Poole to Hamble - Day 77

Poole to Hamble - Friday 22nd July 2011 - Day 77

In the morning went to the marina office and met Carrie, one of the managers, who I know from sailing with the Tallships and after our little chat I set off again at 10.00.  The weather was fine and sunny going out of the harbour and still single-handed hoisted all sail when past the fairway buoy.

At 11.00 Portland Coast Guard were giving out on the VHF a mayday relay for a missing diver off Portland Bill who had been diving off one of the wrecks.  It is enlightening how they co-ordinate the rescue operations with lifeboats, helicopters and other vessels in the area but alas after some hours, things were not looking too good for the diver.

The wind began to drop as the day progressed and we were motoring on our way to the Solent, the western approaches are guarded by the Shingles Bank and once past you come to one the famous UK lighthouses, as shown, off the Needles on the Isle of Wight.  In this area there is a lot of boats mostly sailing yachts as they were trying to get the best of the conditions, I was quite happy just motoring along.  Once you are near Cowes on the Isle of Wight, the traffic becomes heavier as you find your way around the channel off the Bramble Bank and Calshot Spit.  Luckily there was no big ships on the move, so it was with not too much difficulty I was off the Hamble river.  Once in here all you can see is yachts, yachts and more yachts, the marina chosen Hamble Point was just past the entrance and with assistance from one of staff taking my lines, I was safely tied up at 16.00

In the evening walked into Hamble which was full of people mostly sailors down for the weekend and the classic boat racing.  Met up with Lizz who had been with me on part of the infamous Scottish part of the trip.  We had a very good meal in the Thai restaurant, talked and caught up with all we had been up to since then and still agree never to go back to the Caledonian Canal or Oban.   Photo shows 'Selene' on her pontoon at Hamble Point.  Tomorrow, I go home for a few days, this saga will continue next week. 

 

Poole, Dorset - Day 76

Poole, Dorset - Thursday 21st July 2011 -Day 76


Ever thought of what to do when you win the lottery.  Come to Poole and gaze on the luxury motor cruisers being built in 'Sunseekers' boat yard.  These boats dominate the river and not too far away is the headquarters for the RNLI, where the volunteer crews come for their training.

I spent the morning making repairs to the items which had been broken or worn during the past month, then scrubbed and washed down the boat with fresh water.

There were lots of people about the quayside and informed in the month of July every Thursday evening they close off the traffic on the quay and hold a summer festival, of course this year it is raining.  The many bars have live bands going, lots of street entertainers and at 22.00 there is a fireworks display. A thoroughly good evening for one and all.

Portland to Poole - Day 75

Portland to Poole - Wednesday 20th July 2011- Day 75

Portland Harbour is where the National Sailing Academy is based and next year's sailing events for the Olympics will be held in this area, therefore there is a lot of work going on building new facilities and a village for the competitors.  I had breakfast in the same bar I used last night and on the next table but one sat Ben Ainslie, the UK's number one yachtsman with others from the GB racing team.  I thoroughly enjoyed being in such illustrious company and the best of luck to them all next year in their respective races.

I left Portland at 11.30 it was a wet day with very little wind though in the harbour there was a wind-surfing race going on.  To get any movement from the boards the racers where waggling the sails from side to side and with their many different colour sails, it looked like a load of butterflies on the water.

This part of the country has the famous Jurassic coastline but with the rain and heavy shower clouds it was difficult to see as with the little wind just kept motoring along.  There is also the Army's firing range at Lulworth with its very distinct yellow marker buoys out to sea and there is a fast patrol boat keeping any stray boats out of the area.  I did not hear any firing as we skirted past the range markers.  At 17.00 the tide turned and was now against and just on the coast there was beacons for a measured mile, so I used them to plot my progress.  It proved very helpful as the tide coming out of the Solent was pushing me in an arc which was very distinctive on the chartplotter with its ants trail showing the boat going in a straight line then bending like the top of a shepherd's crook.  It was a combination of genoa and more engine power which got me out this foul tide.  The photo shows the last headland you come round into Poole Bay, the rock pillar at the end is known as 'Old Harry'  

 





Sandbanks Ferry

There is a small entrance into Poole which is the biggest natural harbour in the UK.  You have to first get past the chain ferry which runs between Sandbanks (the most expensive real estate) and the spit of land on the other side.  To let you know it is on the move it shows a storbe white light at night and raises an anchor ball during the day.  Once past the harbour opens up as you follow the channel markers, this is a commercial port with ferries and fast craft using it daily.  There are small boat channels for the many yachts and other craft to use as you wind your way upto the town.  By 22.00 I was safely in the Town quay marina. 

