Having just reread my last entry to the blog I noticed the spelling errors. Typing so fast I realise I could do with a spell checker on the blog site but having spent the last 10 minutes trying to find it I give up and will just have to be more diligent about checking it before posting it. Apologies in advance for any errors I miss.
So on with the update (although not much to report today).....Whilst the rest of the fleet embarked on the next leg of the journey we decided to stay another day and just relax and enjoy the time pottering and doing a few odd jobs on Cygnet. A spot of varnishing is great on a sunny day, and the afternoon was spent updating our blog in the local yacht club with a nice pot of tea whilst 'Gaylord and Sebastian' (aka Robert and Martin), went walkabout and Simon catches a few zzz's.
My first experience of Ireland was one of a relaxed nation of people who were pleasant and welcoming and that has not changed as time has gone on. Sitting here watching the masts in the marina sway about in the wind I try to muster the energy to go for a walk to mingle with the locals again. The temptation to order another pot of tea however takes over and I comfort myself with the fact that when we set off on the next leg of the journey a cup of tea becomes a bit of a luxury which is few and far between. Hmmm. Lovely
Oh well...Looking forward to meeting up with the fleet for the Dublin event!!
Thursday, 30 May 2013
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
The Irsih Adventure continues........
After slippinmg mooring at Wicklow we continued North on the journey. We were bound for Howth in tme for the Dublin weekend. Martin and Robert were in good spirits and the Bromance defintely continues unabated. The coastline of Ireland is so lovely and I can honestly say its been an amazing time. Enough soppiness......... As we approached Howth I was on the helm and Robert was navigating whilst Simon was taking a much needed rest. As we approached Howth we realised that perhaps we should wake Simon. Suffice to say that within 5 minutes we were in the marina, moored up with the Kettle on before he coulde blink. Perhaps next time we should give him a little more time to wake up maybe. .............
That said we have spent the last 24 hours moored up in the Marina whilst the weather makes up its mind. A refreshing shower and a good Yatch club has added to the surroundings. We have watched the Marina Seals put on a show for the locals, and you dont see a boat going down the High Sytreet every day but thats what we have been lucky enough to watch.
Good to catch up with the rest of the fleet too alsthough Bonify is in DL. Hope to catch up with her at thje weekend weather permitting of course.
Martin will be heading off for the Isle Of Man soon, but we shall catch up with him at the TT .......
That said we have spent the last 24 hours moored up in the Marina whilst the weather makes up its mind. A refreshing shower and a good Yatch club has added to the surroundings. We have watched the Marina Seals put on a show for the locals, and you dont see a boat going down the High Sytreet every day but thats what we have been lucky enough to watch.
Good to catch up with the rest of the fleet too alsthough Bonify is in DL. Hope to catch up with her at thje weekend weather permitting of course.
Martin will be heading off for the Isle Of Man soon, but we shall catch up with him at the TT .......
Wed 29th May 2013 The Irish Adventure............
Well its been a few days since I updated the blog. Partly because we have been a tad busy sailing across the Irish sea but also because the signal is rubbish. So its about time I gave you a run down on the activity. Sinmon's friend Martin joined us at Milford Haven. A nice chap who has kept us entertained with his humour. But he has also kept us awake ever since with his dulcet tones .......... never known anyone to snore so loudly! Enough said about that. Suffice to say however that Robert was very happy to have a new member of crew joining us. They remind me of Hinge and Bracket when they get together, or 'Gaylord and Sebastian' as Simon said and has spent the rest of the week referring to them as just that. All I can say is there is definitely a little Bromance going on here!!!!
Anyway back to the all important points about the journey. Since leaving Milford we headed over the Irish coast to Wexford. A beautiful little place with very friendly people. We kissed the ground as we stepped ashore for the first time on Irish soil before heading into the town for the nearest pub (as all good sailors do)with typical Irish music that served 'damn good Guiness' according to Martin. We spent a very pleasant evening and night there before setting off early the next morning bound for the north.
The journey there was a little interesting since the wind increased to about 30 knots. We \moored in Wicklow for the night. It was a lovely little place to find shelter and the locals in the Yatcht club made us feel very welcome as we walked in looking windswept and coled. The roaring fire obviously helped of course. After a restful sleep we woke to lots of rain. We visited the local RNLI and were given a tour of the station and its history. It was a lovely surprise to hear that one of the station crew took part in Hilary Lister's Round Britain challenge also. We retired to the boat to make preparations for the next leg of the journey.........
Anyway back to the all important points about the journey. Since leaving Milford we headed over the Irish coast to Wexford. A beautiful little place with very friendly people. We kissed the ground as we stepped ashore for the first time on Irish soil before heading into the town for the nearest pub (as all good sailors do)with typical Irish music that served 'damn good Guiness' according to Martin. We spent a very pleasant evening and night there before setting off early the next morning bound for the north.
