Happy Daze : A journey around the UK and Ireland

Ivans Epilogue

2010-10-05T13:06:00.002+01:00

So there we have it. 'Job Done'. Thinking back now, a lot of the trip is one big blur. The myriad of ports and towns have become one, where people we met, things we saw have all been thrown into the same pot. Perhaps thats the way it should be? It suits me, anyhow.
What would I change? Well for one thing I would have left earlier. That would have given us enough time to get down to Scarborough and then back up to the Orkneys to have properly tied the knot, as they say. Also it would have given us more time to dwell in the nicer places. I would also like to have been able to control the weather, to have fair winds and flat seas with a wave of my omnipotant hand.
Other than that everything was hunky dory. Even though we were keen to reach our destination it was a pity it had to come to an end. As a lifestyle I would have been happy for it to go on for many years. Living on a boat is great. This I swear by the blood of my Gypsy Mother.
Was it what I expected? NO!! Looking through my rose coloured glasses with a mind crammed full of blue sky thinking, off we set. Reality was harder than expected. Long legs in rough seas take their toll. I wouldn't go so far as saying that the best part of sailing is reaching your destination but there were times of great joy when the entrance to a safe haven came into view. Just as joyous were the days when under sail, the pure poetry of making your next port using nature - unforgettable.
What Next?
Get ourselves established on the island. The static caravan is already there (what a job that was!) (serves the pikey right).
Sell Happy Daze. We want to get a good fast work boat - RIB or fast hard boat will have many more applications for an island like Eday. Happy Daze has done what I put her together to do, so off she goes. At some point we will be in the market for a 30+ ft yacht to do the Atlantic circuit. Another project to put a boat together for that job alone!
In the mean time we've got some heaps of stone to pile back up again. So once again, its 'Hi Ho, Hi Ho, Its Off to Work We go...'

Happy Daze folks.

Ivan

Leg 41

2010-09-25T14:23:00.004+01:00

Tingwall to Eday. Sunday 12th September

We had a bit of a lie in, as it was a long (and exciting) day yesterday, and the tides to get across to Eday are not good til early afternoon. We enjoyed making landfall on mainland Orkney, having got there under our own steam! We are nearly at our final destination and it sure does feel good. Its a pleasant sunny morning, and after a mooch on the beach, we enjoy a relaxing coffee on board. We are both itching to get going and finish the journey. A short conversation with the piermaster encourages us to get going a little sooner too, as the forecast is for it to get very windy later on on the day.

The wind is starting to build, and we make fast progress out of Tingwall under sail, with quite a strong tide. We are heading for the South West corner of Eday. Thr trick is to get there at slack tide. If we are too early and catch the tide heading south we will be swept all the way to Kirkwall, without passing go!! This stretch of water is called the Falls of Warness and have some of the strongest tides in Europe - which is why there is a number of tide turbines being developed there as part of a European initiative (EMEC). On this day it is only just past the biggest spring tides of the year (!) and in our impatience to get to Eday, we get to the Falls of Warness a little early, and do catch some tide!

It is a really odd sensation to be motor sailing (again at quite high revs) in a stiff breeze (12-14mph winds) with the bow pointed due north, into the tide, and find yourself travelling at about 1.5 knots in an Easterly direction!! We are just on our 2nd day sailing around Orkney and we are properly experiencing what the tides can do!!!

We inch our way across into the lee of the land, and start making our way in a more orderly fashion toward the East side of the island, to the pier. We get there about 2.30pm, and are really chuffed that we have made it at last. There are 2 new visitor moorings in the bay, so we hook one while we sort out the fenders, then come alongside the pier, step ashore and jump up and down on land in glee!!

This is the intended final destination on our trip round the UK. We know it means we haven't done a full circle as it misses out the East coast of Scotland, and beyond, down to Scarborough, but at this time of year we haven't got the weather with us to get there and back before winter.

Leg 40

2010-09-25T13:59:00.002+01:00

Scrabster to Tingwall. Sat 11th September

We were keen to get going, and so set off out of the harbour as soon as the boat was floating off the slip! A great big tanker had come in to fuel up and I thought we might not get past her stern, but we snook past and were away by about 9.00am. The plan is to go to Stromness. We should just catch slack water in Hoy Sound before it starts ebbing, if we aren't delayed on the way, and so we get the sails up as soon as we can. The tide is strong on our port beam as we go across the firth towards Hoy, and not only slows us down but takes us quite east of our course. By the time we are alongside the Old Man of Hoy, we are running a bit late for slack in the Sound, but we press on. The cliffs are amazing on this West side of Hoy, and as we tuck in close we get a real sense of how high they are. Fantastic. When you go past on the ferry you never really get that close or have time to really look at them.

We speed round the corner of Hoy into the Sound at about 5-6 knots, and so think we might have just made it before the ebb. But as I look across into mid channel I can see some white water on top of some waves - maybe not? We press on, keeping close to the shore of Hoy. Its not looking good though, as we slow down considerably. A sight to behold is that there are literally hundreds and hundreds of cormorants sitting on the water, waiting to dive in and feed. Perhaps that is a sign that the ebb has started! Before we know it we are in mid channel, and the sea is enormous. The ebb definitely has started, almost suddenly, and we are having difficulty controlling our direction of travel. Before we know it we are at full engine revs (testing all the repairs to the full!!!!) pointing in the direction we want to go, but actually travelling backwards at 2 knots!! Time for plan B. Ivan skillfully turns her to port and in a flash we are going back the way we came at almost 11 knots!

Phew.....that was a lucky escape.....Plan B is to keep going up the coast and go through Eynhallow Sound and head for Tingwall harbour, a little ferry pier and fishing harbour just a few miles from Kirkwall. We definitely missed the tide in Hoy Sound, if we don't hurry, we should catch it right to go with the tide through Eynhallow Sound.

It was a pleasant motor up the coast, round the Brough of Birsay, and past the giant cliffs and caves of Costa Head. We saw a few basking sharks too. We glided along Eynhallow Sound, with the tide, and got into Tingwall's little harbour just as the light faded. You would have thought we planned it that way!!!!

Scrabster

2010-09-23T10:51:00.010+01:00

Monday 6th September to Friday 10th September

The weather was wild for the start of the week we spent in Scrabster, then it settled and the sun came out.
Ivan and Rob spent most of their time firstly tracking down a couple of flexible couplings, then fitting them, and shearing one again. Then re-thinking things. We got Happy Daze towed onto a slip, dried out and looked at the prop and discovered that one of the thrust bearings had gone completely, which answered the question of why the flexible couplings were shearing. So a new thrust bearing was ordered, and the flexible coupling was replaced with spacers made by Rob.
Anne & Rob hired a car, to go fetch the other car from Ullapool, so when we had transport we had a couple of little trips out. We went to John O'Groats, the beach, shops and looking at static caravans for us to transport to Eday!
By Friday tea time, all the parts were fitted, and Anne & Rob set off for Scarborough. We tested the prop shaft, the new coupling and bearing when she floated in the evening and she ran very smoothly - Happy Daze! We are off first thing tomorrow, heading for Stromness.
Theres not many that can say they have had a weeks holiday in Scrabster harbour!! Unplanned for us, but thats what this trip is all about!