                                                                                                                           

Dartmouth to Portland - Day 74

Dartmouth to Portland Harbour - Tuesday 19th July 2011 - Day 74


At last the weather has improved and left Dartmouth at 07.00 by 07.30 hoisted main with one reef and engaged auto helm.  The wind was increasing and backing from north to north west 2 to 3, the engine off at 11.00 and with full sail and on a broad reach it was perfect sailing conditions.  A boom preventer was fitted and with a few other yachts crossing Lyme Bay in an easterly direction, there was also company to keep an eye on.

The warships were out again and this frigate F273 exercising with her helicopter doing landings and take off from her aft deck.
At 15.00 the tide turned against as we were approaching Portland Bill, this one I had been told and read about.  The yacht was four miles off shore when the swell began to pick up from a south westerly direction.  I was in the cabin putting the 16.00 position on the chart when there was an uncontrolled gybe as the boom shot across from the starboard to port side.  The preventer securing point had bust and took with it the topping lift which luckily wrapped itself around the reefing lines.  This had been too much for the auto helm, so on hand steering, then the power became low from the batteries and the instruments going funny, on with the engine.  Where this unpredicted wind was coming from was a bit concerning as we tried to make our way around the Shambles Bank with an even more confused sea to the north.  This reminded me of Scotland but it was not raining.  After three hours it was beginning to calm down as we started to go in the right direction towards Portland.  By 20.00 we were through the piers and into the harbour.  Alongside a welcoming pontoon at 20.45.  In the office at 21.30, I was direct to go straight to the bar as it closed at 22.00.  The two pints were delightful as I reflected on the day, 60 miles single handed in fourteen hours, a wonderful crossing of Lyme Bay and the hell of getting round Portland Bill, sailors beware.

Dartmouth, Devon - Days 70,71,72,73

Dartmouth - Friday 15th July 2011 - Day 70

Rob Hewett left this morning and during the night the fairies had been on board again.  Soundings on the gin and whiskey bottles proved they had been at it.  Thanks Rob for the help over the past couple of days.


A view of Dartmouth from Kingswear.  With no other crew member, I am now single-handed and with an Atlantic depression crossing the UK decide to stay for the weekend.
With a visit to the marina chandlers, I purchased items required to carry out some maintenance on the boat.  First the washing had to be done in the excellent laundry facilities and a pasty and beans meal prepared on the boat.
In the evening took the ferry to Dartmouth for a walk around the town in the rain and a visit to the not so good Seven Stars pub.  Back on the ferry to Kingswear and the Ship Inn was more to my liking which ended off a busy day.

Dartmouth - Saturday 16th July 2011 - Day 71

A view of the marina with Dartmouth Royal Naval Britannia College dominating the town up on the right hand side.  Carried out a service on the engine, namely lub.oil and filter changed and also changed fuel filter.  Removed the speed log paddlewheel for cleaning as over the past couple days it had been giving inaccurate readings.  Tried the platform car ferry this time to Dartmouth and a visit to the poor Windjammer pub, while the Dartmouth Arms was more lively with a dozen chaps dressed up as smurfs with the blue paint job, I hope it was for charity.

Back to Kingswear to the Royal Dart yacht club where everyone seem to be leaving on my arrival, so up to the Ship Inn for a night cap and being good, I was back on board for 22.00.  Over the past couple of months, I have been missing out on what I said I would do when I was sailing, which is to carry on practising how to play the banjo.  Tonight, I again began playing and thoroughly enjoyed the session.

Dartmouth - Sunday 17th July 2011 - Day 72                                                                                     

A visit to the marina office and weather forecast, discussed the possibility of now staying until Tuesday which would not be a problem, so today is declared to be a tourist day.

