Pottering - Part 52

For the most part rain did not spoil the day. However, this morning before the start of the Jester Baltimore Challenge, fine drizzle ensured those out on the water were persuaded to wear waterproofs.

I did not need persuading. Instead, I found the alternative of worshipping at Hooe Baptist Church far more attractive. There I was welcomed by the Fellowship, and preaching on the subject of freedom through forgiveness was well received by me.

 Forgiveness is the central message of the Gospel - forgiveness for sins through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. If we are unable to forgive, how can we expect to be forgiven?

Back at the boat after lunch I took a nap which unexpectedly lasted for a couple of hours. I can only assume I needed the sleep. Equally unexpectedly, on waking, I found Patrick greeting me. He had wanted to offer help if I required it.

Patrick owns 'Toad', the Hurley 20 he is renovating, and a jolly good job he is doing too. Bearing in mind Steve's comment on yesterday's log, I asked Patrick if I could take photos of the interior of his yacht, to which he agreed. (See below.)

Very noticeable was the substantial GRP layup of this early fibreglass yacht. By comparison with modern mouldings, 'Toad' was built like a tank. 

Patrick will reap the benefit of his labour and expenses when sailing her, but as he commented, if he sells her, he will never be recompensed for his labour, nor will he receive back his expenditure.

I am in danger of contracting 'Portitis', the deadly disease suffered by sailors who find harbours more attractive than the sea. The will to put to sea while this unseasonable weather lasts is lacking. On the other hand, my rational self overrules by confirming that I must not leave the comfort of the Yacht Haven until the wind is no more than Force 3 and blowing in the right direction.

Link

Hooe Baptist Church

http://www.hooebaptist.org.uk

Pottering - Part 51

There has been a request for photos of the Hurley 20 I mentioned yesterday. I shall oblige; see below.

Being far too windy for me to sail today, I paid a visit to the Lugger Festival at Looe. 

There were a good many fabulous vessels there including a handful from France. I wish I knew more about them. In my ignorance I'll leave you with a selection of photos.

The smallest boat that caught my eye was a fibreglass Truro River Punt. The mould was taken from an original punt. She went for a short sail, but both wind and tide made it difficult for retuning to the River. She made it back with the aid of her outboard.

Looking forward a few days, things are bleak. A series of low pressure systems are moving in from the Atlantic bringing contrary winds and rain. 

The forecast for Sunday is gloomy, indicating that there will be rain all day. That has dampened my enthusiasm for watching the start of the Jester Baltimore Challenge which will commence from a line near the western end of Plymouth Breakwater. XCWeather predicts a Force 4 from south by east. The BBC forecast for Plymouth confirms rain all day. Ugh!

The Jetstream continues south of the UK which brings with it stormy weather. 

When things are like this one has to have patience, and I'm not convinced I have enough.

Pottering - Part 50

Writing at 08.30.

This morning contrasts with yesterday's, on account of lacking sun, and there is occasional drizzle - not at all inviting. There is less wind, but the inshore forecast predicts a Force 4 to 5 from the south, increasing 6 to 7, veering SW later.

With that prospect in mind I shall not be sailing; in fact, the next spell of better weather is not due until Tuesday of next week! That's a long time for reading and resting, because there is little else I can do, except maybe go for a free bus ride or take a walk. Optimistically, I can hope the forecasters have got it wrong . . . . . but somehow, I think not.

The forecast for Sunday, when the Jester Baltimore Challenge is due to start from Plymouth, is for SW 6. If that turns out to be case, I wonder if the start will be postponed, although I doubt it.

Writing at 16.20.

Later this morning I caught the ferry to the Mayflower Steps and walked to the Esso Fuel Station at King Street. There I bought 5 litres of unleaded petrol for the outboard. I also called into the Co-op for food. Across the road was the bus stop for the number 2 that goes to Mount Batten, right by the Yacht Haven. By catching the bus I did not have far to walk; in fact, I had further to walk along the pontoons to where 'Sandpiper' is moored.

I badly needed a haircut; therefore early in the afternoon I availed myself of the bus again and continued until I saw a gent's hairdressers. Suitably shorn, I stopped at a nearby Co-op (not the same one as in the morning) and found long-life milk and a steak pasty for my evening meal.

Today I met two yachtsmen who were interested in my cruise. One owns a Hurley 20 that he is doing up, and the other has a First 28, a very able cruising yacht. I always enjoy chatting with other sailors, and today our conversations were excellent - both sailors were not keen on large yachts.

The photos are of Tony's First 28, having the name, 'Formidable'.

Pottering - Part 49

It would be an understatement to say that last night was traumatic, being very uncomfortable on account of the motion. I should have had a much longer line attached to the buoy. That would have absorbed the snatching caused by the very strong wind.