The journey there was a little interesting since the wind increased to about 30 knots. We \moored in Wicklow for the night. It was a lovely little place to find shelter and the locals in the Yatcht club made us feel very welcome as we walked in looking windswept and coled. The roaring fire obviously helped of course. After a restful sleep we woke to lots of rain. We visited the local RNLI and were given a tour of the station and its history. It was a lovely surprise to hear that one of the station crew took part in Hilary Lister's Round Britain challenge also. We retired to the boat to make preparations for the next leg of the journey.........
Monday, 20 May 2013
Saturday 18th May 2013 Off we jolly well go.........
Saturday morning saw a lovely start to the day. After a good nights sleep and a shower we retired to the local cafe for a hearty brunch (should have been breakfast but Robert was fixing the toilet again whilst Simon set about making preparations for the next stage of the journey)
We then set off at 14.00 hrs on the next leg and with the Mizzen, Jib and Staysail and couple of reefs in the Main, we then embarked on turning the corner around lands end which seemed symbolic somehow as it now meant we were heading north.
A long passage was ahead of us and couldnt wait to ghet tyo Milford to catch up with the rest of the fleet and the meal at the DALE yatcht club. We soon settled into a routine which was going really welll until I went down into the galley for a rest. When I got up a little while later I stumbled and soon came into contact with the wood below one of the port holes. Fortunately the bopat was ok but my cheek and eye soon swelled up. I then started to experience a slight degree of nausea and thought it best to get up on deck. I manged to get up just in time to avoid getting rid of the hearty brunch all over the Skipper! Once the nausea had took hold however it was set to stay for a while. Mal de mer at its best meant that I cradled the winch for a few hours before the Skipper very sensibly told me to go and lie down below. I fell asleep very quickly and woke several hours later feeling very guilty at abandoning my post. But the sight of a Pod of Dolphions following us for miles was just worth every moment. It was pretty special and something I shall never forget. The crossing was a little choppy but quickly forgotten when we saw the dolphins. We arrived at Dale Yatcht Club in the afternoon and after a bite to eat and a rest (as well as the all important shower) we met up with the OGA team for Dinner in the Yatcht Club. Suffice to say a good time was had by all and the food was very good. The entertainment from some of the OGA members was very welcome indeed to aqnd most unexpected. I returned home for work with a smile on my face and in the hope that when the next leg of the journey starts my shiner of a black eye will have receded. In the meantime I look forward to the next leg with continued enthusiasm and ponder about how sad I will feel when the adventure finishes.
We then set off at 14.00 hrs on the next leg and with the Mizzen, Jib and Staysail and couple of reefs in the Main, we then embarked on turning the corner around lands end which seemed symbolic somehow as it now meant we were heading north.
A long passage was ahead of us and couldnt wait to ghet tyo Milford to catch up with the rest of the fleet and the meal at the DALE yatcht club. We soon settled into a routine which was going really welll until I went down into the galley for a rest. When I got up a little while later I stumbled and soon came into contact with the wood below one of the port holes. Fortunately the bopat was ok but my cheek and eye soon swelled up. I then started to experience a slight degree of nausea and thought it best to get up on deck. I manged to get up just in time to avoid getting rid of the hearty brunch all over the Skipper! Once the nausea had took hold however it was set to stay for a while. Mal de mer at its best meant that I cradled the winch for a few hours before the Skipper very sensibly told me to go and lie down below. I fell asleep very quickly and woke several hours later feeling very guilty at abandoning my post. But the sight of a Pod of Dolphions following us for miles was just worth every moment. It was pretty special and something I shall never forget. The crossing was a little choppy but quickly forgotten when we saw the dolphins. We arrived at Dale Yatcht Club in the afternoon and after a bite to eat and a rest (as well as the all important shower) we met up with the OGA team for Dinner in the Yatcht Club. Suffice to say a good time was had by all and the food was very good. The entertainment from some of the OGA members was very welcome indeed to aqnd most unexpected. I returned home for work with a smile on my face and in the hope that when the next leg of the journey starts my shiner of a black eye will have receded. In the meantime I look forward to the next leg with continued enthusiasm and ponder about how sad I will feel when the adventure finishes.
Saturday, 18 May 2013
Wed 16th May 2013 Round 2 - Leaving Bucklers Hard.
Well it was time to embark on the second leg of our journey. Trying hard at this present moment in time to think up some witty blog like 'Bonify's' but fail miserably so after much pondering here goes.............After travelling down this morning we quickly got on board and made preparations to embark having brought the missing items from the last loeg. It was a trifle windy ...... SW Force 5/6 (and therefore a few reefs in)...... but we endeavoured to set out and at least get some miles in and try to catch up the rest of the OGA fleet who are doing so well and we check their progress regulary. We moored up for a short respite, after several hours of 'man versus nature', then set off again, fed, watered and suitably rested. With the tide in our favour and the wind eased we were soon sailing past Corfe Castle in the distance. Spoilt for choice we also had the pleasure of the pretty coastline along Lulworth Cove etc to look at as we headed for Weymouth on a lovely sunny morning and a sea that glistened and shimmered as we sailed through it. Such pleasures to be had on this trip. We stopped off at Weymouth and had a lovely breakfast in a waterfront cafe before heading out again with a rather pleasing south easterly wind in Cygnet's favour.