Running past the marina is the preserved steam railway which runs a service to Paignton.  I boarded the 11.15 after having a good look around the engine.  The old rolling stock is clean and enjoyable.  The train runs along River Dart over viaducts and through a long tunnel and takes you to the first stop at Churston which is the main depot for the locos, then it is onto Goodrington with its fine views over the Tor Bay with Torquay to the east and Brixham to the south.  After half an hour we arrived at our destination.  Paignton, caters for and was packed with holiday makers, they have there amusement arcades, souvenir shops and small market stalls.  I found Weatherspoons for lunch and watched a bit of telly, the Open golf championship.  After a walk around the town and seeing what was on offer, I was on the 14.15 train out of there.                                          

On the way back, I noticed a very interesting steam engine in the sidings at Churston.  It was 'Tornado' built recently in Darlington in the north east of England.  At Kingswear there was another set of old carriages, enquires to the station master informed this was the Torbay Express from Bristol and Tornado was going to be pulling the train and leaving at 16.45.  Being a bit of a steam engine nut this was an experience not to be missed and this was the highlight of my tourist day.                                                                   

During the evening and into the night, the wind is forever increasing in strength.

Dartmouth - Monday 18th July 2011 - Day 73                                                                                     

                                                                         

Kingwear, where the marina is situated as seen from the Dartmouth side.  Visited the tourist centre but unable to go on a visit to the Naval College, so went to Dartmouth Castle which is a 30 minute walk along the river.  The castle is more of a defense fort at the entrance to the harbour where there are fine examples of canon which were to be used against any invading French ships.  Next to the castle is St. Petrox Church which is also steeped in history.  A walk into town and a visit to the Royal Castle Hotel where I had a very good afternoon dinner of mussels and scampi.  On returning to the marina enquires at the office informed the wind is forcast

 to ease and I should be able to leave tomorrow.                                                                                        

                                                                                        

 

Salcombe to Dartmouth - Day 69

Salcombe to Dartmouth - Thursday 14th July 2011 - Day 69

Salcombe

In the morning we watched dinghy racers in Merlin Rockets.  There was a big fleet weaving their way through the boats at their mooring bouys, water taxis and other river traffic going about their business.  To their credit we saw lots of close encounters but no coming to together.  When we left at 12.00, they were still racing, so it was our turn to find our way on the right side of the channel and back to the open sea.  It was also low water as we skirted past the end of the bar you could see the sandbank below.  It was a sunny cloudless day with enough breeze to keep us interested.

Start Point Lighthouse

We were sailing by 12.30 in the right direction and for a bit of variety launched the cruising chute.  This kept us occupied until we dropped it as we passed the lighthouse at Start Point.  This is another famous landmark as you make your way up the English Channel.  Once round you can see the entrance to Dartmouth and cross Start Bay with its beautiful sandy beach on the north side.  At 17.00 we were entering the River Dart and the scenery is magnificent as you see the backdrop of Dartmouth on your left and Kingswear on the right.  We made our way past the ferries into Darthaven marina which is on the Kingswear side and were tied up on pontoon C46 by 17.30

Ashore for the evening into the Royal Dart pub, then Royal Dart yacht club where we had a lovely meal before finishing off in the Steam Packet Inn.

Newton Ferrers to Salcombe - Day 68

Newton Ferrers to Salcombe - Wednesday 13th July 2011- Day 68

Rubber duck

Ashore in the rubber duck to do a photo-shoot at Noss Mayo before going to the shower block on the other side at Newton Ferrers.
Departing the pontoon with a strong flood tide running, proved tricky, as one does not want to touch other boats, peacefully lying at their berth or moorings.

Newton Ferres

  A view of Newton Ferrers.  It was only a twenty mile run round to the next port as we towed the rubber duck behind.  The Navy were out again but we did not witness any firing.  We entered Salcombe where there is an even greater presence of yachts and were directed to the visitors' mooring buoy V12.  With our own transport ashore to the Victoria for a meal then a walk around the town.  Then into the Fortescue, Salcombe yacht club, and finally the Ferry Inn.  Everywhere was very busy and the shops are in the majority, catering for the yachting fraternity.