Last night is in the past, best forgotten. Early this morning I had my fair share of excitement. The wind was at least a Force 6, but for the most part it was with us. Being a west wind there was a reach down the Hamoaze and a run between Drake's Island and Mill Bay. South of The Hoe 'Sandpiper' virtually planed! Top speed was 6 knots, and extremely exciting too.

I took in the main before entering the Catwater and started the outboard. My first attempt at mooring to a pontoon in Plymouth Yacht Haven failed because the wind swept the boat clear, but all went well on the second attempt.

I was relieved to have 'Sandpiper' where there would be a modicum of comfort and where she would be secure. A force 7 was imminent.

All the above was accomplished by 10.30 and I had the rest of the day for doing my laundry, having a shower and tidying the boat. My time was well spent. Everything is spick and spam. A good night's sleep is in store, or so I hope. 

The weather is unsettled; therefore I have paid for two nights at the Yacht Haven. Tomorrow I can do some shopping and buy petrol.

Pottering - Part 47

By morning light the rain cleared, and the sunny periods promised by the weather man brightened the afternoon.

The first bus from Calstock for Tavistock after 09.30 was at 09.40. Being after 09.30 was crucial, because Senior Citizen bus passes were not accepted until after that time. Geoff and I wanted to visit the bank, as we were both running out if cash.

I thought Tavistock was a delightful time-warp, since the town had the feel of the 1950s. There were several classy shops, including a particularly well stocked delicatessen. There was also a superb indoor market. If there was a hint of difference from the 50s it was the increased number of cars. On the approach to the town, one side of the road was reserved for parking, and I didn't see a vacant spot. Being a bus passenger had its advantages, and for my friend and me the service was entirely free!

I noted that there were several fine granite buildings dating back to Victorian times, and others were far older. The general atmosphere was unhurried. People took their time. I loved hearing the broad Devonian accent.

My time was well spent with my old sailing buddy who can no longer get out on the water on account of limited mobility. He has an electric fold-up four wheel buggy.

Tomorrow, after morning high water at Calstock, I am hoping I shall be able to return to Plymouth, but I have not made a decision as to exactly where to go. I could anchor 'Sandpiper' somewhere, beach her, or take her to a marina. The advantage of a marina is that I could deal with my laundry and have a shower. I could also get ashore without inflating my canoe.

Pottering - Part 48

Escaping from Calstock was not easy. Overnight there had been rain; briefly this morning, at high water, there was a fortuitous break, enabling me to make a start without getting wet.

However, within half an hour, drizzle descended, and I wondered how I would refill the outboard without water entering the tank. Providence was on my side, because at the right moment the drizzle fizzled out, but not for long. I had enough fuel in the tank to get me to Weir Quay. There I picked up a mooring, and heavy rain saw me retreating to the cabin.

Suitably refreshed with coffee and biscuits I set off once more, only to find persistent rain that reduced visibility to less than a cable. I continued through the narrows at Cargreen,  guided by the GPS. I was getting wet because my old waterproofs were no longer watertight.

Knowing that the Tamar Bridges were only a quarter of a mile downstream, I anchored to get out of the rain and to be safe. I may not have been able to refuel the engine because of the rain, and not long after passing the Bridge I would have to avoid three chain ferries operating from Torpoint.

I did the sensible thing, which was to anchor to the side of the fairway and await better weather.

The time is 12.50. The rain continues to lash down. I could be at anchor here for the remainder of the day and night.

I'll leave you with a few recent photos. One is of an unusual duck for these parts; another is of the parish church at Tavistock, and the other is of a yacht moored at Calstock boatyard. I think the yacht is a steel Bruce Roberts Spray.

P.S.

The motion was uncomfortable at anchor; therefore despite the rain I got underway and motored to Jupiter Point near the mouth of the River Lyhner where  I anchored in the lee. Later in the evening the anchor dragged because the holding was not good, and the wind increased. I picked up a mooring. 

Pottering - Part 46

I had a great day at Calstock with my old sailing buddy Geoff. We reminisced about various cruises we had together on his boats. He owned a Seagull 19, an Angus Primrose smaller version of his Top Hat, an Eclipse, and an Achilles. The Achilles was his favourite because of her excellent performance on all points of sail. Together, we weathered two gales in her between the Scillies and Southern Ireland, not through negligence, because we took note of weather forecasts before setting out. Regardless of that, we were caught in a gale going there, and another when returning.

On the topic of weather, a low pressure area is advancing in my direction, which will keep me here at Calstock or Plymouth. 

The Jester Challenge Baltimore Rally will start at Plymouth this coming Sunday. This I would like to watch. It gives me a reason for not rushing westwards. Because of it I an reminded that I am cruising, not racing! Participants in all of the Jester Challenge events enter as partners, not competitors. For them the purpose of the exercise is to participate, not to get there quicker that the rest. 

