The Anchorage at St Michaels Mount has a stunning view of the castle. By nine in the morning all the other yachts had left and it was only Watanga.
Russell went paddle boarding, the Lou and Nicola went for a quick swim.
The passage to Helford was frustrating, with the wind always coming from the direction we wanted to travel. We managed to get a few hours sailing in at various points along the way.
Helford was very busy when we arrived about 1600 so we went all the way up river until we ran out of depth just past Groyne Point. (It was low tide).
The anchorage here is very quiet with lots of varied wildlife.
With the weather improving, it is with regret that we have to leave for the Journey home. We set off under motor into a light NE wind. We took bets on the number of Dolphins we would see on our passage to St Michaels Mount, Marazion.
Lou was the nearest with 12 but we saw more than that. The first pod came and went quite quickly about 4 or 5 in number. Then an hour later a larger pod of maybe 6 or 8 came alongside for a while before veering off to feed as we carried on
Then around an hour or so later, there in the distance, was a scene straight out of blue planet with hundreds of Gannets circling and diving for fish. There always a good chance of seeing Dolphins when you witness this and sure enough a pod of at least 12 came and played around the front and sides of Watanga for around 20 minutes and quite a show they put on too. Leaping high enough to splash us on the boat.
Then that was it. The wind died out completely, the sea went flat and we motored on, finally arrived at St Michael’s at 1530.
No post yesterday as there was no internet in The Cove which is an anchorage between St Agnes and Gugh which is where we spent last night. Having decided we all needed freshening up, after breakfast we made for St Mary’s to fill up the water tanks and have a shower. Refreshed we headed for the shops to pick up supplie and a few souvenirs.
We then moved on to the Cove.
We took a walk around St Agnes stopping for an ice cream at the farm shop.
Island folk have to be very resourceful and the Scilly islands are very temperate and rarely get snow. Come Christmas what can you do to have a Snowman or Reindeer. Here’s what they do on Scilly.
Finally on to the Turks Head pub for refreshments, then back to the boat for our evening meal and a game of trivia before bed.
Last nights anchorage was one of the quietest of the holiday so far. As a result everyone had a good night’s sleep. The day started with a cooked breakfast. followed by a circum navigation of St Martin Island, ending up in Tean Sound, where we picked up a mooring bouy.
Having got ashore we walked up to the Seven Stones Pub, via the local jewellery shop, for a pint or two.
The sun was out and we lazed on the beach with Watanga moored just 100yds away. By about 2.00pm We were getting peckish so returned to the boat and motored round to a secluded anchorage near Clodgie Point..
Lunch was followed by some shell collecting. and exploring on Tean Island,
Russell went paddleboarding.
dav
Exercise over it was time for G & Ts before dinner.
After a bouncy night in St Marys Harbour We departed early for a new anchorage south of the Island of St Martins. This is a large area of drying sand. at L.A.T. on the chart but only just.
After much deliberation, checking and double checking tidal depths, I reckoned we would remain afloat even at low tide, which, hurrah, proved to be the case.
There was an added advantage to this location. It was only a100 yds from the beach, and then only 150 yds away from the Vineyard we had booked to visit and finally another 100yds to where we were having lunch.
A short way down the beach a Seal Colony resides so we gently rowed down to see them. They are used to people and boats and came quite close. although still a little camera shy.
This sailing lark in full of ups and downs, take today for instance. Russell was up at Sparrow’s fart and went Paddle boarding
Once the rest of us got up and We had had breakfast, we all got ashore meeting Wally the Walrus on the way.
dav
Lou and I went up to the hospital to have Lou’s knee looked at, a “bit of a twist” was swelling up and becoming more and more painful so decided to have it checked out.
An hour or so later out she hobbled on crutches. With x-rays only on a Wednesday nothing definite was diagnosed but examination suggested ligament damage.
A bike ride was planned for today with bikes all booked. Louise clearly wasn’t going to do that but was adamant that the rest of us should go and she would sit by the beach and read a book.
In the end we managed to book Lou on the Island tour bus and the very kind driver went to great lengths to help out. And three of us went cycling.
Found some great views and a swing.
A quick shower before going back to the boat for dinner and soon after that…
A dismal day to start. with fairly persistant rain. We all laid in as there was no reason to get up. Nicola providing breakfast in bed, a first for as on Watanga.