Helford River to Newton Ferrers - Day 67

Helford River to Newton Ferrers - Tuesday 12th July 2011 - Day 67

Ashore by 07.30 in 'Bumble' to pick up Rob Hewett who joins today.  With Falmouth Coastguard giving out a favourable weather forcast, we let go of 'Triton' (Rob's yacht) and began our passage down river.
We had full main and tried the genoa for half an hour to no avail as the wind was coming on the nose so we carried on motor-sailing.

By 15.00 we could see the Eddystone rocks with its spectacular lighthouse and to the south of this we could see three warships with two support vessels.  At 15.50 H.M.S. Bulwark gave out a message on the VHF they were going to carry out live firing.  A while later we could see the smoke trails as they fired off their missiles.    



Noss Mayo

By 17.00 we were entering the River Yealm which is just past Plymouth.  It is a bit of a challenge due to the sand bar at the entrance which has to be treated with care.  By 18.00 we were tied up alongside another yacht 'Chianti' on the visitors pontoon in the middle of the river.  The next challenge was to haul out the rubber duck and outboard engine from the aft locker, this was a success in blowing up the dinghy and engine test, we now had transport ashore.  At he steps we left the dinghy half way up the river bank and had an enchanting walk to Noss Mayo which is on the opposite bank to Newton Ferrers.  In the Ship Inn we had an excellent meal of mushroom soup followed by venison.  It was a beautiful still night as we made our way back on board. Siting in the cockpit of the yacht and listening to the silence is just mind-blowing for an Engineer who is used to noise only.                                                                                                

                 



Helford River - Day 66

Helford River - Monday 11th July 2011 - Day 66

View of the Helford River from the sailing club balcony.  Bill Edwards leaves today and we got the water taxi ashore where Rob met us and drove to Truro where Bill got his train back home.  We went to the local and the largest Sainbury's store I have been in, where we stocked up with provisions.  Rob took me back on board in his tender 'Bumble' and left it with me.

 This was a great bonus as it allowed me to go ashore in the evening where I walked along to the very popular Shipwright Arms and had a very nice steak.  Back to the yacht club for the nightcap and watched from the balcony as another tender made its way onto the pontoons and had great difficulty with the outgoing tide. I decided to wait a little longer before returning to the boat and paddled quite away out before dropping the outboard engine to start the powered journey back.  Another lovely day spent in an idyllic setting.

Newlyn to Helford River - Day 65

Newlyn to Padstow - Sunday 10th July 2011 - Day 65

At 10.00 we left Newlyn and once in the bay we had the mainsail and genoa up very quickly.  With a steady south westerly breeze and calm sea we made good progress along this spectaculat coast line with its towering cliffs.  By 13.00 we were one mile off the coast as we rounded the Lizard Point and its lighthouse.  For the next hour, we ran with sails goose-winged as we passed the Manacles a rocky outcrop south of Falmouth.
At 16.00 we entered the Helford River and being a Sunday afternoon there was a lot of boats on the water.  We found our way past the racing dinghies and practicing gigs (six man rowing boats with coxwain).  There are no pontoons on the river and tied up against Triton, a boat owned by Rob Hewlett, another gentleman whom I sail with on the Tallship.

Alongside Triton

We got the water taxi to take us to the Helford River sailing club for showers, then Rob came and took us to his family home. Here we met his son and daughter Sam and Nell and his wife Sue, who presented us with a wonderful meal of lamb with all of the trimmings.  It was a wonderful night in good company and conversation.  Rob brought us back to the boat in his dinghy.

Padstow to Newlyn - Day 64

Padstow to Newlyn - Saturday 9th July 2011 - Day 64

With most of the other yachts we left Padstow on the opening of the inner harbour gate and headed out into the bay, where the mainsail was hoisted at 11.15 as a steadying sail.  Once round the headland we passed inside Trevose Head and the Quies Rocks.  The swell and wind was still coming from a south westerly direction and the motion of the boat was not too our liking as we tried to maintain a decent speed with the engine running.  By 14.00 we were passing Newquay two miles to the west and the surfers should of had a good day. The mainsail was dropped at 16.00 as it was not helping our progress.  At 17.00 we passing the quarter of a mile off the jaggered The Stones rocks and you are then into St Ives Bay where this beautiful crescent sandy beach covers the bay.

