One of my recent blog entries was about the topic of ‘Shedding Branches’ which spoke of drastic action on my part. I likened the procedure to a tree losing its branches; such a painful happening may be necessary for me and for you also.
At the bottom of my garden there’s a bountiful plumb tree that almost every year produces a bumper crop of sweet-tasting Victoria plums. The harvest is so prolific that the very weight of the fruit can tear off branches. This is Nature’s way of improving the quality of the fruit left on the integral branches. Manual pruning of baby plums would bring the same result, but without the loss of branches.
My previous article pointed to a pruning that was taking place in my life to bring about a simple lifestyle by eliminating items and activities that were hampering me. In the same way the ancient Greek athletes ran naked to avoid handicapping themselves with the impediment of restrictive clothing.
After working through the process of severe pruning of branches, there comes a time for the more delicate activity of removing unhealthy leaves that no longer contribute to the well-being of the tree. Then with patience there comes a time of harvest well before the early days of autumn. During the sharp winter months nothing seems to happen, but when spring arrives new shoots appear that undergo a metamorphosis to become blossom for the bringing forth of a rich harvest. This is an annual repetitive cycle that can be applied to our lives for a greater harvest of reward, a reward not related to wealth, possessions or power, but one that concerns our well-being, both spiritual and physical. This reward comes in the form of better relationships with our family, friends and workmates. Why? Because without the clutter of branches and unprofitable leaves we can move better, see more clearly and be more easily assessable to others. We find we have more free time and spend less effort needlessly looking after useless possessions which in turn gives us less to worry about in addition to freeing us not only for our own welfare, but for the benefit of others.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Change
Change is inevitable; nothing can stop the process. Even in the womb before we are born subtle changes take place until after nine months we emerge into the world in the form of a disproportionate mini-human with a large head. As we continue to grow our proportions subtly change so that by comparison with the rest of our body our head would appear to decrease in size. In fact our head grows larger, but our body grows proportionately larger.
Change is everywhere, but perhaps it is best typically represented by the changing seasons. Just now, the spring flowers and blossoms are cheering up the scene. They remind us of the life cycle. In their youth their colours are scintillatingly gorgeous, but as spring fades so does their beauty until they crinkle and putrefy into ugliness far removed from their former glory.
A change is a panacea for getting out of a rut or for beating ‘the blues’. We deliberately employ this remedy to stimulate the mind; that’s why we love taking a break from the workplace by way of a holiday in a location removed from the familiar. In the past my wife and I have had the privilege of visiting different countries to break the routine and open the mind.
The current ‘Credit Crunch’ and the global financial downturn are bringing about vast changes in people’s lives, particularly those in the poorer countries of the world, countries where there is no welfare state to cushion the effects of unemployment and loss of income. Some are profiting from the situation, like cobblers whose businesses are flourishing, and property speculators who are snapping up bargains as apartments and homes come under the hammer. The rich and the powerful seldom suffer to the same extent as the poor, while both polarities of the community experience unavoidable change in the form of situations beyond their control. The rich, providing they have spread their monetary income resources, will remain rich, while the poor can only expect to get poorer.
When I look back over my life I realize how fortunate I have been to have owned many different small sailing boats. Boat ownership continues, despite the economy, and indeed, owning a boat could be seen as an investment for the future as the fiscal situation improves, for surely it will, because history shows that the pendulum of change swings first one way then the other.
My latest acquisition is a 1977 Seawych 19 sloop with considerable more accommodation than ‘Faith’, my 14’ Paradox. Because ‘Ladybird’ has been well looked after by several owners she is in remarkably good condition and I am looking forward to changes she will bring to my sailing experience, particularly being able to share her with others for their enjoyment as well as mine.
Change is everywhere, but perhaps it is best typically represented by the changing seasons. Just now, the spring flowers and blossoms are cheering up the scene. They remind us of the life cycle. In their youth their colours are scintillatingly gorgeous, but as spring fades so does their beauty until they crinkle and putrefy into ugliness far removed from their former glory.
A change is a panacea for getting out of a rut or for beating ‘the blues’. We deliberately employ this remedy to stimulate the mind; that’s why we love taking a break from the workplace by way of a holiday in a location removed from the familiar. In the past my wife and I have had the privilege of visiting different countries to break the routine and open the mind.
The current ‘Credit Crunch’ and the global financial downturn are bringing about vast changes in people’s lives, particularly those in the poorer countries of the world, countries where there is no welfare state to cushion the effects of unemployment and loss of income. Some are profiting from the situation, like cobblers whose businesses are flourishing, and property speculators who are snapping up bargains as apartments and homes come under the hammer. The rich and the powerful seldom suffer to the same extent as the poor, while both polarities of the community experience unavoidable change in the form of situations beyond their control. The rich, providing they have spread their monetary income resources, will remain rich, while the poor can only expect to get poorer.
When I look back over my life I realize how fortunate I have been to have owned many different small sailing boats. Boat ownership continues, despite the economy, and indeed, owning a boat could be seen as an investment for the future as the fiscal situation improves, for surely it will, because history shows that the pendulum of change swings first one way then the other.
My latest acquisition is a 1977 Seawych 19 sloop with considerable more accommodation than ‘Faith’, my 14’ Paradox. Because ‘Ladybird’ has been well looked after by several owners she is in remarkably good condition and I am looking forward to changes she will bring to my sailing experience, particularly being able to share her with others for their enjoyment as well as mine.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
'Great Expectations'
‘Great Expectations’ is one of those novels that one is supposed to have read when at school, but if I did read it I cannot recollect doing so. Charles Dickens wrote of his contemporaneous conditions when social position due to inheritance and class fractured society. Snobbery, status and ignorance played their part. Back in the mid-nineteenth century there was little hope of any expectation of moving up the social ladder. Pip, the main character of the story was an orphan. He had a crush on Estella who was the adopted daughter of the wealthy Miss Havisham who hired Pip as a companion to Estella. Pip’s infatuation for Estella developed into a one-sided relationship of un-requited love, but Pip had high hopes that he may win her heart when he inherited money that enabled him to learn and acquire the ways of a gentleman.
Dickens wrote two endings to the novel; one gave little hope that Estella and Pip would ever be united in love, but the other hinted that there could be a glimmer of hope. Could that unsatisfactory situation ever have been yours; not necessarily the example of unrequited and unfulfilled love, but of expectations that were never realised? I would suggest that the common experience of us all is that we have expectations that are never realised, but without the hope of expectations we would lose much our motivation in life.
As a Christian I have a great hope and expectation that one day I’ll meet my Lord face to face and that I will be privileged to see Him and reflect His glory. On a lower plane I experience the everyday humdrum of activity just as those who have no expectation of Christ. On that same level I place my expectations of again owning a sailing boat, and to that end I have been searching for a suitable vessel, but you can’t imagine the lies and deceit I’ve encountered along the way. These same blatant deceptions of descriptions of craft for sale have led me to spend hours travelling by road with ‘Great Expectations’, only to find boats described as beautifully fitted, seaworthy and ready for sea, being nothing but leaking, stinking wrecks! The foolishness of advertising such vessels in glowing terms rebounds on the perpetrators; not only do they waste their time, but they callously cause disappointment to those who seek their ideal.
Despite my expectations being dashed over and again, I am a fool for yet another expectation that will be fulfilled to my satisfaction. What is it that drives me on in this way? The answer is that I have an unquenchable desire for a new relationship with a mistress of the sea.
Dickens wrote two endings to the novel; one gave little hope that Estella and Pip would ever be united in love, but the other hinted that there could be a glimmer of hope. Could that unsatisfactory situation ever have been yours; not necessarily the example of unrequited and unfulfilled love, but of expectations that were never realised? I would suggest that the common experience of us all is that we have expectations that are never realised, but without the hope of expectations we would lose much our motivation in life.
As a Christian I have a great hope and expectation that one day I’ll meet my Lord face to face and that I will be privileged to see Him and reflect His glory. On a lower plane I experience the everyday humdrum of activity just as those who have no expectation of Christ. On that same level I place my expectations of again owning a sailing boat, and to that end I have been searching for a suitable vessel, but you can’t imagine the lies and deceit I’ve encountered along the way. These same blatant deceptions of descriptions of craft for sale have led me to spend hours travelling by road with ‘Great Expectations’, only to find boats described as beautifully fitted, seaworthy and ready for sea, being nothing but leaking, stinking wrecks! The foolishness of advertising such vessels in glowing terms rebounds on the perpetrators; not only do they waste their time, but they callously cause disappointment to those who seek their ideal.
Despite my expectations being dashed over and again, I am a fool for yet another expectation that will be fulfilled to my satisfaction. What is it that drives me on in this way? The answer is that I have an unquenchable desire for a new relationship with a mistress of the sea.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Personal View of Evolution
The Darwin ‘Big Idea’ Exhibition at the Natural History Museum commemorating the findings of Charles Darwin when he sailed on HMS Beagle from 1831 to 1836 will close on 19th April 09. As a result of Darwin’s observations, particularly those on the Galapagos Islands, he formulated a theory that species evolved by the process of natural selection. Some years later, Alfred Russel Wallace independently expressed an almost identical view to that of Darwin, which spurred the latter on to publish, ‘On the Origin of the Species by Means of Natural Selection’. In the 6th edition of the book, published in1872, the title was changed to ‘The Origin of the Species’. The book propounded the theory that species populations evolve over generations through a process of natural selection. As a result of the book, which would seem to undermine the teaching of the Bible that God created the world in 6 days, there have been many objections to his thesis by Christians.
A modern protagonist supporting the theory put forward by Darwin is David Attenborough. Last night on BBC 1 TV, in a film called, ‘The Tree of Life’, he bluntly presented a case against the biblical account of the creation of the universe. He did not explain how matter came into being, perhaps by using another theory, that of the Big Bang, but started his thesis with the assumption that there was a primeval mass from which primitive creatures emerged who evolved into more complicated forms eventually becoming distinct species, which in turn evolved into other species. (The word ‘evolve’ means to develop gradually into more complex forms.)
The Bible affirms that God made creatures of various ‘kinds’ as noted in the account of the animals entering the Ark prior to the global flood - birds after their kind, animals after their kind, and every creeping thing of the earth after its kind. (Genesis 6:19-21) Likewise the Word of God states that God created seed-yielding grasses, herbs, and fruit trees according to their kinds. (Genesis 1:11-13) In biblical terms a ‘kind’ or ‘type’ is a particular species; for example the cat type, the dog type, the horse type, the elephant type, the grass type, the tree type or the fish type. None of them are capable of reproducing themselves except through their own kind. David Attenborough’s ‘theory’, which he proclaims as ‘fact’, purports that species can evolve into other identifiable species. The truth of this concept is essential if his theory is to hold water and indeed be fact. We therefore have the possibility of something like worms eventually changing into a zebras, over millions of years, but from the foregoing argument it can be seen that different ‘kinds’ are unable to naturally propagate with other ‘kinds’, which leaves the only alternative whereby change can come about, that is by mutation. Mutated genes can be inherited by subsequent generations, but the basic gene structure remains unaltered so that its ‘type’ or ‘kind’ does not change. Yes, it is true that by man’s intervention a process of selective breeding can bring about changes to a species, but the process cannot change that species into a different one. Man can also do what would be impossible for nature on its own to accomplish by inserting genes from an animal species into a vegetable species and visa versa. Genetic engineering is on the cards today.
By comparison with man’s puny efforts at playing with nature, would it be beyond the wit of a Creator God to create creatures able to adapt to gradually changing situations such as climatic change which brings about different ecosystems? Obviously, it would not. Would it be possible for a Creator God to create ‘types’ with similarities such as gene characteristics? Obviously, it would. Therefore the Christian has no conflict with the scientific proof that identical and similar genes can be found in different species. When David A claims that certain intermediary creatures as identified in fossil forms make the missing link between species, could it not be that God created those so-called living forms, they themselves being species or kinds? He believes that strata of the earth’s surface came about over countless millions of years and that fossils formed at various depths within the strata indicate when the creatures lived. In order to establish when strata was formed he relies heavily upon the flawed science of carbon dating. This science has by no means been proven reliable because there are many geologists who by their research prove shortcomings and inconsistencies of the process. You need only do a Google search to substantiate this.
David Attenborough’s trump card would seem to be that some identical genes can be found common to Homo sapiens and apes - for him this clinches the deal that he is related to an ape, that his ancestors were indeed apes; likewise he would have it that all human beings have evolved from a common apelike species. Again, I ask the question, “Is it not possible that a Creator God who formed the universe, could He not also make the man Adam from ‘the dust of the ground’ (Genesis 2:7) and his companion from the rib of Adam?” (Genesis 2:22) A chemical analysis of the materials from which a man’s physical body is made would reveal that it is composed mostly of those same elements that are found in the dust of the earth.
Except for life and death, nothing is certain, apart from revelation by the infinite God. It is He who gives the gift of life (Ephesians 2:8) and it He who has the power to take it away at any time. (Deuteronomy 30:15; 1 Samuel 2:6) The Lord gives and He takes away.
David concludes that he cannot conceive of a loving God who would create a worm that bores into a human’s eye because this is the only means for its survival. The balance of the equation which he cannot comprehend is that God gave His only Son to die on a cross as a sufficient sacrifice for the eternal salvation many. (John 3:16)
Link to the ‘Big Idea’ Exhibition:
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/darwin/more-about-darwin.html
A modern protagonist supporting the theory put forward by Darwin is David Attenborough. Last night on BBC 1 TV, in a film called, ‘The Tree of Life’, he bluntly presented a case against the biblical account of the creation of the universe. He did not explain how matter came into being, perhaps by using another theory, that of the Big Bang, but started his thesis with the assumption that there was a primeval mass from which primitive creatures emerged who evolved into more complicated forms eventually becoming distinct species, which in turn evolved into other species. (The word ‘evolve’ means to develop gradually into more complex forms.)
