Friday, 23rd July

General view of Eastoke Point at the narrows of Chichester Harbour
Zoomed-in view of the Sailing Club at Eastoke
Running downwind to Brighton


‘Ladybird’ is now at Brighton after a 36 mile passage from East Head, Chichester Harbour. The morning was full of promise with a light wind from the NW. The anchor was up at 0530, and we were away, the engine purring, giving 3.5 knots against the first of the flood tide into Chichester Harbour. Outside at West Pole the tide was still flooding up the English Channel, but it was due to turn against us at 0915, by which time I hoped to be two or three miles beyond the Mixon Beacon that marks the southern extremity of Selsey Bill. The current there is a brute beast if you get it wrong so that you can be held up for hours until the tide turns in your favour.


Everything worked according to plan, and the wind even backed to the SW, so that we had a dead run on 80 degrees for Brighton Marina 28 miles along the coast - that’s from the Boulder Buoy at the western end of the Loo Passage.


A thing that struck me was an almost absence of wildlife. Only at the beginning of the trip did I see a number of gulls grouped together on Pole Sands. In fact, from the start, it was a solitary experience until nearing Brighton, where yachts from all directions were arriving simultaneously. The Marina was packed with French, German and Belgium yachts. Unusually, ‘Ladybird’ was the first yacht to arrive.Three others closely followed her in.


I’m always pleased when I make it to a secure harbour where the water is flat so that I need no longer to expend energy on keeping upright, and at night I can lay down in horizontal mode at rest. So that’s what I am looking forward to after I’ve had a shower.

Thursday, 22nd July

Sunset at Newton

Ferry

Frigate


‘Ladybird’ has returned to the anchorage off East Head, Chichester Harbour. She loves it here, as does her skipper. Anchored out of the channel in two meters of water gives a peaceful berth because the boat mainly lies to the wind, which means there is no fight between wind and tide for supremacy - that’s unlike being at Newton last night. There, the tussle between wind and tide caused me to have an hour’s anchor watch between midnight and one a.m. to check that the anchor was not dragging. There was that characteristic grinding sound of the chain as it was moved over the seabed. In the dark, even with the moon shining, yachts nearby looked really close. Darkness tends to make things look nearer than they really are.


Despite not having the peaceful night I so wanted, my in-built time clock had me out of my bunk in time to hear the early morning shipping forecast. Apart from the prediction there would be showers at first, the southerly wind was ideal for making east. ‘Ladybird’ would be able to sail over the ebb from Cowes onwards. From Newton to Cowes the wind was in our favour. The wind turned out to be variable in strength which mean frequent adjustments of the sails to find the right amount to have up.


Even at seven in the morning there were several yachts out and about in the Solent, plus the usual ferries, including the hovercraft, a very fast catamaran, the Lymington to Yarmouth ferries and the Portsmouth and Ryde ferries. I had to be extra vigilant when passing Cowes because one ferry was entering while another was leaving and a very large private motor yacht insisted on aiming at ‘Ladybird’ as she tried to avoid the ferry exiting Cowes. A heavy shower that reduced visibility did not help matters. The engine at that point was essential for keeping out of trouble. Beyond the outer moorings at Cowes the wind almost petered out as we were overtaken by a swish sailing yacht that had been anchored nearby at Newton.


Later in the morning the dark clouds disappeared to be replaced with volatile, rapidly changing cumulus clouds, indicative of a fresh wind from abeam. Frigate 229 made a fine sight as she rapidly steamed eastwards at Spithead on a course between No Man’s Land Fort and Horse Sand Fort. From there the course to West Pole Beacon, marking the entrance of Chichester Harbour, was 080. The scene was rather grand as the white crests of the waves marched northwards over the shallows of Hayling Bay. Langstone Harbour was to our north and three miles ahead I could just make out the Beacon where we would turn northwards to Chichester Harour.


