Gijon
30/09/06 21:05 Filed in: Spain
30th September
I planned to spend a few days in Gijon. The boat needs a good clean and some jobs need attending to.
Dave is returning to the UK and rushes off early to catch his coach to Bilbao. I start the cleaning and then visit the tourist office for some maps. They are very helpful their information suggests that there is a bit more to Gijon than indicated in the pilot book.
Dagoll Dagom are in Gijon for a performance of the Catalan Mikado with Gijon Symphony. Around lunchtime I walk to the town centre to buy a ticket. With all the Teatro Jovellanos doors locked, access to the box office was not immediately obvious. This was probably because there is no access. One buys tickets via a little hole in the wall away to the side of the main entrance. The ticket lady sits in her little office and conducts business via the hole. There is no signage indicating this.
After purchasing my ticket I have lunch at the cafe accross the plaza. Very nice very reasonable and served in gargantuan helpings.
Back at the boat I meet Tony & Gill from "Nimbus" who have just arrived. They are empty nesters sailing their lovely live aboard yacht to Greece. I remember seeing their boat at Dartside Quay being painted earlier in the year.
Being in Spain a late afternoon siesta seemed appropriate, after which I tried again to have a hot shower. Again, I failed. The marina staff say the showers are hot but the best I can manage is not cold. Never mind, It's still pretty warm here.
Off to Teatro Jovellanos where I make my way to my seat. The rows and seats are both numbered. I find myself sitting in someone else's seat though we both have tickets with the same number. Some letters next to my number indicate that I am on the wrong level. No problem. A quick dash uipstairs and it's showtime.
A very flamboyant and strikingly visual performance follows. I don't understand a word of it but I'm well entertained by the music and spectacle.
I planned to spend a few days in Gijon. The boat needs a good clean and some jobs need attending to.
Dave is returning to the UK and rushes off early to catch his coach to Bilbao. I start the cleaning and then visit the tourist office for some maps. They are very helpful their information suggests that there is a bit more to Gijon than indicated in the pilot book.
Dagoll Dagom are in Gijon for a performance of the Catalan Mikado with Gijon Symphony. Around lunchtime I walk to the town centre to buy a ticket. With all the Teatro Jovellanos doors locked, access to the box office was not immediately obvious. This was probably because there is no access. One buys tickets via a little hole in the wall away to the side of the main entrance. The ticket lady sits in her little office and conducts business via the hole. There is no signage indicating this.
After purchasing my ticket I have lunch at the cafe accross the plaza. Very nice very reasonable and served in gargantuan helpings.
Back at the boat I meet Tony & Gill from "Nimbus" who have just arrived. They are empty nesters sailing their lovely live aboard yacht to Greece. I remember seeing their boat at Dartside Quay being painted earlier in the year.
Being in Spain a late afternoon siesta seemed appropriate, after which I tried again to have a hot shower. Again, I failed. The marina staff say the showers are hot but the best I can manage is not cold. Never mind, It's still pretty warm here.
Off to Teatro Jovellanos where I make my way to my seat. The rows and seats are both numbered. I find myself sitting in someone else's seat though we both have tickets with the same number. Some letters next to my number indicate that I am on the wrong level. No problem. A quick dash uipstairs and it's showtime.
A very flamboyant and strikingly visual performance follows. I don't understand a word of it but I'm well entertained by the music and spectacle.
L'Aber Wrac'h to Gijon 25-29 Sept
29/09/06 06:00 Filed in: Biscay Crossing
25th September
Up early (05:30) to catch a favourable tide through the Chenal du Four. However as it's still dark I'm reluctant to proceed until there is sufficient light to spot unlit buoys and beacons.
Eventually we get underway at 07:25 and proceed to sea without incident. As we are running late we motor sail quite quickly at 6 knots in order not to miss the tide. At 10:20 we pass Le Four lighthouse and enter the channel proper. No sign of any adverse tide, nor much of a favourable one for that matter.
At 11:45 we pass le Grande Vinotiere and are now doing 9 knots over the ground. The tide has become very apparent but much later than we thought.
By 12:35 we are clear of the channel and the Basse Royale buoy and set course for La Coruna. The engine is turned off and we proceed under full sail of main, yankee and staysail.
