening our sharp eyed skipper noted a tear starting along the leach of the genoa, a foot long on the seam where it crosses the radar and spreaders when tacking. A search for tape, speed reduced to 2kts and the huge sail dropped to effect a temporary repair on the foredeck. All taped up and raised again, we sailed on in the light wind. Will try to find a sail loft in the Isles of Scilly.
Farewell to the green and charming Eire, I lowered the green, white and orange tricolour at sundown. The sunset was amazing and encouraging as the open sea loomed ahead (screenshot of our position).
We were soon entertained by a Swallow seemingly seeking a place to rest in the sea. Twice it flew inside the saloon and in to the cabins. Thereafter we had to close down the companion way hatches to keep this determined little fella' at bay. Eventually it settled for the shelter if the steps and so all watches had to take care throughout the night. I thought I heard a crunch underfoot at one point, but all was well as the sunrise watch reported seeing it off in good health.
During the night it was beautiful to see the array of stars and sail south towards the Scorpio constellation (Night Sky app. screenshot). The stars were mirrored in the water by very bright phosphorescence, I'd not seen since the first night out of Falmouth. The sparkling plankton, spangled when disturbed by our hull, appeared like the stars thrust powering us along.
I felt suddenly caught out by a fast moving bright orange spinnaker sailing north, why would they light it up like that? A bit odd until I got the binoculars to find it was the moon rise in the East!
Mindful of sailing down the Welsh coast past beautiful Pembrokeshire sponsored for the Climate Justice Fund by David & Gill G, with Solva supported by Pam and Bryan and Milford Haven sposored by Rose.
Moving thoughts, prayers and songs during the early hours of Sunday in the wonder of the open sea. Off watch and to sleep at 0400.
Saturday, 12 May 2012
Day 33: Howth to Wicklow
10th May
ETD 1415, CTS South, 22 nm
A lay in saw me greeted by the crew having all returned from bracing cold showers in the most splendid of club houses. With this local information I was able to delay my shower ETD until the stream of warmer waters. The moral of the tale ...
Boat could not depart at low water so a shorter trip today after lunch. Time to explore Howth and catch up blogs. Howth Island is attractive, a local sailor told me: If you can see the island you know rain is coming'; if you can't see the island you know 'tis already 'ere. I couldn't see the island!
We are travelling down the Irish coast. There was much debate and a desire among us all to sail over to Peel on the Isle of Man, then dropping down to take on the Menai Straight at Anglesey; perhaps the Lleyn Penninsular. But the weather stopped us making those passages in our time frame. On the way south we have passed Stranraer which was sponsored by John, and Peel sponsored by Rosemary and Malcolm; I am grateful to them for their support.
To see us off we coped with a typically average round Britain luncheon from the 4 quayside fishmarkets of Dublin Bay Prawns, dressed crab and smoked fish pate. Heading off in the misty rain and swell visibility was foggy and poor across Dublin Bay. Plenty of shipping and Racons (radar transponder beacons). With our radar on we were able to observe the movements across the bay; useful training.
Visibility cleared and wind increased to sail to Wicklow. Entered Wicklow to tie up to the NE side of the harbour wall; well planked, but mucky green, yacht positions with long lines let us rise and fall with the tide. Greeted by a blue blazered and club tie member of WSC, Wicklow Sailing Club, who'd walked over to invite us to their evening Press Launch of the Round Island Race (IRC/RORC etc). A warm and cosy club house contrasted with the scale of Howth; yet it was full and full of laughter and pride in hosting this prestigious race biennially 17 times. Got one of the big 3 nights a year to arrive with wine on entry, speeches, and then we we're plied with canapés with our Guiness, and more canapes, and more... Lot's of hearty interest in our voyage; anyone fancy bringing me back to race on 24th June?
ETD 1415, CTS South, 22 nm
A lay in saw me greeted by the crew having all returned from bracing cold showers in the most splendid of club houses. With this local information I was able to delay my shower ETD until the stream of warmer waters. The moral of the tale ...
Boat could not depart at low water so a shorter trip today after lunch. Time to explore Howth and catch up blogs. Howth Island is attractive, a local sailor told me: If you can see the island you know rain is coming'; if you can't see the island you know 'tis already 'ere. I couldn't see the island!
We are travelling down the Irish coast. There was much debate and a desire among us all to sail over to Peel on the Isle of Man, then dropping down to take on the Menai Straight at Anglesey; perhaps the Lleyn Penninsular. But the weather stopped us making those passages in our time frame. On the way south we have passed Stranraer which was sponsored by John, and Peel sponsored by Rosemary and Malcolm; I am grateful to them for their support.
To see us off we coped with a typically average round Britain luncheon from the 4 quayside fishmarkets of Dublin Bay Prawns, dressed crab and smoked fish pate. Heading off in the misty rain and swell visibility was foggy and poor across Dublin Bay. Plenty of shipping and Racons (radar transponder beacons). With our radar on we were able to observe the movements across the bay; useful training.
Visibility cleared and wind increased to sail to Wicklow. Entered Wicklow to tie up to the NE side of the harbour wall; well planked, but mucky green, yacht positions with long lines let us rise and fall with the tide. Greeted by a blue blazered and club tie member of WSC, Wicklow Sailing Club, who'd walked over to invite us to their evening Press Launch of the Round Island Race (IRC/RORC etc). A warm and cosy club house contrasted with the scale of Howth; yet it was full and full of laughter and pride in hosting this prestigious race biennially 17 times. Got one of the big 3 nights a year to arrive with wine on entry, speeches, and then we we're plied with canapés with our Guiness, and more canapes, and more... Lot's of hearty interest in our voyage; anyone fancy bringing me back to race on 24th June?
