Today we left St. Evette. Fog and drizzle all the way. Our first wet day at sea. But fortunately not that wet. Sometimes we could see. The rest of the time we depended on radar, AIS and Sea Me. Phil used old money ( a pair of dividers and a chart) to work out how far we could see before we left. (2000 yds). It was less foggy at sea. Sea was OK until just off Point PenMarc'h. The Eckmuhl lighthouse is huge. We stayed 3 miles off and although light winds and calm, without local knowledge I would not have wanted to be any closer. We arrived and tied up at St Marine about 15.15pm. Helped Nick and Rona in shortly after.
Then the sun came out and we have had a brilliant evening. Warm and sunny. How strange is weather.!! Exploring tomorrow.
TiGrA
Waiting for weather in Cherbourg
Monday, 30 May 2011
30th May In St. Marine, Benodet.
Stuck in Camaret longer than expected. Thursday suffered 41 Knot winds in the harbour so goodness knows what it was like at sea. Two Irish chaps arrived from La Coruna and Rona and Nick helped them in on their pontoon. They got the forecast wrong and were out in it. Rona said they looked shell shocked. A boat got pinned to the fuel pontoon and ended up covered in yellow paint and stayed there for two days. We did not feel cowardly for not leaving.!! We could have left Saturday but we decided to leave Sunday and go to St. Evette in the Bay de Audierne. We shopped on Saturday at super U. It turned out to be La Fete de Bonne Maman. I was given a rose and it was a white rose of York. I was very thrilled. I am not sure my boys would subscribe to the Bonne Maman but the thought was nice.
Phil glad to leave Camaret and although the sea food was excellent he was bored. One day of rain is all it takes!!!! Showers and loos not good because open to public. We will only overnight there in future if weather right to carry on next day.
Raz de Sein was OK. Timed perfectly by the skipper. But I refused to let him have a Wazz in the Raz as I thought it was a dereliction of duty to go below. Told him to hang on till I felt safe and we were through.The Vierge lighthouse immense. We took it at low water slack and it was a pussy cat. No wind. ( 8 and 9 gusting 12) I would hate to be caught there in a blow.
A noisy night in St. Evette on a buoy. It was flat calm so I hate to think what it is like when rough. I am getting good at picking up buoys ( even if I say so myself) but no doubt I will get bad again. A shout of no pressure from Mr Jordan who had dropped anchor, was ignored.
Phil glad to leave Camaret and although the sea food was excellent he was bored. One day of rain is all it takes!!!! Showers and loos not good because open to public. We will only overnight there in future if weather right to carry on next day.
Raz de Sein was OK. Timed perfectly by the skipper. But I refused to let him have a Wazz in the Raz as I thought it was a dereliction of duty to go below. Told him to hang on till I felt safe and we were through.The Vierge lighthouse immense. We took it at low water slack and it was a pussy cat. No wind. ( 8 and 9 gusting 12) I would hate to be caught there in a blow.
A noisy night in St. Evette on a buoy. It was flat calm so I hate to think what it is like when rough. I am getting good at picking up buoys ( even if I say so myself) but no doubt I will get bad again. A shout of no pressure from Mr Jordan who had dropped anchor, was ignored.
Thursday, 26 May 2011
Arrival in Finistere ( French for the end of the world)
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| St. Mattieu on the point at the end of the Chanel Du Four |
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| Grand Vinotiere the last sentinel out of the Chanel Du Four |
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| The Vauban Tower at the end of the marina in Camaret |
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| The church of Rocamadour Built for the Irish pilgrims who arrived here on the way to Rocamadour in the Lot . The chancel is shaped like the inside of a boat. |
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| The famous wooden boat graveyard at Camaret. |
24th May Moving on down the Channel Du Four
Had to wait for the right weather and wind before moving on. We had a very windy but fine weekend and Monday was very blustery. The school children were still having lessons on the water however and being rescued every few minutes. ( I'm not sure Elf and Safi Tee would have allowed them out in England. We did get some really good walks in though and a great Sunday lunch at The Captain.Well Tuesday dawned and the day Rona and I didn't really fancy arrived.I had read all the pilot books extensively, written down the buoyage and put Phil's passage plan on to the chart. Annoying him by querying everything. But he did explain everything. All the books say it will be rough to the Portsall buoy and the Four lighthouse. Then if you have the wind with you and the tide it should settle down as the Islands (Ouessant , ILe Molene etc.) protect the channel, which looked very narrow on the chart!