Later it becomes apparent that this point of sail will not clear the off lying shoals that comprise the Chaussee de Sein and we have to motorsail again. By 17:15 we are clear and resume sailing. Our first dolphins of the trip arrive at 18:30.
Sunset first Biscay evening.
26th September
During the night the wind slowly dies away so that by 07:20 we have no material wind and resume motorsailing with the foresails furled.
At noon we have another visit from the dolphins just disappearing by the bow as this photo was taken. Note flat calm sea.
At 12:00 we have come 118.1 miles since L'Aber Wrac'h, averaging 4.13 knots. 252 miles to go. By 19:35 the wind has returned from the south and we are able to make a course of around 235-240 under full sail. One hour later the wind dies again and we continue motoring.
27th September
At midnight we have a south easterly of F4-5 and resume sailing. By 06:00 this has veered to the south and we are having to beat. Boat movement is starting to become uncomfortable.
At noon our daily run has reduced to 93.7 miles, average speed 3.9 knots and 175 miles to go.
The wind continues to veer and by 15:00 we are beating into a rough sea and large swell with 2 reefs in the main, 40% yankee and full staysail.
Biscay looking less settled.
By 21:00, having tacked to course 180 we are beating into a moderating sea and swell with the yankee at 60%. We also cross over the delightfully named "Biscay Abyssal Plain" (depth >4,800m). It becomes appparent that we are being set into the bay from our desired course.
28th September
Throughout the early hours windspeed gradually decreases such that by 06:30 we are motoring again. By 10:35 the wind has increased to SW F3 and we resume sailing under full rig.
At noon we have run only 78 miles averaging 3.24 knots. Still 115 miles to go. Throughout the afternoon we continue beating into SW F5 winds and are being set further into the bay. The ride is unpleasant and progress towards the desired destination is unsatisfactory.
At 17:40 we decide to make a strategic alteration in destination. The boat is equidistant from La Coruna and Gijon. (abt 100 miles.) The latest weather forecast incates SW F4-5 occ F6. Faced the the option of an other 1.5-2 days beating towards La Coruna or a beam reach of 24 hours to Gijon we choose Gijon. This is, after all, a leisure pursuit and the merits of subjecting the boat and its crew to further beating are not immediately apparent.
The skipper on watch with angry looking background clouds.
After the course change we are surging along in excess of 5 knots with a comfortable ride. Gijon is looking very attractive.
29th September
Wind speed increases during the night to F5 with the wind backing to the south as we approach the Spanish coast. Around midnight we are subjected to a series of rain squalls with winds gusting to 27 knots. Sail is reduced rapidly but we continue to make excellent progress under the staysail and 3 reefs in the main.
At noon our daily run was 105.4 miles with an average speed of 4.39 knots. Only 22.7 miles to Gijon.
Dave looking cheerful some 5 hours out of Gijon.
As we approach Cabo Penas the wind dies away and we motor the last two hours into Gijon. At 17:00 we are all fast on a visitor berth at Puerto Deportiva Gijon.
Total run from L'Aber Wrac'h 417.6 miles. Average speed 3.955 knots. Passage time 105.6 hours of which 29.8 were spent motoring.
Up early (05:30) to catch a favourable tide through the Chenal du Four. However as it's still dark I'm reluctant to proceed until there is sufficient light to spot unlit buoys and beacons.
Eventually we get underway at 07:25 and proceed to sea without incident. As we are running late we motor sail quite quickly at 6 knots in order not to miss the tide. At 10:20 we pass Le Four lighthouse and enter the channel proper. No sign of any adverse tide, nor much of a favourable one for that matter.
At 11:45 we pass le Grande Vinotiere and are now doing 9 knots over the ground. The tide has become very apparent but much later than we thought.
By 12:35 we are clear of the channel and the Basse Royale buoy and set course for La Coruna. The engine is turned off and we proceed under full sail of main, yankee and staysail.
Later it becomes apparent that this point of sail will not clear the off lying shoals that comprise the Chaussee de Sein and we have to motorsail again. By 17:15 we are clear and resume sailing. Our first dolphins of the trip arrive at 18:30.
Sunset first Biscay evening.
