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.
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