Time to start was 13.00 hours from the Libenter buoy at the mouth of the river. A good time to leave as all the School kids were off the water for lunch so no problems avoiding them. Although it was supposed to be bright and sunny we put full foul weather gear on in case we shipped water. ( And it was a bit grey any way). Where was the promised sun? We put up the main and motored out against a slight foul tied. We bounced and rose up and down like mad things and we were still protected (?)inside the river. Huge walls of blue water, looking like the inside of glaciers was bouncing over the rocks. It looked very beautiful and very frightening at the same time. We got to Libenter and turned left. The die was cast. Rona and Nick went towards the coast and we went further out. The forecast had been for 2 to 3 meter swell with half a meter waves. It was at least that but they were all rolling in one direction and the sun came out on queue. It was rough. Passed the Portsall buoy on to the Four lighthouse. I saw the Four lighthouse in the distance but by the time we arrived I was down below doing a plot. And being asked by the skipper what I was doing on the floor. ( Not on the floor really just picking up the contents of the chart table which had found their way there after a particularly big bit of swell). After that it got warm. The sea settled to a pussy cat, 5- 7 knts of wind, motoring and the channel seemed very large. We passed CROSS CORSEN on the cliff. ( A French Dover or Brixham or Solent). We passed St. Mattieu and we were through. A weak tide against Genoa up 14 knts of wind but not much of a sail and in to Camaret Sur Mare for R & R and sit out expected foul weather. Hurrah!!!!! Beers with Nick and Rona and a large Brandy and lemonade all round. A very early night and a good sleep.
Time to start was 13.00 hours from the Libenter buoy at the mouth of the river. A good time to leave as all the School kids were off the water for lunch so no problems avoiding them. Although it was supposed to be bright and sunny we put full foul weather gear on in case we shipped water. ( And it was a bit grey any way). Where was the promised sun? We put up the main and motored out against a slight foul tied. We bounced and rose up and down like mad things and we were still protected (?)inside the river. Huge walls of blue water, looking like the inside of glaciers was bouncing over the rocks. It looked very beautiful and very frightening at the same time. We got to Libenter and turned left. The die was cast. Rona and Nick went towards the coast and we went further out. The forecast had been for 2 to 3 meter swell with half a meter waves. It was at least that but they were all rolling in one direction and the sun came out on queue. It was rough. Passed the Portsall buoy on to the Four lighthouse. I saw the Four lighthouse in the distance but by the time we arrived I was down below doing a plot. And being asked by the skipper what I was doing on the floor. ( Not on the floor really just picking up the contents of the chart table which had found their way there after a particularly big bit of swell). After that it got warm. The sea settled to a pussy cat, 5- 7 knts of wind, motoring and the channel seemed very large. We passed CROSS CORSEN on the cliff. ( A French Dover or Brixham or Solent). We passed St. Mattieu and we were through. A weak tide against Genoa up 14 knts of wind but not much of a sail and in to Camaret Sur Mare for R & R and sit out expected foul weather. Hurrah!!!!! Beers with Nick and Rona and a large Brandy and lemonade all round. A very early night and a good sleep.
Sunday, 22 May 2011
Photos for Journey to L'Aber Wrac'h
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| You can just see the dolphins. It was a perfect day here. |
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| A better picture |
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| The famous Libenter buoy.Note rocks behind and lighthouse to left. |
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| The channel marker Petit Pot de Beurre. (The little butter pot) Down the channel towards the marina. |
More L'Aber Wrac'h
We arrived at the marina shortly and managed to find a space on the inside of the wave break. As we were expecting bad weather later, we were very pleased. Had our usual domestic as I never get off how Phil wants me to. I keep telling him I get off when I can and how I can). No one came to help but as weather got worse the port boat arrived and started helping people.