In the afternoon as it brightened up, we went ashore and took a walk around Newmans battery, the old sea defences for the islands.
Back to the boat for dinner, then watch the Euro final. The boys played well, but the old penalty curse strikes again.
On the bright side, it was a spectacular sunset looking across to Tresco from the mooring.
Golden Horizon The worlds largest Square rigged ship.
Two years ago we visited the Scillies with Russell and Nicola, but despite two weeks on the boat we saw no Dolphins.
Today changed all that. and also broke the record for the number of sightings in a single trip. We had left Falmouth at 0700 in zero wind and motored out of the Estuary, 0745 First sighting. A single Dolphin gently swimming in opposite direction, about 20 yards from the boat. 20 mins later an almost identical sighting. and again 10 mins later but at 200 yds range.
Round past Black head a pair crossed behind the boat. Nicky being the one who spotted them.
A bit of a wait for the next sighting just after Wolf Rock Lighthouse
A pod of approx 10 feeding followed by a second pod or more of the same pod about 1/2 mile later. Six sightings in a day, There are definitely more Dolphins about.
After a long and noisy (engine) crossing we picked up a bouy in St Marys sound as there’s a patch of nasty weather Sunday morning and want a nice safe place to stop.
Wally the Walrus is about apparently but we haven’t seen him yet. Our back steps might be too much of a temptation for him. I’ve never had to confront a one ton Walrus before and don’t particularly want to.
After yesterdays gruelling 15 hr passage. and then a short night, We were off again at 0600 this morning.The water was as flat and smooth as glass as we slipped the mooring. Just a few fishermen and dog walkers on the shore as we motored south to Dartmouth. By 7 the wind had picked up speeding us down past Torquay with its giant cruise liners cluttering the bay.
As we made our way across Start bay. I took advantage of the steady wind and conditions to have 40 winks. Leaving Russell in charge. Swapping places with him for the subsequent hour. Then wind was playing ball today and let us have a single tack across bigbury bay and Plymouth bay.
A quick tack or two to get round Rame Head and we were set to get to Fowey in one hit. And then again no! the gods of the wind ran out of puff and direction and so the last 3 hours were done on motor.
Another 15 hour journey, very tiring, but altogether far more enjoyable.
And we don’t have toget up at 0600 tomorrow _ Yippee.
We are off to the Scilly,s but things are not going so great. Russell and I set off knowing we’d be fighting the tide until Portland Bill. But the forecast F5 was a F6 and the direction was not quite as South as predicted. The Atlantic swell was also much bigger than predicted.
So what’s the upshot? We’re not where we want to be, pleasant though it is. We are both very tired having had a pretty grotty day of it..
And to cap it all my new dinghy now has a sizable puncture inflicted by the solar panel which moved during the rough seas.
Sandy bottom, Depth 8.5 m , Height to bow roller 1m. Scope 3:1 i.e. 30 metres of chain.
Dropped and backed down at approx 1 knot, Anchor dug in immediately and held boat at full reverse power.
Test 2.
I carefully turned the boat and reversed 180 degrees over the original set simulating a tide or wind shift. Again at a speed of around 1 kt. Didn’t feel the anchor pull out just came to a sudden halt, and remained so up to full power reverse. Anchor was clean on retrieval.
Test 3
Down near Sheps Hollow the seabed is clay. All other conditions the same. Backdown speed a little higher boat stopped very rapidly, no mistaking the dig and hold.
Test 4
180 degree reversal. Felt the anchor”pop” out but immediately dug in again with quite a snatch. . Clay on the anchor on retrieval. It looked to have only dug in about 2/3 rds of it’s length
Test 5
I wanted to try a gravel bottom, the best I could find was more of a course sand down near the white stone Pyramid. and very close in. Depth was only 1.8 m +1 to the bow, say 3m. So went for 10 m of chain to give same 3:1 scope. The set wasn’t quite as convincing and dragged at first but only for a couple of meters. I increased the scope to about 4:1 which was significantly better.
I couldn’t perform the reversal as the boat would have been on the beach by then. (I did say I was close in)
Conclusions.
Very happy with the performance of this anchor, I will have far more confidence in anchorages from now on.
On the last trip there were a few things I put down in the snagging list as needing doing before we go again. The most major of which was a new anchor. I bought a spade anchor last year in a hurry after losing the original in a drama which involved a self deployment whilst under sail.