Leg 39

2010-09-23T10:26:00.007+01:00

Kinlochbervie to Scrabster. Sunday 5th September

The forecast is good for getting round Cape Wrath, but the weather is due to get a bit rough for the rest of the week, so we decide to go for it, and try to get to Stromness or Scrabster. It would be a long day, as its best part of 60 miles. We set off at 5.30 in the morning, so we don't have tide as we go round the Cape, and its a beautiful morning as we head out of Kinlochbervie. Its just me and Ivan on deck, as Anne & Rob have a bit of a lie in! The wind is good as soon as we head north, so we get the sails up, and have a good bit of a sail, making good time, although just as we get near the Cape, and Anne & Rob drag themselves out of bed (very early for them on a Sunday still, as its only 8.30!!) the wind dies, and we have to motor. The scenery is stunning though, and we feel glad to have got this far north, and 'go around the corner'. To me, it feels more of an achievement than Lands End, as not that many yachts venture this far!

We just get round the corner, when there is an almighty crashing sound.......we stop the engine, and Ivan inspects the damage. The flexible coupling between the gear box and the prop shaft has sheared. Shit. We have a spare tho, so Ivan and Rob get it replaced, and within an hour we are back motoring. We have drifted about a mile off the headland to the North West, and it takes an hour, against tide, to gain back the lost ground.

All seems to be going well, and we have motored for about 2 hours, when there is a repeat of the crashing sound! Shit again! The flexible coupling has gone again. There is no second spare. This time we are disabled, about 5 miles East of Cape Wrath, with tide against us for the next 4 hours, wind on the nose and the sea and wind is starting to get up a bit!

We have no choice but to call in a May Day. So, Ivan gets on the radio at midday, calls it in, and we are met by Thurso lifeboat 2 hours later. We get hooked up pretty quickly, and start the long tow to Scrabster harbour. As we get going, the wind increases and the seas get bigger so its not a very comfortable 6 hour passage by any means! We take alot of water over the decks and wheelhouse - a bit like a skipload being dumped on top of us every minute or so! Invariably some makes its way inside, especially through the front hatch and unfortunately all over Anne & Robs bed!
At 8.00pm we get tied up in Scrabster harbour. We are extremely grateful to the Thurso lifeboat crew for coming to get us on a Sunday, when I am sure they would have rather been at home with their families. Our first job in the morning is to get the lads some beers to say thank you for their time.
And then would you believe it, we get to the pub, and they have stopped serving food - we are too late - again!!! But, the staff take pity on us, and serve up soup and sandwiches, Happy Daze! What a Day!

Leg 38

2010-09-23T10:15:00.002+01:00

Lochinver to Kinlochbervie. Sat 4th September
The forecast is for a force 4-5, then 6-7, but then so was yesterday when we had no wind at all! So we set off out of the marina, and there is a good amount of wind, and in our favour, so we get the sails up, turn the engine off and we're off!!
Rob loves it, trying to go as fast as possible, even if it is in the wrong direction!!
We get a good sail all day, and make good time to Kinlochbervie, arriving at the entrance to the small loch just at high water. We find Anne and Rob a nice sheltered bit of wall, and they drop in for a pretty good wall dive. Its a beautiful calm late afternoon as we pootle in to the harbour and tie up on the hammerhead of the pontoon, in the last space - its only a small bit of pontoon!
Showers all round, then off to find tea. So far we have not had too much luck with eating out while Anne & Rob have been with us, either we are too late, they are too busy, or they just haven't liked the look of us (must be Anne & Rob, can't possibly be me or Ivan!!!). When we get to the pub, we are told, that as a group of 14 had booked, and just sat down to order the chef may be too busy to take any more orders, even though we were 30 mins before they stopped taking orders! Just our luck! But, a bit of pursuading and we get to order food - Happy Daze!

Leg 37

2010-09-17T14:47:00.008+01:00

Ullapool to Lochinver Friday 3rd September
Another flat calm sunny day, so we are off to see if we can find a dive for Anne and Rob in the Summer Isles. The sea is like a mill pond as we make passage for the islands. On the way we do a bit of research via iPhones and discover there is a shallow wreck that could be suitable. Once we get to the little bay, the only way to find it is to literally go look for it! So into the tender, Anne navigating with the iPhone, Rob peering over the side with a mask on and Ivan steering - and they actually see the wreck on the sea bed!!! Anne & Rob are soon in the water, and have a grand dive. The pick up is via the tender too - although a bit small to get in, the gear is chucked in and they fin back to the boat! Fun on and in the water had by all!
As we head up the coast to Lochinver, we are joined by a massive pod of dolphins - a real treat. Once in the harbour, there is a mackeral spectacle too - the water is literally boiling with fish, as there is a shoal in there feeding on all the small fry - amazing to see, but we don't catch any, as Anne n Rob veggie, so not an option for tea! A great day had by all.

Ullapool

2010-09-17T14:39:00.005+01:00

Thursday 2nd Sept
The day dawned bright clear and windless. The view on the loch was stunning. Chris was immediately out on deck taking photo's and I was soon with him! I even got to have a go with his 'papparazzi' mega zoom lens! But today Chris is getting the bus, back to Fort William, to pick up his car and drive back to Nottingham. We have all had a great week. We had hoped for a bit more wind n wildlife, but thats Scotland for you - either too much, or none at all !

After Chris departed, we mooched around town in the scorching sun, and about afternoon tea time Anne and Rob arrived from Scarborough. Great to see them again, and after stocking up on beers and treats from Tesco, we were soon heading for the local curry house! We were not disappointed with the food on offer, and fell into bed well fed and watered.

Leg36

2010-09-17T14:28:00.003+01:00

Gairloch to Ullapool Weds 1st September
After a day spent in Gairloch, walking the beaches, sampling the local smoked fish for tea, it was time to move north to Ullapool. An oily flat calm day saw us motoring out of the loch, first of all to a spot that the harbour master said was good for mackeral. So we turned the engine off, got the rods out, and within 30 mins had caught 6 mackeral! Chris was really chuffed as he managed to get 3 on one haul - not bad for someone who hasn't been fishing since he was a 'wee lad'!!! So with tea sorted, we headed north!
It was again absolutely stunning scenery, and although to get to Ullapool, its a 10 mile haul up Loch Broom, the Summer Isles and the surrounding hills are lovely to look at on the way past! The wildlife eluded us again, with only the porpoise showing themselves, along with an occasional seal. I was disappointed that Chris didn't get to see anything more exciting.
We arrived at the new visitor moorings in Ullapool just as it started to rain, so after we had sorted tea out, we didn't go ashore, but instead sampled some more of the whisky out of the bonded stores!

