Tuesday, 13th July

The first view of the day

Starcross, Mike's Explorer in the foreground


I can’t believe it’s nearly halfway through the month. I have yet to make it to the heart of the South Coast, i.e., the Solent area. Today I have remained on the mooring at Starcross, courtesy of Rodney Brown, who owns it, and who will want to place his own boat on it this coming Friday. I am indebted to Mike, who has taken the initiative to inform me of these facts. Mike owns the Explorer 2 dinghy close by, shown in the photo of Starcross.


Since my waking at 0540 there has been little letup with the light rain that has dampened everything. Out of routine I listened to the 0710 Coastguard weather forecast, knowing full well I had no intention of sailing for Weymouth, Lyme Regis or Bridport. I do not enjoy sailing in the rain. Instead, I prepared myself for isolation aboard ‘Ladybird’ for a time of introspection, in harmony with the book I am reading, ‘Help Heavenward’, by Octavius Winslow. This was originally first published in 1896 by James Nisbet, now recently reprinted by The Banner of Truth Trust in the Year 2000. (ISBN 0 85151 775 7) I give the details, because there may be someone reading this who would like to get hold of a copy. The chapter I am currently studying has the subject heading, ‘Self-communion’. Basically, the matter discussed is about a self-examination to ascertain the state of ones heart in relation to communion with Jesus and obedience to Him and an assurance that all that has been needed to be done for salvation, has been achieved by Him.


So what would have been a wasted day stuck on the mooring, has been exactly the opposite, an uplifting time in ‘in the closet’. (Matthew 6:6)

Monday, 12 July

Exeter Guildhall
Guildhall Coat of Arms
Floral Decorations
Self-portrait
Nonsense Art Work


If you read yesterday’s post you will be relieved to learn that I was able to extract the inflatable dinghy from under the stern of ‘Ladybird’ when she re-floated. I would not resort to doing that again, because the boat would have lifted and no damage would have occurred, had she settled on her stern.


I took the boat back to the mooring where I had been before at Starcross and spent a very comfortable night there.


Today I visited Exeter to follow up my previous daytrip when going down Channel. This time I saw things differently. I had another look at the riddle ‘sculpture’ which isn’t sculpture as such, but more of a construction. On seeing it again I noticed the reflections of nearby buildings and the sunlight gave it a different, warmer complexion. The large shiny balls reflect what is outside, and on this occasion I became part of the artist’s work for a short space of time through having it reflect my image. This I captured on my camera as a self-portrait. Previously I thought the ’thing’ was a waste of money, but now I’m not so sure.


A second visit to the Guildhall was worth it. A lecture was taking place there for French students. I just could not resist taking a photo of a sculpture of Queen Victoria, also of the coat of arms over the doorway.


Another thing I noticed on my second visit was the floral decorations in the High Street. Exeter City Council is certainly trying to make the place attractive.


I’ve been invited to a meal at my sister-in-laws and to have a chinwag with my niece and her family.

Sunday, 11th July

'Ladybird' dried out on Cockle Sand
Wharram Pahi catamaran
Early morning board paddlers


First thing after breakfast I motored ‘Ladybird’ to the Exmouth side of the River Exe and anchored her on Cockle Sand adjacent to Imperial Park. I knew from being there before in ‘Faith’, my Paradox micro-cruiser, that the sand was level. I anchored her at 0800 in 0.7 metres of water. She was just afloat. By 0915 I had mostly completed scrubbing her bottom, except between the bilge keels.


Feeling pretty good about what had been achieved I climbed aboard to make a welcome cup of tea; it was then I noticed she was not level. In fact she began to settle with her stern down. The rudder had come off its fittings. Because I was concerned she may not lift her stern sufficiently when the water returned, I stuffed the dinghy under the stern. That certainly stopped her sinking in the sand any more. It will be interesting to see what happens when the water covers the sand and the yacht begins to lift, because I’m not certain if I’ll be able to extract the dinghy!


I’m not sure whether I’ll return to Starcross for the night, but that may be the best bet, because more options are available than if I dry the boat out here again. She could settle once again by the stern.


Nearby there is a Wharram Pahi catamaran called ’Dolly’s Pride’. She has a strange rig with a wishbone boom and a normal metal mast. I wonder how that works? It certainly is a not a Wharram solution.