Quick Note
Saturday morning and we'll be heading 130 nm for the Scilly's Isles for the next 24 hours. Good news is that Jill and Mike are headed there too, so we shall look forward to their embarking again on Sunday for the last week.
Day 34: Wicklow to Kilmore Quay
11th May
ETD 1000, CTS South, 70nm
The nght on the harbour wall was ok, mindful of being exposed to wind, heard skipper checking fenders.
Challenge for me was to be skipper for the day taking the yacht to Kilmore Quay to bag a Yachtmaster Offshore qualifying passage; it must be over 60 miles.
In passage planning I wanted to be off by 1000 for our 10 hours south. We'd be headed by the north flood tide for 4 hours to begin, then it would take us on and around the corner as the coast turns westward. Weather forecast was good, NW 3 or 4, a great day ahead!
But the first challenge was departing a wall with wind pinning us in over the bows. Springs and lines off in order, and the use of a pole to push, saw us clear and off. Put up the main in harbour shelter and off we set on a fine and clear day with showers.
Against the tide progress was 5kts over ground, but we managed to sail between the long sandbanks with wind farms and the lush green and yellow (with rape) coast. High headlands with long low bays harbouring ports and industries at river mouths.
Variable wind directions toyed with us, turning E with sea breeze in afternoon with prevailing showers still from W. Speed had increased but was now settling so we were all sailing along fine when an extraordinary gust broached us over. I leapt up from the chart table with this severe wind heeling us strongly; steerage turning to wind only to go about and repeat. Effort to de-power and reef in the sails, whilst making sure we had water beneath. All crew on hand by now and thereafter all was plain sailing again. Just goes to show... But it made me rerun to my cautious nature at the slightest hint if a squall later, reefer in ready when nothing happened. Well, as skipper Peter remind us: There are old sailors and there are bold sailors, but there are not many old bold sailors; just plenty of bauld ones!
Across the ferries entering Rosslare, the sun out, gannets displaying their diving techniques, roast chicken supper and we approached Kilmore Quay.
The beautiful Little Saltee and Great Saltee Islands lay south off the port, connected to shore by the 2 mile, and 2 metre at deepest, St.Patrick's Bridge. I'd told the Harbour Master our ETA would be 2000, so I was pleased when we dropped sails at the bar at that time when I hoped we'd have an extra couple of metres of water. Slowly approaching, we dropped to 4.6m and were through. A well marked transit took us the remaining mile to the harbour enjoying calm water and a setting sun; fantastic. I took us in to find an RNLI Lifeboat on the west hammerhead the HM told me to use, so we went to the East one, tied up and enjoyed this dynamic and attractive fishing harbour.
Peculiar feature here is a phone number which HM gave me ealier as an entry code. Couldn't fathom it out but someone was on their boat who explained how you dial it and the gate unlocks automatically!
On the outside, the bizarre thing seems to be the number is published on the gate! Still I guess a phone can mostly be identified.
I was grateful to the crew and Peter for allowing me to skipper them for the day; it was great.
ETD 1000, CTS South, 70nm
The nght on the harbour wall was ok, mindful of being exposed to wind, heard skipper checking fenders.
Challenge for me was to be skipper for the day taking the yacht to Kilmore Quay to bag a Yachtmaster Offshore qualifying passage; it must be over 60 miles.
In passage planning I wanted to be off by 1000 for our 10 hours south. We'd be headed by the north flood tide for 4 hours to begin, then it would take us on and around the corner as the coast turns westward. Weather forecast was good, NW 3 or 4, a great day ahead!
But the first challenge was departing a wall with wind pinning us in over the bows. Springs and lines off in order, and the use of a pole to push, saw us clear and off. Put up the main in harbour shelter and off we set on a fine and clear day with showers.
Against the tide progress was 5kts over ground, but we managed to sail between the long sandbanks with wind farms and the lush green and yellow (with rape) coast. High headlands with long low bays harbouring ports and industries at river mouths.
Variable wind directions toyed with us, turning E with sea breeze in afternoon with prevailing showers still from W. Speed had increased but was now settling so we were all sailing along fine when an extraordinary gust broached us over. I leapt up from the chart table with this severe wind heeling us strongly; steerage turning to wind only to go about and repeat. Effort to de-power and reef in the sails, whilst making sure we had water beneath. All crew on hand by now and thereafter all was plain sailing again. Just goes to show... But it made me rerun to my cautious nature at the slightest hint if a squall later, reefer in ready when nothing happened. Well, as skipper Peter remind us: There are old sailors and there are bold sailors, but there are not many old bold sailors; just plenty of bauld ones!
Across the ferries entering Rosslare, the sun out, gannets displaying their diving techniques, roast chicken supper and we approached Kilmore Quay.
The beautiful Little Saltee and Great Saltee Islands lay south off the port, connected to shore by the 2 mile, and 2 metre at deepest, St.Patrick's Bridge. I'd told the Harbour Master our ETA would be 2000, so I was pleased when we dropped sails at the bar at that time when I hoped we'd have an extra couple of metres of water. Slowly approaching, we dropped to 4.6m and were through. A well marked transit took us the remaining mile to the harbour enjoying calm water and a setting sun; fantastic. I took us in to find an RNLI Lifeboat on the west hammerhead the HM told me to use, so we went to the East one, tied up and enjoyed this dynamic and attractive fishing harbour.
Peculiar feature here is a phone number which HM gave me ealier as an entry code. Couldn't fathom it out but someone was on their boat who explained how you dial it and the gate unlocks automatically!
On the outside, the bizarre thing seems to be the number is published on the gate! Still I guess a phone can mostly be identified.
I was grateful to the crew and Peter for allowing me to skipper them for the day; it was great.
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