Leg 35

2010-09-17T14:04:00.005+01:00

Plockton to Loch Gairloch Mon 30th August
We were planning on moving on from Plockton on Sunday, but the wind was blowing hard with gusts of 20mph plus, so we had an extra day moored up. We spent some of the day fishing so at least we had some nice fresh food for tea! We had Pollock and Mackeral for tea, which was a tasty treat.
So we headed off on Monday up the coast. It was beautiful, the way the cloud was shrouding the hills, but as we head out of the loch what little wind there is, is on the nose. We start off in full waterproofs, but as the day goes on, the clouds clear, the wind drops, and the sea becomes glassy flat and calm. The views of the Isle of Skye are stunning, and as we go further north, the enormous hills of the Torridon area appear on the starboard side.
We have a perfect wildlife spotting sea, but unfortunately don't see anything bigger than a porpoise! But there are plenty of those, and my brother Chris takes dozens of pictures of the scenery, with the light being so good.....!
We pull into Loch Gairloch, and head up the loch for the harbour late evening, and it is an absolutely beautiful spot. We are soon showered, and decide to treat ourselves to a meal out, and have a very tasty tea in the Old Inn.
We might not have seen any wildlife, or got a sail out of the day, but the scenery we travelled through is some of the best you can get and more than made up for it!

Leg 34

2010-09-16T15:02:00.007+01:00

Mallaig to Plockton Friday 27th August
After a few domestics like showers and shopping, we had a mid morning start, timed to catch the tide as it goes north through the Kyle of Rhea, to the Skye Bridge. The day started sunny, but at mid-day we headed into cloud and rain. We were passing along the shores of Knoydart, which can only be accessed by boat, and is supposed to be one of Britains last true wilderness areas. Well, the hills looked wild enough, but we were surprised at how many houses there were along the shoreside for a 'wilderness' area! It looked very atmospheric with sunlight/clouds scudding across etc! Across the channel we even saw a waterspout - scary to think the damage it could do if we got caught up in that. We made good time to the Kyle of Rhea, and head through the very narrow channel against the tide! Still, we are in no hurry, so we just get more time to look at the scenery! By the time we get to the Skye Bridge its raining hard, so not a time for arty photo's of either bridge or boat, which is a shame, as I think Chris was looking forward to the opportunity of snapping the bridge form a different angle (keen with cameras!)
We headed for Plockton, about 5 miles round the corner, and the rain eases as we approached. The bay is very sheltered and pretty, with some well organised visitor moorings. We were soon tied on to one, cracked open a beer, and sorted tea! Very peaceful end to a bit of a wet day, but hopefully Chris enjoyed his first day on the boat.

P.S. You may have noticed how these photo's are a bit more 'arty' or 'atmospheric' !! I mentioned that Chris is keen with camera's, well, I s'pose I felt a bit more inspired with my pic taking too, with him being so keen, and talking about 'the light' so much!!

Leg 33

2010-09-16T14:46:00.006+01:00

Tobermory to Mallaig Weds 25th August
We were going to stay in Tobermory a few nights, but the weather was good, so we headed North. Ardnamurchan Point is a place mentioned so often on the weather forecasts, I was inrigued to see it!! So it was a flat calm day that we headed around the point with the lighthouse. It is exposed to the full force of the Atlantic, and I wouldn't want to get caught there when there was a Westerly blowing! The views were stunning though, with the Small Isles of Muck, Eigg and Rum in all their splendour. We were treated to a real sea wildlife show as we headed North too. A basking shark was having a good feed, which we got some good pics of, porpoise a plenty, common dolphin, and even a Risso's dolphin (got all excited and first thought it was a pilot whale!!).
We arrived in Mallaig late afternoon, to find we are the only visiting yacht. We are soon settled next to the pier, and wandered into town for a quiet beer, and a lovely hot shower at the Fishermans Mission. Its a lovely and warm evening, and the sunset over Skye was worth a picture or two! We are meeting my brother Chris here, as he will join us for a week as we continue our trip North.

Leg 32

2010-09-16T14:32:00.002+01:00

Lochaline to Tobermory Tuesday 24th August
The rain and windless weather has been replaced by sun and strong gusting wind, down the Sound of Mull. We head off towards Tobermory but the wind is on the nose and gusting 25mph, so we are content to motor. As we head up the sound we see a couple of yachts that are making their way north under sail. With the gusting wind they intermittently heel right over and are forever tacking. We get to Tobermory well ahead of them! It was a lovely trip up the Sound, and for the first time, not on a dive boat!!
We took a pontoon berth and walked into the town for a beer, of course in the Mishnish! We had been looking forward to a shower too, but unfortunately the new facilities for the boat users were not providing any hot water, so for that treat we will have to wait another day! We tried a new Chinese restaurant in town, but were disappointeed with the meal, so we retired to the boat to chill, and plan our next leg. The forecast is good, so we may keep going North.

Leg 31

2010-09-13T16:56:00.001+01:00

Oban to Lochaline. Mon 23rd August
We set off for Lochaline in very low visibility, no wind and rain! Still, we haven't had many wet days so can't really complain - much!
Can't believe that we are going to Lochaline on our own boat rather than on a dive trip! With all the rain the waterfalls off the cliffs are amazing, and as we get to Lochaline the clouds clear and the sun comes out. It turns into a beautiful late afternoon and evening. We take up a mooring alongside the dive boats, and have a relaxing evening, warming up with a wee dram or two! A short hop from Oban, but a lovely trip all the same.

Oban

2010-08-23T10:37:00.003+01:00

If you have been watching the TV programme following Timothy Spall going around the UK in a big dutch barge, you might recognise this picture!
We have caught up with them, just before they head off up the Caledonian Canal. Timothy and his wife Shane were on board, but we didn't get chance to meet, and exchange tales of the sea. Oh well, next time..........

Leg 30

2010-08-23T10:17:00.004+01:00

Loch Craignish to Oban. Sat 21st August.