I haven’t had much joy with the Delta, it having dragged several times and is particularly hard to set in the first place. Rocna anchors had some great press a few years ago although more recent reviews are not so good, the ones cited as being better are harder to find in stock. So I’ve gone for a Rocna 15.
As you can see it’s a bit of a beast. Anchor trials in the next couple of days. Let’s hope it’s better than the old one.
Also new is an Ensign, the old one being 17 years old and so faded that you can see through it
A new topping lift rope as that has never been renewed. and theres a new main halyard on order.
Other bits and pieces, A new alternator belt, mended the non working 12V charging socket. Cleaned the fuel filter, topped up the fuel.
After a quick stop to fill the water tanks, we were off down the river by 0700 hrs. A sunny but cold morning with hardly a breath of wind. Bye Bye Dartmouth
As soon as we were clear of the Mewstone the northerly wind kicked in and with full sail up, we were soon (bowling along at 8kts. Now the chartplotter kindly displays an estimated journey time, and it said 8:5 hrs. Home by mid afternoon, sounds great! but it’s a long way and after 2 hours, the tidal stream was against us, The wind had petered out to nothing, The engine was on and we were only doing 5ks over the ground. How long to go? 12 hrs. DOH!!
It was a tedious journey across Lyme Bay and I had elected to stand out to sea and go south of the Shamble Bank and subsequently the St Aldheim race. Not done that before and whilst It was a less bumpy ride, it lacked that milestone effect.
The wind kicked in from the South for the last few hours and we were able to sail into Swanage.
We were tired so we just left everything on the boat and headed home.
The weather is looking better but still not a good day to cross Lyme Bay. It has stopped raining and the sun has coming out but the wind is still cold.
We took the dinghy to Kingswear and walked first along by the railway
then along the Dart Valley trail through Long Wood ….absolutely covered in foxgloves.
taking in the wildlife on the way.
to Agatha Christies House “Greenway”
Well there was a lot of steep climbs on the path and in total it was just over 4 miles and had some stunning views back down the Valley at the end.
Having not been able to book in advance we still managed to get into Greenway house and it’s gardens (National Trust)
Neither of us fancied the 4 mile trek back, so we jumped on a ferry boat to dartmouth, grabbed a couple of cornish pasties and back to the boat for a shower and tea.
Sitting here in the middle of the river it seems quite calm, if not a little wet. I know that in Lyme Bay it would be a different story. The next leg home is a long one 12- 15 hours and with age my acceptance of discomfort has become more discerning. Looking at webcams of the sea state it actually doesn’t look as bad as forecast. Still I think we’re in the right place for now.
Storm bound is a little over the top but comfortable… Yes.
Not quite enough wind to sail, along with a heavy swell, lead to an uncomfortable ride from Salcombe to Dartmouth. On the bright side, the sun was out despite the forecast of clouds. On the way out we passed this beauty. an 82ft Swan. If you would like to charter it, that will be € 15,800 per week. Ker…ching
The weather over the next few days has gone seriously downhill, certainly not the sort of weather to cross Lyme Bay in.
and Tuesday doesn’t look much better. Looks like we’re storm bound in Dartmouth. Unless Tuesday improves dramatically in the next 24 hrs, the plan is to make the Lyme Bay crossing on Wednesday. Maybe all the way home.
As the sun was still shining when we arrived we took a walk up to Dartmouth Castle (English Heritage)
Dartmouth Castle is an artillery fort, built to protect Dartmouth harbour in Devon, England. The earliest parts of the castle date from the 1380s, when, in response to the threat of a French attack, the civic authorities created a small enclosure castle overlooking the mouth of the Dart estuary. This was intended to engage enemy ships with catapults and possibly early cannon, and incorporated the local chapel of Saint Petroc within its walls. At the end of the 15th century, the castle was expanded with an artillery tower and an iron chain which could be stretched across the harbour to a tower at Godmerock; this addition formed the oldest known purpose-built coast artillery fort in Britain. Further gun batteries were added during the French invasion scare of the 1540s.