26th September
During the night the wind slowly dies away so that by 07:20 we have no material wind and resume motorsailing with the foresails furled.
At noon we have another visit from the dolphins just disappearing by the bow as this photo was taken. Note flat calm sea.
At 12:00 we have come 118.1 miles since L'Aber Wrac'h, averaging 4.13 knots. 252 miles to go. By 19:35 the wind has returned from the south and we are able to make a course of around 235-240 under full sail. One hour later the wind dies again and we continue motoring.
27th September
At midnight we have a south easterly of F4-5 and resume sailing. By 06:00 this has veered to the south and we are having to beat. Boat movement is starting to become uncomfortable.
At noon our daily run has reduced to 93.7 miles, average speed 3.9 knots and 175 miles to go.
The wind continues to veer and by 15:00 we are beating into a rough sea and large swell with 2 reefs in the main, 40% yankee and full staysail.
Biscay looking less settled.
By 21:00, having tacked to course 180 we are beating into a moderating sea and swell with the yankee at 60%. We also cross over the delightfully named "Biscay Abyssal Plain" (depth >4,800m). It becomes appparent that we are being set into the bay from our desired course.
28th September
Throughout the early hours windspeed gradually decreases such that by 06:30 we are motoring again. By 10:35 the wind has increased to SW F3 and we resume sailing under full rig.
At noon we have run only 78 miles averaging 3.24 knots. Still 115 miles to go. Throughout the afternoon we continue beating into SW F5 winds and are being set further into the bay. The ride is unpleasant and progress towards the desired destination is unsatisfactory.
At 17:40 we decide to make a strategic alteration in destination. The boat is equidistant from La Coruna and Gijon. (abt 100 miles.) The latest weather forecast incates SW F4-5 occ F6. Faced the the option of an other 1.5-2 days beating towards La Coruna or a beam reach of 24 hours to Gijon we choose Gijon. This is, after all, a leisure pursuit and the merits of subjecting the boat and its crew to further beating are not immediately apparent.
The skipper on watch with angry looking background clouds.
After the course change we are surging along in excess of 5 knots with a comfortable ride. Gijon is looking very attractive.
29th September
Wind speed increases during the night to F5 with the wind backing to the south as we approach the Spanish coast. Around midnight we are subjected to a series of rain squalls with winds gusting to 27 knots. Sail is reduced rapidly but we continue to make excellent progress under the staysail and 3 reefs in the main.
At noon our daily run was 105.4 miles with an average speed of 4.39 knots. Only 22.7 miles to Gijon.
Dave looking cheerful some 5 hours out of Gijon.
As we approach Cabo Penas the wind dies away and we motor the last two hours into Gijon. At 17:00 we are all fast on a visitor berth at Puerto Deportiva Gijon.
Total run from L'Aber Wrac'h 417.6 miles. Average speed 3.955 knots. Passage time 105.6 hours of which 29.8 were spent motoring.
L'Aber Wrac'h 24 Sept
24/09/06 05:59 Filed in: France
A welcome lay-in after the bouncy trip from Salcombe.
We deploy the tender and go ashore late morning. The season is well and truly closed here. The pontoon has been removed. The harbour office and shower facilities are now closed on sundays. We get a coffee and sandwich at a cafe across the road.
Kiriwina on the buoy at L'Aber Wrac'h
The skipper at L'Aber Wrac'h
After a quiet day on board we go ashore when the yacht club opens to check the weather and have dinner. The weather clearly looks to be improving. We decide to leave in the morning and make a final decision on our destination once we have passed through the Chenal du Four.
An excellent dinner at the pizzeria across from the harbour.
We deploy the tender and go ashore late morning. The season is well and truly closed here. The pontoon has been removed. The harbour office and shower facilities are now closed on sundays. We get a coffee and sandwich at a cafe across the road.
Kiriwina on the buoy at L'Aber Wrac'h
The skipper at L'Aber Wrac'h
After a quiet day on board we go ashore when the yacht club opens to check the weather and have dinner. The weather clearly looks to be improving. We decide to leave in the morning and make a final decision on our destination once we have passed through the Chenal du Four.
An excellent dinner at the pizzeria across from the harbour.