Saturday, 10th July

Thatcher Rock and The Ore Stone
Boys jumping off the Harbour wall at Torquay
UK Border Agency vessel
'Mary Ann' Brixham trawler


It was a late getaway this morning - purposely because I did not want to arrive at Exmouth too early. Low water there was at 1207 and I needed to be at the entrance of the Estuary about half tide, i.e., around 1515. There had to be enough water over the bar for ample clearance for ‘Ladybird’ with her 2’ 8” draught to allow for the swell and the troughs between the waves. The wind easily reached force 6 from the south; therefore I deeply reefed the mainsail beyond the lower batten which I removed. She was easy to handle like that and she wasn’t going more than 3 knots against the ebb tide.


Early this morning there was quite a bit going on at Torquay marina. Some boys were jumping off the quay at the entrance of the Harbour, and on the other side of the entrance a large grey vessel with the words UK Border Agency was tied alongside the jetty. The Brixham motor trawler, the ‘Mary Ann’ went to sea. I had took a photo of her on Friday evening. She’s an example of raw function, designed specifically for catching fish - an amazing boat with great character, but not at all graceful like the old Brixham sailing trawlers.


About 3 miles to the northeast of Thatcher Rock and the Ore Stone I heaved the boat to for shortening sail. Later I repeated the manoeuvre to take in more sail. At 1220 I hove to ’Ladybird’ once again so that I could make lunch. Another yacht passed by making to winward, presumably heading for Torbay. The single-handed crew seemed oblivious of my presence. I could just as well have been lost over the side of my boat, for all the interest he had in her. I was, of course below, making lunch while keeping a watch on the approaching yacht.


Between Teignmouth and Dawlish ‘Ladybird’ was overhauled by a larger yacht with full sail and a spinnaker. Her crew must have been wondering why the tiny boat on a course for the Exe Bell Buoy had so little sail.


The wind moderated to a force 5; therefore I kept sailing until well into the Exe moorings. Fortunately I found a suitable one near the spot where I had stayed on the outward leg. So there am this evening. What tomorrow will bring will be revealed. I have no plans for moving on just yet, even though the weather looks to be OK. I love this part of the world. Starcross has real atmosphere. There’s always a sense of adventure here for me. I suppose it’s because I kept my first proper yacht here, a Torbay Class 2 Racer. I also had a mooring for a Hillyard 2 ½ tonner.


I should sleep well, unless I’m woken by the owner of the mooring because he wants it for his own use.

Friday, 9th July

'Kanaloa'
'Ladybird' at Torquay


This was a very good day for maintenance on ‘Ladybird’. The morning here at Torquay was very quiet which meant I could do things like repairing the batten pocket of the mainsail, mending the chemical toilet ratchet, strengthening the lower washboard and general things such as charging the ship’s battery, bailing out rainwater that found its way into the stern locker, drying out my wet weather gear. After those things had been done I shopped for a few snack items for when I’m underway.


While I was working on the boat, the owner of a large motor yacht invited me aboard his vessel for a coffee. The name of his yacht is ‘Kanaloa’. She’s extremely smart, and her owner takes pride in her appearance. Prior to introducing himself he had been polishing the stainless steel pulpit and guardrails. The interior of his floating palace was having a ‘deep clean’, not that it needed to be done, because she was immaculate. The coffee was equally superb, made with a machine which the owner said had been more difficult to master than the yacht!


We talked about handling such a large vessel in windy conditions and the manoeuvre of picking up a mooring buoy. Coming alongside a pontoon is not easy when the wind is blowing hard. The draught of the vessel is 4 feet; she’s over 40 feet long and she has a lot of top-hamper. Sometimes the bowthruster has to be used. Her cruising speed is 28 knots, but the ‘driver’ has to be on the lookout for ‘holes’ in the water. She runs off diesel and her twin engines have tanks which when filled to capacity, require the expenditure of £700 by her owner. One person can manage her, except when coming alongside a pontoon when the wind is blowing strongly.


As usual, when I’m in port, I shall go for a walk this evening.