I knew it would be a rough entry because the wind was fresh and the tide was ebbing against it. Three yachts were leaving and that number were entering. A large motor yacht making her exit came at speed past ‘Ladybird’, despite there being only five meters of water. This created a very turbulent sea, and shortly after, we did an involuntary gybe. No damage was done and we proceeded to make slow progress against the ebb towards the beacon at Eastoke Point were the water really gushed out like tea coming from the spout of a kettle, except the colour of the water was a fantastic translucent green capped with rolling white curlers. It was exciting to say the least, steering the boat directly downwind while trying to avoid broaching. I needed a fair amount of sail to have enough power to move the boat against the ebb. In any case, reducing sail under those conditions was not possible.


Inside the Harbour the water flattened out; in fact the water was almost smooth, which was very deceptive for those making out to sea because they may not have realised how bumpy it was out there.


A handful of yachts were anchored off East Head, and another four were high and dry, having being deliberately beached on the wonderful, fine sand below the dunes. For some unaccountable reason, my anchor did not hold, which caused me to have a second go at anchoring. The second attempt proved successful. A cup of tea soon refreshed me for making a late lunch which I ate with relish, and after tidying the boat i had an afternoon nap. Here I am at 1700 typing my Blog. Tomorrow will bring its own decisions; meanwhile, all I ask is that I may have a quiet night with no anchor watch!

Wednesday, 21st July

Property at Sandbanks
Hurst Point Fort
Very fast Customs vessel


I had intended to have at least another day in Poole Harbour, but the wind and tide were absolutely perfect for a run to the Solent. After leaving Poole Quay Boat Haven, I hoisted sail and cut the engine. From thereon I enjoyed a fantastic sail across Poole Bay on a course of 080 degrees heading for North Head Buoy 16 miles away. With the force 3 wind coming over the starboard quarter ‘Ladybird’ had no difficulty in making over the ebbing tide. At first I steered through the channel close to the beach at Sandbanks where the most expensive houses in the UK are situated. From them the occupants have a view overlooking Poole Bay towards the Isle of Wight in the very far distance.


As I expected, there was a turbulence of water over the shallows extending from Christchurch. There I reefed the Genoa to make the ride comfortable. The weather was perfect for sailing - the wind being a force 3 to 4 alternated from astern to broad on the beam. With the aid of my chart GPS I was able to steer towards North Head Buoy where we arrived at 1230. The ebb was still running through the narrows between Fort Albert on the Isle of Wight and Hurst Point Fort on the mainland to my port.


There was a perfect anchorage in the shallows to the northeast of Hurst Point where I dropped the hook so that I could rest and have time to work out where to spend the night. The anchorage where I was, was a little too exposed for an overnight stop. After having a snooze I unfurled the Genoa and headed towards Yarmouth. By then the tide was flooding and good speed was made along the Island shore until we arrived at the entrance of Newton Creek. The opening looked impossibly narrow, but when we went through it the water was about 5 meters in depth. The anchorage to the south of Fishhouse Point was quite full; however, there was a spot that I quickly grabbed. Since anchoring there, a several yachts have arrived and they have all have found places to set their anchors.


I’m hoping I’ll have a quiet night, which could be the case if the wind dies down. The Harbour Master came by in his launch and somehow he didn’t see ‘Ladybird’ when collecting his dues. The fact that she is the smallest visiting yacht could have something to do with his blind spot, for which I’m grateful.

Tuesday,20th July

Bronze sculpture of Robert Baden-Powell
Close-up showing details
Plaque

I’m getting used to this life aboard, rambling along the shoreline of Southern England. Wherever I stop, I explore the neighbourhood on foot and record what I see by taking digital photos, which I store on a memory card. Going back through the photographs when I get home will bring back memories of where I have been and what I saw.


Here at Poole there are so many things of interest, but my Blog is limited regarding the number of photographic illustrations I can include per posting. Four photos is probably the maximum, because they take time to download at your end when you access them. Therefore I have to be very, very selective as to what I include. Today is a case in point, because I took snapshots of the Commercial Harbour, Sunseeker Yachts outside the yard where they are built, several old buildings, items in the Museum including examples of the world-famous Poole pottery, and numerous other subjects, but I have chosen only one for now, a sculpture of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout movement. He set up the first campsite with Scouts on Brownsea Island.


Sailing the boat from one location to another takes a lot of energy and I’m finding I need a rest now and again; therefore I have decided to stay at Poole Quay Boat Haven for another night. Perhaps tomorrow I’ll find a peaceful anchorage where I can recoup my energy for continuing.