Salcombe to L'Aber Wrac'h 22-23 Sept
22/09/06 05:55 Filed in: France
22nd September
The gale passes overnight and with a more benign forecast we decide to head for Spain. After a quick stop at the town pontoon we sail at 09:45.
We decide to adopt a watchkeeping roster of 3 hours on 3 hours off.
Initially we are able to make good our required course with SE winds. As the day progresses the wind starts to veer south and increase. We have to tack our way across the channel.
23rd September
During the early hours the wind increase to F6 and we are down to 3 reefs in the Main, 1/3 Yankee and full Staysail. Throughout the day we make good progress as the wind backs to SE.
Late in the afternoon a tired pigeon, well out to sea and destined for fish food, comes aboard.
As night falls the wind again veers south and we pass through a violent thunderstorm. With more of these on the way and Meteo France forecasting increasing winds from the south I decide not to pass Ushant in such conditions and divert to L'Aber Wrac'h.
The approach and entrance are straightforward but the last few buoys leading to the mooring area are unlit. I discover that the spotlight battery is fully discharged and while groping or way forward we ground on soft mud at low tide around 23:30. Our visiting pigeon flies away. Presumably to safety.
Two hours later we refloat on the rising tide and by 02:00 we are safely secured to one of the harbour mooring buoys.
The gale passes overnight and with a more benign forecast we decide to head for Spain. After a quick stop at the town pontoon we sail at 09:45.
We decide to adopt a watchkeeping roster of 3 hours on 3 hours off.
Initially we are able to make good our required course with SE winds. As the day progresses the wind starts to veer south and increase. We have to tack our way across the channel.
23rd September
During the early hours the wind increase to F6 and we are down to 3 reefs in the Main, 1/3 Yankee and full Staysail. Throughout the day we make good progress as the wind backs to SE.
Late in the afternoon a tired pigeon, well out to sea and destined for fish food, comes aboard.
As night falls the wind again veers south and we pass through a violent thunderstorm. With more of these on the way and Meteo France forecasting increasing winds from the south I decide not to pass Ushant in such conditions and divert to L'Aber Wrac'h.
The approach and entrance are straightforward but the last few buoys leading to the mooring area are unlit. I discover that the spotlight battery is fully discharged and while groping or way forward we ground on soft mud at low tide around 23:30. Our visiting pigeon flies away. Presumably to safety.
Two hours later we refloat on the rising tide and by 02:00 we are safely secured to one of the harbour mooring buoys.
Salcombe 20-21 Sept
21/09/06 05:49 Filed in: UK
21st September
Weatherbound in Salcombe. The forecast is for SW Gales.
Dave and I take a long walk out to Bolt head where my handheld windmeter indicates only F3. The sea does not look too bad either.
We find an internet cafe and confirm that a gale is forecast to come through tomorrow.
After an uninspiring dinner at the ferry inn we return to the boat.
22nd September
Weatherbound in Salcombe. The forecast is again for Gales.
We motor the boat round to the town pontoon to check the weather forecast. It looks dodgy. We decide to stay but motor down to the harbour entrance to check the sea state. Looks a bit lumpy but not too bad.
We return to The Bag and come back to town in the tender later in the day for a wander about and to purchase some provisions.
As we return to the boat the wind is noticeably increasing. We deploy extra moorings and eat on board. Later in the evening the wind peaks at 35 knots, just inside the gale force 8 range.
Weatherbound in Salcombe. The forecast is for SW Gales.
Dave and I take a long walk out to Bolt head where my handheld windmeter indicates only F3. The sea does not look too bad either.
We find an internet cafe and confirm that a gale is forecast to come through tomorrow.
After an uninspiring dinner at the ferry inn we return to the boat.
22nd September
Weatherbound in Salcombe. The forecast is again for Gales.
We motor the boat round to the town pontoon to check the weather forecast. It looks dodgy. We decide to stay but motor down to the harbour entrance to check the sea state. Looks a bit lumpy but not too bad.
We return to The Bag and come back to town in the tender later in the day for a wander about and to purchase some provisions.
As we return to the boat the wind is noticeably increasing. We deploy extra moorings and eat on board. Later in the evening the wind peaks at 35 knots, just inside the gale force 8 range.