To the south you come to the very imposing and rugged cliffs of the Pendeen Lighthouse where there still the old chimneys and engine houses of now disused tin mines, though one showed signs of presently still being worked.  At 20.00 we were passing the Brison Rocks and Cape Cornwall before the legendery Longships Lighthouse came into view.  It was getting dark as we passed a quarter of a mile outside this massive structure guarding the infamous rocks and Lands End.  We were now round the corner as we went outside the Runnel Stones and up into Mounts Bay.  By midnight we were off Tater-Du lighthouse as we ran into Penzance Bay and Newlyn harbour where luckily a chap was waiting to take our lines as he instructed us alongside another yacht Norwegian Blue.  It was 01.30 when we completed our journey of 60 miles motoring all the way in an unkindly sea.                                                                                                                                                            

Padstow, Cornwall - Days 60,61,62,63

Padstow - Tuesday 5th July 2011 - Day 60

Morning visit to the Harbour Master office confirmed a strong wind was going to be coming from a south westerly direction until the weekend, so enjoy your stay in Padstow.

The photo shows the narrow channel which is the entrance to the harbour with the navigation buoys now sitting on the sand banks at low water.  The night before this where we came in at full speed to make the gate before it shut behind us.

Bill went off to the shops while finished off the washing and ironing, then a tour of the pubs.  Just on the quay 'Shipwrights Arms', 'Old Ship Inn' where we had an excellent meal.  'Golden Lion' and 'London Inn' all traditional pubs with fairly friendly staff.


Padstow - Wednesday 6th July 2011 - Day 61

Selene tucked into the harbour wall amongst the fishing boats and other weather bound visiting yachts.
Took the free Tesco bus up to the suppermarket on the outskirts of the town and strolled back stopping at the Social club on the way.  At the harbour met Bill in the 'Old Custom House' where we were entertained watching the inefficient bar staff.  For holiday makers, Padstow is a thriving centre for day trips but unfortunately there were no smiling faces.  The wind and rain may have been a bit of a downer but there are lots of cafes, galleries, and curiousity shops.  Amazingly, there are three different cornish pasty shops all together in one small street and they were all very good.
A meal at night in the 'Old ship' and nightcap in the 'Shipwright'.

Padstow - Thursday 7th July 2011 - Day 62

Bill went off for the day across the river to the small hamlet of Rock.

The attraction there for Bill is an establishment owned and run by Jamie Oliver the television chef, while I took off for a walk along the river out of town on a photo-shoot.  Rick Stein another television chef has many different establishments in the town of Padstow, including a sea food school for budding chefs.  On the night, we went to his fish and chip shop which of course was full.  You sit on bench seats at large tables where your meal is served in a box.  The only difference I found was the batter inwhich the fish was cooked had more of a tangy taste.  Another visit to the Social club finished off the day.

Padstow - Friday 8th July 2011 - Day 63                                                                                             

A view over the hills outside Padstow up the Camel river towards Wadebridge.  Down stream you have the stunning views of the bay and headlands.  There are numerous sandy beaches and sandbanks to be seen at low water with many visitors taking advantage at the waters edge.  Strolling back to the town you pass Prideaux Place Manor House and the deer in the field opposite.  The walls surrounding the fields are made from slate which is laid vertically while local church yard the gravestone are also of slate. 

An evening meal in the Old Ship and night caps in the London Inn finished off another day in Padstow.

                     

                         

Milford Haven, Wales to Padstow, Cornwall - Day 59

Milford Haven to Padstow - Monday 4th July 2011 - Day 59

At 05.00 we left the Dale Bay pontoon with a spectacular sunrise and half an hour later we were out at sea.

West Cardinal Mark

This is an west cardinal buoy marking one of the entrances into the haven, as from the photo, you can see they are large structures and should be treat with respect.  We set full sail on passing and left the engine running charging the batteries.  The sea was flat with a small south westerly swell with almost a cloudless sky and warm sunshine.  Alright for sun bathing but not for sailing and jib was furled by 09.00.  10 miles out from the haven we were passing oil tankers at anchor on the Turbot bank inwhich there were five in number.  By 12.00 the main was dropped and we were motor-boating with the wind coming from ahead.