Thursday, 8th July

Bolt Head early this morning
Start Point
Berry Head
Tanker in Torbay


When you are cruising a boat you tend to lose track of time; one day follows another, and there is nothing to differentiate them. Saturday, Sunday or a Friday are like any other days. If I were not keeping a Blog I would lose count of the days. I’m surprised it’s the 8th of the month already, and that means I have another 23 days to get home. With the prevailing wind from the SW, that should be ample time, but who knows? We’ll see. Maybe I could find time for some East Coast sailing?


This morning I had every intention of trying for Dartmouth. The tide was wrong from the start, but in the end, I went further than I expected, i.e., Torquay! I like the Marina there because it has all the facilities for getting the boat in order - water, waste disposal and electricity.


The passage was uneventful, except I needed the engine for rounding Prawle Point and Start Point - both of them close inshore. As ‘Ladybird’ neared Dartmouth the wind picked up from the SW which caused me to change my mind about going there. Torquay seemed a better prospect, with less hassle and opportunities for getting the boat in order. I have a few repairs to do: strengthen the lower drop board and repair a sail batten pocket. These items can best be attended to when the boat is in calm water at the Marina.


I’m uncertain about what to do tomorrow, as the tide is wrong for Exmouth, unless I delay the start. I usually like to leave early in the morning to give me time to arrive at the next place before dark.

Wednesday, 7th July

The Beach Today
Drizzle
Kingsbridge Ferry
Town ferry
Trawler


There’s a big contrast between the weather yesterday and that of today. yesterday was sunny and bright, today is overcast and dull; in fact for much of the time there has been drizzle since early morning. None of this has greatly affected activities on the water; the Merlins are continuing with their championship racing, fishing boats come and go, sail training vessels such as the ‘Clipper Training’ yacht and the Plymouth Sailing School yacht continue their activities. The Kingsbridge Ferry and the Town Ferry are in action with a few hardy souls trying to enjoy themselves - I even saw one chap at the bow of the Kingsbridge ferry with only a shirt to protect his upper body from the drizzle and cold wind. Meanwhile, a small group of people were on the nearby beach playing cricket, while an equally small bunch of girls were swimming!


I’ve been living the life of a hermit, sealed below in the cosy cabin of ‘Ladybird’, but not without a gainful activity of reading, ‘Heavenly Help’, by Octavius Winslow. I can always to do with God’s help under all circumstances, but reading this book is encouraging in the way a Christian can walk with purpose in this present life while preparing for his future life. In between reading I have taken note of happenings on the water, of which I have to be aware; for example is the yacht dragging her anchor? At times I would think she was because of the rasping sound of the chain when the wind and tide push and pummel ‘Ladybird’ in their competition of being the dominant force. The wind usually wins, except during lulls.


The weather markedly affects what happens during a yacht cruise; for example, I had high hopes of continuing to Dartmouth, but God had a different schedule. I note that Simon Renton who is attempting to sail around Britain in his Wayfarer dinghy has wisely remained here at Salcombe. A Force 6 headwind is not conducive to a successful outcome. Maybe tomorrow will be better for both of us?

Tuesday, 6th July

Bolt Head as seen from the Coastal Path

Sheep grazing by the Coastal Path

Nearby beach

Simon getting ready to leave Salcombe

Simon Renton

Simon's Wayfarer


Today I stayed in port at Salcombe to do the laundry, buy food and go for a walk. What better place could I stop at? Just see the photo of the nearby beach and look at the photos I took during my afternoon walk along the coastal path. Apart from the horseflies, the wildlife was wonderful. There were skylarks, pheasants, wrens and even buzzards. I saw different species of butterflies and so many types of trees, bushes and ferns. The views over the River were picturesque and they could inspire an artist to capture their charm on canvas or paper.


While putting the shopping and laundry in the dinghy at the Salcombe Public Pontoon I chatted with Simon Renton who is sailing around Britain in a Wayferer dinghy. He started his clockwise circumnavigation at London on 3rd June. He hopes to reach Plymouth by this evening. I think he will have a hard beat across Bigbury Bay. Simon’s website is www.simonrenton.co.uk .


I’m intending to have another walk this evening, but on the Salcombe side of the River.