The Bible affirms that God made creatures of various ‘kinds’ as noted in the account of the animals entering the Ark prior to the global flood - birds after their kind, animals after their kind, and every creeping thing of the earth after its kind. (Genesis 6:19-21) Likewise the Word of God states that God created seed-yielding grasses, herbs, and fruit trees according to their kinds. (Genesis 1:11-13) In biblical terms a ‘kind’ or ‘type’ is a particular species; for example the cat type, the dog type, the horse type, the elephant type, the grass type, the tree type or the fish type. None of them are capable of reproducing themselves except through their own kind. David Attenborough’s ‘theory’, which he proclaims as ‘fact’, purports that species can evolve into other identifiable species. The truth of this concept is essential if his theory is to hold water and indeed be fact. We therefore have the possibility of something like worms eventually changing into a zebras, over millions of years, but from the foregoing argument it can be seen that different ‘kinds’ are unable to naturally propagate with other ‘kinds’, which leaves the only alternative whereby change can come about, that is by mutation. Mutated genes can be inherited by subsequent generations, but the basic gene structure remains unaltered so that its ‘type’ or ‘kind’ does not change. Yes, it is true that by man’s intervention a process of selective breeding can bring about changes to a species, but the process cannot change that species into a different one. Man can also do what would be impossible for nature on its own to accomplish by inserting genes from an animal species into a vegetable species and visa versa. Genetic engineering is on the cards today.
By comparison with man’s puny efforts at playing with nature, would it be beyond the wit of a Creator God to create creatures able to adapt to gradually changing situations such as climatic change which brings about different ecosystems? Obviously, it would not. Would it be possible for a Creator God to create ‘types’ with similarities such as gene characteristics? Obviously, it would. Therefore the Christian has no conflict with the scientific proof that identical and similar genes can be found in different species. When David A claims that certain intermediary creatures as identified in fossil forms make the missing link between species, could it not be that God created those so-called living forms, they themselves being species or kinds? He believes that strata of the earth’s surface came about over countless millions of years and that fossils formed at various depths within the strata indicate when the creatures lived. In order to establish when strata was formed he relies heavily upon the flawed science of carbon dating. This science has by no means been proven reliable because there are many geologists who by their research prove shortcomings and inconsistencies of the process. You need only do a Google search to substantiate this.
David Attenborough’s trump card would seem to be that some identical genes can be found common to Homo sapiens and apes - for him this clinches the deal that he is related to an ape, that his ancestors were indeed apes; likewise he would have it that all human beings have evolved from a common apelike species. Again, I ask the question, “Is it not possible that a Creator God who formed the universe, could He not also make the man Adam from ‘the dust of the ground’ (Genesis 2:7) and his companion from the rib of Adam?” (Genesis 2:22) A chemical analysis of the materials from which a man’s physical body is made would reveal that it is composed mostly of those same elements that are found in the dust of the earth.
Except for life and death, nothing is certain, apart from revelation by the infinite God. It is He who gives the gift of life (Ephesians 2:8) and it He who has the power to take it away at any time. (Deuteronomy 30:15; 1 Samuel 2:6) The Lord gives and He takes away.
David concludes that he cannot conceive of a loving God who would create a worm that bores into a human’s eye because this is the only means for its survival. The balance of the equation which he cannot comprehend is that God gave His only Son to die on a cross as a sufficient sacrifice for the eternal salvation many. (John 3:16)
Link to the ‘Big Idea’ Exhibition:
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/darwin/more-about-darwin.html
Friday, January 23, 2009
Total Commitment and Single-mindedness
Jesus said, “Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33) A disciple is one who follows and learns from a teacher which infers that there is a desire on the part of the disciple to obey his teacher. The starkness of Jesus’ statement is evident, that without forsaking all possessions and all self-seeking there is not a remote chance of being His disciple. Jesus has also said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24, 25) Exclusion from the life Jesus talks of and exclusion from His discipleship is only too evident for those unable to comply with the requirements.
It would appear that the disciple of Jesus must be totally and wholeheartedly committed to following Him in all things. Taking up ones cross implies hardship beyond imagining. How can one qualify for discipleship of Jesus? How desirable is such a walk? The blessings of inheriting an eternal kingdom that far exceeds anything this world has to offer is something really desirable while the temporary deprivations and hardships encountered along the way are trifling by comparison, and yet our experiences tells us that what we have now is tangible and what is promised for the future is ephemeral.
This is where ‘faith’ plays her part. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6) and be a disciple of His Son. This God-given gift (Ephesians 2:8) enables His disciples to forsake all and to count hardships along the way as sheer joy for His sake. (James 1:2) The single-mindedness of the Christian is summed up by the author of Hebrews in verses 1 and 2 of Chapter 12 when he implores his readers with these words, “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
What has this to do with my passion for boating and sailing? It has absolutely everything to do with it, because if I place my self-centred obsession before my discipleship of Jesus I am no longer worthy to be a son of His. (Luke 15:19)
It would appear that the disciple of Jesus must be totally and wholeheartedly committed to following Him in all things. Taking up ones cross implies hardship beyond imagining. How can one qualify for discipleship of Jesus? How desirable is such a walk? The blessings of inheriting an eternal kingdom that far exceeds anything this world has to offer is something really desirable while the temporary deprivations and hardships encountered along the way are trifling by comparison, and yet our experiences tells us that what we have now is tangible and what is promised for the future is ephemeral.
This is where ‘faith’ plays her part. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6) and be a disciple of His Son. This God-given gift (Ephesians 2:8) enables His disciples to forsake all and to count hardships along the way as sheer joy for His sake. (James 1:2) The single-mindedness of the Christian is summed up by the author of Hebrews in verses 1 and 2 of Chapter 12 when he implores his readers with these words, “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
What has this to do with my passion for boating and sailing? It has absolutely everything to do with it, because if I place my self-centred obsession before my discipleship of Jesus I am no longer worthy to be a son of His. (Luke 15:19)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Pragmatism
Pragmatism is the conscious or unconscious philosophy that most of us adopt for our survival. We tend to look at what is practical and what is not practical and make choices accordingly. Outside forces intervene and they have a significant influence on our course through life, but where we are born and who are parents are determine most profoundly the start of our earthly journey. We have genes inherited from our mother and father and there’s no escape from that relationship. To a certain extent we are moulded in their image. In our early days we are shaped by the teaching of our parents before we are influenced by our friends, associates, teachers, and others with whom we come into contact.
We cannot divorce our likes and dislikes, our prejudices and preferences from those who have shaped us; indeed we are grateful to individuals who have taken an interest in us, those who have helped us on our way, who have contributed to our understanding, the people who have seen our potential and have encouraged us in our walk. Without nourishment, without feeding, without love we would not have made it.
All these pieces of the jigsaw make up the whole picture in which we can see how we have achieved our ambitions and what they were; within the total picture we can see our development, growth, maturation, and fulfilment before contentment and understanding leading to enrichment of life; finally comes a gradual realization of decline, a lessening of our physical prowess and sometimes our mental ability, leading to an acceptance of partial dependence on others, until perhaps a time comes when total dependence upon others arrives. Finally, the inevitable occurs when dust becomes dust and life enters the eternal realm which is the eventual purpose of our being.
Some people think hard and long about eternity, but they do not use their philosophical pragmatism to determine a choice as to how they would like to enter the inevitable state of eternity. Only now in our present life can we do anything about how we shall be at the moment before the sap that runs in our veins finally runs no more. What sort of persons do we want to be? Surely what we are is far more significant than who we are. I may be the Prime Minister, the Queen, a nurse or a dustman, but the nature of my occupation has little to do with my desires, my wants, my needs and most importantly my motivations.
How do these things impinge on the time I set aside for relaxation? What is the best form of relaxation for me? Those who know me will immediately say by sailing yachts. That is true, but now I wish to share my sailing more than in the past and to that end I’m planning on buying a half share in my next boat. This sharing is not just pragmatically practical for the reduction of costs, but for the imparting of skills and knowledge I have gained over the years, so that my new sailing buddy will indirectly learn from my mistakes and successes. Initially, we looked for a trimaran, but we have come to the conclusion that it will be better for us to have a traditional Bermudan sloop with good accommodation and a reasonable performance.
Follow this Blog to learn how we get along.
We cannot divorce our likes and dislikes, our prejudices and preferences from those who have shaped us; indeed we are grateful to individuals who have taken an interest in us, those who have helped us on our way, who have contributed to our understanding, the people who have seen our potential and have encouraged us in our walk. Without nourishment, without feeding, without love we would not have made it.
All these pieces of the jigsaw make up the whole picture in which we can see how we have achieved our ambitions and what they were; within the total picture we can see our development, growth, maturation, and fulfilment before contentment and understanding leading to enrichment of life; finally comes a gradual realization of decline, a lessening of our physical prowess and sometimes our mental ability, leading to an acceptance of partial dependence on others, until perhaps a time comes when total dependence upon others arrives. Finally, the inevitable occurs when dust becomes dust and life enters the eternal realm which is the eventual purpose of our being.
Some people think hard and long about eternity, but they do not use their philosophical pragmatism to determine a choice as to how they would like to enter the inevitable state of eternity. Only now in our present life can we do anything about how we shall be at the moment before the sap that runs in our veins finally runs no more. What sort of persons do we want to be? Surely what we are is far more significant than who we are. I may be the Prime Minister, the Queen, a nurse or a dustman, but the nature of my occupation has little to do with my desires, my wants, my needs and most importantly my motivations.
How do these things impinge on the time I set aside for relaxation? What is the best form of relaxation for me? Those who know me will immediately say by sailing yachts. That is true, but now I wish to share my sailing more than in the past and to that end I’m planning on buying a half share in my next boat. This sharing is not just pragmatically practical for the reduction of costs, but for the imparting of skills and knowledge I have gained over the years, so that my new sailing buddy will indirectly learn from my mistakes and successes. Initially, we looked for a trimaran, but we have come to the conclusion that it will be better for us to have a traditional Bermudan sloop with good accommodation and a reasonable performance.
Follow this Blog to learn how we get along.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Shedding Branches
Yes, it’s true. I’m going to simplify my life by shedding a few branches. Over the years one collects all manner of junk until there is so much clobber there is no room for standing. Walking and running are out of the question! Immobilisation is the result. There’s a time for renewal and simplification, a time to discard all unnecessary impedimenta and invent a new uncluttered future. To this end I am retreating from the subtle Internet entrapment into which I have drifted. I shall undo the self-imposed handcuffs and chains attached to my ankles.
What does this really mean? Well, I shall be closing down my web sites that demand lots of my time, effort and energy, not to mention enthusiasm and fresh creativity. There will be a sense of loss, almost bereavement, but the pain will be worth the relief when I can skip happily again, to be free without encumbrances having abundant energy to spare. I shall shed my self-imposed burdens and seek a new, freer and simple life.
None of the foregoing implies that I’ll abandon sailing or yacht ownership, far from it. In fact I’m planning on sharing ownership of the next boat, a trimaran, because I’ve never had one before, although I was terrified while sailing a F 32 which went like the clappers or should I say clippers. To my mind, for excitement and speed, trimarans are unsurpassed. They have disadvantages, such as their wide beam, which makes manoeuvring in marinas and confined waters more difficult than the usual run of yachts with less beam and their movement in certain sea states can be bumpy, but generally they sail fairly upright, and a well-designed cruising trimaran has excellent accommodation and ample deck space.
Unlike my web sites, I have no intention of closing this blog, so watch out for new entries.
What does this really mean? Well, I shall be closing down my web sites that demand lots of my time, effort and energy, not to mention enthusiasm and fresh creativity. There will be a sense of loss, almost bereavement, but the pain will be worth the relief when I can skip happily again, to be free without encumbrances having abundant energy to spare. I shall shed my self-imposed burdens and seek a new, freer and simple life.
None of the foregoing implies that I’ll abandon sailing or yacht ownership, far from it. In fact I’m planning on sharing ownership of the next boat, a trimaran, because I’ve never had one before, although I was terrified while sailing a F 32 which went like the clappers or should I say clippers. To my mind, for excitement and speed, trimarans are unsurpassed. They have disadvantages, such as their wide beam, which makes manoeuvring in marinas and confined waters more difficult than the usual run of yachts with less beam and their movement in certain sea states can be bumpy, but generally they sail fairly upright, and a well-designed cruising trimaran has excellent accommodation and ample deck space.
Unlike my web sites, I have no intention of closing this blog, so watch out for new entries.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
using the Mobile Phone
This was an abortive attempt at copying and pasting a document from the QuickOffice application on my mobile phone. There must be a way, but I haven't found it.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Access by mobile phone
This is my first attempt at posting to my blog by using a mobile phone. I shall be pleased if it works because I only need to carry the phone rather than my Asus EEE laptop.
I am currently sat at a table in a MacDonald's using the free WIFI.
I am currently sat at a table in a MacDonald's using the free WIFI.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Jogging Along
It's quite a while since my last entry on 24th July 08 and I just want to keep in touch to maintain use of the blog.
To obtain a CD with a user-friendly presentation of my two month cruise aboard 'Faith', my Paradox sailboat, please visit my Small Sailboats web site at http://www.smallsailboats.co.uk; then click on the link to the Editorial page for for the CD page.
Thank you for your interest in this blog which I may take up again for regular postings, especially in connection with my adventures aboard 'Faith'. If my health, time available, finances and good weather allow opportunities for cruising in the future, I'll make efforts to let you know here.
To obtain a CD with a user-friendly presentation of my two month cruise aboard 'Faith', my Paradox sailboat, please visit my Small Sailboats web site at http://www.smallsailboats.co.uk; then click on the link to the Editorial page for for the CD page.
Thank you for your interest in this blog which I may take up again for regular postings, especially in connection with my adventures aboard 'Faith'. If my health, time available, finances and good weather allow opportunities for cruising in the future, I'll make efforts to let you know here.
Friday, July 25, 2008
‘Faith’s’ Cruise CD’
I have written up the account of ‘Faith’s’ Cruise to the Scilly Isles from the River Crouch in Essex UK. Al Law joined me in his Paradox at Plymouth and we sailed in company to the Islands and back to Plymouth.
You may obtain your copy of the CD by visiting my web site http://www.smallsailboats.co.uk . Click the ‘Faith’s’ Cruise CD logo in the bottom right-hand corner of the Home Page, or enter the Editorial page where you can click the appropriate link.
By making a donation in appreciation of your copy of the CD, you will be helping to pay for the maintenance of the Small Sailboat web site.
The account is illustrated with 22 photographs and 3 maps. It comes in Microsoft Word (82 pages) which is a popular format.
This link may take you directly to the CD page: http://www.smallsailboats.co.uk/cd/cd.htm .
Best wishes,
Bill.