We had to open all the hatches. Phil disconnected the hot battery. I opened a neutradol(fresh air pot) and thanked our lucky stars. Although L'Aber Wrac'h is a very important staging post for yachts waiting to go down the Channel de Four there is no chandlers so we will replace batteries when we can.
Apparently I missed a bit of excitement whilst in the showers as a sailing school boat came in and nearly took our front off but Phil was there to fend.
I cooked a curry which got rid of the final yucky smell of boiling battery and we had drinks with Nick and Rona before an early night.
The expected wind arrived about 0.400 hrs with a bang. Rain and a lot of noise. then I heard a boat come in. It was just light and there was a lot of shouting as they tried to turn on to the outside of the wave break, across the tide.( The inside was full). They must have had a hell of a sail and when they arrived there were no cleats on that side so more shouting trying to hold the boat and looking for cleats.Don't you just love sailing? (well moving from place to place in a boat)
We had to open all the hatches. Phil disconnected the hot battery. I opened a neutradol(fresh air pot) and thanked our lucky stars. Although L'Aber Wrac'h is a very important staging post for yachts waiting to go down the Channel de Four there is no chandlers so we will replace batteries when we can.
Apparently I missed a bit of excitement whilst in the showers as a sailing school boat came in and nearly took our front off but Phil was there to fend.
I cooked a curry which got rid of the final yucky smell of boiling battery and we had drinks with Nick and Rona before an early night.
The expected wind arrived about 0.400 hrs with a bang. Rain and a lot of noise. then I heard a boat come in. It was just light and there was a lot of shouting as they tried to turn on to the outside of the wave break, across the tide.( The inside was full). They must have had a hell of a sail and when they arrived there were no cleats on that side so more shouting trying to hold the boat and looking for cleats.Don't you just love sailing? (well moving from place to place in a boat)
21st to L'Aber Wrac'h (The valley of the Fairies in the local Bretagne language
Left Trebeurden at 8.45 to push a little weak tide across the Baie de Morlaix so we would have the strong tide with us all the rest of the way.Fine ans sunny with not much wind but a short chop to begin which was bad for getting in fenders etc. We decided that the outside of the Isle de Batz was a better idea than the inside track and we had quite a rough sea on the corner. Lots of big rolling swell and Stressbreaker behind us kept disappearing completely from view but wind still light so motor sailing with main up and genoa out. Suddenly Phil shouted 'Dolphins!' and within seconds we were surrounded by 6 or 7 dolphins that jumped and danced and played all around the boat for some little while. Me trying hard to watch and photograph but boat was really up and down. Eventually they went. The next part of the journey to the next mark seemed to take quite a while. (Are we nearly there yet) and we could see the lighthouse at the end of the river hours before we got here. I slept for about an hour in the warm. The first day without all our heavy clothing. Then the sun went in , the wind got up, 16 -20 on the nose so we took genoa in (it worked) and I groaned as the sea also go up as wind against tide which is OKish at 9 Knots but not nice at that wind speed. Astonishingly we saw a man in a very small fishing boat standing up fishing. (Mad the French)Then I went below to make another drink and there was a funny smell. I looked everywhere but didn't mention to Phil. Next time I went down it was worse. Opened door in to front cabin and it was vile ,bad egg gas. I shouted to Phil who said to look under the bed as it sounded like a battery over heating. Took the mattress off the bed (bouncing along as you do ). The battery compartment was red hot. These batteries are the only ones we had not replaced and they are connected to the bow thruster which we hardly ever use. They are completely sealed so no maintenance but had been checked as best we could before we left. We are heading for the Libenter buoy the sea is now very rough and has already head to wind we took the main down as when we rounded the Libenter we did not know what sea room we would have. I wondered whether to throw a fire blanket over the battery. In the end we ignored it as best we could and concentrated on getting in to port!!!!It was Saturday afternoon and although very rough and now no sun, so murky and everyone and his uncle was sailing in the river. Small boats, wind surfers, canoes and channel not that wide. We concentrated very hard on looking for the channel markers.