Monday, 5th July

Barn Pool - the smallest yacht is 'Ladybird'

Plymouth Lifeboat

Bolt Head at the entrance of Salcombe

Merlins


Of all the anchored yachts at Barn Pool, ‘Ladybird’ was the first to make a start. Using the engine and the sails we powered through the Bridge, that’s the passage way through the old submarine barrier to the SW of Drake’s Island. A Royal Naval Frigate beat me to the entrance at the western end of the breakwater. I tried to make to the entrance before a second frigate arrived, but I had to turn around and retrace my track. The Police launch crew were on the mark and sped in our direction to warn us off.


When we were clear of the Breakwater I shaped a course for Bolt Head. The wind was coming from behind and it gave us a good 4 knots. The flood tide was in our favour from our time of arrival to the south of the Great Mewstone. Other yachts, all using their engines overhauled ‘Ladybird’. As yesterday, these bigger and faster yachts had the wind and the tidal current with them. I find this puzzling. I can only assume they need to keep up an average speed; hence the use of their engines.


The colours of the scenery were fabulous. The sea was sparkling silver blue and the rugged cliffs were brown and ochre; above them the fields and rolling hills were hues of greens. We slipped along at fine speed. I had taken up the anchor at Barn Pool at 0730 and the boat was anchored at Salcombe at 1400. We had covered 20 nautical miles in 6.5 hours at a speed of just over 3knots. On the way I watched the Plymouth lifeboat and a rescue helicopter practice taking a man aboard from the lifeboat. While this was happening the frigates were engaged in exercise further out to sea. For the first time during the cruise I saw a porpoise. Seeing a lone porpoise is very rare, because they are gregarious creatures.


Altogether I had to anchor ‘Ladybird’ three times at my favourite Salcombe location by the sandy beach where the ferry from Town lands passengers on a wooden slipway. The first time I couldn’t anchor exactly on the best spot because a motor launch was there, but when she moved I tried to anchor where she had been. This was not in deep enough water, so that when the wind changed direction and came from the north, ‘Ladybird’s’ rudder only had 6 inches of clearance when there was more than two hours of falling tide. The third time I anchored further off the beach, and as I type, I think the boat will keep clear.


There has been some sort of Merlin dinghy racing event taking place at Salcombe, and most of boats had to pass by where ‘Ladybird’ was anchored, so I managed to get some good photos. It was a bit hairy, because two or three of the dinghies came rather too close to my yacht.


I’m hoping to have a shower at the Salcombe Yacht Club this evening, as I did when I was here on 25th june.

Sunday, 4th July

Rame Head

'Hardiesse' anchored nearby

Barn Pool Beach


There was a heavy dew on the decks this morning and the sky was clear, but by the time ‘Ladybird’ was making out to sea under engine clouds were forming rapidly and the barometer as falling. The sea was pretty bumpy with white crested waves and progress was slow until we were clear of the land, when I was able to set heavily reefed sails. This was the roughest weather of the trip, but the boat was going well beam reaching to the west. To leeward the scenery was splendid; rolling hills marked with hedge lines and wild bush, along with clumps of trees in places. After Udder Rock Polperro soon came into view. There was a massive platform with a crane right in the entrance to the harbour. Two yachts were coming up from behind.


Gradually the sky darkened and the wind freshened, but the drizzle I expected held off. I saw a storm petrel, the first for a very long time. It looked like a very large swallow and it gracefully glided over the waves as if touching them with its feet. Just then a gannet hurtled towards the boat and nearly collided with the forestay. One or two seas were large enough to have me alter course and run before them. Off Rame Head the seas increased in height and one came over the stern, but not a lot of water entered the cockpit.


I found a protected anchorage at Barn Pool, Plymouth.

Saturday, 3rd July

Leaving Falmouth

Dodman Point

Local Racing Yacht


Today has been another lovely day. Yes, there were a couple of showers, but they just helped keep the temperature down.


I set off from the anchorage at Falmouth Town Quay at 0830. I wanted to wave goodbye to the live-aboard Steve on ‘Lenore‘, but he must have been below otherwise occupied, perhaps having breakfast. At the outset there was a good westerly wind that took us beyond St.Anthony Head, but there the wind petered out. An hour later off a shallow patch, know as The Bizzies, weed became entangled in the propeller. Clearing it was not at all difficult, and after crossing Gerran’s Bay, not too far from Gull Rock the wind sprang up from behind.