You may obtain your copy of the CD by visiting my web site http://www.smallsailboats.co.uk . Click the ‘Faith’s’ Cruise CD logo in the bottom right-hand corner of the Home Page, or enter the Editorial page where you can click the appropriate link.
By making a donation in appreciation of your copy of the CD, you will be helping to pay for the maintenance of the Small Sailboat web site.
The account is illustrated with 22 photographs and 3 maps. It comes in Microsoft Word (82 pages) which is a popular format.
This link may take you directly to the CD page: http://www.smallsailboats.co.uk/cd/cd.htm .
Best wishes,
Bill.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Signing Out
This blog forms a page of the Smallsailboats web site which has now become an archive, but I’ll occasionally make an entry here, particularly if I do another extended cruise in my faithful micro sailboat, ‘Faith’ - perhaps Holland next year, where the inland waters have great appeal.
Meanwhile, I would like to thank those who have followed these pages and perhaps we may be reunited next year (2009).
I think it is fitting to provide you with a link to YouTube where you can see a video of ‘Faith’ sailing along the Cornish Coast:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2FGpqgvSCY
Enjoy.
Bill.
Meanwhile, I would like to thank those who have followed these pages and perhaps we may be reunited next year (2009).
I think it is fitting to provide you with a link to YouTube where you can see a video of ‘Faith’ sailing along the Cornish Coast:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2FGpqgvSCY
Enjoy.
Bill.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
The Cruise - Part 21
The Cruise – Part 21
Wednesday 4th June
I spent the major part of the day driving to Plymouth with the road trailer to collect the boat from Plymouth Yacht Haven, but I decided it would be better to use the slipway at Queen Anne’s Battery Marina. Accordingly I parked the car at the latter and caught the ferry to Mount Batten.
Crossing the water to Queen Anne’s took about 15 minutes, and 15 minutes later ‘Faith’ was secure on her trailer. Unstepping the mast, emptying the water ballast and making her ready for the road required another 45 minutes.
Thursday 5th June
After retrieving the boat at Queen Anne’s Battery Marina yesterday afternoon, John and Josephine, both longstanding DCA members, invited me to their place to have a meal and I spent the night with them. We had an enjoyable time and Josephine did us proud with a tasty and very filling meal - lashings of cream on the sweets!
I was not in a hurry to get home; therefore I stopped 3 times at motorway services which brought the total time from start to finish on the road to 8 hours.
That surely brings ‘The Cruise’ to an end. I hope there will be more cruising to look forward to, but my aim now is to keep ‘Faith’ at the Marconi Yacht Club by the River Blackwater so that she can be used for day sailing and the occasional long weekend.
Conclusion
Virtually all of the objectives were achieved; in particular reaching and exploring the Scilly Isles. I saw the start of the Artemis Transat Race at Plymouth on 11th May. Al Law joined me there with his able Paradox, ‘Little Jim’ and we cruised in company to the Beautiful Islands and back to Plymouth. Unfortunately the weather prevented us from getting to Plymouth by the last day of May to see the start of the Jester Azores Challenge Race. Apart from that disappointment, I measure ‘The Cruise’ as being a very successful and mainly enjoyable experience. I particularly thank Al for his company and support and I would also make mention of Nigel Davidson who shared the first stretch of the cruise by meeting up with me at various marinas and harbours as he cruised his superb ‘Nancy Rye’ westwards.
Wednesday 4th June
I spent the major part of the day driving to Plymouth with the road trailer to collect the boat from Plymouth Yacht Haven, but I decided it would be better to use the slipway at Queen Anne’s Battery Marina. Accordingly I parked the car at the latter and caught the ferry to Mount Batten.
Crossing the water to Queen Anne’s took about 15 minutes, and 15 minutes later ‘Faith’ was secure on her trailer. Unstepping the mast, emptying the water ballast and making her ready for the road required another 45 minutes.
Thursday 5th June
After retrieving the boat at Queen Anne’s Battery Marina yesterday afternoon, John and Josephine, both longstanding DCA members, invited me to their place to have a meal and I spent the night with them. We had an enjoyable time and Josephine did us proud with a tasty and very filling meal - lashings of cream on the sweets!
I was not in a hurry to get home; therefore I stopped 3 times at motorway services which brought the total time from start to finish on the road to 8 hours.
That surely brings ‘The Cruise’ to an end. I hope there will be more cruising to look forward to, but my aim now is to keep ‘Faith’ at the Marconi Yacht Club by the River Blackwater so that she can be used for day sailing and the occasional long weekend.
Conclusion
Virtually all of the objectives were achieved; in particular reaching and exploring the Scilly Isles. I saw the start of the Artemis Transat Race at Plymouth on 11th May. Al Law joined me there with his able Paradox, ‘Little Jim’ and we cruised in company to the Beautiful Islands and back to Plymouth. Unfortunately the weather prevented us from getting to Plymouth by the last day of May to see the start of the Jester Azores Challenge Race. Apart from that disappointment, I measure ‘The Cruise’ as being a very successful and mainly enjoyable experience. I particularly thank Al for his company and support and I would also make mention of Nigel Davidson who shared the first stretch of the cruise by meeting up with me at various marinas and harbours as he cruised his superb ‘Nancy Rye’ westwards.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
The Cruise - Part 20
The Cruise – Part 20
Sunday 25th May (Continued)
After lunch the weather remarkably improved, which meant Al and I could walk the paths of the southern end of Tresco around the Heliport and to Oliver's Battery where the quay at Carn Near is being rebuilt. The Quay is an essential part of the infrastructure because most of the ferry boats from Hugh Town on St. Mary's use it when transporting trippers between the islands.
There are two freshwater pools at Tresco: The Great Pool to the north of the Abbey, and the smaller Abbey Pool to the south east. Both of them are natural habitats for migratory and indigenous birds. From Oliver's Battery we looked down at the smaller pool and across the water to St. Martin's which we hoped to visit before we left the Islands.
This afternoon the Meteorological Office issued a severe gale 9 warning with winds from the north east for later tonight.
Monday 26th May
High water is due at 0910 and the boat is anchored fore and aft at New Grimsby Harbour; rain is lashing down and Scilly Radio has just given a severe weather warning for later this afternoon when winds of 48 knots are expected. As a result, the 'Scillonian' will be sailing early for Penzance. It is Bank Holiday Monday and to celebrate the event the local gig boats are due to race, followed by festivities at the New Inn, the only pub on the Island, but my guess is that the racing will be cancelled. There's a gloomy report that the weather will not improve until Thursday - even so, a temporary interlude.
Both Al and I would like to return to the mainland, hoping for Newlyn as the first port of call, but we cannot do it without the right wind – anything will do providing the wind is not too strong and it is not from the east. With a high pressure system to the north of England and lows sweeping across the South Coast, nothing can change. Furthermore high pressure over the North Sea is blocking new systems from the west. This pattern is unusual for May.
The lot of the UK coastal cruising sailor is to be patient; he cannot afford to get it wrong - because of lack of sea room hazards are always present: headlands, tidal races, rocks, sandbanks, separation zones and the presence of other vessels. The ocean sailor is not bothered by these, except when he closes with the land.
At mid-day the rain was still bucketing down. As soon as the rudder touched the sand I jumped from the stern into the water and heaved on the anchor line before setting the anchor higher up the beach in preparation for the expected force 9. Within minutes the boat was firmly aground and I retired to the cabin where I removed my wet gear.
Inter-island boats came and went – the foul weather had little effect on their schedule. I felt sorry for the gig racers, as their event was cancelled.
Until midnight the strong wind gave no letup; I just had to grin and accept the onslaught as it attacked the boat.
Tuesday 27th May
By late morning the sun was shining and there was a gentle easterly wind. Al and I were pleased we could get out and about. We both shopped for essentials at the well-stocked Post Office Store. When lunch was over I took our washing to the Laundry which is not a do-it-yourself one. The assistants wash and dry it for you.
Our intention for the rest of the day was simply to relax and that's what we did while our boats remained high and dry on the beach at New Grimsby Harbour.
Wednesday 28th May
There being a gentle wind from the north and plenty of sunshine, the sandy beach was well-populated with people sunbathing while several youngsters swam around our boats; others made fantasy castles with the damp sand as the tide ebbed. About mid-afternoon we moved into deeper water to avoid grounding.
Early evening we again went ashore to eat and after comparing prices we ended up with excellent fish and chips cooked in a mobile van. Al was identified as 'red and blue' because of the colour of his jacket and I was described as the man with the 'white hair'.
Thursday 29th may
With a south easterly force 3 coming directly into Porth Cressa Cove the motion on our boats was becoming uncomfortable; therefore we set sail for Porth Conger, a little cove separated by an isthmus from The Cove between the islands of Gugh and St. Agnes; there we anchored as the tide was rising. Yachts on the exposed side in The Cove moved to our more sheltered position. Tripper boats landed their passengers at the new quay below the Turk's Head pub.
St. Agnes is an island only a mile from north to south and, including Gugh, the same distance from east to west. Nine ship wrecks are shown on my guide book – obviously a notorious place for vessels in fog or bad weather. Features of note are the Old Lighthouse, the Old Man of Gugh (a Prehistoric standing stone), Obadiah's Barrow and the Troy Town Maze. There's also Beady Pool where beads from an old wreck are washed up on the beach. The Old Man of Gugh is thought to be a standing stone associated with rituals in the Bronze Age and Obadiah's Barrow is an ancient burial place. The Old Lighthouse is no longer used, being superseded by the Bishop Rock Lighthouse to the south west of the islands. Troy Town Maze is a labyrinth of small stones arranged by the lighthouse keeper in 1729. Superstition has it that those who walk the maze feel a renewed sense of wellbeing.
Late afternoon we went ashore and walked the length of St. Agnes from east to west and back. Landing was an interesting procedure that Al devised. He took 'Little Jim' close to a rocky shore in the lee where the swell was less than where we first anchored; there he dropped an anchor before sculling to shallow water at the base of the rocks where he laid a second anchor in a crevice above the water line. When that was accomplished I anchored 'Faith' nearby and sculled her to Al's boat and after getting aboard her let my boat drift back on her anchor. I was then able to wade through the shallow water to the rocks and push Al's boat away from the shore so that she drifted back to be brought up on her shore-based anchor.
The most notable thing that happened during our walk was to avoid a small herd of cows on their way to a farm for milking. Three of the Jersey cows were frightened by something and ran past us, but the Angus cows ambled along. In response to my question a farmhand informed me that their milk was pasteurized.
Having re-anchored in deeper water for the night I was surprised to find a snorkeler swimming near the boat. He informed me he had been given time off from working at the bar of the Turk's Head Hotel and he was interested in our boats, as he had never seen anything like them.
During the evening the wind was still coming from the south east, but the Coastguard forecast for the Scillies indicated that the wind would back to the north west. That was encouraging news which gave us a glimmer of hope that we may be able to sail for Newlyn tomorrow.
Friday 30 May
We spent last night at Port Conger, St. Agnes, and at 0540 this morning we set off in a dead calm using the engine bound for Newlyn. A few miles out Al spotted a whale and a handful of dolphins. The day was dull and grey with the occasional fog bank. What little wind there was came from the dead ahead; therefore it was a matter of plodding along under power. Very little of note occurred except a large container ship passed ahead of us going south in the shipping separation zone. By 1130 we had reached the halfway position between St. Agnes and the Runnel Stone to the south of Land's End. Further on there was a spectacular display of gannets diving for fish. Their plummet from the sky was like cascading rockets. They folded their wings after power-diving and pierced the water so as to leave very little spray marking the spot. Inevitably they surfaced with their catches and took to the air again for more of the same.
The whole crossing was done using the outboard engine with the advantage that in the final stage passing along the southern shore towards Newlyn we had time to admire the beauty of the place. Lamorna Cove looked particularly attractive with trees nestling between outcrops of grey rock and the white painted houses following the contours of the surrounding hills.
Several yachts were berthed at the jetty we had previously occupied on the outward leg. Choosing one with her crew on deck we sought permission to tie alongside. We needed petrol for the next stage to Fowey, therefore we walked towards Penzance where there was a garage and a Lidl. At the latter we bought a few provisions. Like other places in the South West, Lidle discourages the use of plastic bags by charging 3p a bag. On the boat I use plastic bags for my rubbish and I was beginning to get short, so I bought one.
One of the fishermen at the Port was desperate to get rid of haddock and in an attempt not to throw them away he notified the yachtsmen that they were going free!
Saturday 31st May
We had a superb sail with a beam reaching wind for part of the way to Lizard Point. At 1050 the wind became light which meant we had to use the engine for rounding the notorious rocky hazard. This time the Serpent Beast was sleeping and she didn't notice our passing. The Honda 2.3 continued to purr all the way to the Helford River via the Manacles buoy. Two miles beyond the buoy we were pursued and intercepted by the skipper of 'Gypsy', a Hurley 22; he had seen our boats on the Scilly Webcam and was desperate to take photos of them.
A short distance into the Helford River on the southern side there is a delightful tiny inlet where we anchored for the night. Nearby there was a purposeful looking 37' trimaran belonging to a gentleman named Richard. He and his wife invited us aboard for coffee and cake. We didn't leave until after 2200 having enjoyed the evening chatting mainly about boats and the Scilly Isles where they had lived for a while aboard their Swedish Folkboat. We agreed the Islands were beautiful, but over time they had lost some of their charm because of development and the very noisy jet boats used for ferrying people. The jet boats in particular disturb boat users, unlike the graceful, very long open launches still used by some boatmen. These boats hardly leave a wash, whereas the very inefficient jet boats spread waves and havoc wherever they go.
Sunday 1st June
This was yet another almost windless day. Anchors away by 0610 we headed out of the River towards the rising sun in Falmouth Bay; there 'Awaiting Order' were two huge ships at anchor. Our first objective was Dodman Point, a distance of just over 13 miles. At first, progress was slow, because we had to head across the running ebb which was moving towards Lizard Point, but by the time St Anthony Light was abeam it had slackened a little.
There were more yachts on the water than we had seen before since Al joined me at Plymouth. While passing Dodman Point one of them came directly towards our boat which caused me to steer to starboard to avoid a collision. (Technically both boats under power should have turned to starboard when on reciprocal courses.) The yacht's name was 'Privateer'.