Trebeurden Photos 2
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| Rona, Nick, and Phil and a french chap crossing the dry sea bed to Isle Millau at low tide |
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| You always get one!!! |
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| Ceremonial but what ceremony? |
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| A bit Easter Island |
Saturday, 21 May 2011
20th May Trebeurden
Trebeurden is a very nice small town with a good marina and great beach. Lots of pre history. Menirs and Allee couvert. Sort of miniature Stonehenges and standing stones. We had a great time there. We crossed over to Isle Millau when the tide was out and climbed over rocks all made of the pink granite which is why this is called Le cote de la granite rose.Lots of the stones were sculptured like the stones on Easter Island but by the wind. We madesure we got back before the tide rushed in. We are now travelling in company with Nick and Rona as they travelled all the way from Jersey in one day!!! Weather glorious so we did not put up our 'conservatory'.
The skipper actually read my blog and his only comment was some of my spelling and typing was rubbish. So I apologise to all those who have noticed the odd error but it is uaually written at the end of a long day. I am behind at the moment because our last connection on't t'internet was too slow.
The skipper actually read my blog and his only comment was some of my spelling and typing was rubbish. So I apologise to all those who have noticed the odd error but it is uaually written at the end of a long day. I am behind at the moment because our last connection on't t'internet was too slow.
Thursday, 19 May 2011
Photos from 18th
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| Les Heaux de Brehat |
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| Light House on Les Sept Isle |
19th continued
Ten minutes later the sun came out and I was roasted so back below to strip off. All this hopping about and rolling about with a leg in a pant is exhausting. But Phil did a strip too as we took the main in. We knew we would have to wait till around 17.00 hrs to get over the sill in to the marina so headed in to the bay in trepidation to see if we could a).find the buoys and b). me to gear up to attach a rope to one of them. My record in this department is not good. I blame the equipment and being one eyed with no 3D vision. Any way true to form I missed the buoy first go and skipper asked why. Cos I missed it duh!!! I suggested gently (believe that if you're gullible) that if we ran along side we would have more chance. I missed again but got it before it ran away. Skipper bellowing at my incompetence even though I had done it and I suggested a little gentle encouragement or praise would not go amiss. And for good measure said he could make his own blooming tea. But the good news was the pick up thingammy worked and we were soon sitting in glorious sunshine with a cuppa and a piece of cake. With just under two hours to wait I nodded off. True to form wind got up as we entered marina and we arrived breathless.But helped in by next door boat. (Probably in self defence.). What a cute place.
19th May
Moved to Trebeurden yesterday. Good forecast wind in a reasonable direction and a spring tide running. (I have since found out it was one of the 5 highest of the year!!). Lovely day when we left St. Quay at 07.00 (not early then.) Cup of tea and porridge on. Sun shining and a little tide against until we got round the corner. But thick black clouds ahead. Tide running at six knots wind expected light but NNE so reasonable direction. But went South as we turned and guess what? On the nose and wind against tide. Fortunately light wind against tide so not too bad.But no sailing again. But I wonder where these weather forecasts come from? Phil uses several different reliable sources but at the end of the day you pays your money and takes your choice. We had a little confusion off Lezardrieux we had a mark ahead of us with a lot of rocks and neither of us could find it on the chart! We realised about 15 minutes later that it was a light house quite a way away and at a strange aspect. Phew, what a relief we were no where near it but I swear it looked as though we were heading straight for it. It was dull and not warm. It got lumpy in the channel behind Les Sept Isle ( I only counted 5 but it was murky). We had carefully timed our trip to get the full tide and arrive off Le Crapeau mark at slack. I had just started to feel cold and went to put on an extra layer.
Monday, 16 May 2011
Monday still
Walked to Portrieux yesterday over the cliff. Passed the sea water pool where two (wet suit clad ) people and one dog were swimming. The Semaphore is a military installation with lots of keep out signs and perhaps one should not take photographs?