We reached Dodman Point quicker than expected, which meant we had more flood tide in our favour than anticipated. I was surprised to find that I was in in company with three other yachts heading the same way, but none of them were sailing when both the wind and tide were from behind. I can only assume their timetable was different to mine and perhaps they were pushing on to Plymouth, whereas my objective was Fowey. The scenery was rather grand with sweeping expanses of bays beyond the tiny islet of Gwineas Rock - Mevagissey Bay and St. Austell Bay, where at the eastern end, Gribben Head is distinctively marked with a tall red and white day mark.


While crossing the two bays, ‘Ladybird’ was overtaken by several much larger yachts, all under power. Near the entrance of Fowey the local sailboats were racing, fifteen in all, and when they were on the run home they made a fine picture with their spinnakers flying. I wished I could have taken a photo of them at that moment, but I was taking down the mainsail.


I picked up a visitor’s buoy on the Polruan side of the River Fowey at Brawn Point, and as I did so the Harbour Master hailed me from his launch requesting that I vacate the mooring for one closer to the jetty. This I did and felt pleased that the manoeuvre went well. Obviously the first mooring had been reserved for larger boats.


After evening dinner I took the dinghy to Albert Quay, so that I could walk to St Catherine’s Point on the Fowey side of the River. I took photos on the way. All in all, it had been a very satisfactory day, with ’Ladybird’ having done 22 miles of her homeward cruise.

Friday, 2nd July

'Jolie Brise'
'Jolie Bris' agin
Look at this for rigging!
Harbour Master's workhorse


This morning has been very enjoyable. With no specific aims I let the day evolve. After breakfast I hung out the wet items to dry, then chatted to whoever was passing by, but one vessel was rather special, the ‘Jolie Brise’, which now belongs to a trust with links to a school in Wiltshire. She came alongside the fuel pontoon early in the morning and was the last to be refuelled before the barge was towed away to be refilled. The Harbour Master’s workhorse did this very efficiently at the top of the tide when all was quiet and there was virtually a calm. After her return at the Visitors’ Pontoon, vessel after vessel came alongside for refuelling.


There may be a classic yacht rally being held at Falmouth because there are many old sailing boats at anchor here. My ‘Ladybird’ is a classic, since she was built in the early seventies. I must say the yachting folk here are very friendly; each acknowledging the other, irrespective of the type or size of yacht they sail. We are all subject to the same on-the-water rules and all of us come under the providence of God in the way He controls the sea and the wind. Seamen have a saying that the sea is a great leveller, and there is truth in it. There’s no room for boasting or pride, only a humble acceptance that we move on the water by the grace of God.


This evening I’m looking forward to a meal with friends; the lady of the house is a first-class cook and loves entertaining, so I know I shall have a great time with them.

Thursday, 1st July

Bob Burns


Roamer's bow


Roamer's stern


Pilot Boat


Another view


Until now I have been very fortunate with the excellent weather, but today, here in Falmouth the rain has been coming down from mid morning; it is now early evening and there seems to be no letup. I phoned my wife who is at home near Southend-on-Sea and she says it has been almost unbearably hot with sunshine!


The tactic has been to stay in the boat to keep as dry as possible; however, I think the Camping Gaz may be running out for the ship’s cooker; therefore I walked to the nearest garage which happens to be an Esso one, at least a mile or so away at the top of a hill. As it happens, they do not do Butane or any other type of bottled gas. A walk back to the chandler confirmed a 907 canister is in stock, so if mine runs out by Friday, I’ll be able to buy a replacement there. I am hoping to start the return home on Saturday if the weather is suitable.


I noticed that Bob Burn’s ‘Roamer’ is moored at the visitors’ pontoon. She has been made of steel, some of which is rusting. After sailing her around the world , including going around Cape Horn, Bob wrote a book which he recently promoted at Falmouth. His very sturdy yacht is rigged as a junk ketch.


In addition to Bob’s vessel, I was interested in the two Pilot boats that are based at a nearby pontoon. One of them is similar to the boats at Ramsgate.


I am finding that I cannot charge my laptop from the ship’s battery, possibly because it is not fully charged; therefore I am having to get the computer charged up ashore. The supervisor of the visitors’ pontoon was kind enough to charge it for me; hence you are able to receive this posting.