With the big expanse of the Bristol Channel and with not much shipping, we were keeping two hour watches and how to be entertained.
The sea life is the answer, these fellows kept us enthralled most of the way across.  They are stripped dolphins either running as a pair or pods with the whole family.  You can see them leaping out of the water as they come racing in from 1/2 mile away either coming from the beam or quarter.  Quickly turn as they reach the boat and head for the bow where they spent a little time dodging back and forward across the bow.  These are mostly the bigger ones while the younguns wait there turn.

 
In this photo the reflection is the bow of the boat.
We were motoring along at about five knots and from the bows, if I had leaned over while they came up for air, I am sure I could of touched the fin but we did make eye to eye contact.  These wonderful playful creatures are also big feeders and I witnessed at one stage just behind the boat, they had circled a small shoals of fish and were feeding, while slowly circling and coming out of the water, squealling (talking) to each other.  The first time I have heard these amazing sounds in the wild.

This photo shows one of them racing up to the boat.  These were not the only sea life out here, we also caught the glimpse of the fin and arched back of a minke whale.  Sea birds were in abundance, gannets, puffins, guillemots, petrels and gulls. 





When within range, called Padstow Harbour Master on the mobile, requesting berthing permission who informed the gates would be closed at 22.30.  It was going to be tight, and we cracked on at best we could.  The light was fading fast as we passed Newland Island, the entrance into Padstow Bay. Called the Harbour Master on the VHF while passing Greenaway Buoy and had twenty minutes left, so it was full power up the river.  This became hairy as we raced along in the buoyed channel.  It was my first time here but with forward planning had read all the instructions on how to enter the port. It does not tell you how to spot the red and green markers against the shore line or other moored boats' lights.  Picked my way through them at speed and shot through the outer pier entrance to see the Harbour Master on the quay waving us into the inner harbour, allocated a place on the quay and shut the gate behind us with one minute over time.   Thank you Bob, very much appreciated, we had travelled 74 miles in 18 hours and another milestone, I had completed 1000 miles on this voyage.

Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, Wales - Days 57,58

Milford Haven - Saturday 2nd July 2011 - Day 57

While in the marina, Bill went off to the shops and laundry.  He got into conversation with the RNLI personnel running a local stand who were doing safety checks on life jackets, Bill (governor of RNLI) took ours along and they all passed.  Meanwhile Stuart came to assist in the replacement of a broken stanchion foot on the boat.

This marina situated in the Milford dock has wonderful facilities and you are made most welcome.
Stuart drove us to his marina at Neyland and in the local chandlers purchased the charts required for our onward journey, then off to a caravan shop for an electrical extension cable for the boat.  An additional one of these was essential, as the power required for the boat at night is insufficient with the battery power available on board.  Namely, shore supply is required to run the heater and entertainment systems.

Stuart then took us for a tour of the area including the beautiful Manorbier which is also a Territorial Army training and firing range, where from the cliff, you look onto a sandy secluded cove with spectacular views over the Bistol Channel towards Lundy Island, North Devon and Pendine Beach.

Stuart then took us to his home in Pembroke and met his wife Fiona who made us a wonderful meal and we were royally entertained.  The drive back was past Pembroke castle which is in beautiful situation on the river bank. At he marina we finished off another wonderful day in the usual manner with nightcaps in the nearest bar.







Milford Haven - Sunday 3rd July 2011 - Day 58

This was declared an easy day, Bill is off to the shops for his coffee morning while I washed down the boat.  For lunch we went to the marina Martha's Vineyard for an excellent roast beaf and steak sizzler.

The next day we wanted an early start to get across the Bristol Channel but the tides for the lock were not in our favour, so we decided to leave in the evening.  We left the pontoon at 18.30 through the now free-flow lock and into the Haven.  The photo shows the latest gas terminal unloading complex, where most of the supply to the UK is imported, after its transportation aboard giant tankers from Quatar in the Persian Gulf.                                                                   

A one hour run from the marina and we were sitting on a waiting pontoon in Dale Day at 20.00 in a lovely spot and an early night.                                                                                                                 

Fishguard to Milford Haven - Day 56

Fishguard to Milford Haven - Friday 1st July 2011 - Day 56

We said farewell ot Richard and left the quay at 08.00.  An hour later and we were 1/4 mile off Strumble Head lighthouse.