We plan to catch the tide going up the Sound of Jura to send us on our way. This means we don't need an early start. Time then to listen to the weather at 0810, and decide if its calm enough. The forecast has almost completely changed from the night before, so its a definite, we are off to Oban! We catch a bit of a shower as we come down the loch (Ivans turn to get wet!), then round the tip, and head North, and almost immediately we pick up the tide. So its foresail up, engine off, and sit back and enjoy the amazing scenery! Its like a panorama on a film, as the landscape all around us, slowly slips past (well, at a respectable 6 or 7 knots). Its stunning. The sun is out, and we don't get any more rain. On one stretch their is a bit of a swell on our stern, which makes it a bit rocky rolly, but small fry compared to the Mull of Kintyre!
We make good time, and pootle in to the marina at Kererra island, Oban about 2.00pm, and have had probably the most comfortable sailing, in the most beautiful of places.
The marina runs a ferry to Oban, and we get the 3.00pm one, and head off to start restocking the larders of food, and beer, ready for the guests we have coming to visit over the next few weeks.

The sea plane landed while we were there......

You can just make out Happy Daze.....its the big green one in the middle!

Leg 29

2010-08-23T09:58:00.003+01:00

Ardminish Bay, Gigha to Ardfern, Loch Craignish Weds 18th August

Time to move on. We slip the mooring and we are soon motor sailing. A bit of low cloud over the hills, and as we head out into the Sound of Jura a big cloud comes across from the hills (Paps of Jura), and heavy rain completely flattens the sea - its weird when it does that - feels quite eerie!. Course, its me on watch, and I get a good soaking!! Sun soon comes out, and I dry off. As we approach the entrance to Loch Craignish, the tide is coming across the sound, from the West side, and some powerful current is creating eddies and mini whirlpools, which makes steering interesting briefly! The Loch itself is beautiful and peaceful, with Ardfern nestling at the head in a sheltered spot, where we re-fuel, shower, do laundry and stock up on food. The plan is to stay 24 hrs on the pontoon, move to an anchorage for the next night, then head out with the tide on up to Oban.

Then we get the weather forecast! Not good. Gales off the West coast of Scotland. We move up to the anchorage, a nice sheltered spot, and the wind certainly does get up. The evening forecast is saying force 9, 10 and even 11 in the area we are in. So we resign ourselves to a day at anchor (actually we found a nice secure mooring to use!). We spend all day Friday chilling and reading. The wind is quite high, with a few lulls, and we keep up with the forecasts. By evening, we think the worst has passed, and plan to go the next day.

Gigha

2010-08-23T09:41:00.004+01:00

Mon 16th & Tues 17th August

We stayed in Gigha for a couple of days, exploring, beach combing, chilling. A small island community that really reminded us of Eday, so our thoughts start to really wander to our next adventure in life - re-building a croft! We climbed the 'mountain' of Creag Bhan (all of 100m!!) on a sunny day which gave superb views all around the Sound of Jura. Stunning.

Leg 28

2010-08-22T18:46:00.008+01:00

Port Ellen, Islay to Ardminish Bay, Gigha Sunday 15th August
We rested up on Islay, and explored a little by cycle and foot. We did one short trip that took in 3 malt whisky distillaries!
The weather was much improved, and the day we headed off to Gigha was lovely, warm and sunny. A short hop across the Sound of Jura, to the East side of Gigha, and a shelterd bay with good moorings (in just 1.5m!), with a pier to pull up to in your dinghy and a bar selling cold beers! Heaven!
This was West coast of Scotland cruising in a much more relaxed style compared to the last two legs, and we were glad for the break!

Leg 27

2010-08-22T18:16:00.004+01:00

Lamlash, Arran to Port Ellen, Islay Thursday 12th August
So we left Lamlash, on a forecast of 'NW 5 or 6, decreasing 4 or 5 later, moderate sea, occasionally rough in the North'. There was no wind in the bay, and we only planned to go to Campbeltown, to then catch the tide the next day, go round the Mull of Kintyre to Islay. The clouds cleared and revealed some of the hills of Arran as we left, all hunky dorey!!
We got a good start, so good, we decided we would head for Sanda Island, just off the Mull, anchor for the night in the bay, then go round the Mull the next day, rather than retrace our steps to Campbeltown. Well, as soon as we poked our nose out round the south end of Arran, the seas were up, the wind was up, and it started getting exciting!
Ivan took the helm, I dipped below, to look at our options! As we kept our course for Sanda, our option for heading to Campbeltown was out. Then as soon as we got near to Sanda, the tide started to take us West, the wind was getting stronger - gusting up to 20-25mph, and Ivan was loving it! I wasn't so much, and instead realised that anchoring was a no no, we were on our way to Islay, like it or not!
The wind got too much, and while we still could we got the sails down. It was my turn to helm, as Ivan had done a long stint, so for the next 2 hours, as we went round the Mull, I tried to steer from a sitting position, as I was too scared to stand, and see the full size of the sea we were in!! The spring tides were taking us at a speed of 8 knots round the mull with a head wind of 25mph, with gusts of 30-35mph. The resulting sea was enormous as it rushed to get over the outfalls of the Mull. The hardest job was keeping the course, as the wind was dead on the nose, and if we came beam on to the sea and she broached - heaven knows how we would have fared - I don't want to even think about it!!
Well, it seemed to take forever to get across to Islay, but we actually had the tide with us till the last couple of hours. The wind didn't let up though at all. We got to Port Ellen at dusk, feeling quite battered. It was about 63 miles and had taken best part of 12 hours! A very exciting trip, but not one that I would wish to repeat!!
Its always the way, that the photos we have are of pleasant calm weather! I wish I had taken a picture of this journey so you could see what I have tried to describe, but I don't need a picture to remind me of the sea that day, it will be imprinted on my memory for a long long time!!

Leg 26

2010-08-22T17:54:00.006+01:00

Stonefield Castle Bay Hotel, Loch Fyne to Lamlash, Arran. Weds 11th August
After the final beach foraging for winkles by Ivan, it was time to head South. We had decided not to 'do' the Crinan Canal afterall. So we headed towards the East side of Arran. It was a bit windy, but we were ready to move on. A nice motor sail across the North edge of Arran, although the sea was a bit lumpy! Then the wind started to get up, so although we didn't need the engine, we perhaps could have done with a reef or two in the sail! Still, Ivan was loving it! We had taken the foresail down earlier, when the wind died a bit, but it wasn't long before the gusts of upto 32mph were scooting us along at 7knots with just the mainsail. I was below checking the course for most of this time, of course!! This bit did live up to the description that sailing on the west coast can be 'boisterous'!
With making such good time we were safely moored up by 2.00pm in Lamlash! It was still blowing a hooley, but we went across to the village and stocked up in the local co-op. We were both desperate for a shower, but just our luck that the showers, available at a local cafe, closed just one day a week - on Wednesdays!!

Scallop (Pecten maximus) Curry

2010-08-13T11:45:00.002+01:00

(serving suggestion)

Scallop Curry - Criminal Act or Twisted Genius?

