Boat Mending for the next trip

Arriving home was great - good to see family and friends, good to have an English beer, but the English summer!!!!!! This weekend has been the only two blue sky days since I got home. It's warmer, but summer?

I'm catching up with all those jobs that I nearly got round too over the last year.

In the short term I'm sailing locally, the Solent, and aim to cross to France in a couple of weeks time for a spell. The plan, at the moment seems to be to head east next April, for the Baltic, and then on up to Sweden and Finland to catch-up with friends from this years cruise in their home waters. If you fancy joining me, either on my boat, or to sail in company, let me know.

My home sailing club welcomes visitors and has its own pontoon, so if you are in the area, drop in and give me a call.

Sei Whale, and Homeward Bound

Issued at 0717 Friday 8th July, sea area Wight: Gale force 8 imminent. Inshore forecast for Selsey Bill to Lyme Regis: South or south west 5-7 becoming west or southwest 4-5 later, sea moderate or rough, showers, becoming fair later, visibility moderate or good. We sailed! Coming down the Lymington River, on the last leg of the voyage, it was blowing. I eased out a tiny area of headsail, and we charged off at 7kts, then 8. then 8.4kts. Almost 12000 miles of sailing and the worst conditions were in the Solent!

It was emotional sailing through home waters, knowing family would be there, on the quay, to take my lines. Already though, the thoughts were there - Where next?

I have made so many friends, and had so many invitations - Will it be the Mediterranean and Israel, or maybe the Baltic and Scandinavia, or maybe the States. One thing is certain, this was Chapter 1, the preparation for Chapter 2 has begun.

I will need crew ...... are you coming?

Warm Beer and Soggy Summers

We knew we were reaching the end of our crossing. The first signs were the fulmars searching the waves, their powerful wing beats and stocky bodies unmistakeable. Then gannets - how similar they are to boobies - diving for their supper.

Crossing the continental shelf, into the western approaches to the English Channel, dolphins came leaping across the waves. Soon dozens were jousting for pole position on the bow wave. More queued up alongside, twisting and turning, darting under the boat, only to re-appear and leap clear of the water as they too enjoyed our arrival. Inside the boat, it echoed to their calls and clicks, and, from far away, others answered. Soon dozens surrounded the boat. The party lasted into the night - it was a full three hours before the last of the revellers left.

Our last night watches were the busiest since leaving Morocco. Deep-sea trawlers criss-crossed our path, and merchant ships headed out to destinations around the globe. The loom of the Scilly's lighthouse, a sign post in the ocean, confirmed our position, then, as dawn broke the heavy grey clouds slowly lifted and revealed the craggy cliffs of the Lizard.

Falmouth is a great landfall. It's retained its charm and character, its picture-postcard good looks, and its friendly natives. The streets are narrow, the pace of life slow. The buildings hang over the harbours side. Old gaffers, and fishing boats, hang off the quays. The Helford - unspoilt and quiet with woods rolling down the hillside till their branches dangle inches from the water, and cast near perfect reflections. Fowey has changed little over the years, but its quiet winding streets are now the showroom for trendy sailing gear - a bit like Cowes really.

Devon too has its jewels - the River Yealm, carved through the hills, great houses and old fisherman's cottages cling to the hillside, linked by narrow paths - the walk rewarded by a great pint in the sailing club. Were in Dartmouth now, Portland next.

The winds have been great, but, warm beer and soggy summers?

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