St. David's Head Lighthouse

The main was set as a steadying sail as we motor-sailed for the day in very light airs with beautiful sunshine. By 11.30 we were off St David's Head and turning the corner into Ramsey Sound.  Here the tide has to be right in this narrow strip and we shot through with the tide, attaining a speed over the ground of 10.2 knots.  Once through, into Saint Brides Bay where seven oil tankers were lying at anchor.  At 13.00 we were passing Skomer Island a well known bird sanctuary where we saw some of the puffins.  Skokholm Island lies near to the south and we were passing St Ann's lighthouse at 14.00 and made our approach into Milford Haven.

This very large natural harbour is home to the oil refineries of the major oil companies and recently the main terminals for the import of natural gas.  These large vessels discharging their valuable cargoes are passed as you make your way into Milford Lock and await your entry into the marina.  By 16.15 we were alongside B10 pontoon after a beautiful days run, especially past Ramsey and Skomer Islands.                                                                                                                                                      

In the evening Stuart Walder, another Tallship Engineer came to the marina and we met in Martha's Vineyard, where we had a lovely steak sizzler meal and finished off in the very noisy marina Habour Master bar.                                                                                                                                              

Aberystwth to Fishguard - Day 55

Aberystwth to Fishguard - Thursday 30th June 2011 - Day 55

The way the wind was blowing and without using the engine, mooring ropes were let go and the boat came perfectly off the pontoon into the channel, then motored out of the harbour, back at sea 08.00.
Full sail was soon set and auto-helm, smooth sea, sunny skies and close hauled on the starboard tack.
Off Cemaes Head we began to lose the wind and practiced helming in the light airs.  We were looking into a beautiful bay which leads up into Cardigan, the soft rolling hills with the fields of many shades of green made a wonderful foreground.

Fishguard Quay

At 17.00 we were in Fishguard Bay and permission had been granted by the Port Manager for us to berth on the town quay.  This had been arranged by Richard Czuchar, who I had worked with on the Tallship Prince William while drydocking in Hull prior to her sale.
Richard took our lines and we were invited on board the ship he is presently working on, see photo.
The fast catamaran Stena Lynx 3 is on the Rosslaire run to Ireland.  We were given a very nice meal and a tour of the ship.  A walk ashore to the two pubs were very nice as we exchanged stories with the other crew members of the Lynx.  Our booked taxi did not turn up so we strolled back to the yacht after having spent another excellent day and meeting up with an old friend.

Aberystwth, Wales - Days 53,54

 

Aberystwth - Tuesday 28th June 2011 - Day 53

Bill went off to the local laundry and later in the afternnon we went looking for hardware stores for tools for the boat.
Aberystwth is home to the University of Wales, most of the students were away after their exams and the luck ones were back receiving their degrees.  The town is dominated by the University buildings and student accomodation while the sea front/promenade with its shingle beach has large terraced  hotels, catering for the many holiday makers from years gone by.  There are some unusual and fine examples of architecture alongside the many churches.  One such place is Weatherspoons which is built into the still functioning railway station.  There is even a blue plaque outside from Network Rail congratulating them on their conversion.  It was steak night in Weatherspoons so we ate there before moving onto the Varsity pub and back to the Fountain Inn next to the marina for the nightcaps.

Aberystwth - Wednesday 29th June 2011 - Day 54

Another free day so off on the tourist trail.  At the end of the promenade you come to the cliff cable car railway and from the top is this view of Aberystwth.  Another stroll round the town found all sorts of interesting places though little was heard of the Welsh language.
We now decided we had worked our way through Weatherspoons menu and needed something different.  A Japanese Restaurant took out liking and we were not disappointed with the outcome. On the way back we did called in and said farewell to the staff in the Varsity pub and Fountain Inn.