Quiet day today. Went to market. Here every Monday not as big as in season but butchers excellent. Few shops here other than great Coop Marine selling lots of delicious clothes (take note Ewen and avoid) and fishing gear. Phil bought some (fishing gear , not clothes).
Very overcast and coldish this morning. Nice afternoon and sunbathing taking place on beach out of wind. Phil noticed they were all women and I would have fitted in with the general age group.
However the wind started howling about 16.00. At 18.00 and part way through an early dinner a boat came in and caused a bit of a kerfuffle by missing us just with his anchor. Phil and several men ran to help. They had lost lines over board. Crew off, skipper still on boat careening about. Rib from Capitainerie arrived and towed him around picked up his lines. He waved and thanked everybody for their assistance and I put my fender away. A Dutch boat arrived to repeat the process but rib waiting for him this time.
Quiet day today. Went to market. Here every Monday not as big as in season but butchers excellent. Few shops here other than great Coop Marine selling lots of delicious clothes (take note Ewen and avoid) and fishing gear. Phil bought some (fishing gear , not clothes).
Very overcast and coldish this morning. Nice afternoon and sunbathing taking place on beach out of wind. Phil noticed they were all women and I would have fitted in with the general age group.
However the wind started howling about 16.00. At 18.00 and part way through an early dinner a boat came in and caused a bit of a kerfuffle by missing us just with his anchor. Phil and several men ran to help. They had lost lines over board. Crew off, skipper still on boat careening about. Rib from Capitainerie arrived and towed him around picked up his lines. He waved and thanked everybody for their assistance and I put my fender away. A Dutch boat arrived to repeat the process but rib waiting for him this time.
Monday 16th
The old drying harbour at St. Quay
The vertiginous off ramp at low tide
Saturday, 14 May 2011
Saturday 14th May
Weather very blowy and big noisy gusts in the night. We decided to go on a bus trip to St. Brieuc. A bit disappointing from the historical point of view(i.e. not cute). But great views from the viaduct across the valley and the journey runs a long the coast through Binic etc. Also the Saturday market was excellent. Bought cakes,bread and olives and had a quick look at the cathedral and back for lunch. Rain didn't happen but wind cold when sun not out. Warm under hood, where I fell asleep after cheese,saucisson and wine and raisin bread lunch. ( Pretty potent that raisin bread ). Hence we have had a very late dinner.
May walk to Pontrieux tomorrow along the cliff path. lunch booked at a seafood restaurant.
Skipper's finger nail repainted pink. The story goes that he broke the nail way down. It is sticking up and catches on everything. Plaster wont stay on so I suggested nail polish . Unfortunately I have no clear so pinks the thing. It works a treat and he is beginning to quite enjoy his pink finger. he may be starting a fashion!!!!Lighthouse outside St. Quay.
Cathedral at St. Brieuc
May walk to Pontrieux tomorrow along the cliff path. lunch booked at a seafood restaurant.
Skipper's finger nail repainted pink. The story goes that he broke the nail way down. It is sticking up and catches on everything. Plaster wont stay on so I suggested nail polish . Unfortunately I have no clear so pinks the thing. It works a treat and he is beginning to quite enjoy his pink finger. he may be starting a fashion!!!!Lighthouse outside St. Quay.