Dartmouth to Salcombe 19th Sept
19/09/06 05:46 Filed in: UK
We leave Dartmouth at around 11:30 with F4 from the south west. Total cost of 4 days at Darthaven £67.92.
By taking a long tack out beyond Start Point we are then able to come round onto a direct course into Salcombe.
A nice little sail and quite fast. We are all secure on "The Bag" pontoon in Salcombe harbour by 17:15.
As we are late in season the water taxi stops at 17:30. No decrease in charges though.
Daily Mooring Charge £16.20
.
By taking a long tack out beyond Start Point we are then able to come round onto a direct course into Salcombe.
A nice little sail and quite fast. We are all secure on "The Bag" pontoon in Salcombe harbour by 17:15.
As we are late in season the water taxi stops at 17:30. No decrease in charges though.
Daily Mooring Charge £16.20
.
Dartmouth 16-18th Sept
16/09/06 05:45 Filed in: UK
With most jobs complete I return to tranquility base in Gloucestershire for a couple of days before returning to the boat on Sunday.
On Monday 18th Dave McMullan joins for the trip to La Coruna. We go through the usual safety briefing, familiarisation and get settled in before dining at the Windjammer.
On Monday 18th Dave McMullan joins for the trip to La Coruna. We go through the usual safety briefing, familiarisation and get settled in before dining at the Windjammer.
Dartside Quay 9-15 Sept
09/09/06 08:18 Filed in: UK
Although there is a lot of work to be done I take the chance to spend the weekend in Gloucestershire.
Returning on Monday I make arrangements to have a variety of repairs and upgrades undertaken. The yard is pretty empty and all the contractors, most of whom I have used before, are extremely helpful and by Friday 15th all work is complete.
Work done:
- Repare fist sized indent in keel following breakwater contact in Holland.
- Repare cosmetic void in GRP at corner of mast step.
- Re-cut ghosting genoa and install extension clip at deck to aid deployment.
- Dealer service Yanmar engine.
- Adjust and secure engine to shaft clamp.
- Replace seawater cooling hose.
- Reinstall and secure stripper.
- Remove Autohelm GPS , Scanner and Radar Dispaly and replace with
- Raymarine C80 Display/Plotter and Raymarine GPS Receiver.
- Replace hanked on staysail with Furlex furler and new sail from Arun Sails.
We launch on Friday 15th at 12:10 and on the way down river stop at the fuel barge for 57 litres of diesel @ £0.64 per litre.
Returning on Monday I make arrangements to have a variety of repairs and upgrades undertaken. The yard is pretty empty and all the contractors, most of whom I have used before, are extremely helpful and by Friday 15th all work is complete.
Work done:
- Repare fist sized indent in keel following breakwater contact in Holland.
- Repare cosmetic void in GRP at corner of mast step.
- Re-cut ghosting genoa and install extension clip at deck to aid deployment.
- Dealer service Yanmar engine.
- Adjust and secure engine to shaft clamp.
- Replace seawater cooling hose.
- Reinstall and secure stripper.
- Remove Autohelm GPS , Scanner and Radar Dispaly and replace with
- Raymarine C80 Display/Plotter and Raymarine GPS Receiver.
- Replace hanked on staysail with Furlex furler and new sail from Arun Sails.
We launch on Friday 15th at 12:10 and on the way down river stop at the fuel barge for 57 litres of diesel @ £0.64 per litre.
Haul Out - Dartside Quay
08/09/06 07:58 Filed in: UK
Early start to be at Galmpton for haul out at 07:30. The Dart harbour patrol are just starting work as I leave and seem concerned that I am off trying to avoid payment. Their launch catches up and is satisfied with my explanation.
With a flooding tide the trip up river to Galmpton is quite fast and the yard crew are waiting on the dock.
As the boat is lifted I get a close look at the Roompot damage. Not too bad really. The indent is about fist sized but has not penetrated the full GRP depth.
Inspecting the stripper rope cutting gear on the stern shaft it looks very much as though the main engine shaft has moved about 1" aft. No apparent damage and nothing appears to be missing from the stripper other than the clips we removed in Denmark.
With a flooding tide the trip up river to Galmpton is quite fast and the yard crew are waiting on the dock.