Monday, 19th July

'Condor Express'

Anvil Point

Old Harry



The first main decision of the morning was to put to sea rather than wait for the shops to open. Soon after leaving the berth at Weymouth, ‘Ladybird’ passed by the huge ‘Condor Express’, and when we were a mile on our way, a fast motor launch drew alongside enquiring if we intended to go south of the Lulworth Firing Range. I confirmed that was my intention. He asked if I thought the boat was too small to venture 6 miles out sea. I replied that I planned to sail to Poole; whereupon he gave me a latitude and a longitude waypoint which would ensure the boat would be outside of the Range.


Apart from the coastal scenery, which included the chalk cliffs of Lulworth Cove, until mid morning the trip was rather uninteresting, because I had to use the engine as there was insufficient wind for sailing. There were several other yachts all heading for the same waypoint, some from the east and others from the west. The only real excitement was at St. Alban’s Head where Race carried us along at a good lick. The next interesting stretch was in Poole Harbour where there were many boats speeding along. I needed eyes in the back of my head because ‘Ladybird’ was frequently overhauled.


Getting into Poole Quay Yacht Haven was easier than I thought it would be.


I’ll probably have a look at the Town tomorrow morning before finding an anchorage in the Harbour.

Sunday, 18th July

Dorchester Grace Baptist Church meets at the premises of the YMCA near Tesco
Before the worship
An almost clow-like ceramic figure at Dorchester Tesco
Another ceramic piece at Tesco
George 111 Memorial


If you are a Christian what do you do on a Sunday? Answer: You do the same as you do every day, you worship God, but more than that, if you have opportunity, you join with other worshippers to praise and adore Jesus. That said and done, this morning I had a special time with the fellowship at Dorchester Grace Baptist Church with a visiting preacher from Ulster. He very appropriately for me preached on the sovereignty of God, the God who controls and sustains all things, including every molecule of water. That made me think of the waves with their awesome power, waves that rose and fell over the Shambles Bank, to the east of Portland Bill. Yesterday I experienced the power of those waves firsthand and responded to them by acting with the tiller of ‘Ladybird’ to keep her in harmony with them. Likewise, I and others who worship God, react to what He ordains. He is the God who is more powerful than the waves, the wind and the whole universe, for He is the Creator who made them and controls them.


After our worship, we enjoyed a wonderful meal together. The day was one I shall not forget, because it was so enjoyable to be with brothers and sisters in Christ.


To occupy time before the church meeting I took an interest in the nearby Tesco, which I am led to believe was designed with special criteria to satisfy the whims of Prince Charles. One of the stipulations appears to have been the inclusion of creative art works. Almost hidden in the grand scheme there are small ceramic three-d pieces representing animals, plants and people. Exactly what their significance is I couldn’t say, but they certainly caught my attention.


Much grander than the Tesco grandeur, at Weymouth seafront there’s a huge memorial sculpture commemorating the 50th anniversary of the reign of George 111. While I was waiting for the arrival of the bus that would convey me to Dorchester I couldn’t resist taking photos of the ‘object‘.

Saturday, 17th July

Morning rainbow as seen through the cabin window
Leaving Exmouth
Exe Bell Buoy
View from the cabin at Weymouth


My morning started with a rainbow. The boat was just touching bottom at low water. This gave me time to prepare for the off as soon as ‘Ladybird’ was afloat. At 0630 I started the engine and made pretty good progress against the first of the flood tide. By 0730 we were alongside the Exe Bell Buoy and I squared the boat off for the course of 101 degrees for a point south of the Portland Race which was 36.5 miles away. The wind filled in from the SW and with the tide in our favour we scuttled along. The strength of the wind gradually increased to force 6, but as we were broad reaching I could keep full sail until 1300 when I had to put in a heavy reef in the mainsail.


At 1400 we were only 6 miles from the Bill and there was still an hour of tide in our favour which meant that by the time we were south of Portland Lighthouse the tide was ebbing which caused large breaking waves, but ‘Ladybird’ was magnificent and responded to the helm so that the worst ones could be taken directly with the stern pointing into them. The Shambles Bank increased the height of the waves. Instead of going to the west, on a course parallel to the Shambles Bank I took a risk and went across the western end of it. This saved me about 4 extra miles and a lot of time, but it was a risky strategy that paid off. Only once did a wave come over the quarter, dumping some water in the cockpit that quickly drained out. Two other yachts were making for Weymouth.