Further to the previous piece on curry houses I have for your perusal decided to include my recipe for scallop curry. This NFN traditional dish has been handed down through my family and indeed can be traced back to the early 16th century.

Ingredients:
1 onion
1 tin chopped tomatos
1 tin button mushrooms
3 heaped teaspoons Pataks madras paste
15-20 scallops

Method;
1. Chop onion, and soften in olive oil (extra virgin) over a low heat.
2. Add tin chopped tomatos
3. Add Pataks paste, to taste.
4.Add mushrooms
5. Add scallops
6. Simmer gently for 20 mins
7. Serve (please see picture for serving suggestion)

So there we have it!
Scallop Curry. Voila

The recipe is especially good for those strange folks who are none too keen on this particularly tasty mollusc as the meat becomes rather like very tender chicken. Alternatively, buy some chicken!

Dive Loch Fyne

2010-08-13T11:40:00.003+01:00

Mon 9th August
So the day dawned clear n sunny. It was time to get wet!!
We donned our dive gear and happily stepped off the stern into the bay.......in search of lunch! 30 mins later we were back with a bag full of lunch in the form of some decent sized scallops! Yummy.
Well they didn't last long, and 3 hours later we were back in, this time in search of supper!!
And we were not disappointed! Absolutely brilliant to get in for a dive, and free lunch and tea a bonus.
Happy Daze!

Leg 25

2010-08-13T11:30:00.002+01:00

Campbeltown to Tarbert, Loch Fyne. Sun 8th August
A lazy start to the day, waiting for a boat alongside to leave, and for the shop to open so we could get a big pan for anticipated crab and lobster catches!! Motor sail up the loch, in beautiful weather, with stunning scenery all around. This is just what we have been waiting for the whole trip really. We head for an anchorage just past Tarbert, near an ,island. we had dived earlier in the year. In the end we go around the back, and find that the hotel has put visitor moorings in. Very handy, so we tie up, get changed then head up for a beer - or two, with malt whisky chasers of course! A pleasant end to a lovely relaxed day sailing.

Curry House Facts

2010-08-07T18:05:00.002+01:00

A tragic curry house incident in Peel (Isle of Man) set me to thinking the other day as to the facts and figures connected with my curry/life interface. Here for your consideration are those thoughts.
I believe I'm true in my recollection that the first curry house curry I indulged in was at the tender age of 17 years. Prior to that my only curry experience would have been my fathers national service curry's which consisted of 1 x tin curry powder, 4lb of raisins re-hydrated to the size of olives. Now if you're not keen on raisins this can be a problem! (sorry Dad).
Never the less, raisin poisoning to one side, first curry at 17. Since that time I have had a curry every week and it was not uncommon in my younger 'round town' years to have two a week. Now at the age of 47 that gives me 30 years at, shall we say, 50 curry's a year, a quick bit of maths gives a grand total of 1,500 curry hits. Now in all those 1,500 curry's I have only had to send one back. That was a week ago in Peel, Isle of Man. I unfortunately can't remember the name of the particular establishment but it's the only one in Peel - be warned. After a particularly tasteless Shikh Kebab starter the main course of chicken tikka balti and keema nan was disgusting. It tasted of gravy powder, grease and salt (the last ingredient being the mainstay of gravy powder). The owner disagreed with the excessive salt content but didn't contend the gravy powder comment.
We, last night in Campbeltown, had the best curry of the 1,500. Pure perfection. No other comment needed! The name
of this curry house is the Taj Mahal. OK, not the most original name but the food was unbeatable.
The strange thing is that out of 1,500 curry's the worst and the best should come together like that. This really is turning out to be the adventure of a lifetime!

Leg 24

2010-08-07T15:17:00.003+01:00

Portpatrick to Campbeltown. Friday 6th August
The weather is good so we are off to Campbeltown today! We had thought of going to Islay, but it was a 60mile jaunt, and when we re-though things out we decided we would head up towards Tarbert and check out some scallop spots we went to earlier in the year on a dive trip! Its time we got in the water! There was a bit of a sea running, but the swell is northerly, and the wind is in our favour for once. The tide is with us, and we fly along at a good 6kn for most the way. We do motor sail though, as the wind eases off, but at least we are making good time. Its a bit misty but Ailsa Craig makes an appearance eventually! Then we can see the Mull of Kintyre (altogether now..... Mull of Kintyre.....!!). Ailsa Craig is one of the largest gannet homes in this part of the world, and we are rewarded with flocks of them flying past - very big, majestic birds making travelling fast seem effortless. We madde good time to Campbeltown and were moored up by about 3.30pm. Coming alongside a pontoon is getting easier with practice, which was just as well, as there was quite an audience this time!! Not a time to mess up!! We had heard good things about one of the local curry houses, and seeing as its Friday, we soon head off for an early tea to see what all the fuss is about! We were not disappointed! Absolutely brilliant. I would recommend the Taj Mahal to everyone. A1, first class food. What a contrast to Peel!

Portpatrick

2010-08-07T15:06:00.005+01:00

We did a few walks in and around the area. The coastline was beautiful, and on one saunter we went along to Dunskey Castle which sits overlooking the channel, where the next stop is Donaghadee, Ireland.

Leg 23

2010-08-07T14:57:00.002+01:00

Peel to Portpatrick. Tuesday 3rd August
We had a lovely calm night and anchor and were quite ready to continue haeding North. We had a bit of a lie in though, as we were planning to make the most of the tide to the Mull of Galloway. It was a grey day, but we could at least see the piece of land we were heading for, rather than just following a compass bearing. Once away from the harbour, and got the sails up, we even managed to turn the engine off!! Peaceful start to the day, but alas after an hour or so, the wind dropped and we were crawling along, so the engine was employed again, and then just to add to our frustration, the wind changed direction too so the sails had to come down!! As we approach the Mull, we pass over the bottom end of a very deep trench and the sounder measures 206 metres!! Wow! We scoot along the coast and into Portpatrick for tea time. The harbour is tiny! We settle on the North wall, and thankfully its very calm. The local pub sells a good beer, and fine food, so we make the most of both!

Isle of Man

2010-08-04T11:40:00.005+01:00

In need of........

Peel. Sat 31st July to Mon 2nd August
We wanted a couple of days here, and couldn't have picked a better weekend. It was an Historic Boat Weekend, so the harbour was full (so we stayed in the bay) of lovely old boats, that went out for a short sail round the bay each afternoon! On shore, a few events were on. a competition to see who could throw a heaving line accurately (men) or furthest (women). We entered and both came third respectively - tho not without alot of go's!! A competition to build and paddle a boat across the harbour entrance was fun to watch - and they all made it in their own style!
After such a good curry on Monday, we headed for the only curry house in Peel in the evening, hoping for more good food. Boy were we disappointed. More of that later, but it was not good!
Sunday was carnival day. After smoked bacon sandwiches for breakfast (Peel smokery) a saunter round we watched the parade with a beer or two to help the viewing! A relaxed afternoon on board watching the old boats sail round the bay, then a wonderful fireworks display to end the day. We couldn't have picked a better weekend to fetch up in Peel!!!
Monday was a bus ride to Douglas, a ride on a horse drawn tram and food shopping - treats from M&S food hall!!