Yesterday, I was unable to publish my blog because of poor telephone connections. 

Pottering - Part 45

This evening 'Sandpiper' is on a visitor's buoy at Calstock. Immediately to port is my old Pioneer 9, 'Aziz'. She is laid up at the boatyard, but she's a sorry sight. She is not beyond re-commissioning. However, a great deal of money, time and effort would be required for her to be brought back to the state she was in when owned by me. She was made famous by Nicolette Milnes-Walker who sailed her across the Atlantic to become the first woman to do it nonstop. 

The sail from Salcombe to Calstock was perhaps the best of all during this cruise. I deeply reefed the mainsail before lifting the anchor at Salcombe, and it was the right thing to do. 'Sandpiper' moved across Bigbury Bay smartly with the wind on her starboard quarter.

Eventually, when about half way across the Bay I took out the reef and kept full sail until inside Plymouth Sound. 

I did not start the engine until well up the River Tamar at Cargreen.

From there onwards the views from the river were incredibly beautiful - pristine farmland with hedged fields, woodland and hills.

At 20.00 the river here at Calstock is peaceful with the calls of many birds: Blackbirds, Wrens, Robins, Collar Doves, Wood-pigeons and a Skylark.

The telephone reception is poor; therefore I may not succeed in doing this post. 

Pottering - Part 44

This will be my third night at Salcombe; therefore I am hoping the wind will not be too strong for me to leave tomorrow morning. Plymouth would be my choice port of arrival, but I may consider the River Yealm and Noss Mayo. (Richard and Anita whom I met at Dartmouth aboard 'Palmena', left a note in 'Sandpiper's' cockpit saying they intend to sail to Noss Mayo.)

Today I resumed bus rambling. I took the Tally Ho! service 606 to Kingsbridge where I checked out the visitors' pontoon. Then I caught the 1st Service bus 93 to Plymouth. The whole journey took just under two hours, and apart from rather noisy children on the back seat it was pleasurable. Scenery for most of the way was beautiful rolling hills - very green fields, arable and grazing, and now and again little villages, some with stone-built churches.

The Tally Ho! bus driver knew the locals and he spent time chatting with them, even while driving. They were a friendly bunch of people with distinctive Devonshire accents - a joy to hear, not unlike my Somerset brogue. 

At Plymouth I had a good look around, even Sutton Harbour where I saw John Blain's Pioneer 9, 'Zeawoelf'. He was another single-hander I met at Dartmouth. Lunch on the Hoe by the old Smeaton Lighthouse brought back many memories.

All in all, I had a jolly good day.

The photos are of this morning's sunrise, the Visitors' pontoon at Kingsbridge, and the Smeaton lighthouse at Plymouth Hoe.

Pottering - Part 43

For the first time on this cruise it is hot enough for me not to wear a sweater! The strong northeaster does have a chill factor, however, and as long as I keep out the wind I can be warmed by the sun.

Weather-bound, because of the persistent Force 4/5, I could not be in a better place to wait for calmer winds.

Today, I had the pleasure of meeting my friends who came by car from Torquay. I called the Water Taxi on the VHF, and we met me by the public landing pontoon at Normandy Way, so called because from there 66 ships of the United States Navy set off on the 4th June, 1944 for the 'D' Day landing on the Normandy beaches two days later. A plaque commemorating the event is displayed at the entrance of the square.

The heart of Salcombe is a small, but vibrant community offering the usual seaside town shops, restaurants, pubs, plus lots of yachting, but without funfairs, slot machine arcades and casinos that would be completely out of place.

My friends and I had a bite to eat for lunch before a relaxing short walk to view very picturesque scenes across the river.

After my friends left, I had intended buying a large Cornish pasty for my evening meal, but I forgot. Instead I shall be inventing a dish to satisfy my hunger.

Last night was peaceful, and I am hoping for the same tonight.

Pottering - Part 42

When the sun shines, Salcombe sparkles. As I sit here aboard 'Sandpiper' she lies to a buoy from where I can appreciate the beauty of the town. Guest houses, hotels, cottages, cafes, shops and restaurants are nestled together on the steep sided hill that comes to the water's edge. Motorboats, yachts, ferries, fishing boats and the Harbour Master's launch scurry to and fro. Tide against wind brings endless bubbles and dancing glistening waves. The hull resonates with joyful gurgling, the song of rushing water.

I am grateful and happy to be here. I broke my rule not to sail if the forecasted wind was Force 4 or more. A downwind course around Start Point seemed reasonable. I would skirt around the Skerries Bank to the east and continue south by west until southwest of the race.