Friday, 13 May 2011
What TiGrA did next
Well I am starting to forget what we have done. We arrived in Guernsey about 12 noon. A perfect time to enter the harbour but we stayed out as we wanted to leave on the tide at 08.00 hours French. (Still 07.00 in real money). We actually awoke early so were gone from the pontoon by 07.45 much to my annoyance cos 08.00 hours is 08.00 hours and I'm not sure I was ready to leave. The harbour master gave us a red light and has we did a pirouette decide to be play nice and changed it to green. We motored out in to a bright sunny day. Heading for Brittany and St. Quay d'Armour. Me grumbling, oats not in pan, lunch not made etc. Still we were able to put up the sails and managed to sail quite a reasonable speed on 10 to 14 knots of wind. 2 reefs in main and not a lot of Genoa out as we are still not friends the Genoa and I. We sailed all the way to just beyond Roche Douvre and then the wind dropped. So Genoa in. A bit of a performance as I was waiting for a disaster but it almost behaved itself and we motored on. I must say at this point there was a horrible swell and we both had a headache. Going below to plot, make drinks and food was pretty horrid. Wind over tide. Tide eventually turned and although we still had swell it was not so floppy. Then it got cold because the sun went in. The wind got up (not in forecast) Only 20 Knots but with big gusts.(not in forecast). We were only an hour away from St. Quay so decided to leave the engine on as we were both tired and the weather looked grim.
We arrived in a bit of a blow and really glad to be here, especially when harbour control said we could use the long pontoon!!!! I could get off and tie us up really easily. Wind blew hard all night and forecast not brilliant. We were in bed by 8.45 and didn't wake up until 06.00 hours.
Decided to stay a week. Friday became wash day as tomorrow not expected to be dry. Went to shower block and as we were the only people about and showers 7 minutes ( what a waste for one person) decided to economise and shower together. Halved the cost. Which proves two people can live as cheaply as one.
The skipper is sporting pink nail varnish on one nail and thinks it might start a fashion. More later.
We arrived in a bit of a blow and really glad to be here, especially when harbour control said we could use the long pontoon!!!! I could get off and tie us up really easily. Wind blew hard all night and forecast not brilliant. We were in bed by 8.45 and didn't wake up until 06.00 hours.
Decided to stay a week. Friday became wash day as tomorrow not expected to be dry. Went to shower block and as we were the only people about and showers 7 minutes ( what a waste for one person) decided to economise and shower together. Halved the cost. Which proves two people can live as cheaply as one.
The skipper is sporting pink nail varnish on one nail and thinks it might start a fashion. More later.
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
11/05/11 Wednesday
Didn't expect to post today as we are on a pontoon outside Guernsey Harbour. Can't go in as we expect to leave at 07.00 tomorrow. Again weather permitting. (Tide wrong for timings in and out of Victoria marina.)
We left really early this morning 00.400 BST. Skipper trying the con of using French time 00.500 FST to make it sound better. We could not leave later because we needed to lock in to the end of the Alderney Race. No not an event but one of the largest and scariest tidal gates in the world.
We left without event and apparently didn't even wake Nick and Rona so we get the quiet prize.
It was still dark but Cherbourg looked as though it would have a good day. After a cup of tea and feeling more human I realised we were heading in to thick cloud and it was very cold.
Porridge for breakfast soon followed by a murky vision of the dreaded Cap de la Hague. last year we sailed both ways up and down round the Race and the Cap but not today. Motoring at a gentle 6 knots with wind very firmly on the nose although only 10 knots against the tide we were wizzing along through the water at over 11 knots. We did a lot of bouncing but we soon got in the race proper which is less confused than the cap. I wondered where the sun had gone and where the Belle sea had gone so made a cup of coffee and fed Phil biscuits. We soon spotted Alderney but just the top of the cliffs lit by the sun ,the rest in murk.
Sun in and out and an uneventful arrival in Guernsey. I like uneventful arrivals most of all. Must close as no electricity on pontoon and battery low on computer. Lucky to have t'internet here.
Pictures of TiGrA and Stressbreaker side by side in Cherbourg
Gloomy and brooding Cap de la Hague light house
Skipper waiting for more food and drink
View of Guernsey
Beach at Herm
Jetthou. Sark too far away to see.
We left really early this morning 00.400 BST. Skipper trying the con of using French time 00.500 FST to make it sound better. We could not leave later because we needed to lock in to the end of the Alderney Race. No not an event but one of the largest and scariest tidal gates in the world.
We left without event and apparently didn't even wake Nick and Rona so we get the quiet prize.
It was still dark but Cherbourg looked as though it would have a good day. After a cup of tea and feeling more human I realised we were heading in to thick cloud and it was very cold.