While we were in the harbour there were basking sharks everywhere it seemed. At one point there were about 6 just a few hundred yards away! Isle of Man is an international hotspot apparently!

Leg 22

2010-08-04T11:31:00.002+01:00

Holyhead to Peel, Isle of Man. Friday 30th July
We had a day or so to chill in Holyhead, catch up with my parents, take on diesel etc. we decide to make the hop across to Isle of Man rather than go around the corner onto the North Wales coast, or along up the NW England coast. We feel as if Scotland in 'calling' and can't wait to get there!! So it was an early start. A dull grey day though. We manage a motor sail to start, and go well so turn engine off and manage a few hours of peace under sail alone - absolutely lovely! We know the Isle of MAn is ahead of us, but we can't see it due to the low cloud. Very frustrating as the approach from the SW is supposed to be quite spectacular with high cliffs etc! Well we do see it eventually when we are almost upon it, and then try our hardest not to get too close!! Just as we approach Peel we see a big basking shark - the 2nd one of the trip. We are too late to get into the harbour, so moor on one of the visitors berths. Its a very pretty town setting, with the castle, breakwater etc giving us good shelter. Look forward to getting ashore.

Leg 21

2010-08-04T11:22:00.002+01:00

Pwllhelli to Holyhead. Weds 28th July
We had a day or so in the marina, then onto an anchorage outside in the bay so we could get an early start. So we headed off in the early light to get around to Holyhead. A good start under sail, with a squall to help us on our way towards Bardsey Island. But the wind soon dies, and we motor sail through Bardsey Channel. Its confused seas due to overfalls and tide, but once through it settles and its a straight line to Holyhead. The tide turns against us as we approach though, and its a painfully slow last 2 hours as we approach the harbour. We decide to anchor as the mooring buoys all look full, and close together. My parents are on shore to meet us, but its late so we make plans to meet up in the morning. We are bushed, so hit the sack pretty quickly and get a good nights sleep.

Leg 20

2010-08-04T11:13:00.002+01:00

Fishguard to Pwlhelli Mon 26th July
We were up early and away by dawn, so nothing to report about Fishguard I'm afraid!
We headed due North, motor sailing, and were just getting settled to our watch routine of one hour on and one hour off, when we were approached by a big RIB. We were about to enter a live firing zone, and we had approx 30 mins to change course and get 10 miles away!! This was not good news, as it was a long leg and the last thing we needed was extra distance! Still, no choice, so we headed towards shore, and did probably an extra 2 hours of travel. It was an uneventful leg, as there was no wildlife to keep us interested, and although we knew the Snowdonia mountains were overlooking us, it was very low cloud so didn't see any of them!
We arrived at the marina entrance in good time, and made our approach to the marina to discover the entrance is VERY narrow. Fine, except that the tide is racing in at about 5 or 6 knots, so steerage is a joke! Bit like a water flume at the fun fair in a 22 ton log!! We were jealous of Anne and Rob going for a curry in Scarborough on Sunday, so as soon as we were moored up and showered we headed into town for a curry!!! And a fine one it was too!

Leg 19

2010-08-04T11:03:00.003+01:00

Dale Bay to Fishguard Sun 25th July
We planned to go at 3.00am to get the tide right around the Pembroke coast, but we awoke to fog and absolutely no wind......so went straight back to sleep!! When we did wake, it was a beautiful sunny day, with a light breeze. So we decided to try this leg on the afternoon tide. We got a bit of maintenance on the steering done in the morning then set off mid afternoon and had a good start under sail. we picked up the tide off Skomer island, and really started to fly by the time we came to the Bishops Rocks lighthouse. We went through the inside passage at 11.2k - sideways!!! At that speed, it was thankfully over pretty quickly!!! The coast is beautiful - if you ever get the chance to go to the area you must get out on a boat and see the cliffs from the sea! We got into Fishguard at dusk, anchored up and hit the sack - a long but lovely day, and in the end we were glad it was foggy!

Leg 18

2010-08-04T10:48:00.003+01:00

Padstow to Milford Haven. Friday 23rd July
We had an early start out of Padstow - this was to be our longest leg so far, and to be quite a way off shore too. We motored to start, and it seemed to take forever to get away from the Cornish coast! - although the coast along here was beautiful, with impressive cliffs. Once out of sight of Cornwall we spotted Lundy Island off the starboard beam, and no sooner did that fade, the Welsh coast appeared ahead! So we didn't really feel like we were all that much away from land!! We had dolphins with us for a good while again. This time we seemed to be in the middle of a a few different groups that just seemed to surround us over and over! We got into Milford Haven estuary at dusk, and by dark had anchored in the bay near Dale. Very peaceful after a very long day.

Padstow and beyond........

2010-07-22T22:19:00.002+01:00

Accurate navigation is everything in this game..........

Happy Daze in an idyllic harbour.

Leg 17

2010-07-22T21:42:00.003+01:00

Penzance to Padstow. Weds 21st July

We had a really early start, 4.00am, to make the most of the tide around Lands End. The sun was rising just as we went around the tip, and started to head North - Happy Daze!! We are at last on the great north run! The sea was a bit choppy with a lazy swell pushing us along. As we came to Cape Cornwall, just north of Longships, we came across a basking shark - unbelievable! Just the one, but was pretty huge. We got a good view, but as always when we took a picture you can't really even see it! The winds were Southerly, so for once not on the nose, but quite slight so we did get the sail up, but kept the engine on. With the tide behind us though, we kept a good average speed of 5-6kn, and got to Padstow about 3.30pm. Pretty exhausted though. Padstow is about a mile up the Camel river, with lots of sandy beaches on its banks, and just a narrow channel up to the harbour. The inner harbour has a barrier that is open for just 3 hours ish each high water. We thought we had just missed getting into the harbour, but we made it! Very pretty and quite cosmopolitan. Probably the 'poshest' place we have been so far.
We celebrate rounding the corner with a shower and a few well earned beers!! Then its down to planning the next leg, which will be a long one again, jumping across to South Wales.

2010-07-21T21:58:00.001+01:00

Basking Sharks

2010-07-21T21:42:00.004+01:00

Basking Shark off Lands End......spot it if you can ...... Gary, please point it out to the simpletons if you can please buddy, thanks. A and I

Corned Beef - a decisive weapon ?