The castle saw service during the English Civil War of 1642 to 1646, during which its vulnerability to attack from the land became apparent, resulting in the Gallants Bower defensive work above it being used to provide additional protection. In 1748, a new gun position called the Grand Battery was added to the castle, equipped with twelve guns. After years of neglect in the early 19th century, the castle was upgraded in 1859 with modern artillery, but defending the port of Dartmouth was no longer a military priority. By the early years of the 20th century the castle was considered redundant by the authorities, who opened it to visitors. It was brought back into use during the Second World War, but in 1955 it was finally retired from service. (Wikipedia)
Although we’ve been here many times there are still new places to visit. After a quick shopping trip first thing We went upriver to Kingsbridge, something we tried before but got the tides wrong. Today the tides were just right and we made it all the way. Moored to a wall near the Crabshell Cafe and walked into town. Low and behold there was a Gemini Parked up on the council pontoon.
I wonder how level she sits when the tide goes out.
There was a farmers market on in the Car Park and we picked up a Woollen blanket, two handmade sausage rolls and a jar of honey.
We stopped for coffee at the Crabshell Cafe and ended up sharing a very nice pizza. Well we’re on holiday aren’t we.
Salcombe Yacht Club has a very large membership and a thriving dinghy section. We watched from the boat as many different classes raced up and down the river in their Saturday Club Series race. There must have been 100 boats.
Later in the afternoon we explored up Batson creek and came across where all these dinghies disappeared to.
We left Fowey at 10:30 with the aim to reach Salcombe. That’s 40 odd miles but we’ll come to why in a moment. Having topped up fuel and water we were at the estuary mouth by 1030 with full sail up we turned east. And off we flew. The wind picked up and with it being offshore, the sea was very flat so little chance of digging in.
We were soon whipping along a 8-9 kts and when then wind hit 25 kts we were doing just under 10.
By the time we reached Salcombe the wind had veered round to the east but still strong enough to sail although I’ll admit the Motor was applied to help us against the 2.5kt foul tide over the last couple of miles.
Now tucked up nicely and ready for bed after a shower then meal and drinks in the Royal Salcombe Yacht Club.
Why the big jump to Salcombe?
Well, there is some pretty variable weather coming up in the next few days so we decided to be in Dartmouth by Sunday so we can choose which is the best day of Mon, tues, weds to get across Lyme Bay. Getting to Salcombe early means we can choose the best day to get to Dartmouth Sat or Sun. This may seem a little confusing but makes sense to me.
Had a little mishap last evening stepping off the boat on to the pontoon. My sock caught in a split ring on the safety rail and I went A@$%÷ over T*% onto the concrete pontoon. Much embarassment, a bruised toe, but otherwise thought I got away with it. Unfortunately as age is no longer on my side, I stiffened up quite badly over night. So planned walk was given a miss and we spent a lazy day both ashore and on board.
It’s been a sunny day but with quite a cold wind. Beautiful Peaceful evening here in the estuary.
enjoying a pleasant glass of wine on the back of the boat.
Our last port of call going west. We awoke in thick fog and to the sound of at least two ships horns. I had to look up my sound signals. One on anchor and one underway. It looked ominous and We prepared for a lay in. However by 0745 we could see 1/2 mile. and by 08oo we were preparing to go.
There was nothing in the way of wind so we gently motored west, and by the time we had reached the Great and little Mew Stones the fog bank had all but disappeared.
The great Mewstone in the picture is an iconic landmark of the South Coast. It is a National Trust site and a permanent nature reserve. Mew’ was the old name for Herring Gull and also describe the sound they make. The new stone was probably so named from the colonies of “Mewling” gulls that once lived there.
A short hop today. Savvy Navvy plots a course straight across Bigbury Bay but we might modify that a little and come closer in to explore the coastline. I’ve also noticed that Savvy is estimating my boat speed rather generously given the wind strength. so it may also take a bit longer than it suggests, and we may even have to motor…again.
Update 1900
Yes, We motored all the way, uneventful trip on a flat sea. Arrived 13.30. and couldn’t find a suitable berth. Moored on a visitor bouy only to be told it was reserved, then had a stroke of luck when another visitor bouy became free. Someone had done a runner without paying.
3 pictures, Goodbye Salcombe must always mention Queen Victoria on a dolphin and hello River Yealm.
Like most seaside towns nothing gets going before 10 o clock. It was quite nice walking the streets alone. First drama of the day came when we went for a shower in the Yacht Club. Having eventually found the back door. and entered using the code. I missed the door to the showers opened a second door and set off the alarms. Showered anyway, nobody came to tell us off so it’s a big thankyou to Salcombe Yacht Club and its excellent showers. and forgiving nature.