Porridge for breakfast soon followed by a murky vision of the dreaded Cap de la Hague. last year we sailed both ways up and down round the Race and the Cap but not today. Motoring at a gentle 6 knots with wind very firmly on the nose although only 10 knots against the tide we were wizzing along through the water at over 11 knots. We did a lot of bouncing but we soon got in the race proper which is less confused than the cap. I wondered where the sun had gone and where the Belle sea had gone so made a cup of coffee and fed Phil biscuits. We soon spotted Alderney but just the top of the cliffs lit by the sun ,the rest in murk.
Pictures of TiGrA and Stressbreaker side by side in Cherbourg
Gloomy and brooding Cap de la Hague light house
Skipper waiting for more food and drink
View of Guernsey
Beach at Herm
Jetthou. Sark too far away to see.
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
10th May
Nick and Rona arrived yesterday from Brighton. They were in very good spirits after a relatively calm crossing. We invited them for dinner after their afternoon nap. (Necessary because they had travelled overnight and arrived at 12 noon.) We had a great evening. Beer , pasta , strawberries and two bottle of red. Nick and Rona were not stirring when we left to go shopping this morning. However Rona was hanging out the washing when we returned.
We had a busy day yesterday as the wind dropped we unfurled our genoa and put on the new halyard. Phil wanted to go up the mast again but the wind started to blow and we put it off until today and Nick came to save my week and feeble female muscles. Phil had to go up the mast twice and thinks we have fixed the problem for the time being.
We ate with Rona and Nick this evening. It was nice not to cook but no alcohol for us as we are leaving for Guernsey in the morning. And I mean in the morning. I think I have to get up at 5am FST which is Phil's way of conning me as it is really 4am BST again. But we must catch the tide down the Alderney race. Hopefully no mist or fog in the morning or I am going back to bed. ( Note Mike Wilkinson it is all about food again!)
We had a busy day yesterday as the wind dropped we unfurled our genoa and put on the new halyard. Phil wanted to go up the mast again but the wind started to blow and we put it off until today and Nick came to save my week and feeble female muscles. Phil had to go up the mast twice and thinks we have fixed the problem for the time being.
We ate with Rona and Nick this evening. It was nice not to cook but no alcohol for us as we are leaving for Guernsey in the morning. And I mean in the morning. I think I have to get up at 5am FST which is Phil's way of conning me as it is really 4am BST again. But we must catch the tide down the Alderney race. Hopefully no mist or fog in the morning or I am going back to bed. ( Note Mike Wilkinson it is all about food again!)
Saturday, 7 May 2011
Friday 06/05
A busy day.
Phil devised a method of mousing the new Genoa halyard by using weights on the bottom of a mousing line and poking around inside the mast with a tool invented for the job to grab the line and pull it out of the mast in the appropriate place. My only role was to make sure I winched him up and down and up and down and up and I think you have the idea. The first weight got caught and fell off down in to the mast so we have some thing else to rattle and roll about when the wind blows.
Eventually Phil was successful, the air cleared and we went to buy anew Genoa halyard and broke the budget! Throwing cares to the wind we went to the bar for a drink and got back to the boat just as the most horrendous thunder storm began. It rained very hard and went on all night.
We intend to finish the job when the wind stops blowing as we have to get the Genoa unfurled and down to attach the halyard.
I am still trying to work out how this blog works and I think a new brain is called for.
Tomorrow is market day and looks very windy so no work till Sunday I presume.
Phil devised a method of mousing the new Genoa halyard by using weights on the bottom of a mousing line and poking around inside the mast with a tool invented for the job to grab the line and pull it out of the mast in the appropriate place. My only role was to make sure I winched him up and down and up and down and up and I think you have the idea. The first weight got caught and fell off down in to the mast so we have some thing else to rattle and roll about when the wind blows.
Eventually Phil was successful, the air cleared and we went to buy anew Genoa halyard and broke the budget! Throwing cares to the wind we went to the bar for a drink and got back to the boat just as the most horrendous thunder storm began. It rained very hard and went on all night.