2010-07-20T12:15:00.003+01:00

In the UK corned beef refers to the tinned (canned) variety, which is made from finely minced corned beef in a small amount of gelatine (bully beef from the French word bouille or 'boiled'). Sold in distinctive oblong shaped cans or in slices from most good supermarkets.
It is mainly imported from Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay - but if given a choice my preferred purchase is the Argentinian variety (stop harking on about the Falklands Pablo!).
Bully beef and biscuits were the main field rations of the British Army from the Boer War to World War II. Corned beef is commonly served in a sandwich or as hash (mash - Normal for Norfolk NFN) where small cubes are added to mash potato.

My point is, without the humble corned beef, the population of the UK may well have now been speaking German.
Heil meat products!!

Leg 16

2010-07-19T19:11:00.003+01:00

Falmouth to Penzance (ooo aargh) Sun 18th July
We didn't need to be away too early, so had a bit of a Sunday lie in. We don't need to get to the Lizard point too early or we would be fighting tide. It was a bit of a grey day though, so as we crossed towards the Manacles, we didn't see much of the coast. The Helford River is supposed to be very pretty but we were a bit too far off to really see!
As we cam around the Manacles we got our first proper wildlife viewing - 2 wopping great Minke whales - amazing. We were really chuffed!
So headed on to the Lizard. For me, this and Lands End are the worrisome bits of this part of the journey. As we got closer to the Lizard the sea did start getting bigger, so I kept well off shore, as the almanac suggests! The anchor on the bow gets a good few dips in the sea, and at one point I look up to see a small wave making its way along the deck, over the hatch to the life raft!! Ivan at this point is below having a snooze. When he re-appears he says 'what are we doing so far off shore?' !!! No way was I going closer, with big waves breaking between us and the Point. When we did alter course to head for Penzance (ooo aargh) the wind was at last with us, and we got to sail it the rest the way - fab.
As we were going across the bay, we were joined by a pod of dolphin - what a wonderful wildlife day we were having. They stayed with us for about an hour and half. Swimming around, under and of course at the bow of the boat. Ivan got some good photos and video. Brilliant.
We got to Penzance (ooo aargh) at tea time but had to wait on swinging mooring outside the wet dock til we could get in at high water. This gave us time to properly sit down and work out the tides and tidal stream for getting around Lands End (nothing like planning ahead huh!). Unfortunately it means a stupid o'clock early start, but can't be helped. Think we will have an extra day in Penzance (ooo aargh) to do pirate (ooo aargh) type things and leave early Tuesday when its slightly less stupid o'clock!!
Well the wildlife made the day for us, when it looked to be just a grey Sunday motoring along!

Start Point and dolphins near Penzance

2010-07-19T14:48:00.006+01:00

Cruising Westward

2010-07-19T14:42:00.003+01:00

with Deputy Dawg......... in Lyme Regis and Brixham

Picture Gallery

2010-07-19T14:32:00.003+01:00

Our next cruiser..............! and the Needles, Isle of Wight

Leg 15

2010-07-19T14:25:00.002+01:00

Fowey to Falmouth. Sat 17th July
So we got a break in the weather and headed out for a short hop round to Falmouth. We even got the sails up and engine off quite quickly, making 4kn. We got to Dodman point but then head to wind so motored the rest of the way. The Fal estuary is about a mile wide at the entrance, and it seemed that everyone and their mother was out in a sail boat, racing all over the entrance! We just kept a straight course through them, and managed to come out the other side unscathed! Another swinging mooring for the night. A well sheltered spot, and recommended for a quiet night, apart from the firework display, karaoke and drunken singing when the clubs chucked out at 2.30 in the morning!!

Leg 14

2010-07-19T14:12:00.002+01:00

Newton Ferrers to Fowey. Sun 11th July
After a pretty sleepless night we up anchored and headed into a big swell and wind on the nose!! Once we got past Plymouth Sound, the wind turned a little so managed a motor sail, which helped to steady the boat from the swell, and we got another 2kn out of her. For the last couple of hours through to Fowey, we managed without the engine, and it was lovely.
The coastline was really pretty, with amazing caves and fissures, rock falls, and golden sandy beaches, with aquamarine water. There were lots of folks out walking the cliff paths in the sun, as we approached Fowey. We were just beginning to wonder where the entrance to the river was, when this cruise liner seemed to appear from out of the cliff - thats where!! The entrance was very pretty, with a castle on each side protecting it from invaders (and yachty's from the North!). We were on a swinging mooring here. My brother and his wife (Chris and Vicky) were on holiday for the week so we soon met up for a beer! Our plan was to spend a few days here with them, but it turned into six! On Thursday we were ready to leave but the weather kicked off. In the evening it was gale force 8 - in the harbour, with gusts, we reckon, up to force 9 and 10. Quite thrilling to experience it but glad we were in the harbour, and not in a tent - like Chris and Vicky!, or at sea.

We're Back Online

2010-07-19T13:59:00.002+01:00

Hey there followers and hearty shipmates.
We are in a place with excellent wi-fi internet access in the harbour and still in the cheap seats (so to speak!!) After staying in a few exclusive new marinas where the wi-fi was slow, unreliable, and you had to pay for it, we are in cheap and cheerful Penzance wet harbour, rafted 7 deep with all and sundry, one shower and toilet for the whole harbour and the fastest and best wi-fi totally free!! Happy Daze.
So I have made the most of this and posted video!! Hope it downloads for you OK. Will also put a few more pics on.
We are here for the day (Mon 19th July), will leave at high water this eve, then wait on a swinging mooring just outside the harbour wall til 4.30 in the morning, then we head off to catch the tide northwards around Lands End. Its non stop through to Padstow then, and if we are lucky we should have the wind in our favour, and will give the engine a well earned rest!
If you just see posts with words only its all I can add via my phone. I will try to keep a bit more up-to-date!

Lazy Daze

2010-07-19T00:02:00.002+01:00

Creaming

2010-07-18T23:44:00.002+01:00

Dolphin Day (the ones the Japs didn't get!)

2010-07-18T23:22:00.003+01:00

Leg 13

2010-07-17T21:11:00.002+01:00

Sorry about all the words and no pics for a while again. Not had access to a computer for a little while. Will put pic on soon as I can.

Brixham to Newton Ferrers. 10/7/10
We had a day rest in Brixham. Very hot n windless so chilled out! Up early the next day for a long trip around Start Point and beyond. A feature of RYA dayskipper and yachtmaster 'fictional' charts and there it was in real life! Very pretty cliff coastline, with deep crevasses, caves and crytal clear waters. We are motoring as usual, and later a big swell creates a confused sea that is uncomfortable but we keep going. Decide to anchor in the bay by the sand bar at the entrance of the R. Yealm then go round into the creek by tender for supper at the Dolphin pub. Creek very pretty n fish pie very tasty! The wind got up a bit at the anchorage and we end up having to re anchor (a few times!) before we are confident we will not wake up on the rocks!! At the last anchor attempt we see an amazing display of phosphoresence - worth getting up at 2.00am for I tell myself!!