Simon and Robert sailed through the night and pulled into Newlyn at 4pm. I met up with them in the evening after travelling down. We all retired to the Pub as all good sailors do and had an entertaining evening chatting to some of the local fisherman in the bar along with the Crew of Witch before retiring to bed for a good nights sleep. Today's weather looking good for a sail to Milford and are pleased to have Witch as company en route.
Simon and Robert sailed through the night and pulled into Newlyn at 4pm. I met up with them in the evening after travelling down. We all retired to the Pub as all good sailors do and had an entertaining evening chatting to some of the local fisherman in the bar along with the Crew of Witch before retiring to bed for a good nights sleep. Today's weather looking good for a sail to Milford and are pleased to have Witch as company en route.
Friday, 10 May 2013
Wednesday 8th May Bucklers Hard Marina
After a restful night's sleep and a very refreshing shower, it was time to give Cygnet a look over after the first sail. Being moored up and tucked away from the changing weather pattern it was an ideal opportunity to give her a little TLC and service after behaving so well on the first leg of the journey. There was also a little list of jobs to keep the crew occupied - the fridge had stopped working, and the tap wouldnt pump, to name a few. It quickly became apparent why the fridge had stopped working however when we discoved that whilst installing the beautifully crafted wooden cupboards and mirrors above the seats, Simon had inadvertently drilled a hole straight through the wire that powered the fridge. That caused a few laughs as one can imagine. Impressive to get it so central too! After a late lunch we then had the opportunity to have a little explore around the Marina as it had been quite an important area for ship building in the 18th Century. Beautiful area.
Monday 6th May 2013 The start of the Adventure
This was the day that we had been leading up to for the last few months with all the preparation. The boat was stocked with supplies, the crew was as ready as it would ever be and the weather was glorious considering it was a bank holiday!
So at 10.30 am on a bright warm, sunny Faversham morning Cygnet sailed out of the creek..... well motored out actually, and we were on our way. Robert had joined us at Faversham and we set of for the 'shakedown sail'. What a glorious way to spend a day.... messing about on the water.
We decided to make the most of the weatherand kept going by breaking the journey up into 2 hour shifts of helming, standby and sleep. This worked well throughout the first day and it wasnt long before the sun was setting as we sailed past dungeness to a very misty eyed crew member who had spent many a year looking out to see watching the beautiful boats sailing by and thinking how wonderful it must be to be out there!
Night sailing was a wondeful time with such a clear sky that the stars looked so beautiful. Saw a few shooting starts that added to the magic. Cygnet was very kind and carried on uncomplaining whilst the crew took it it turns to catch a few zzz's. Which was fine until Simon woke from his doze to find not only myself tucked up in a bunk but Robert dozing in the cockpit. God bless the autopilot is all I can say. We carried on sailing through tuesday and arrived at Bucklers hard in Beaulieu River relatively relaxed after 32 hours. (Hoping Trackaphone will eventually catch us up of course) Not bad for a shake down sail. We then retired to the pub as all good sailors do to make a list of the things needed on the journey.... this included, one forgotten Bretton Plotter, one hand held compass and one pair of dividers. Well.... cant remember everything now can we
So at 10.30 am on a bright warm, sunny Faversham morning Cygnet sailed out of the creek..... well motored out actually, and we were on our way. Robert had joined us at Faversham and we set of for the 'shakedown sail'. What a glorious way to spend a day.... messing about on the water.
We decided to make the most of the weatherand kept going by breaking the journey up into 2 hour shifts of helming, standby and sleep. This worked well throughout the first day and it wasnt long before the sun was setting as we sailed past dungeness to a very misty eyed crew member who had spent many a year looking out to see watching the beautiful boats sailing by and thinking how wonderful it must be to be out there!
Night sailing was a wondeful time with such a clear sky that the stars looked so beautiful. Saw a few shooting starts that added to the magic. Cygnet was very kind and carried on uncomplaining whilst the crew took it it turns to catch a few zzz's. Which was fine until Simon woke from his doze to find not only myself tucked up in a bunk but Robert dozing in the cockpit. God bless the autopilot is all I can say. We carried on sailing through tuesday and arrived at Bucklers hard in Beaulieu River relatively relaxed after 32 hours. (Hoping Trackaphone will eventually catch us up of course) Not bad for a shake down sail. We then retired to the pub as all good sailors do to make a list of the things needed on the journey.... this included, one forgotten Bretton Plotter, one hand held compass and one pair of dividers. Well.... cant remember everything now can we
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