Approximately at mid afternoon a light breeze filled in from the sea and increased sufficiently for us to sail, but not for long until it petered out. While we were enjoying the quiet we were overhauled by the 'Nancy Beckett' (I think that's the name of the yacht once owned by Arthur Ransome. On board her there was a young lady called Sarah who was a member of the Dinghy Cruising Association; she recognized Al's 'Little Jim' and engaged Al in conversation.
By 1535 both of our boats were moored safely on buoys at Polruan, opposite the larger town of Fowey to the north west across the River.
Monday 2nd June
The morning started with fog at Polruan, but that did not deter our start at 0620 with the engine on. When clear of Punch Cross Rocks at the entrance of the River we hugged the cliffs towards Udder Rock, and I steered a course between it and Shag Rock. I suppose the shallow draft of Paradox gave me the confidence to do so. The high granite cliffs close to port somehow seemed to be protective - quite the contrary of what I would have expected. Normally I prefer a good offing in case of an emergency, but the wind was negligible and the looked sea like a purple mirror reflecting the image of the sun as a bright mauve orb through my sunglasses. Now and again there were glimpses of fishing boats when they emerged from the mist.
By the time we were abeam of the picture postcard Polperro, visibility had vastly improved. I laid a course almost due east towards Rame Head, some 12 miles away. As Looe Island came abeam we were overtaken by a small black tug that made a hug wash which fanned out over the otherwise smooth, placid water. Shortly before mid-dy a plastic bag became caught in the propeller, but it was a simple matter to clear it, which wouldn't have been the case with a fixed propeller. We were passing through a submarine exercise area; therefore I kept a very vigilant watch. When about three miles from Rame Head we could hear firing at the Tregantle Rifle range. There was no need for any concern for our safety because the firing was contained within enormous walls.
Distinctive Rame Head with its conical top and chapel-like building at the summit lay abeam at 1245. There was a certain chill to the air which gave a hint that rain would follow, which it did as we rounded the eastern end of Plymouth Breakwater. To port a sleek, and rather sinister looking submarine accompanied with tugs and a Police launch, made her way to sea – no doubt to carry out training in Whitsand Bay where I had been watchful for submersibles.
Much earlier than we anticipated would have been the case we found shelter near Plymouth Yacht Haven where we had anchored before we left for the Scilly Isles. The time was 1425. I was not sorry to get there, because it had been a case of motoring all the way from Fowey - approximately 23 miles in just over 8 hours – not bad considering the tiny Honda outboard had moved both boats (Al's being towed) at a speed of nearly 3 knots.
Tuesday 3rd June
Early this morning I moored ‘Faith’ at a pontoon at Plymouth Yacht Haven before helping Al put ‘Little Jim’ on her trailer. Together we went in Al’s car to his place where we parked his boat on his drive. He then took me to his local train station so that I could return home for ‘Faith’s’ road trailer. Tomorrow I hope I’ll make it back to Plymouth to retrieve my faithful boat.
Sunday 25th May (Continued)
After lunch the weather remarkably improved, which meant Al and I could walk the paths of the southern end of Tresco around the Heliport and to Oliver's Battery where the quay at Carn Near is being rebuilt. The Quay is an essential part of the infrastructure because most of the ferry boats from Hugh Town on St. Mary's use it when transporting trippers between the islands.
There are two freshwater pools at Tresco: The Great Pool to the north of the Abbey, and the smaller Abbey Pool to the south east. Both of them are natural habitats for migratory and indigenous birds. From Oliver's Battery we looked down at the smaller pool and across the water to St. Martin's which we hoped to visit before we left the Islands.
This afternoon the Meteorological Office issued a severe gale 9 warning with winds from the north east for later tonight.
Monday 26th May
High water is due at 0910 and the boat is anchored fore and aft at New Grimsby Harbour; rain is lashing down and Scilly Radio has just given a severe weather warning for later this afternoon when winds of 48 knots are expected. As a result, the 'Scillonian' will be sailing early for Penzance. It is Bank Holiday Monday and to celebrate the event the local gig boats are due to race, followed by festivities at the New Inn, the only pub on the Island, but my guess is that the racing will be cancelled. There's a gloomy report that the weather will not improve until Thursday - even so, a temporary interlude.
Both Al and I would like to return to the mainland, hoping for Newlyn as the first port of call, but we cannot do it without the right wind – anything will do providing the wind is not too strong and it is not from the east. With a high pressure system to the north of England and lows sweeping across the South Coast, nothing can change. Furthermore high pressure over the North Sea is blocking new systems from the west. This pattern is unusual for May.
The lot of the UK coastal cruising sailor is to be patient; he cannot afford to get it wrong - because of lack of sea room hazards are always present: headlands, tidal races, rocks, sandbanks, separation zones and the presence of other vessels. The ocean sailor is not bothered by these, except when he closes with the land.
At mid-day the rain was still bucketing down. As soon as the rudder touched the sand I jumped from the stern into the water and heaved on the anchor line before setting the anchor higher up the beach in preparation for the expected force 9. Within minutes the boat was firmly aground and I retired to the cabin where I removed my wet gear.
Inter-island boats came and went – the foul weather had little effect on their schedule. I felt sorry for the gig racers, as their event was cancelled.
Until midnight the strong wind gave no letup; I just had to grin and accept the onslaught as it attacked the boat.
Tuesday 27th May
By late morning the sun was shining and there was a gentle easterly wind. Al and I were pleased we could get out and about. We both shopped for essentials at the well-stocked Post Office Store. When lunch was over I took our washing to the Laundry which is not a do-it-yourself one. The assistants wash and dry it for you.
Our intention for the rest of the day was simply to relax and that's what we did while our boats remained high and dry on the beach at New Grimsby Harbour.
Wednesday 28th May
There being a gentle wind from the north and plenty of sunshine, the sandy beach was well-populated with people sunbathing while several youngsters swam around our boats; others made fantasy castles with the damp sand as the tide ebbed. About mid-afternoon we moved into deeper water to avoid grounding.
Early evening we again went ashore to eat and after comparing prices we ended up with excellent fish and chips cooked in a mobile van. Al was identified as 'red and blue' because of the colour of his jacket and I was described as the man with the 'white hair'.
Thursday 29th may
With a south easterly force 3 coming directly into Porth Cressa Cove the motion on our boats was becoming uncomfortable; therefore we set sail for Porth Conger, a little cove separated by an isthmus from The Cove between the islands of Gugh and St. Agnes; there we anchored as the tide was rising. Yachts on the exposed side in The Cove moved to our more sheltered position. Tripper boats landed their passengers at the new quay below the Turk's Head pub.
St. Agnes is an island only a mile from north to south and, including Gugh, the same distance from east to west. Nine ship wrecks are shown on my guide book – obviously a notorious place for vessels in fog or bad weather. Features of note are the Old Lighthouse, the Old Man of Gugh (a Prehistoric standing stone), Obadiah's Barrow and the Troy Town Maze. There's also Beady Pool where beads from an old wreck are washed up on the beach. The Old Man of Gugh is thought to be a standing stone associated with rituals in the Bronze Age and Obadiah's Barrow is an ancient burial place. The Old Lighthouse is no longer used, being superseded by the Bishop Rock Lighthouse to the south west of the islands. Troy Town Maze is a labyrinth of small stones arranged by the lighthouse keeper in 1729. Superstition has it that those who walk the maze feel a renewed sense of wellbeing.
Late afternoon we went ashore and walked the length of St. Agnes from east to west and back. Landing was an interesting procedure that Al devised. He took 'Little Jim' close to a rocky shore in the lee where the swell was less than where we first anchored; there he dropped an anchor before sculling to shallow water at the base of the rocks where he laid a second anchor in a crevice above the water line. When that was accomplished I anchored 'Faith' nearby and sculled her to Al's boat and after getting aboard her let my boat drift back on her anchor. I was then able to wade through the shallow water to the rocks and push Al's boat away from the shore so that she drifted back to be brought up on her shore-based anchor.
The most notable thing that happened during our walk was to avoid a small herd of cows on their way to a farm for milking. Three of the Jersey cows were frightened by something and ran past us, but the Angus cows ambled along. In response to my question a farmhand informed me that their milk was pasteurized.
Having re-anchored in deeper water for the night I was surprised to find a snorkeler swimming near the boat. He informed me he had been given time off from working at the bar of the Turk's Head Hotel and he was interested in our boats, as he had never seen anything like them.
During the evening the wind was still coming from the south east, but the Coastguard forecast for the Scillies indicated that the wind would back to the north west. That was encouraging news which gave us a glimmer of hope that we may be able to sail for Newlyn tomorrow.
Friday 30 May
We spent last night at Port Conger, St. Agnes, and at 0540 this morning we set off in a dead calm using the engine bound for Newlyn. A few miles out Al spotted a whale and a handful of dolphins. The day was dull and grey with the occasional fog bank. What little wind there was came from the dead ahead; therefore it was a matter of plodding along under power. Very little of note occurred except a large container ship passed ahead of us going south in the shipping separation zone. By 1130 we had reached the halfway position between St. Agnes and the Runnel Stone to the south of Land's End. Further on there was a spectacular display of gannets diving for fish. Their plummet from the sky was like cascading rockets. They folded their wings after power-diving and pierced the water so as to leave very little spray marking the spot. Inevitably they surfaced with their catches and took to the air again for more of the same.
The whole crossing was done using the outboard engine with the advantage that in the final stage passing along the southern shore towards Newlyn we had time to admire the beauty of the place. Lamorna Cove looked particularly attractive with trees nestling between outcrops of grey rock and the white painted houses following the contours of the surrounding hills.
Several yachts were berthed at the jetty we had previously occupied on the outward leg. Choosing one with her crew on deck we sought permission to tie alongside. We needed petrol for the next stage to Fowey, therefore we walked towards Penzance where there was a garage and a Lidl. At the latter we bought a few provisions. Like other places in the South West, Lidle discourages the use of plastic bags by charging 3p a bag. On the boat I use plastic bags for my rubbish and I was beginning to get short, so I bought one.
One of the fishermen at the Port was desperate to get rid of haddock and in an attempt not to throw them away he notified the yachtsmen that they were going free!
Saturday 31st May
We had a superb sail with a beam reaching wind for part of the way to Lizard Point. At 1050 the wind became light which meant we had to use the engine for rounding the notorious rocky hazard. This time the Serpent Beast was sleeping and she didn't notice our passing. The Honda 2.3 continued to purr all the way to the Helford River via the Manacles buoy. Two miles beyond the buoy we were pursued and intercepted by the skipper of 'Gypsy', a Hurley 22; he had seen our boats on the Scilly Webcam and was desperate to take photos of them.
A short distance into the Helford River on the southern side there is a delightful tiny inlet where we anchored for the night. Nearby there was a purposeful looking 37' trimaran belonging to a gentleman named Richard. He and his wife invited us aboard for coffee and cake. We didn't leave until after 2200 having enjoyed the evening chatting mainly about boats and the Scilly Isles where they had lived for a while aboard their Swedish Folkboat. We agreed the Islands were beautiful, but over time they had lost some of their charm because of development and the very noisy jet boats used for ferrying people. The jet boats in particular disturb boat users, unlike the graceful, very long open launches still used by some boatmen. These boats hardly leave a wash, whereas the very inefficient jet boats spread waves and havoc wherever they go.
Sunday 1st June
This was yet another almost windless day. Anchors away by 0610 we headed out of the River towards the rising sun in Falmouth Bay; there 'Awaiting Order' were two huge ships at anchor. Our first objective was Dodman Point, a distance of just over 13 miles. At first, progress was slow, because we had to head across the running ebb which was moving towards Lizard Point, but by the time St Anthony Light was abeam it had slackened a little.
There were more yachts on the water than we had seen before since Al joined me at Plymouth. While passing Dodman Point one of them came directly towards our boat which caused me to steer to starboard to avoid a collision. (Technically both boats under power should have turned to starboard when on reciprocal courses.) The yacht's name was 'Privateer'.
Approximately at mid afternoon a light breeze filled in from the sea and increased sufficiently for us to sail, but not for long until it petered out. While we were enjoying the quiet we were overhauled by the 'Nancy Beckett' (I think that's the name of the yacht once owned by Arthur Ransome. On board her there was a young lady called Sarah who was a member of the Dinghy Cruising Association; she recognized Al's 'Little Jim' and engaged Al in conversation.
By 1535 both of our boats were moored safely on buoys at Polruan, opposite the larger town of Fowey to the north west across the River.
Monday 2nd June
The morning started with fog at Polruan, but that did not deter our start at 0620 with the engine on. When clear of Punch Cross Rocks at the entrance of the River we hugged the cliffs towards Udder Rock, and I steered a course between it and Shag Rock. I suppose the shallow draft of Paradox gave me the confidence to do so. The high granite cliffs close to port somehow seemed to be protective - quite the contrary of what I would have expected. Normally I prefer a good offing in case of an emergency, but the wind was negligible and the looked sea like a purple mirror reflecting the image of the sun as a bright mauve orb through my sunglasses. Now and again there were glimpses of fishing boats when they emerged from the mist.
By the time we were abeam of the picture postcard Polperro, visibility had vastly improved. I laid a course almost due east towards Rame Head, some 12 miles away. As Looe Island came abeam we were overtaken by a small black tug that made a hug wash which fanned out over the otherwise smooth, placid water. Shortly before mid-dy a plastic bag became caught in the propeller, but it was a simple matter to clear it, which wouldn't have been the case with a fixed propeller. We were passing through a submarine exercise area; therefore I kept a very vigilant watch. When about three miles from Rame Head we could hear firing at the Tregantle Rifle range. There was no need for any concern for our safety because the firing was contained within enormous walls.
Distinctive Rame Head with its conical top and chapel-like building at the summit lay abeam at 1245. There was a certain chill to the air which gave a hint that rain would follow, which it did as we rounded the eastern end of Plymouth Breakwater. To port a sleek, and rather sinister looking submarine accompanied with tugs and a Police launch, made her way to sea – no doubt to carry out training in Whitsand Bay where I had been watchful for submersibles.
Much earlier than we anticipated would have been the case we found shelter near Plymouth Yacht Haven where we had anchored before we left for the Scilly Isles. The time was 1425. I was not sorry to get there, because it had been a case of motoring all the way from Fowey - approximately 23 miles in just over 8 hours – not bad considering the tiny Honda outboard had moved both boats (Al's being towed) at a speed of nearly 3 knots.