We needed supplies namely a new shower hose and a new water tap connector.. One thing for filling the tanks and another to empty them again. These we found along with 3 camping mugs, a battery. and a bottle of milk all in the some little hardware shop.
After a quick coffee it was back to the boat to fit the items and eat lunch. Only to realise it was just 11.00 o clock.
Kayaking was the next sport of the day, Not being practised at this art we were soon knackered and ended up back at the boat.
Quick rest on the beach during kayak session
Still only 3 0.clock. Change of transport. Dinghy this time, about 2 miles to entrance for an Ice cream on South Sands..
Change of clothes and out to see if we can blag a table at any of the eateries. in town.. FAT CHANCE. Apparently there is a national shortage of labour in the hospitality sector..
Ended up with fish and chips on a beach by the sea front.. Got the obligatory Sea Gull over the shoulder that got a chunk of my fish..
And so back to the boat for G and T’s on the poop deck as the sun goes down.
Goodbye Dartmouth, we’re off to….well.. west. Thought we might have good winds today and be able to reach the river Yealm, however a brisk start slowly dwindled away to nothing by the middle of Start Bay and we ended up motoring, getting to the region of Salcombe around 2:30. With another 2-3 hours to Newton Ferrers we decided Salcolme might be the better option. Found a mooring bouy in “the bag”.
Well what a difference a good nights sleep and a flat sea can do for ones spirits.
Yesterday in the middle of Lyme bay, tired and irritable, I was almost ready to give up sailing and buy a motorhome. Today, such a different story. The sun was out, the sea was flat, the wind was just right and we found ourselves in a race. As all sailors know if there are two boats going to the same destination, then it’s a race.. One which I’m pleased to say we won, even with our worn out sails.
Today we travelled from Exmouth to Dartmouth, with no problems. With no wind we motored up to Teignmouth, and did a quick reconnoitre in case we might need to go in there sometime in the future. Busy place but might be worth a visit sometime. The wind started to pick up just outside Teignmouth so we sailed, tacking all the way to Dartmouth.
On the way we passed Dawlish Warren where in 2014 you may remember the main line railway was damaged by a huge storm.
Although reconstruction was completed in record time, it appears construction work still continues today
Torbay is full of cruise liners,
Including the 95000 ton Queen Victoria. Interestingly the average depth in Tor bay is only 11 metres which means these cruise liners whose drafts are 8 to 9 metres are only 2 metres off the bottom.
Now the next picture will seem a little underwhelming but it is the fin of a sunfish, a small one as they go but fairly rare in British waters but happily flapping away off Berry Head.
We knew we would be beating across Lyme Bay and the weather forecast said SW F4/5.
As we motored toward Portland the windicator was nudging 20kts apparent so I decided to put the main up with one reef in.
Just as well. because as the day went on, so the wind strength increased. 37 kts appearing for a considerable length of time. With both of us feeling the worse for wear from the bad night at Lulworth. and our best course taking us straight to Exmouth. We decided to overnight here instead.
We did see some Dolphins on the wayThe anchorage at Exmouth.
You will see from the screenshot and the passage plan that we are leaving at precisely the wrong moment. It’s near springs, wind and tide against us. but we want to make a start and get to Portland ready for the passage across Lyme Bay to Dartmouth on Friday.
Passage. 10/06/21 Swanage to Weymouth/Portland Martin and Louise
Weather. Wind SW f3/4 Sea slight vis good
Tide HW Swanage 2100
Waypoints 50° 30 07 N, 002° 01 17 W
Hazards St alheims Race, The firing ranges Kimmeridge Ledges.
Departure notes Leave@ 16.30
Passage Plan. We should catch the last of the outgoing tide as far as maybe dancing ledge. Then tack out to Waypoint off end of St Aldheim ledges to go round the races. At waypoint tack back into Weymouth Bay as best we can. Enter Portland Harbour and anchor or pick up bouy in region of Castle Cove.
Well I the wind wasn’t as forecast, Sw or ssw which meant the original Waypoint was unreachable and the dying wind and spring tide meant we ended up in the St Aldham Races……in 50 yd visability so ended up in Lulworth..
The swell was awful So a very bad nights sleep. Not the best start to our holiday.
We were pontificating on our return to Swanage, and decided to come home on Sunday. With possible bad weather Tuesday and Wednesday, necessitating a move to Shell Bay, We thought it would be less of a rush and hassle to organise if we were starting in Swanage Bay to begin with. We could get all the gear off the boat more simply and monitor the situation.