We intend to finish the job when the wind stops blowing as we have to get the Genoa unfurled and down to attach the halyard.
I am still trying to work out how this blog works and I think a new brain is called for.
Tomorrow is market day and looks very windy so no work till Sunday I presume.
Thursday 05/05
A day of rest. And working out how to fix Genoa (Skipper). Spoke to Mike and Andy (in Slovenia) on Skype. Weather good if a little windy. Weather coming in. Hood up. This boat is like a black hole. Every time something is put away it disappears!
Friday, 6 May 2011
Wednesday 04/05/11
Up at three and fell about trying to get dressed for half an hour. wearing thermal underwear, three fleece tops, thermal lined babygros ,jacket two pairs of socks ,boots, hat,head band and very thick helmsmans gloves. Eventually went topsides feeling like the michelin man to be set various tasks by skipper which I did very slowly as brain not quite connected to the rest of me. Set out at 4am on a good weather forecast after two days of gale force winds (Remind me that the sea does not flatten out that quickly pleasenext time we are going any where.).Lock quiet with two fishing boats and us. Very dark. No wind so we motored around Beachy Head as the sun came up. Enjoying our first cup of tea of the day. I tried a few pictures of Eastbourne but skipper suggested I could be frightening half of Eastbourne with the flash and I wasn't having much success any way.
We rounded Beachy Head and were able to sailon the Genoa. didn't put the main up as the wind was directly behind us.
Phil ate porridge for breakfast. An hour later he had crisps. An hour later he had biscuity bars. an hour later he had cuppa soup (and yes Andy I did remember to stir it.). An hour later he had another packet of crisps and a round of ham sandwiches. The day progressed thus. Weather was sunny and warm and we enjoyed the sunshine. Wind dropped a bit and we had to motor. We couldn't get a way from the wind as it was directly behind us. We saw at most 18/19 knots. Eventually sailed again. Sea was dreadful. Very confused and lots of white tops but no slamming. I got thrown around a lot below and unfortunately I spent a lot of time down below prepring food and drink and stripping off to use the heads as my bladder was working overtime.
Skipper asked and was given his own above deck facilities. Sun dissapeared about 3.30 and galley shut. We put on engine and arrived in outer rade about 7 pm. Furled genoa and a bang. We came in and moored up to discover genoa halyard on deck. Much annoyance from skipper. Supper, a tot of ginger wine and whiskey and bed with the electric blanket on.
Very glad to be here.
Skipper would like to deny any knowledge of my writings a s unseen by him yet. Although he has just said am I writing war and peace or can we go for a drink. The answer to that being yes!
We rounded Beachy Head and were able to sailon the Genoa. didn't put the main up as the wind was directly behind us.
Phil ate porridge for breakfast. An hour later he had crisps. An hour later he had biscuity bars. an hour later he had cuppa soup (and yes Andy I did remember to stir it.). An hour later he had another packet of crisps and a round of ham sandwiches. The day progressed thus. Weather was sunny and warm and we enjoyed the sunshine. Wind dropped a bit and we had to motor. We couldn't get a way from the wind as it was directly behind us. We saw at most 18/19 knots. Eventually sailed again. Sea was dreadful. Very confused and lots of white tops but no slamming. I got thrown around a lot below and unfortunately I spent a lot of time down below prepring food and drink and stripping off to use the heads as my bladder was working overtime.
Skipper asked and was given his own above deck facilities. Sun dissapeared about 3.30 and galley shut. We put on engine and arrived in outer rade about 7 pm. Furled genoa and a bang. We came in and moored up to discover genoa halyard on deck. Much annoyance from skipper. Supper, a tot of ginger wine and whiskey and bed with the electric blanket on.
Very glad to be here.
Skipper would like to deny any knowledge of my writings a s unseen by him yet. Although he has just said am I writing war and peace or can we go for a drink. The answer to that being yes!
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Day 2
Should have set sail yesterday but gale force winds in Channel made us decide Eastbourne is a really good place to be! Waiting for better winds and fair weather.
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