Tuesday 3rd June
Early this morning I moored ‘Faith’ at a pontoon at Plymouth Yacht Haven before helping Al put ‘Little Jim’ on her trailer. Together we went in Al’s car to his place where we parked his boat on his drive. He then took me to his local train station so that I could return home for ‘Faith’s’ road trailer. Tomorrow I hope I’ll make it back to Plymouth to retrieve my faithful boat.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
The Cruise - Part 19
The Cruise – Part 19
Friday 23rd May
Another sunny day with the wind from the east – ideal for coming to the Islands, but no good for returning, and the forecast for tomorrow is for more of the same, except there will be rain and showers along with stronger winds. Therefore we made the best use of the calmer conditions to sail to Samson, an uninhabited island to the south west of Tresco.
First we went ashore for fresh water and to dispose of our rubbish shortly after high water. There was no problem navigating between Great Crabs Ledge and Plump Rocks. Ahead lay the tiny Puffin Island, providing shelter at the official anchorage near the north end of Samson. Bar Point, a steeply banked sandy beach was an ideal spot for landing, and by laying two anchors, one on the beach and the other further out, the wind and current kept our boats from grounding on the foreshore.
Samson is only three quarters of a mile long from north to south, and no more than four tenths of a mile wide at the southern end where a hill rises to 40 metres above sea level. We followed the winding path up the incline and noted areas that had been fenced off for the protection of nesting birds. From high up the extensive views of the islands were the best to date. On the way we observed several brown furry caterpillars which one should not touch because they sting; we also saw loads of black beetles, nearly an inch long. The many grey backed gulls took no notice of us whatsoever and I was surprised to hear the distinctive song of wrens - my surprise was because there were no trees and very little foliage on the island, mainly grasses and ferns. Traps marked by poles with blue ribbons had been set for rats.
A tripper boat came to the island after our arrival, but only a handful of people landed and we encountered none of them at close quarters.
Returning to New Grimsby was more problematical than going to Samson because there was only an hour left on a falling tide before low water. Al chose to sail to the east of Puffin Island where many rocks were exposed. He shortened sail and at one point was forced to wade with his boat for a short stretch. I elected to motor north to Yellow Rock where there was deeper water and there joined Al who had made it past the shallows. We both took our boats between Bryher and Tresco with no less than 3 feet of water under their keels. In places long trailing weeds brushed the bottoms of the boats. Finally we arrived at the beach near the new slipway by a recent housing development at New Grimsby.Later in the afternoon we went ashore for shopping at the Post Office which is well stocked with goods – a little on the pricey side, as one would expect, because everything has to be brought from the mainland.
In the evening we plan to visit the New Inn.
Saturday 24th May
Not a great deal going on today, except sheltering from the north easterly wind; for that we drew our boats onto the beach at New Grimsby Harbour.
For most of the morning we tramped the paths of the northern end of Tresco. From the quay at Old Tresco we could feel the wind and see breakers between us and the islands of St. Helen's, Tean and St. Martin's. Nearby there was a spectacular display of mauve rhododendrons. Search as we may, we could not find 'Piper's Hole, a cave with a pool where a small boat can enter. High up at Kettle Point we stopped for a rest and to reward ourselves with chocolate and nuts. A small motor boat below twisted and turned as the waves heaved and fell on the swell; she appeared to be making her way towards Old Grimsby.
On the sheltered western side of the Island we met several other walkers, no doubt interested in visiting Cromwell's Castle and Charles's Castle. As we had seen them before we gave them a miss.
When we had finished lunch we took to the paths again, but this time to see the trees adjoining the Garden at Tresco Abbey. This woodland of special scientific interest has a large variety of trees and plants. Many of them were brought to the Island by sailors when returning from overseas. Al and I were amazed at their beauty and intricate design. We called into the Cafe for tea and coffee and to wait for the drizzle to stop, which it didn't, so we returned to our boats a little damp, in time for an afternoon snooze.
As I was resting I heard the voice of a female who enquired of her companions how the boat could be steered; whereupon I sat up and surprised her. She made an apology for snooping, but went on to ask the usual questions: “How old is the boat?” and “How far have you come?”
Sunday 25th May
Al and I have been in the Scilly Islands for a week, and it's time for us to make a move to the mainland, but without the right wind we are 'trapped' by the Syrens. So far we have explored four islands: St. Mary's, Tresco, Bryher and Samson. Each have their own characteristics. St. Mary's by far has the most to offer the tourist; it's from here that boats take visitors to the other islands for beaching, walking, bird watching, or at Tresco to see the Abbey Gardens which are rather special with their enormous variety of plants and trees. We have not yet been to St. Martin's, which according to the guide books is the 'softer' of the islands with long white beaches and a less challenging terrain, although at the eastern end the Daymark is at the top of a high promentary.
The way the weather is going with gale force winds from the east, it is unlikely we'll have a chance of visiting St. Martin's.
I've been whiling away this wet and windy morning by reading and watching any nearby activity, either on the beach or along the road leading to The Quay. The 37' Sun Odyssey 'Maximus' lay alongside The Quay to take on water. Her crew of at least four ran to and fro between the yacht and the tap outside the Gents carrying the essential liquid in plastic containers. For my personal amusement I observed the antics of various birds at the water's edge as they preened and cleaned themselves; first there were two Oystercatchers who bobbed up and down in the water; next there were a couple of ducks who fled along the beach from three children playing with the sand; then there was a lesser Black-backed Gull who repeatedly submerged his head in the water before using his feet alternately to scape the sides of his neck.
At 1100 'Faith' dried out on the sand and two Bryher Boat Services water-jet inter-island boats simultaneously arrived at The Quay to offload passengers and take on new ones. Five minutes later the more stately old-fashioned launch, 'Kingfisher of St. Mary's' disembarked her trippers curious for the delights of the Island.
Friday 23rd May
Another sunny day with the wind from the east – ideal for coming to the Islands, but no good for returning, and the forecast for tomorrow is for more of the same, except there will be rain and showers along with stronger winds. Therefore we made the best use of the calmer conditions to sail to Samson, an uninhabited island to the south west of Tresco.
First we went ashore for fresh water and to dispose of our rubbish shortly after high water. There was no problem navigating between Great Crabs Ledge and Plump Rocks. Ahead lay the tiny Puffin Island, providing shelter at the official anchorage near the north end of Samson. Bar Point, a steeply banked sandy beach was an ideal spot for landing, and by laying two anchors, one on the beach and the other further out, the wind and current kept our boats from grounding on the foreshore.
Samson is only three quarters of a mile long from north to south, and no more than four tenths of a mile wide at the southern end where a hill rises to 40 metres above sea level. We followed the winding path up the incline and noted areas that had been fenced off for the protection of nesting birds. From high up the extensive views of the islands were the best to date. On the way we observed several brown furry caterpillars which one should not touch because they sting; we also saw loads of black beetles, nearly an inch long. The many grey backed gulls took no notice of us whatsoever and I was surprised to hear the distinctive song of wrens - my surprise was because there were no trees and very little foliage on the island, mainly grasses and ferns. Traps marked by poles with blue ribbons had been set for rats.
A tripper boat came to the island after our arrival, but only a handful of people landed and we encountered none of them at close quarters.
Returning to New Grimsby was more problematical than going to Samson because there was only an hour left on a falling tide before low water. Al chose to sail to the east of Puffin Island where many rocks were exposed. He shortened sail and at one point was forced to wade with his boat for a short stretch. I elected to motor north to Yellow Rock where there was deeper water and there joined Al who had made it past the shallows. We both took our boats between Bryher and Tresco with no less than 3 feet of water under their keels. In places long trailing weeds brushed the bottoms of the boats. Finally we arrived at the beach near the new slipway by a recent housing development at New Grimsby.Later in the afternoon we went ashore for shopping at the Post Office which is well stocked with goods – a little on the pricey side, as one would expect, because everything has to be brought from the mainland.
In the evening we plan to visit the New Inn.
Saturday 24th May
Not a great deal going on today, except sheltering from the north easterly wind; for that we drew our boats onto the beach at New Grimsby Harbour.
For most of the morning we tramped the paths of the northern end of Tresco. From the quay at Old Tresco we could feel the wind and see breakers between us and the islands of St. Helen's, Tean and St. Martin's. Nearby there was a spectacular display of mauve rhododendrons. Search as we may, we could not find 'Piper's Hole, a cave with a pool where a small boat can enter. High up at Kettle Point we stopped for a rest and to reward ourselves with chocolate and nuts. A small motor boat below twisted and turned as the waves heaved and fell on the swell; she appeared to be making her way towards Old Grimsby.
On the sheltered western side of the Island we met several other walkers, no doubt interested in visiting Cromwell's Castle and Charles's Castle. As we had seen them before we gave them a miss.
When we had finished lunch we took to the paths again, but this time to see the trees adjoining the Garden at Tresco Abbey. This woodland of special scientific interest has a large variety of trees and plants. Many of them were brought to the Island by sailors when returning from overseas. Al and I were amazed at their beauty and intricate design. We called into the Cafe for tea and coffee and to wait for the drizzle to stop, which it didn't, so we returned to our boats a little damp, in time for an afternoon snooze.
As I was resting I heard the voice of a female who enquired of her companions how the boat could be steered; whereupon I sat up and surprised her. She made an apology for snooping, but went on to ask the usual questions: “How old is the boat?” and “How far have you come?”
Sunday 25th May
Al and I have been in the Scilly Islands for a week, and it's time for us to make a move to the mainland, but without the right wind we are 'trapped' by the Syrens. So far we have explored four islands: St. Mary's, Tresco, Bryher and Samson. Each have their own characteristics. St. Mary's by far has the most to offer the tourist; it's from here that boats take visitors to the other islands for beaching, walking, bird watching, or at Tresco to see the Abbey Gardens which are rather special with their enormous variety of plants and trees. We have not yet been to St. Martin's, which according to the guide books is the 'softer' of the islands with long white beaches and a less challenging terrain, although at the eastern end the Daymark is at the top of a high promentary.
The way the weather is going with gale force winds from the east, it is unlikely we'll have a chance of visiting St. Martin's.
I've been whiling away this wet and windy morning by reading and watching any nearby activity, either on the beach or along the road leading to The Quay. The 37' Sun Odyssey 'Maximus' lay alongside The Quay to take on water. Her crew of at least four ran to and fro between the yacht and the tap outside the Gents carrying the essential liquid in plastic containers. For my personal amusement I observed the antics of various birds at the water's edge as they preened and cleaned themselves; first there were two Oystercatchers who bobbed up and down in the water; next there were a couple of ducks who fled along the beach from three children playing with the sand; then there was a lesser Black-backed Gull who repeatedly submerged his head in the water before using his feet alternately to scape the sides of his neck.
At 1100 'Faith' dried out on the sand and two Bryher Boat Services water-jet inter-island boats simultaneously arrived at The Quay to offload passengers and take on new ones. Five minutes later the more stately old-fashioned launch, 'Kingfisher of St. Mary's' disembarked her trippers curious for the delights of the Island.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
The Cruise - Part 18
The Cruise – Part 18
Tuesday 20th May
Al lent me detailed charts of the Islands. I had been relying on the diagrams in Reeds Nautical Almanac and the electronic charts in my Lowrance GPS, but the latter are rather too detailed to be of much use in this location because of clutter on such a small window. Finding the way over the shallows between Tresco and Samson was made easier with Al's charts. We had a beat to windward in a fresh wind with the current helping us at first, but by the time we were to the west of St. Mary's the current was ebbing to the west and with the south east wind, making progress was slow. Our intention had been to visit the islands of Gugh and St. Agnes which are joined together by an isthmus of sand at low water, but after consulting one another on the VHF we though it more prudent to sail to Hugh Town, the main harbour of St. Mary's.
Tacking between the boats and buoys in the harbour was quite taxing, as there was no room for error, but the water was smooth, which helped because the boats carried their way. Both boats beached simultaneously as two interested people had noted our arrival and were waiting to satisfy their curiosity. They turned out to be Keith and Jack from a huge ketch beached with the aid of legs; it happens that the splendid vessel is used for trading between the Scillies and the mainland. Keith is a sailmaker.
We went to the Harbour Master's Office, but the man in question was not there; however we discovered that a person nearby was his assistant. He informed us that staying in the harbour would cost £18.00 a day per boat, plus the fact that we would not be allowed to beach them. Getting ashore with a boatman would incur more expense; we therefore moved to Porthloo beach were we set them high and dry above the boulders on a sandy incline.
When the evening meal was finished we had a walk along a narrow road to the telegraph tower and the old Coast Guard base. More visitors continued to examine our boats, including two from a stylish sloop anchored in the same bay, and a lady named Joan who owns a Tideway dinghy.
Wednesday 21st May
We had the whole day before us for exploring St. Mary's; little did we know that the rain foreast for the evening would arrive early in the afternoon.
There was a leisurely start as our boats dried out on Porthloo Beach and it wasn't until 0945 that we showed any sign of action. We ambled towards Hugh Town where we had planned to board the red open-top bus for a grand tour of the Island. At the time of departure around mid-morning the bus was full of elderly people, some with knapsacks, two or three with binoculars, and most with cameras. Our driver, who was also the commentator and owner of the bus, had a great sense of humour which helped liven up the dull historical facts of who owned the Islands and how they were governed in 1832 when the Goldophin family relinquished government to a Select Vestry. In more recent times Harold Wilson, the then Labour Prime Minister, owned a bungalow on St. Mary's which he frequently visited; indeed his wife continues to do so. At the end of a long decline with Alzheimer while being nursed at a local nursing home Lord Wilson died and he was buried in the graveyard of Old Town.
Cafes are hard to resist, and after our bus tour we found the Delicatessen cafe suited our pockets. Suitably refreshed, it was more shopping at the Co-op before returning to the boats for lunch and an ice cream on the way.
Early afternoon rain brought disappointment, as we did not fancy 'Walking in the Rain'; instead we passed the time in our hermetically sealed boats – that's apart from the open ventilation system designed for hotter climes!
Drying out our boats on the beach was debatable because of the surge, but in the end we elected to do so, which wasn't as bad as it might have been. We observed that the sandy beach had changed shape by becoming steeper than yesterday; therefore we waited for a full hour-and-a-half before letting them take the ground on less of an incline further out, but there were a few small boulders that needed missing.
