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20 August 2010
Falmouth to Dartmouth on Brighton Belle
Saturday morning 6/7/8 – 6 o’clock on 7th day of eighth month 2010 found us in Brighton, outside Nigel’s house, loading the car in readiness for the 7-hour car journey to Falmouth.

Once there – the crew changeover was friendly and good-natured.Nigel, as skipper, Bob as Mate, Linda, Leon, John and Sheila and I made up the 7.

The overall holiday passage plan was to make the Solent in 7 days. Given that we were at Mylor Marina just upriver from Falmouth, and Fowey was but a few hours sail away in the right direction, the decision was made to sail off immediately and make for the pretty harbour of Fowey.


Sailing away from the jetty was interesting as the wind on the stern quarter pushed the boat onto the jetty and, what with other boats around, effectively trapped the boat onto its moorings.

Nigel demonstrated elegant boat-handling mastery by reversing the way we laid at the jetty and then sailing straight out into the eye of the wind. Simple when you know how.

The 4-hour passage was a joy and those of us who had not sailed on Brighton Belle before were introduced to the very stable sailing that the boat enjoys. Sails were set and the wind just right, we turned left out of Falmouth and didn’t use the engine again until we sauntered into Fowey to pick up a mooring buoy as the sun went down.

The following day we enjoyed various relaxing activities. Some went for a walk, some went shopping and I did one of the messing-about-in-boats that I really enjoy – taking the tender up river and exploring the nooks and crannies.

Drinks at the yacht club lunchtime and then repair back to the boat for a snooze. What could be better? I had developed a cold and the wheezes, and that is not a pleasant combination for anyone.

Next morning we set off for Dartmouth – a longer sail of around 10 hours.
Skipper ordered me below to relax, so I did. Fabulous sail, with wonderful views of Eddystone lighthouse, as we romped past.

Pulling into Dartmouth was interesting. The harbourmaster has allocated (exactly) a 55’ space. We hadn’t told him we have a tender on davits of the stern so we really need getting on for 60’. There then followed another masterful display of putting the boat exactly where is should be with almost no leeway either end. Anxious boat owners fore and aft, spectators on the jetty - but they never need have feared. Nigel was at the helm.

Supper was interesting. John and Sheila prpared supper which was to be chilli con carne. You know what they say about “always read what it says on the tin”. Well if you use the tins, thinking it’s mild (when it’s strong) and then add a “bit extra” to make it tasty – you will be in for a lot of laughing at the supper table as we worked our way through what was effectively a vindaloo. Good fun, a good laugh and well hot.

My sneezes and wheezes were not improving. I made the decision that, if by morning, the position was not markedly improved I would take myself home by train. I can understand what a pain it is to have that on board in a small space and lots of germs – not a legacy I want to leave behind.

The following day it rained that gentle rain of Devon. The weather wasn’t cold – but I had one – so I took myself off home by train.

Meanwhile back on board …………………………
Ref: 3514
01 May 2010
If I had all the money in the world - which I do not. I would do exactky what I am going to do - so that must be the real measure of success.

Tomorrow I go sailing. Acting as delivery crew on a 50 ft yacht from Palermo to Mahon via Sardinia. What a trip - around 550 nautical miles - expected jouney time around 100 hours - so several night times to be on watch.

Night sailing on a yeacht is absolutely a fabulous experience providing that the wind is not too strong the skies are clear (so you can see the stars) and no big sea running.

If, on the other hand it's blowing hard with a nasty sea running then it can be both unpleasant and hard work.

Still, when you go to sea you have to take what the sea throws at you and deal with it.

Off to Pattermo tomorrow

Ref: 3513