Light winds and an adverse tide meant slow progress down the Solent. Indeed it look 4 hrs to reach the Needles. then the wind all but died, so on with the motor for an uncomfortable ride in big following swell back to Swanage.
After so many episodes of ‘The Crown’ we thought we’d visit Osbourne House. This involved a water taxi to cowes. Then a 45 minute walk to the entrance. The house only had the ground floor open to the public, but quite spectacular in its own way. Then a trek down to the beach where we had a picnic. Rested and fed we next went to the walled garden, developed by Prince Albert. As with most setups these days to get out you’re channelled through the shop but we resisted and managed to come out with only an ice cream each.
A long walk back to Cowes. My feet were hurting by then. With 2 hours to kill We crossed to West Cowes and did more preambulating before returning to the boat on the water taxi.
17000 steps May not seem that much to some people but it was quite enough for me in one day.
First Sail holiday of the season, a mini break to the Isle of Wight. Marina’s seem pretty full but as the weather is fairly light and settled we can always anchor.
The weather shows light Easterly for the the next few days. Then getting stronger Tuesday to Wednesday.
Tide. L W 0520 Swanage and Cowes Hw 1301
Navvy suggests heading out to sea, presumably to make best use of the flood tide. If we leave by 07:30 We should make it to Cowes before the tide turns foul.
Swanage to Cowes
I think that the default values Savvy uses for tacking angles+ boat speed are a bit wishful thinking. With my 15 year old saggy sails she no longer points nor sprints very well. I can see the old cast iron sail being used if we’re behind schedule.
Well, we were a little late getting away but only by 10 minutes. A bit murky, but the wind was slightly more than forecast and we were soon speeding along at 7-8 knots under main and genoa. There wasn’t a lot of traffic about, at least not in the mile radius around the boat which was roughly the visability. Following the Savvy Navvy course recommendation we made good time up to the needles.
Arriving here by 10:00. Reaching Hurst 50 mins later, we were caught napping when hit by a wind shift of 90° followed rapidly by a dead calm Right in the swirling waters off Hurst Castle. We started the engine and quickly dropped the sails before continuing on our course.
Coming past the Yarmouth – Lymington ferry the engine began to falter. Contaminated fuel again. A quick filter change whilst piroetting in the main channel and we were back on course. Got to Cowes entrance 10 mirs after the tide turned, motored up to the Folly Inn to berth at 1300.
Well yesterdays delivery trip was a bit of a shakedown and threw up a few minor problems. Some were easy to solve, rope wrongly threaded, etc. However the steering was a little stiff with the drive leg down, which is a bit of a worry but I know for certain that the leg is free to move as it has had a full strip down this year, and it’s smooth and light with the leg raised.
The second thing is not so much a fault with the boat, rather a wish list kind of item. The problem with picking up a bouy is that you cannot see where the bouy is from the helm position once you are closer than 10 metres. So theres a crucial period ‘when it all comes down to skill, experience and a bit of luck.
I think the answer would be to have a camera on the bow. So thats the project. Now the front of a boat is a pretty unforgiving place for an electrical item. So I thought maybe a wireless car reversing camera and a bespoke bracket. so that it need only be in place whilst mooring up. Anyone have any experience or suggestions?
Lastly there’s the outboard which ran but wouldn’t idle. It was OK to get to share but a quick clear out of the carburetor needed I think.
After the really high winds of the past two days, today couldn’t be more different. We got to Ridge at 0900 and soon had everything ready to go. With a hint of rain in the air we slipped our lines and made off down river, soon to be overtaken by 2 enthusiastic kayakers. I wonder if they know about the 4 knot limit in this part of the river?
As soon as we were in the Wareham Channel we got the sails up, and had the engine off. With very light winds it took a while to get to the ferry at Sandbanks. However after that it slowly got better, passing Old Harry Rock We passed “Bugs Bunny” , another Gemini, going the other way.
Tacking into Swanage Bay, we had a bit of hassle getting past a survey vessel that seemed to be intent on getting in our way. We were a bit out of practice picking up the mooring. Took 3 go’s to get it. Must think about fitting a camera at the front of the boat. to be able to see that blind spot from the helm.
4 Kidneys and a Wonky Leg 