As the boat is lifted I get a close look at the Roompot damage. Not too bad really. The indent is about fist sized but has not penetrated the full GRP depth.
Inspecting the stripper rope cutting gear on the stern shaft it looks very much as though the main engine shaft has moved about 1" aft. No apparent damage and nothing appears to be missing from the stripper other than the clips we removed in Denmark.
Weymouth to Dartmouth
07/09/06 11:21 Filed in: UK
Always a pleasure to visit Weymouth. They really do value their visitors and are always very helpful.
Had time to breakfast ashore and check E-Mail before leaving on the tide at around 11:15.
Full rig up from departure and was entertained by assorted naval activity. Close in on the eastern side of Portland Bill a naval helcopter was practising search and pickup while further east H.M.S. Argyll and another vessel were engaged in firing practice on the outer Lulworth range.
Passed quite close to the east of Portland Race. Quite a spectacular phenomenon and while it was a little bouncy at the edge it looked quite violent further in.
Once clear of Portland Bill course was set for Dartmouth and I settled in for a nice reach for the rest of the day. After about 3 hours the wind died away and the motor was started. Either that or face a very late arrival in Dartmouth.
In the event arrival was still quite late and in the dark. Moored alongside town quay just too late to get a meal in the "Windjammer".
Had time to breakfast ashore and check E-Mail before leaving on the tide at around 11:15.
Full rig up from departure and was entertained by assorted naval activity. Close in on the eastern side of Portland Bill a naval helcopter was practising search and pickup while further east H.M.S. Argyll and another vessel were engaged in firing practice on the outer Lulworth range.
Passed quite close to the east of Portland Race. Quite a spectacular phenomenon and while it was a little bouncy at the edge it looked quite violent further in.
Once clear of Portland Bill course was set for Dartmouth and I settled in for a nice reach for the rest of the day. After about 3 hours the wind died away and the motor was started. Either that or face a very late arrival in Dartmouth.
In the event arrival was still quite late and in the dark. Moored alongside town quay just too late to get a meal in the "Windjammer".
Cowes to Weymouth
06/09/06 11:21 Filed in: UK
As the fair tide out of the Solent westbound would not begin until round 11:00 the harbour launch was called for a quick run ashore for breakfast and to get some lube oil.
Had a quick chat with "Blue Note" also moored on the pontoon. They had an unsual Aries windvane of which only about 12 were made.
I quite liked Cowes. It has the feel of a busy working port and has a charming little town centre. This being the Solent I had expected eye-watering mooring charges but at £8.50 on the visitor pontoon it was quite reasonable.
The tide out was quite something and partially made up for the lack of wind. Motorsailing was required yet again. Our passage down the needles channel was benign and the view close up on the needles really stunning.
The Needles
Another View from Further Out
Lulworth gunnery range was in use necessitating a longer passage than the direct route.
About two miles south of Weymouth harbour entrance the engine suddenly lost about one third power and would not respond to extra throttle. I suspect another fouled propellor as the engine has been wonderfully reliable and given no cause for concern.
It must be getting later in the season as I am able to moor alongside in "The Bag". The water looked reasonably clean so it was on with the swimming trunks and goggles and into the water to check the propellor. Sure enough it was fouled again. This time with long strands of thick weed which I cleared in three dives. I must get a bicycle helmet to protect my head as I will likely have to do this again.
Weymouth mooring cost £16.00.
Had a quick chat with "Blue Note" also moored on the pontoon. They had an unsual Aries windvane of which only about 12 were made.
I quite liked Cowes. It has the feel of a busy working port and has a charming little town centre. This being the Solent I had expected eye-watering mooring charges but at £8.50 on the visitor pontoon it was quite reasonable.
The tide out was quite something and partially made up for the lack of wind. Motorsailing was required yet again. Our passage down the needles channel was benign and the view close up on the needles really stunning.
The Needles
Another View from Further Out
Lulworth gunnery range was in use necessitating a longer passage than the direct route.
About two miles south of Weymouth harbour entrance the engine suddenly lost about one third power and would not respond to extra throttle. I suspect another fouled propellor as the engine has been wonderfully reliable and given no cause for concern.