The further north we went the smoother the seas became in the lee of Portland Harbour and ‘Ladybird’ really shifted. A mile from the entrance of Weymouth Harbour I took in sail and started the engine. Keeping a lookout for large craft entering or leaving the Harbour I steered for the southernmost pier and kept clear of the fishermen’s lines. I berthed alongside a larger yacht at 1800, having taken less than 12 hours to do the whole trip of 42 nautical miles. It had been an exhilarating day’s sail.

Friday, 16th July

Last night's gale
'Boss' Gull
General view with Mill Bridge
The stalking cat


Last night’s gale gave me a bumpy ride, but I had a good night after listening to Classic FM. Today was far more promising in terms of weather, and tomorrow looks even better. Perhaps I’ll be able to set sail for Weymouth in the morning?


Exeter seems to hold a fascination, because once again I was drawn to visit the City, and while there I saw one of my sister-in-laws.


I’m amazed how much has changed over the years since the early 60s. This time I explored the Exe River as far as Cowley Bridge. A lot of large-scale building works have been erected beside the railway line and along the river bank, much of it in the form of blocks of flats and new houses. One part that is quite attractive is the landscaping of the river bank by the Miller’s Bridge, which in itself is unusual, being based on a cantilever design with an enormous imitation millstone acting as a counterweight to balance the gravitation force acting on the cross-members.


While I was having a picnic beside the River, a ’boss’ gull took up residence a few feet away, hoping to be fed with morsels from me. He was the dominant gull who chased the others away. In the end I had to award him for his persistence and patience. I kind of softened to him and gave in. He didn’t like me offering anything to the other birds and aggressively attacked them.


A noticed at a cat stalking birds up a tree; he was so attractive I couldn’t resist taking a photo of him.


Passage planning has priority before I turn in for the night.

Gale

At the beginning of the gale

Note the angle of heel

Today is Thursday, 15th July, 2010. I have been marooned on the yacht since last night. Basically, the wind has been too strong for me to risk using the tiny inflatable dinghy to get ashore and return to the boat. Blowing downwind and sideways to the Starcross shore is feasible, but rowing back against the wind is not. I learnt the reality of this last evening when I had to return to ‘Ladybird’ after spending the day at Exeter. The going was tough, as I explained in today’s Blog.


While the gale has been blowing I have had to entertain myself. After breakfast I had the usual self-clean which entails a strip wash, then I prepared and posted the Blog. The remainder of the morning I spent reading; likewise after lunch I did the same. I have run out of reading matter, but reading things a second time will be profitable because I shall pickup on themes and items I previously missed.


The time is 1845 and the ship’s barometer indicates an air pressure of 996 millibars and it is falling. I am expecting the forecasted force 9 wind shortly. Rain lashes the boat so as to drum on her decks while the wind howls through the rigging. In addition to that, the sea slaps the hull which seem rather thin, acting like a drum magnifying the effect, a bit like the sound of a cane when it comes into contact with the backside of a miscreant receiving just punishment. (Not politically correct these day, but nevertheless justice being meted out to persuade the wrongdoer to amend his ways, and an example for others to note that if they do wrong, that’s what they can expect.) The mooring line tugs on the bow fairlead each time the bow is flung upwards by breaking waves, while at the same time the stern hit’s the water, making a sound like water going down a drain. The main halyard now and again bangs on the mast which resounds loudly with a staccato metallic clanking overriding the other noises.


When I think of being at sea in a force nine my heart misses a beat. Here at Starcross there is not much protection from the wind, but the Dawlish Warren Sands come between the boat and the sea to cushion the effect. Take it from me, the experience is not exactly nice. I hope the mooring will hold and the moorings upwind will also hold. The movement is like being on the back of a bucking bronco and the whining of the wind is nerve-racking.


I hope the wind will abate by tomorrow morning when I’m expected to move to another mooring.