Caernarfon to Aberystwth - Day 52

Caernarfon to Aberystwth - Monday 27th June 2011 - Day 52

We left the Victoria Dock marina at 07.00 with three other yachts and proceeded down the Straits in sunny, light air conditions and found our way past the sand banks which took an hour to the open sea.
The breeze began to pick up and hoisted full sail at 08.30 and left it to the auto-helm (popeye).
We began reefing the main with the 2nd one in by 11.00 as we shortened sail.
There is an inside passage at Bardsley Island but on our arrival the tidal conditions were not suitable with a race going through the narrows.  We passed outside of the island with the lighthouse 1 3/4 miles off to port.  Once round the corner at noon,  the wind was now coming from behind, so dropped the main and ran with the full genoa alone.  We ran like this for six hours maintaining a good speed and were off the piers by 18.00.  The entrance to Aberystwth with the on shore wind and swell made it difficult but once inside you take a sharp turn to port and into the river which is very shallow in parts and we were alongside the No.67 pontoon at 18.45.  Travelled 60 miles in under twelve hours from berth to berth at an average of 5.2 knots, a very good passage.

Ashore to Weatherspoon's for a meal and then the Varsity pub on the way back we got lost and asked some students the way to the marina.  They gave us the wrong directions so we arrived back after midnight cold and tired.

Caernarfon - Wales - Days 50,51

Caernarfon - Saturday 25th June 2011 - Day 50

Bill went off to the shops and scouting for refreshment establishments while I continued to rest my foot and take the tablets.  In the Harbour Master's office discussed the sailing prospects which were not promising and during the night it was going to get very busy due to the arrival of a fleet of yachts who were taking part in the Three Peaks race.

This is an annual event, this year 32 yachts were taking part.  They start off in Barmouth in Cardigan Bay and race the boats to Caernarfon, on arrival two runners jump off the boat and run to the top of Snowdon and back again.  The yacht crew then set sail while the runners recover. Race yachts to Whitehaven, runners off and they run up and down Scafell in the Lake District.  Next stop Fort William and do the same up and down Ben Nevis.  End of race.  For both crews, sailors and runners it is an amazing event, obviously all very fit and it was a pleasure watching them arrive during the hours of darkness and by the morning they had all left.                                                    

In the evening we had been to My Harbour a bar/restaurant next to the marina for a very good meal.  Into town for the Black Boy pub which was very lively and to calm things down visited the Royal Welsh and Caernarfon Yacht clubs, where we were made most welcome.  The view from the castle balcony of the Royal Welsh across the Menai straits was very impressive.

Caernarfon - Sunday 26th June 2011 - Day 51                                                                                  

Awoken by the local lifeboat at 06.30 revving his engine with his attend inshore craft within the marina.  At 06.45 discussions with Harbour Master and decided to abort the sailing with head winds which would impede our progress down to Bardsley Island.                                                           

Caernafon Castle

 As it was a very pleasant sunny day, time out to be a tourist.  First it was into Weatherspoons for our Sunday lunch then a stroll around the town which was full of visitors.  The number of Welsh speakers was the most encountered with English very much the second language.  Wonderful to hear children playing in the park, enjoying themselves and talking in a language, I do not understand.  Wherever you go, firstly you are greeted in Welsh, a wonderful touch and long may this continue.  Back on board for the evening awaiting an early start next day.                             

                                                                  

                                                                                      

Holyhead to Caernafon - Day 49

Holyhead to Caernafon - Friday 24th June 2011 - Day 49

At 08.00 left marina and passed the pier head by 08.30, the North Stack lighthouse we passed futher to the north and missed the overfalls.  The even more impressive South Stack lighthouse situated on an island with access over a bridge to the cliff tops passed at 09.45, by this time we had full sail up.
We had a very good run down with a very favourable wind and arrived at the Menai Straits, Caernafon bar too early and waited for the tide.

This is a very tricky passage as at the entrance and you have to stay within the buoyed channel.  These are re-positioned every year as the very fast tide moves the sand and alters the channel. The marina is five miles up the Menai Strait and with a fast flowing flood tide the entrance is fairly narrow and has to be judged with care as the walls are not forgiving.  We were rafted up against two other yachts by 15.30 with castle as a backdrop and rain beginning to fall.
By 16.30, I was in the medical centre luckily at the other end of the marina.  The doctor pronounced acute gout and gave me a prescription for a bucket load of tablets and informed the cause can be brought on by tomatoes.  First time I heard this one, as I eat tomatoes like sweets and have them everyday but not now.  Hobbled to the chemist in castle square where the pharmicist gave more good information on the treatment of gout.
Into Weatherspoons for a meal and orange before returning to the yacht club next to the marina, where we were made most welcome.
The rain never stopped from our arrival and it lashed down during the night.