It must be getting later in the season as I am able to moor alongside in "The Bag". The water looked reasonably clean so it was on with the swimming trunks and goggles and into the water to check the propellor. Sure enough it was fouled again. This time with long strands of thick weed which I cleared in three dives. I must get a bicycle helmet to protect my head as I will likely have to do this again.
Weymouth mooring cost £16.00.
Brighton to Cowes
05/09/06 11:20 Filed in: UK
The forecast was for SW 3-4 and it was a case of needing to move on and getting away now that the weather has eased.
No real point in taking the sail cover off. The choice was bouncy motoring or a long slow beat with frequent tacking.
In the event the sea was almost calm and fog persisted till late morning. I thought it prudent to turn the radar on but it blew a fuse and remained non operational. Bloody Autohelm.
No foul tide was encountered until well into the Solent and good progress meant that my ambitions for the day extended from Chichester harbour to Portsmouth and then to Cowes.
Very little commercial or leisure traffic was encountered until the approches to Cowes when it became frantic and amusing. In addition to ferries and regular yacht traffic there appeared to be some sort of fancy dress themed yacht race taking place. I particularly liked the "Blues Brothers" yacht crew.
No real point in taking the sail cover off. The choice was bouncy motoring or a long slow beat with frequent tacking.
In the event the sea was almost calm and fog persisted till late morning. I thought it prudent to turn the radar on but it blew a fuse and remained non operational. Bloody Autohelm.
No foul tide was encountered until well into the Solent and good progress meant that my ambitions for the day extended from Chichester harbour to Portsmouth and then to Cowes.
Very little commercial or leisure traffic was encountered until the approches to Cowes when it became frantic and amusing. In addition to ferries and regular yacht traffic there appeared to be some sort of fancy dress themed yacht race taking place. I particularly liked the "Blues Brothers" yacht crew.
Brighton 3 Days
02/09/06 11:20 Filed in: UK
My early diversion to Brighton yesterday due to deteriorating weather proved a good call. Force 8 winds were recorded at Brighton marina with lots of spectacular wave splash over the main breakwater.
No chance of going anywhere today so had a walk along the sea cliffs at Newhaven before heading into Brighton for a pizza and a film. One about an American yacht crew who all jump over the side for a swim only to discover they forgot to deploy a ladder and now can't get back on board. A clear take on the recent "Dead Calm" but not as frighteningly believable.
Sunday proved no better weather wise so another leisurely day this time visiting Lewes for a nice lunch and walkabout. A very pretty town.
Back on board Sunday night with a view to leaving on Monday but although the weather has moderated the prospect of a passage directly to windward is unattractive and not attempted. My scheduled haul-out in Dartmouth on Wednesday is now looking distinctly dodgy.
Spend another night in Newhaven.
No chance of going anywhere today so had a walk along the sea cliffs at Newhaven before heading into Brighton for a pizza and a film. One about an American yacht crew who all jump over the side for a swim only to discover they forgot to deploy a ladder and now can't get back on board. A clear take on the recent "Dead Calm" but not as frighteningly believable.
Sunday proved no better weather wise so another leisurely day this time visiting Lewes for a nice lunch and walkabout. A very pretty town.
Back on board Sunday night with a view to leaving on Monday but although the weather has moderated the prospect of a passage directly to windward is unattractive and not attempted. My scheduled haul-out in Dartmouth on Wednesday is now looking distinctly dodgy.
Spend another night in Newhaven.
Sovereign Harbour to Brighton
01/09/06 11:19 Filed in: UK
The day starts off just fine with good sailing.
We rounded Beachy head in good time and set off for Chichester or Portsmouth.
As the morning progressed the wind increased to F5 and it was becoming increasingly difficult to hold the required course.
The wind was pushing us towards Brighton and with a strong wind warning forecast I took the hint and diverted to Brighton marina where we were all fast by just after 12:00.
We rounded Beachy head in good time and set off for Chichester or Portsmouth.
As the morning progressed the wind increased to F5 and it was becoming increasingly difficult to hold the required course.
The wind was pushing us towards Brighton and with a strong wind warning forecast I took the hint and diverted to Brighton marina where we were all fast by just after 12:00.