Thursday 22nd May
Rain and showers were forecast, but the whole day was sunny and warm. Al and I made an early start at walking to the Longstone Heritage Centre where we hoped to find a famous small boat that had sailed across the Atlantic and perhaps further, but she was not there because the owner had fulfilled his promise and sailed her further still to his home port. Neither of us could remember the name of the boat or the name of the owner whom we believed was Scandinavian. Perhaps the name of the double-ender in ship's lifeboat style was 'Solvig', which rings a bell. No doubt a reader of this blog will know the facts. I remember sending a photo of the boat to the Microcruising Yahoo group about three years ago. Coffee and cake at the Centre made up for our disappointment. Displays of photographs showing the aftermath of a few of the many shipwrecks on the Scillies were sobering and underlined our respect for the sea.
Close to the Heritage Centre are the Carreg Dhu Gardens, although not expansive, they are intimate with displays of sub-tropical plants and trees brought there, planted and natured over several years. Nearby there's a Nature Trail that follows a stream to Porth Hellick on the south west coast of St. Mary's. Bird life in that area is prolific and I was encouraged to see and hear song thrushes which are rare in Essex where I live. The coastal cliff scenery in this area, including Peninnis Head, is spectacular; huge rocks pilled upon each other and interlocked resembling gigantic sculptures of the Henry Moore type, rounded and shaped into weird forms by the elements; colourful lichen, grasses and numerous flowers delight the eye. We found the local police and coastguards were engaged in a mock missing person search with youngsters from the Island's school. Building relationships with youth in this way is highly commendable.
At the Old Town Cafe we fortified ourselves with yet another cream tea which almost reached the high standard of the Bryher Cafe.
Back at the boats we found man passionately interested in them who took many photographs. He had seen us when we tacked into Hugh Town Harbour and had subsequently discovered photos of the boats on the Library computer.
Before we knew it, the time arrived for us to assist in floating the boats by tugging at their anchor lines when waves surged onto the beach. Sailing to New Grimsby at Tresco was a simple downwind run. There we anchored in the lee, fairly close to the shore, so as to dry out briefly before re-floating on the rising tide next morning.
Tuesday 20th May
Al lent me detailed charts of the Islands. I had been relying on the diagrams in Reeds Nautical Almanac and the electronic charts in my Lowrance GPS, but the latter are rather too detailed to be of much use in this location because of clutter on such a small window. Finding the way over the shallows between Tresco and Samson was made easier with Al's charts. We had a beat to windward in a fresh wind with the current helping us at first, but by the time we were to the west of St. Mary's the current was ebbing to the west and with the south east wind, making progress was slow. Our intention had been to visit the islands of Gugh and St. Agnes which are joined together by an isthmus of sand at low water, but after consulting one another on the VHF we though it more prudent to sail to Hugh Town, the main harbour of St. Mary's.
Tacking between the boats and buoys in the harbour was quite taxing, as there was no room for error, but the water was smooth, which helped because the boats carried their way. Both boats beached simultaneously as two interested people had noted our arrival and were waiting to satisfy their curiosity. They turned out to be Keith and Jack from a huge ketch beached with the aid of legs; it happens that the splendid vessel is used for trading between the Scillies and the mainland. Keith is a sailmaker.
We went to the Harbour Master's Office, but the man in question was not there; however we discovered that a person nearby was his assistant. He informed us that staying in the harbour would cost £18.00 a day per boat, plus the fact that we would not be allowed to beach them. Getting ashore with a boatman would incur more expense; we therefore moved to Porthloo beach were we set them high and dry above the boulders on a sandy incline.
When the evening meal was finished we had a walk along a narrow road to the telegraph tower and the old Coast Guard base. More visitors continued to examine our boats, including two from a stylish sloop anchored in the same bay, and a lady named Joan who owns a Tideway dinghy.
Wednesday 21st May
We had the whole day before us for exploring St. Mary's; little did we know that the rain foreast for the evening would arrive early in the afternoon.
There was a leisurely start as our boats dried out on Porthloo Beach and it wasn't until 0945 that we showed any sign of action. We ambled towards Hugh Town where we had planned to board the red open-top bus for a grand tour of the Island. At the time of departure around mid-morning the bus was full of elderly people, some with knapsacks, two or three with binoculars, and most with cameras. Our driver, who was also the commentator and owner of the bus, had a great sense of humour which helped liven up the dull historical facts of who owned the Islands and how they were governed in 1832 when the Goldophin family relinquished government to a Select Vestry. In more recent times Harold Wilson, the then Labour Prime Minister, owned a bungalow on St. Mary's which he frequently visited; indeed his wife continues to do so. At the end of a long decline with Alzheimer while being nursed at a local nursing home Lord Wilson died and he was buried in the graveyard of Old Town.
Cafes are hard to resist, and after our bus tour we found the Delicatessen cafe suited our pockets. Suitably refreshed, it was more shopping at the Co-op before returning to the boats for lunch and an ice cream on the way.
Early afternoon rain brought disappointment, as we did not fancy 'Walking in the Rain'; instead we passed the time in our hermetically sealed boats – that's apart from the open ventilation system designed for hotter climes!
Drying out our boats on the beach was debatable because of the surge, but in the end we elected to do so, which wasn't as bad as it might have been. We observed that the sandy beach had changed shape by becoming steeper than yesterday; therefore we waited for a full hour-and-a-half before letting them take the ground on less of an incline further out, but there were a few small boulders that needed missing.
Thursday 22nd May
Rain and showers were forecast, but the whole day was sunny and warm. Al and I made an early start at walking to the Longstone Heritage Centre where we hoped to find a famous small boat that had sailed across the Atlantic and perhaps further, but she was not there because the owner had fulfilled his promise and sailed her further still to his home port. Neither of us could remember the name of the boat or the name of the owner whom we believed was Scandinavian. Perhaps the name of the double-ender in ship's lifeboat style was 'Solvig', which rings a bell. No doubt a reader of this blog will know the facts. I remember sending a photo of the boat to the Microcruising Yahoo group about three years ago. Coffee and cake at the Centre made up for our disappointment. Displays of photographs showing the aftermath of a few of the many shipwrecks on the Scillies were sobering and underlined our respect for the sea.
Close to the Heritage Centre are the Carreg Dhu Gardens, although not expansive, they are intimate with displays of sub-tropical plants and trees brought there, planted and natured over several years. Nearby there's a Nature Trail that follows a stream to Porth Hellick on the south west coast of St. Mary's. Bird life in that area is prolific and I was encouraged to see and hear song thrushes which are rare in Essex where I live. The coastal cliff scenery in this area, including Peninnis Head, is spectacular; huge rocks pilled upon each other and interlocked resembling gigantic sculptures of the Henry Moore type, rounded and shaped into weird forms by the elements; colourful lichen, grasses and numerous flowers delight the eye. We found the local police and coastguards were engaged in a mock missing person search with youngsters from the Island's school. Building relationships with youth in this way is highly commendable.
At the Old Town Cafe we fortified ourselves with yet another cream tea which almost reached the high standard of the Bryher Cafe.
Back at the boats we found man passionately interested in them who took many photographs. He had seen us when we tacked into Hugh Town Harbour and had subsequently discovered photos of the boats on the Library computer.
Before we knew it, the time arrived for us to assist in floating the boats by tugging at their anchor lines when waves surged onto the beach. Sailing to New Grimsby at Tresco was a simple downwind run. There we anchored in the lee, fairly close to the shore, so as to dry out briefly before re-floating on the rising tide next morning.
Monday, May 19, 2008
The Cruise - Part 17
The Cruise – Part 17
Sunday 18th May
Having eaten breakfast we set off at 0830 under full sail for the island of Tresco. The drizzle wasn't too off-putting and the force four wind was more than ample to push us along with the current at a good rate of knots. From the south side of The Garrison, which is a walled fortification containing forts built in 1901, we shaped a course north towards Tresco. As we approached the saddle shaped uninhabited island of Samson we could make out the beacons marking the pass between it and Crow Point at the southern end of Tresco. Getting over the shallows on a falling tide was just possible, with both boats scraping their rudders on the golden sand below.
The sheltered area of water between the island of Brhyer and Tresco is a favorite spot for visiting yachts, but apart from our Paradoxes there was only one yacht at a mooring flying a red ensign indicating the owner was aboard. By the time we beached our boats on the gently shelving beach at New Grimsby the sun was shining. We left them there at anchor for a walk around the southern end of the island where the Abbey gardens attract holiday makers. Close by there's the Heliport, but no flights are allowed on a Sunday. We saw sandmartins which look like swallows and heard the beautiful song of a thrush - the bird itself was so well camouflaged we failed to see it.
After lunch we anchored our boats with ropes attached to the crown of the anchors for retrieval from the beach; thus the boats would be kept away from the beach on the rising tide. Then we walked along a footpath close to the shore to Cromwell's Castle built in the 17th century overlooking the northern end of the Tresco Channel. From the top of the Castle there's a magnificent view overlooking Brhyer and Samson. Higher still from King Charles's Castle the view is stunning with panoramic views towards the Bishop Rock lighthouse, in fact most of the islands and outcrops from the north, westwards and to the south, can be seen. The colours of the sea were like those of a tropical island, so clear the areas of rock, sand and weed were visible.
Back at the boat I had a snooze before cooking a stir-fry. Later, we re-anchored our boats so that they would remain afloat to give us options the following morning.
Monday 19th May
At 0815 there was a falling tide, but we needed water and to use the shore toilets at New Grimsby; therefore we briefly beached our boats to carry out our tasks. Back afloat at anchor I used the chance to tend to my personal hygiene – an important matter when cruising for days at a time without access to showers or a bath.
While making the porridge for breakfast the Gaz for the stove ran out and needed replacing with a new 190 gram canister. It had lasted 8 days which was very good – mostly they last a week.
Around 0930 we arrived at the sandy beach by Anneka's Quay on the island of Brhyer after a sail downwind lasting only 10 minutes. I ran 'Faith' straight onto the beach with reduced sail and took the anchor to secure her in readiness for when she would float again in 4 hours.
Al and I set out for a walk around the Island in a clockwise direction. Moving south to begin with, we took the path around the shoreline below Samsom Hill where there are ancient tombs and chambered cairns. Continuing around rocky, weather worn outcrops like those found on Dartmoor, we found our way to the Island Hotel in time for morning coffee. The setting was quite sumptuous, obviously designer styled and the lounge was adorned with oil paintings; naturally, our discussion revolved around the subjects of the Fine Arts and artists.
Suitably refreshed, we continued our saunter northwards high up on Shipman Head, where we had a magnificent view overlooking the many islands; directly below us, across from the rocky islet of Hangman Island, tethered to a visitor's buoy, there was an old, rakish ketch with at topmast and long bowsprit – a really characterful vessel having a straight stem and counter stern. Her ensign was the Welsh flag sporting a red dragon.
On our way back to the boats we stopped at a cafe in 'The Town' for cream teas, and they were the very best, the scones having been freshly baked for us.
When we returned to our boats they were awash on a lee shore, which didn't really present a problem, as it was easy to push them off and set a small amount of sail for working to windward while dropping the rudder. Out on the water things were a little more challenging because the wind freshened and there wasn't a lot of room for maneuvering. The sandbanks and moored vessels made things awkward, but after a short battle with the wind and tide we re-anchored in the shallows of New Grimsby, Tresco. There we spent a relaxing afternoon after our morning exertions. I once again cleaned the interior of the boat, especially making sure there was no trace of sand in her bilges.
For a quiet night we shifted our boats south to a more protected position from the easterly wind, and Al elected to beach his boat, whereas I remained afloat.
Sunday 18th May
Having eaten breakfast we set off at 0830 under full sail for the island of Tresco. The drizzle wasn't too off-putting and the force four wind was more than ample to push us along with the current at a good rate of knots. From the south side of The Garrison, which is a walled fortification containing forts built in 1901, we shaped a course north towards Tresco. As we approached the saddle shaped uninhabited island of Samson we could make out the beacons marking the pass between it and Crow Point at the southern end of Tresco. Getting over the shallows on a falling tide was just possible, with both boats scraping their rudders on the golden sand below.
The sheltered area of water between the island of Brhyer and Tresco is a favorite spot for visiting yachts, but apart from our Paradoxes there was only one yacht at a mooring flying a red ensign indicating the owner was aboard. By the time we beached our boats on the gently shelving beach at New Grimsby the sun was shining. We left them there at anchor for a walk around the southern end of the island where the Abbey gardens attract holiday makers. Close by there's the Heliport, but no flights are allowed on a Sunday. We saw sandmartins which look like swallows and heard the beautiful song of a thrush - the bird itself was so well camouflaged we failed to see it.
After lunch we anchored our boats with ropes attached to the crown of the anchors for retrieval from the beach; thus the boats would be kept away from the beach on the rising tide. Then we walked along a footpath close to the shore to Cromwell's Castle built in the 17th century overlooking the northern end of the Tresco Channel. From the top of the Castle there's a magnificent view overlooking Brhyer and Samson. Higher still from King Charles's Castle the view is stunning with panoramic views towards the Bishop Rock lighthouse, in fact most of the islands and outcrops from the north, westwards and to the south, can be seen. The colours of the sea were like those of a tropical island, so clear the areas of rock, sand and weed were visible.
Back at the boat I had a snooze before cooking a stir-fry. Later, we re-anchored our boats so that they would remain afloat to give us options the following morning.
Monday 19th May
At 0815 there was a falling tide, but we needed water and to use the shore toilets at New Grimsby; therefore we briefly beached our boats to carry out our tasks. Back afloat at anchor I used the chance to tend to my personal hygiene – an important matter when cruising for days at a time without access to showers or a bath.
While making the porridge for breakfast the Gaz for the stove ran out and needed replacing with a new 190 gram canister. It had lasted 8 days which was very good – mostly they last a week.
Around 0930 we arrived at the sandy beach by Anneka's Quay on the island of Brhyer after a sail downwind lasting only 10 minutes. I ran 'Faith' straight onto the beach with reduced sail and took the anchor to secure her in readiness for when she would float again in 4 hours.