The plan worked well, but I did not anticipate the northeasterly would be above a force 4, as indeed it was, and when I was reaching around Prawle Point I'm sure it was up to a 6. From Dartmouth to Salcombe the entire trip was done using only the jib giving an average speed of 3.7 knots over a distance of 17.8 nautical miles from departure to arrival.

From before Salcombe Bar I motor-sailed, because I knew the wind would be from dead ahead passing between Sandhill Point and Biddlehead Point.

I'm pleased I laid a course keeping clear of Start Point Race. I saw others going close to the Point as I have done before, but it was not worth the risk avoiding the Race by doing so.

As I write I'm having a problem with the buoy banging the hull. I shall have to anchor for a quiet night.

Anchoring made all the difference. Here off a gorgeous sandy beach there is a back-eddy so that 'Sandpiper' is in harmony with wind and tide. The wind has eased, and I'm convinced I shall have a good night.

The photos are of Dartmouth Castle and Salcombe.

Pottering - Part 41

At 07.45 I left Starcross and hurtled out to sea. The ebb was running strongly, causing rapid-like waves. The mainsail was set, but most of the power for steerage was from the engine. 

Beyond the bar buoy I hoped to find smooth water, but the choppy sea continued, on top of the swell. An easterly Force 3 had us moving fast, often above four knots. Dawlish was soon abeam, followed by the red cliffs of Teignmouth. 

My intention had been to put into Torquay or Brixham, but the going was very good; therefore I continued beyond Berry Head where a trawler caused me to change course.

The tide was zipping over Nimble Rock. From there I could see the Dartmouth Day Mark indicating the entrance of the River Dart.

Entering Dartmouth is always exciting because the flood or ebb speeds through the narrows where Dartmouth Castle is to port and Kingswear Castle to starboard. 

The wind funnelled between the two, and I confidently held full sail until before the Kingswear moorings where I handed the main. At that point I tried starting the outboard, but it was as dead as a dodo. 

With the jib still drawing I headed for the Dartmouth Yacht Club's visitors' pontoon. There I drew alongside a Westerly yacht, and a lady took my bow line and made it fast to her yacht's mooring cleat.

I've spent most of the afternoon being jigged and thrown around by the swell and washes from passing vessels. As I write, considerable loads are being exerted to 'Sandpiper's' cleats. 

I have thought about anchoring to have a more peaceful berth and perhaps a quiet night. I had hoped the uncomfortable swell would die down, but the motion is worse than ever.

I have yet to work out what to do tomorrow. With these easterly winds my thoughts are to make good use of them for making westing.

Pottering - Part 40

The time is 21.10. Here at anchor off Starcross, the quiet of the evening is broken only by the call of gulls, and the occasional passing of a noisy diesel train sounding its two-tone horn.

This morning I paddled my inflatable duck to the Ferry Jetty with the intention of buying food at the local Spar. At the top of the Jetty I had an unfriendly encounter with a guy who was unlocking the gate. Barbed wire surrounding the gate gave the impression of a prisoner of war camp. 

No, he would not let me through to do my shopping. I was bluntly told I was on private property and that I should gain access to the shore by landing at the 'beach'. What beach? There was a less muddy area where gravel had been spread, and beyond it was an arched bridge leading to a slipway under the railway.

I did my shopping, and on returning to the duck, I saw mud spattered over her. A chap scraping mud off a nearby beached sightseeing boat denied all knowledge when I remarked that my kayak had been Christened. 

Before I had time to be out of earshot I heard the man swearing to himself. Later when I returned he and others were scraping paint off the hull. Again I heard him swear. He was not a happy fellow.

None of this spoilt my day, because it turned out to be exceptionally lovely. I had the pleasure of being a guest at my niece's place, and I was treated to a tasty lasagne.

I've made no plans for tomorrow, but I could try sailing to Torquay or Paignton. 

Pottering - Part 39

The time is 12.30 and I am at Starcross, on the River Exe. Last night I had a wonderful sail across Lyme Bay. A sickle moon appeared before sunrise. The wind varied from a Force 2 to 3, and it was mainly from the north which was ideal, being a reach. The sea was smooth because the wind was offshore.

When rounding Portland Bill I took two photos, one on the approach and the other when leaving.

Not far from the entrance of the Exe I took a photo of the sun rising above the horizon. The third photo is a view of Starcross from 'Sandpiper's' cabin.

I love being here because I have so many memories of times past when I have owned and sailed boats here: my Hillyard 2 and a 1/2 ton sloop and my Class 2 Torbay Racer, besides several other yachts I have cruised in the vicinity.

The challenge of reaching Devon, now achieved, was hard gained, and therefore it was rewarding. South Devon yacht cruising cannot be bettered - hopefully, the best is yet to come.