Thursday, 15th July

One of yesterday's downpours in Exeter

The Exmouth/Starcross Ferry passing by a few moments ago

The diesel train also passing by


As I prepare this posting, the yacht is being buffeted by the wind; she has about 10 degrees of heel because the keels are being pushed by the ebbing tide towards the wind. I am sat in the middle of the boat where there is the least movement. There is a forecast for winds to occasionally reach Force 9! I am dubious about trying to get ashore today, as last night I had real difficulty in reaching the yacht by the use of the dinghy. Both wind and tide were against me. In the end I had to carry the dinghy for a good quarter of a mile from the railway underpass at the Starcross Fishing and Cruising Club to well beyond the one adjacent to where ‘Ladybird’ is moored. That was necessary to be sufficiently upwind of the boat to make it there before being swept up the River. While carrying the dinghy I needed to put a lot of effort into pointing the bow of the dinghy towards the wind. If it swung sideways to the wind I almost took off as if I were kite sailing. At first the going was almost impossible, because my Wellington boots stuck in the mud, but the more progress I made, the better the surface became for walking, until eventually I was walking on pebbles, but the tide was coming in, and shortly where I stood would be covered, and apart from climbing a buttress for retaining the sea wall, there was no escape.


This morning I woke to the alarm and routinely listened to the forecast, but I didn’t need to hear it to know I would not be sailing for Weymouth - south or southwest 6-8, occasionally 9. I’m thankful to be on a substantial mooring obviously made for a larger boat than ‘Ladybird’ because of the length of the strops and the size of the buoy. Tomorrow morning I’ll need to find another mooring because the owner of this one wants to put his own boat on it. I just hope the wind will have lessened by then. Trying to pick up a mooring buoy by oneself in very windy conditions can be difficult. You point the bow of the yacht to the buoy, but by the time you have walked forward with the boathook the buoy is beyond your reach, or the waves bounce the buoy and the boat around so much that you can’t get the hook to engage.


Well, my plan is to stay on the boat until the wind abates, or if there is a lull I may be able to get ashore; the problem then is finding another lull for returning to the boat. Gale force 8 and the occasional 9, make this a risky business. It looks as though I’ll be confined to the boat for more reading and a buffeting.

Wednesday, 14th July

Yesterday's unpromising sunset
The floral theme continues
Graffiti
Metal Unicorn

There are some things in life that are free, and at the moment I’m using the WIFI connection at Exeter Public Library which is entirely free, except to access it from within the library while charging the laptop’s battery, and to have the use of a desk, the charge is £1.00 - really excellent value for money, especially as now and again there are exceptionally heavy rain showers accompanying a strong SW wind. In fact, that’s why I am back in Exeter for the third time, during this cruise. Another day being cooped up in ‘Ladybird’s’ cabin, while being jogged up and down was not an appealing prospect. Hence, I am here in the dry - it is not exactly warm, because all of the windows are wide open, as the rain lashes them.


On my way to the Library I almost became lost, because so many changes to buildings and roads have taken place since I lived at Exeter in the early 60s. The photos show a few of the things that drew my attention on the way to the Library.


Getting ashore this morning was a bit problematical on account of the strong wind and flood tide. I first had to bail out the dinghy which had water in it from the night’s deluge. As fast as I sponged the water out, more came in from the wave tops trapped between the yacht and the dinghy. I had a similar happening last evening when I had to go ashore to buy a new Calor Gas canister at the local garage. That time I foolishly went without wearing my oilskins. This morning I was better prepared. Even so, I could not fully protect the knapsack that contained my laptop. Anticipating this, I had placed it in plastic bag within the knapsack. The wind and tide did not allow me to row to the nearest underpass below the railway track; therefore I had to row downwind to the one at the Starcross Fishing and Cruising Club. I knew that if this was not achieved before 0900 there would be insufficient headroom to row through the tunnel because the water was rising.


I left the dinghy at the top of the slipway and made my way to the bus stop where after a short wait the bus arrived on time for a free ride to Exeter. Yes, being a Senior Citizen, I have a bus pass, courtesy of my local Council and the government aided scheme. I’m amazed this can be used widely for travel throughout England.


The time is 1220, which reminds me that lunchtime is near, so I’ll post this and have a break.

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.