Al and I set out for a walk around the Island in a clockwise direction. Moving south to begin with, we took the path around the shoreline below Samsom Hill where there are ancient tombs and chambered cairns. Continuing around rocky, weather worn outcrops like those found on Dartmoor, we found our way to the Island Hotel in time for morning coffee. The setting was quite sumptuous, obviously designer styled and the lounge was adorned with oil paintings; naturally, our discussion revolved around the subjects of the Fine Arts and artists.
Suitably refreshed, we continued our saunter northwards high up on Shipman Head, where we had a magnificent view overlooking the many islands; directly below us, across from the rocky islet of Hangman Island, tethered to a visitor's buoy, there was an old, rakish ketch with at topmast and long bowsprit – a really characterful vessel having a straight stem and counter stern. Her ensign was the Welsh flag sporting a red dragon.
On our way back to the boats we stopped at a cafe in 'The Town' for cream teas, and they were the very best, the scones having been freshly baked for us.
When we returned to our boats they were awash on a lee shore, which didn't really present a problem, as it was easy to push them off and set a small amount of sail for working to windward while dropping the rudder. Out on the water things were a little more challenging because the wind freshened and there wasn't a lot of room for maneuvering. The sandbanks and moored vessels made things awkward, but after a short battle with the wind and tide we re-anchored in the shallows of New Grimsby, Tresco. There we spent a relaxing afternoon after our morning exertions. I once again cleaned the interior of the boat, especially making sure there was no trace of sand in her bilges.
For a quiet night we shifted our boats south to a more protected position from the easterly wind, and Al elected to beach his boat, whereas I remained afloat.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
The Cruise - Part 16
The Cruise – Part 16
Post script for Monday, 12th May.
John and Josephine Perry, distinguished members of the Dinghy Cruising Association, visited both Al's boat and mine late in the evening at the anchorage behind Plymouth Yacht Haven and we had an enjoyable time discussing things, mainly boats, as you can imagine.
Tuesday, 13th May
This was a day of total relaxation for me. I wanted to spend most of it ashore exploring the old haunts of Plymouth I knew when I was a lad. I started by taking the boat to Saint Anne's Battery Yacht Marina, but they would not give me a berth because all visitors were being cleared out in preparation for the Mini Tansat boats. As I was next to Sutton Harbour where the Artemis Transat boats had been berthed I called them on the VHF, but they also said there was no room for visitors. My only option was to return to Plymouth Yacht Haven and find a berth there. I was in urgent need of a shower and I wanted the facilities of a marina – water and electric.
When I had sorted myself and the boat I took the ferry to the Barbican and started my exploration by looking at the Mayflower Steps from which the Pilgrim Fathers departed for Newfoundland; I think their ship the 'Mayflower' set sail in 1620, or thereabouts. Then I explored the Hoe where the old Smeaton lighthouse stands and old cast iron canons face seawards.
The day was sunny, but very windy – too windy for sailing to Fowey, the intended next port of call. The panoramic view over The Sound brought back memories of when, at the age of 14, I sailed a small canvas canoe there while on holiday. I took the canoe I had built by train from Taunton and initially kept it in the corridor of my uncle Charles's house, but when the local sailing club saw me with the canoe they let me have one of their haul out moorings free of charge. Back in 1948 little thought was given to safety equipment, things like life jackets or internal buoyancy for boats and I wonder how I survived, because I didn't wear a life jacket or have buoyancy bags in my canoe. Incredibly the tiny boat had two foresails, a mainsail, a small keel, a plank across the cockpit for sitting out and an extension tiller for the rudder. I was inspired by Uffa Fox, that inventive sailor and designer who lived on the Isle of Wight and who used to cruise open sailing canoes across the Channel to France and back.
I treated myself to a meal at a pub and further explored the Barbican where there are excellent examples of genuine Tudor houses. I also visited the National Aquarium which was a bit of a let down; on the other hand there were some beautiful fish and shells on display. Before returning to the boat I enjoyed a real Devonshire ice cream mixed with cream.
That evening Al and I had a very long walk along the coastal path to Staddon Point, very high above The Sound. From there the view was stunning. We could see the River Tamar beyond Drake's Island, the River Plym, the Breakwater and beyond to Rame Head. A large group of canoeists where heading towards Mount Batten and they looked like tiny water beetles.
Wednesday 14th May
It was still a little too windy for sailing, but Al and I decided to go anyway as it would be downwind trip. At the western end of the Breakwater the seas were breaking and the ride was bumpy. A warship was heading into port, but we were well clear of her. Another navy vessel was out at sea on a firing exercise. By 0915 we were rounding Rame Head and a large yacht overhauled us. We had to be vigilant and take care with the steering to avoid gybing. In the first part of the passage to Loe Island our average spead was 5.6 knots with the tide helping us.
Running close to the Udder Rock buoy the seas became a bit tricky because of the shallows. At 1300 we rounded Punch Cross Rocks to enter Fowey Harbour; there the wind failed because of lee caused by the high land of Polruan. I started the engine and towed 'Little Jim' towards the Town Jetty, but only a cable form it the engine stopped for some unknown reason. By using our yulohs we reached a nearby buoy and rafted alongside one another for a cup of tea. Later the engine started with no problem and we tied up at the Jetty for a short walk through the Town.
Next we went up the River to find a quiet anchorage at Wiseman's Reach. Not long afterwards the Harbour Master's Assistant came to collect the dues, but he was called away for urgent business which may have been in connection with the arrival of a ship for a cargo of China clay. On the instructions of the Harbour Master's Assistant we tied up to mooring buoys to eliminate any possibility of dragging our anchors.
That evening there was a heavy downpour of rain with thunder and lightning.
Thursday 15th May
When I woke it was still raining and the bucket containing the anchor and warp that I had left on the stern deck was one third full of water! Because the wind was still from the east the opportunity of sailing to Falmouth could not be wasted; therefore, although it was raining, Al and I elected to go. I started the engine at 0800 and took 'Little Jim' in tow. By 0950 we were off Gribbin Head, on which there is a very visible day mark that looks like a gigantic barber's pole striped in red and white. Here we made sail with the wind and tide pushing us towards Dodman Point which is a very formidable headland towering above the waves. The race that runs to the south has brought about fatal tragedies, the most notable when a tripper boat from Falmouth was overwhelmed and all aboard were lost.
As our little boats kept a mile and half south of the Headland to avoid the race, the waves built up and we reduced sail, because the wind also increased in strength. Two yachts were approaching the headland, both motor sailing because they were going against the wind and the tide. We set a new course for a point south of St. Anthony Head, eight and a half miles away. Steering directly downwind required concentration, because the seas were doing their best to fling our boats too and fro and as the wave crests were breaking, we both closed our hatches to be secure and dry below. We communicated now and again by VHF on channel 8 - one of the four official ship to ship channels for the UK.
We made a very fast passage, arriving at St. Anthony Head at 1240, where we gybed to starboard to reach into Falmouth Roads; then on the wind we proceeded towards the picturesque village of St. Mawes. Using the engine we rounded Amsterdam Point at the entrance of the Percuil River and anchored in a delightful cove named St. Antony, which was surrounded by woodland. Pity the sun was absent, but the place still had great charm; a heron stood at the water's edge and there was a welcome peace, away form the cold east wind.
Later in the afternoon we rafted alongside and enthusiastically compared our boats in detail; there were slight differences with the sails and yulohs; mostly they were identical, apart from their colour. We also discussed a sailing plan for the next morning when we might opt for the challenge of rounding the Lizard Headland while attempting to reach Newlyn – a good starting point for a crossing to the Scilly Isles. We wonder if the easterlies will hold, because the weather pattern is slowly changing.
Friday 16th May
With the prospect of a 35 mile passage around the Lizard to Newlyn we took up our anchors at St. Anthony and motored out to sea, but there was very little wind; therefore we continued using the engine with 'Little Jim' in tow. Unknown to us we were to continue thus until arriving at the fishing port of Newlyn.
At 0835 we arrived at The Manacles which is an off-lying reef 9 miles south of Falmouth Harbour entrance. We had passed idyllic Porthallow nestling in a natural cleft within the high coastline. Because there was calm weather we took the inshore passage around the Lizard which gave us a superb view of the off-lying rocks. Running down the coast we ticked off salient marks such as the Black Head, Kennack Cove and Cadgwith, the latter identified by a church tower.
Rounding Lizard Point was painless, but a close inspection of the rocks that resemble the spiky spine of a primitive lizard it was plain to see that getting it wrong could be very painful indeed!
Drizzle towards the end of the passage had us down below with the hatches closed. As we approached Newlyn several fishing vessels overhauled us and showed us the way in. Just before 1630 we tied up to the first pontoon for smaller boats and we were greeted by the Harbour Master who at first wanted us to move our boats further into the harbour to leave room for fishing vessels, but he changed his mind and said we could stay where we were if we rafted alongside. His assistant only charged for one boat. The assistant and another port employee were very interested in our boats. They told us that the Town Council were considering allowing planning permission for a smart marina just down the coast.
Saturday 17th May
With a good forecast for the passage to the Scillies we set off at 0610. Once outside the harbour we picked up a fine northerly wind that had us racing along to Tater-du light and the Runnel Stone. That part of the coast is all rather fine with high granite cliffs. Many fishing and crab boats were about their business. The Runnel Stone south of Land's End marked the beginning of the crossing of 27 miles to St. Marys at the Isles of Scilly. Beam reaching all the way gave us a very fast trip. The 'Scillonian' passenger and freight vessel on her outward leg to the Islands reported us to Falmoth Coastguard who asked us to let them know when we arrived at our destination.
Entry through St. Mary's Sound was against the flood which meant our speed dropped from 5 knots to 2, and the final approach from the craggy Peninnis Head to sandy Porthressa Bay was on the wind, so I put the engine on for both boats to make it easy. There in clear water we chose a bottom free of weed for setting our anchors.. Totally protected from the northerly wind we rafted alongside and discussed the passage. The time was 1420 and only a few cumulus clouds hovered above the Islands. We resolved to let the boats dry out on the beach to allow us ashore for the evening.
Post script for Monday, 12th May.
John and Josephine Perry, distinguished members of the Dinghy Cruising Association, visited both Al's boat and mine late in the evening at the anchorage behind Plymouth Yacht Haven and we had an enjoyable time discussing things, mainly boats, as you can imagine.
Tuesday, 13th May
This was a day of total relaxation for me. I wanted to spend most of it ashore exploring the old haunts of Plymouth I knew when I was a lad. I started by taking the boat to Saint Anne's Battery Yacht Marina, but they would not give me a berth because all visitors were being cleared out in preparation for the Mini Tansat boats. As I was next to Sutton Harbour where the Artemis Transat boats had been berthed I called them on the VHF, but they also said there was no room for visitors. My only option was to return to Plymouth Yacht Haven and find a berth there. I was in urgent need of a shower and I wanted the facilities of a marina – water and electric.
When I had sorted myself and the boat I took the ferry to the Barbican and started my exploration by looking at the Mayflower Steps from which the Pilgrim Fathers departed for Newfoundland; I think their ship the 'Mayflower' set sail in 1620, or thereabouts. Then I explored the Hoe where the old Smeaton lighthouse stands and old cast iron canons face seawards.
The day was sunny, but very windy – too windy for sailing to Fowey, the intended next port of call. The panoramic view over The Sound brought back memories of when, at the age of 14, I sailed a small canvas canoe there while on holiday. I took the canoe I had built by train from Taunton and initially kept it in the corridor of my uncle Charles's house, but when the local sailing club saw me with the canoe they let me have one of their haul out moorings free of charge. Back in 1948 little thought was given to safety equipment, things like life jackets or internal buoyancy for boats and I wonder how I survived, because I didn't wear a life jacket or have buoyancy bags in my canoe. Incredibly the tiny boat had two foresails, a mainsail, a small keel, a plank across the cockpit for sitting out and an extension tiller for the rudder. I was inspired by Uffa Fox, that inventive sailor and designer who lived on the Isle of Wight and who used to cruise open sailing canoes across the Channel to France and back.
I treated myself to a meal at a pub and further explored the Barbican where there are excellent examples of genuine Tudor houses. I also visited the National Aquarium which was a bit of a let down; on the other hand there were some beautiful fish and shells on display. Before returning to the boat I enjoyed a real Devonshire ice cream mixed with cream.
That evening Al and I had a very long walk along the coastal path to Staddon Point, very high above The Sound. From there the view was stunning. We could see the River Tamar beyond Drake's Island, the River Plym, the Breakwater and beyond to Rame Head. A large group of canoeists where heading towards Mount Batten and they looked like tiny water beetles.
Wednesday 14th May
It was still a little too windy for sailing, but Al and I decided to go anyway as it would be downwind trip. At the western end of the Breakwater the seas were breaking and the ride was bumpy. A warship was heading into port, but we were well clear of her. Another navy vessel was out at sea on a firing exercise. By 0915 we were rounding Rame Head and a large yacht overhauled us. We had to be vigilant and take care with the steering to avoid gybing. In the first part of the passage to Loe Island our average spead was 5.6 knots with the tide helping us.
Running close to the Udder Rock buoy the seas became a bit tricky because of the shallows. At 1300 we rounded Punch Cross Rocks to enter Fowey Harbour; there the wind failed because of lee caused by the high land of Polruan. I started the engine and towed 'Little Jim' towards the Town Jetty, but only a cable form it the engine stopped for some unknown reason. By using our yulohs we reached a nearby buoy and rafted alongside one another for a cup of tea. Later the engine started with no problem and we tied up at the Jetty for a short walk through the Town.
Next we went up the River to find a quiet anchorage at Wiseman's Reach. Not long afterwards the Harbour Master's Assistant came to collect the dues, but he was called away for urgent business which may have been in connection with the arrival of a ship for a cargo of China clay. On the instructions of the Harbour Master's Assistant we tied up to mooring buoys to eliminate any possibility of dragging our anchors.
That evening there was a heavy downpour of rain with thunder and lightning.
Thursday 15th May
When I woke it was still raining and the bucket containing the anchor and warp that I had left on the stern deck was one third full of water! Because the wind was still from the east the opportunity of sailing to Falmouth could not be wasted; therefore, although it was raining, Al and I elected to go. I started the engine at 0800 and took 'Little Jim' in tow. By 0950 we were off Gribbin Head, on which there is a very visible day mark that looks like a gigantic barber's pole striped in red and white. Here we made sail with the wind and tide pushing us towards Dodman Point which is a very formidable headland towering above the waves. The race that runs to the south has brought about fatal tragedies, the most notable when a tripper boat from Falmouth was overwhelmed and all aboard were lost.
As our little boats kept a mile and half south of the Headland to avoid the race, the waves built up and we reduced sail, because the wind also increased in strength. Two yachts were approaching the headland, both motor sailing because they were going against the wind and the tide. We set a new course for a point south of St. Anthony Head, eight and a half miles away. Steering directly downwind required concentration, because the seas were doing their best to fling our boats too and fro and as the wave crests were breaking, we both closed our hatches to be secure and dry below. We communicated now and again by VHF on channel 8 - one of the four official ship to ship channels for the UK.
We made a very fast passage, arriving at St. Anthony Head at 1240, where we gybed to starboard to reach into Falmouth Roads; then on the wind we proceeded towards the picturesque village of St. Mawes. Using the engine we rounded Amsterdam Point at the entrance of the Percuil River and anchored in a delightful cove named St. Antony, which was surrounded by woodland. Pity the sun was absent, but the place still had great charm; a heron stood at the water's edge and there was a welcome peace, away form the cold east wind.
Later in the afternoon we rafted alongside and enthusiastically compared our boats in detail; there were slight differences with the sails and yulohs; mostly they were identical, apart from their colour. We also discussed a sailing plan for the next morning when we might opt for the challenge of rounding the Lizard Headland while attempting to reach Newlyn – a good starting point for a crossing to the Scilly Isles. We wonder if the easterlies will hold, because the weather pattern is slowly changing.
Friday 16th May
With the prospect of a 35 mile passage around the Lizard to Newlyn we took up our anchors at St. Anthony and motored out to sea, but there was very little wind; therefore we continued using the engine with 'Little Jim' in tow. Unknown to us we were to continue thus until arriving at the fishing port of Newlyn.
At 0835 we arrived at The Manacles which is an off-lying reef 9 miles south of Falmouth Harbour entrance. We had passed idyllic Porthallow nestling in a natural cleft within the high coastline. Because there was calm weather we took the inshore passage around the Lizard which gave us a superb view of the off-lying rocks. Running down the coast we ticked off salient marks such as the Black Head, Kennack Cove and Cadgwith, the latter identified by a church tower.
Rounding Lizard Point was painless, but a close inspection of the rocks that resemble the spiky spine of a primitive lizard it was plain to see that getting it wrong could be very painful indeed!
Drizzle towards the end of the passage had us down below with the hatches closed. As we approached Newlyn several fishing vessels overhauled us and showed us the way in. Just before 1630 we tied up to the first pontoon for smaller boats and we were greeted by the Harbour Master who at first wanted us to move our boats further into the harbour to leave room for fishing vessels, but he changed his mind and said we could stay where we were if we rafted alongside. His assistant only charged for one boat. The assistant and another port employee were very interested in our boats. They told us that the Town Council were considering allowing planning permission for a smart marina just down the coast.
Saturday 17th May
With a good forecast for the passage to the Scillies we set off at 0610. Once outside the harbour we picked up a fine northerly wind that had us racing along to Tater-du light and the Runnel Stone. That part of the coast is all rather fine with high granite cliffs. Many fishing and crab boats were about their business. The Runnel Stone south of Land's End marked the beginning of the crossing of 27 miles to St. Marys at the Isles of Scilly. Beam reaching all the way gave us a very fast trip. The 'Scillonian' passenger and freight vessel on her outward leg to the Islands reported us to Falmoth Coastguard who asked us to let them know when we arrived at our destination.
Entry through St. Mary's Sound was against the flood which meant our speed dropped from 5 knots to 2, and the final approach from the craggy Peninnis Head to sandy Porthressa Bay was on the wind, so I put the engine on for both boats to make it easy. There in clear water we chose a bottom free of weed for setting our anchors.. Totally protected from the northerly wind we rafted alongside and discussed the passage. The time was 1420 and only a few cumulus clouds hovered above the Islands. We resolved to let the boats dry out on the beach to allow us ashore for the evening.
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Cruise - Part 15
The Cruise – Part 15
Saturday 10th May
I had a really peaceful sleep last night with boat tucked in behind Plymouth Yacht Haven and I woke to a gorgeous morning, there being just a gentle wind from the east. When breakfast was finished I beached the boat to take a postcard to the mail box and to dispose of my rubbish, then I used the yuloh to move the boat to a nearby pontoon where there was access to a fuel bay, but I discovered that the Yacht Haven only sold diesel. Petrol was not crucial, as I had a full can of 5 litres which would last for quite a while.
The day couldn't be wasted; therefore I decided to have a sail for the joy of it, with no particular destination. What a fabulous time I had! When clear of the Mount Batten Pier I hardened in the sheet and made for the western end of the breakwater. Speed to windward was on average 3.5 knots and the boat consistently sailed herself. A German Auxilliary, A 1412, armed to the teeth lay on our course and temporarily she took our wind. A quarter of a mile further along we came very near the lighthouse that marks the end of the pier and slightly ahead to starboard was the picturesque seaside town of Cawsands with its golden sandy beach. The cliffs nearby are cloaked with trees that overhang the low granite shoreline.
The Channel tide lee-bowed 'Faith' which eliminated any leeway. With nothing in our path I simply relaxed and let the boat look after herself. When about 2 miles out to sea I counted 43 yachts sailing their various courses; several of them were racing - colourful too, with their spinnakers and cruising shoots. Undoubtedly, the sailing was the best of the cruise so far. When approximately 6 miles offshore I tacked to port to lay a course to the east of The Great Mewstone.
When well to the north east of the River Yealm I brought the boat round onto a run for the return passage, but on the way while on the starboard tack a crossing yacht on the port tack failed to give way, and I had to alter course to avoid a collision. I made sure the skipper of the other yacht, by the name of 'Anodyne' knew he had infringed the rule for which he apologized,
Back in The Sound I anchored near the north side of Drake's Island where there was a lee and after a snooze I set sail for Millbrook Lake to the north of Mount Edgcumbe where I anchored in 6 feet of water, and there I spent the night.
Sunday 11th May
This was the day I had been waiting for, and it more than lived up to my expectations. To begin with there was very little wind, so I started the engine and headed through The Bridge. There were a few other yachts on the water, but there was no indication that there would be anything special. I and hundreds, if not thousands knew the Artemis Transat yachts would be leaving Sutton Marina for the start of their single-hand race across the Atlantic, with the start at 1400.
By 0950 'Faith' was anchored off Cawsand beach along with many others who had already arrived. As yesterday, it was sun hat weather and there was a festive atmosphere with the local sailing and rowing clubs on the water testing their skills at racing.
Throughout the morning more and more yachts anchored in any available space they could find, and beyond Plymouth Breakwater surrounding the start line there were thousands of yachts sailing or motoring. Tripper boats full of spectators, motor yachts, dingies and even canoes criss-crossed tracks while taking photos of the competitors' yachts. One or two of them tried making trial starts, but it was an impossible situation. Helicopters hovered overhead, presumably filming the event. At the eastern end of the line one of Her Majesty's vessels was the platform for the start line flagstaff and at the western end there was a large black inflatable buoy advertising Artemis.
I joined the many vessels gilling around the line to take photos and I succeeded with some crackers which I'll make available on the Internet when my cruise is finished. I anticipated incorrectly that the majority of the racing yachts would exit by the western entrance, but instead they made a leg through the eastern passage which meant I did not have a close-up view of them racing. Nevertheless, the whole thing was a spectacle, the likes of which I have never seen before. As I was so engaged with watching the event I didn't realize the ebb had taken 'Faith' as far as Rame Head, and the wind fell light, which meant a slow sail back to Cawsands where I anchored for tea. There I encountered a problem with the bolt fixing the mainsheet tang which had worked loose, so that it fell out. I was grateful the mishap happened when the boat was at anchor.
I could not mend the fitting, because I needed epoxy which I did not have in my tool kt; therefore I started the engine and motored to the peaceful anchorage by Plymouth Yacht Haven where I stayed last Friday night. This was a convenient spot because it was near the slipway at Mountbatten where Al plans to launch his Paradox on Monday.
Monday 12th May
My priority was to link with Al Law when he launched his Paradox, 'Little Jim'; therefore mid-morning I took up the anchor and motored to the large public slipway at Mount Batten where I anchored to await his arrival. The boat needed a thorough clean on the inside and this was the opportunity to do it. As I finished the task Al arrived and I pulled alongside the slipway to anchor the boat in shallow water so that I could wade ashore and give a hand.
The launching was a painless affair and by 1315 we were anchored alongside one another back at the Plymouth Marina backwater that I felt was becoming my territory.
We had lunch and around 1500 we set out to beach our boats so that we could go in Al's car to John Perry's place where the trailer was to be stored. Unfortunately my anchor was caught under a cable; therefore Al went ahead to buy some petrol and deliver the trailer. A half-an-hour later I managed to free the anchor by contriving a hook from a pair of pliers attached to a piece of rope which I used to lift the cable and drop the anchor at the same time to drag it free.
I beached the boat and took the ferry to Plymouth for shopping and to post this blog. Al and I will probably spend tomorrow in the area before setting off westwards the next day.
Saturday 10th May
I had a really peaceful sleep last night with boat tucked in behind Plymouth Yacht Haven and I woke to a gorgeous morning, there being just a gentle wind from the east. When breakfast was finished I beached the boat to take a postcard to the mail box and to dispose of my rubbish, then I used the yuloh to move the boat to a nearby pontoon where there was access to a fuel bay, but I discovered that the Yacht Haven only sold diesel. Petrol was not crucial, as I had a full can of 5 litres which would last for quite a while.
The day couldn't be wasted; therefore I decided to have a sail for the joy of it, with no particular destination. What a fabulous time I had! When clear of the Mount Batten Pier I hardened in the sheet and made for the western end of the breakwater. Speed to windward was on average 3.5 knots and the boat consistently sailed herself. A German Auxilliary, A 1412, armed to the teeth lay on our course and temporarily she took our wind. A quarter of a mile further along we came very near the lighthouse that marks the end of the pier and slightly ahead to starboard was the picturesque seaside town of Cawsands with its golden sandy beach. The cliffs nearby are cloaked with trees that overhang the low granite shoreline.
The Channel tide lee-bowed 'Faith' which eliminated any leeway. With nothing in our path I simply relaxed and let the boat look after herself. When about 2 miles out to sea I counted 43 yachts sailing their various courses; several of them were racing - colourful too, with their spinnakers and cruising shoots. Undoubtedly, the sailing was the best of the cruise so far. When approximately 6 miles offshore I tacked to port to lay a course to the east of The Great Mewstone.
When well to the north east of the River Yealm I brought the boat round onto a run for the return passage, but on the way while on the starboard tack a crossing yacht on the port tack failed to give way, and I had to alter course to avoid a collision. I made sure the skipper of the other yacht, by the name of 'Anodyne' knew he had infringed the rule for which he apologized,
Back in The Sound I anchored near the north side of Drake's Island where there was a lee and after a snooze I set sail for Millbrook Lake to the north of Mount Edgcumbe where I anchored in 6 feet of water, and there I spent the night.
Sunday 11th May
This was the day I had been waiting for, and it more than lived up to my expectations. To begin with there was very little wind, so I started the engine and headed through The Bridge. There were a few other yachts on the water, but there was no indication that there would be anything special. I and hundreds, if not thousands knew the Artemis Transat yachts would be leaving Sutton Marina for the start of their single-hand race across the Atlantic, with the start at 1400.
By 0950 'Faith' was anchored off Cawsand beach along with many others who had already arrived. As yesterday, it was sun hat weather and there was a festive atmosphere with the local sailing and rowing clubs on the water testing their skills at racing.
Throughout the morning more and more yachts anchored in any available space they could find, and beyond Plymouth Breakwater surrounding the start line there were thousands of yachts sailing or motoring. Tripper boats full of spectators, motor yachts, dingies and even canoes criss-crossed tracks while taking photos of the competitors' yachts. One or two of them tried making trial starts, but it was an impossible situation. Helicopters hovered overhead, presumably filming the event. At the eastern end of the line one of Her Majesty's vessels was the platform for the start line flagstaff and at the western end there was a large black inflatable buoy advertising Artemis.
I joined the many vessels gilling around the line to take photos and I succeeded with some crackers which I'll make available on the Internet when my cruise is finished. I anticipated incorrectly that the majority of the racing yachts would exit by the western entrance, but instead they made a leg through the eastern passage which meant I did not have a close-up view of them racing. Nevertheless, the whole thing was a spectacle, the likes of which I have never seen before. As I was so engaged with watching the event I didn't realize the ebb had taken 'Faith' as far as Rame Head, and the wind fell light, which meant a slow sail back to Cawsands where I anchored for tea. There I encountered a problem with the bolt fixing the mainsheet tang which had worked loose, so that it fell out. I was grateful the mishap happened when the boat was at anchor.
I could not mend the fitting, because I needed epoxy which I did not have in my tool kt; therefore I started the engine and motored to the peaceful anchorage by Plymouth Yacht Haven where I stayed last Friday night. This was a convenient spot because it was near the slipway at Mountbatten where Al plans to launch his Paradox on Monday.
Monday 12th May
My priority was to link with Al Law when he launched his Paradox, 'Little Jim'; therefore mid-morning I took up the anchor and motored to the large public slipway at Mount Batten where I anchored to await his arrival. The boat needed a thorough clean on the inside and this was the opportunity to do it. As I finished the task Al arrived and I pulled alongside the slipway to anchor the boat in shallow water so that I could wade ashore and give a hand.
The launching was a painless affair and by 1315 we were anchored alongside one another back at the Plymouth Marina backwater that I felt was becoming my territory.
We had lunch and around 1500 we set out to beach our boats so that we could go in Al's car to John Perry's place where the trailer was to be stored. Unfortunately my anchor was caught under a cable; therefore Al went ahead to buy some petrol and deliver the trailer. A half-an-hour later I managed to free the anchor by contriving a hook from a pair of pliers attached to a piece of rope which I used to lift the cable and drop the anchor at the same time to drag it free.
I beached the boat and took the ferry to Plymouth for shopping and to post this blog. Al and I will probably spend tomorrow in the area before setting off westwards the next day.
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