Leg 12

2010-07-17T20:52:00.003+01:00

Lyme Regis to Brixham. 8/7/10
We are on a bit of a roll and head out into the bay early to catch the tide. The mist has gone but the sea is like a mill pond with not a breath of wind!! The forecast is yet again wrong and we motor along. It's warm though so at least we can top up our suntan and catch up on sleep!! The Devon coastline is pretty with big red cliffs, inaccessible woodlands and pretty seaside towns and villages. We were passing places that we had both been to on holidays as kids so had a few trips down memory lane! The wind did get up a bit towards the end of the day and we got a good sail for the last hour or so. Just at the entrance to Brixham harbour I lost my cap overboard so we practiced a
man overboard routine to retrieve it in the path of oncoming fishing vessels - interesting! There is a pretty cove just at the entrance too so we decided to anchor. Got the rods out and soon had enough mackeral for 2 nights tea! Brixham is a busy fishing port full of 'beamers' a type of trawler that looks just like the Hatherleigh.

Leg 11

2010-07-17T20:41:00.004+01:00

Portland to Lyme Regis. 7/7/10
Keeping up the momentum we are out of the marina early
but a very grey day with really poor visibility. Our 1st task is to get round the bill with the infamous Portland Race. We plan it to go with the tide and get round without problem. We didn't see much of it though and even less of Lyme Bay as visibility was down to about half a mile! We were heading for Lyme Regis and got the sails up once around the bill and managed a good few hours without the motor. When we got to Lyme Regis we didn't see it til we almost sailed straight into the harbour!! Pretty little place with the famous Cobb. Didn't bump into Meryl Streep though.......

Leg 10

2010-07-17T20:27:00.002+01:00

Swanage to Portland Marina. 6/7/10
Well after a good few days at anchor in Swanage time to move on. There was not much wind, and
of course it was on the nose as usual so we motored along to Portland. A beautiful stretch of coastline. We got 'moved along' in the firing range off Warbarrow bay! Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door looked good through the binoculars!! Portland harbour is massive with tankers at anchor in the bay and navy ships in the harbour. The marina is brand new, ready to be the sailing centre for the olympics. The showers were the best ever!! We cycled into Weymouth which has a very pretty old harbour area and very long beach full of kids n very pink people!!

Sad News

2010-07-07T17:27:00.002+01:00

Today we mourn the sad loss of Felix. Felix has been one of the crew since the beginning of the trip and a valued shipmate throughout. Many happy hours have been spent watching him gambolling around the soft fruits and meat products. Sadly on the morning of 7/7/2010 he was found prostrate in the butter dish. We decided a fitting send off was to spread him liberally on a Ritz cracker and commit his body to the deep. Unfortunately Ritz crackers are not renouned for their negative bouyancy. We had to be content with watching him float away.

Bon Voyage Dear Felix.

Felix the Fly
8/6/10 - 7/7/10

Portsmouth Submarine Museum.

2010-07-05T11:47:00.004+01:00

Portsmouth Pictures

2010-07-05T11:44:00.004+01:00

Spinnaker Tower and HMS Victory

Dungeness and Beachy Head

2010-07-05T11:41:00.001+01:00

DOVER PICTURES

2010-07-05T11:37:00.003+01:00

THE HARBOUR, INSIDE THE CASTLE (GROOVY MAN!) AND A PIER HEAD LIGHTHOUSE

LATEST PHOTOS

2010-07-05T11:24:00.011+01:00

White Cliffs of Dover

Leaving Harwich Lowestoft to Harwich - its a hard life!!

Leg Nine

2010-07-03T21:26:00.004+01:00

Thurs 1st July
Portsmouth to Swanage
We had 3 days doing the sights of Portsmouth. The submarine museum was the best. Ivan was like a kid in a sweet shop! But time to keep heading west. The tides in the Solent are tricky. After checking the almanac a 0300 start would give us the best run but we needed fuel so couldn't go til after 0900 - but then realised that Angela made an error with tide times n we could go mid
morning!! We were out the harbour pronto, we had a police escort (oh, that was for the war ship was it?) the sun was shining (shorts and t-shirts) and the wind for once was good for us. We had a fantastic sail, down to, and past Cowes. This is it at last!!!
We lost the wind a bit and motored past Hurst Point then motor sailed all the way to Swanage. A pretty town with a sheltered bay for safe anchorage. We had the anchor down and tender in the water for a swift beach landing within 30 minutes. We piled up right in front of a seafood bar and didn't hesitate a second in ordering food n beer. The perfect end to the best day so far. After mucking up the tides it could have been very different!!

Leg Eight

2010-07-03T21:03:00.002+01:00

Sun 27 June
Eastbourne to Portsmouth
After some scorching weather, seafront wandering in Eastbourne sampling some fine fresh seafood and ice creams it's time to head into the wind and motor on to Portsmouth. We set off on a sea oily calm and perfect for diving but no wind and against tide so slow around Beachy Head. Still, plenty of time to catch the light just right taking photos of all the chalk cliffs!! A few porpoise keep us company. As we head to Selsy Bill we do get the sails up briefly and it's peaceful as the sun falls over the Portsmouth skyline with it's massive spinnaker tower. Then the wind is on the nose again and it's engine on again! We get into the marina in the dark and just our luck that they give us probably the only berth out of 500+ that is on a finger missing it's letter and individual berth missing it's number! Like looking for a needle in a haystack after14 hours at sea - not funny! Glad to get there tho n collapse into bed.

Leg Seven

2010-07-03T20:51:00.002+01:00

Fri 25 June
Dover to Eastbourne.
After doing the castle ( very impressive) and piers ( a bygone era) we are ready for new places to explore so despite wind still on the nose we have an early start and head west. Engine all the way with sails up briefly to help ish!! Flat seas and the hours now seem to fly by. We arrive after 10 hours at sea but it feels like only 2 or 3!! The marina is amazing - a whole town built up around it. We go for beers n curry (it is Friday afterall, and we are celebrating completing the purchase of the North Panhouse croft on Eday. Weather very sunny now, I think summer has arrived from the west!

Leg Six

2010-07-03T20:37:00.002+01:00

Tues 22June.
Ramsgate to Dover
A short hop and again the wind is on the nose but we refuel and just decide to go for it!! We motor all the way. Good views of the coast, with the White cliffs etc. Dover harbour entrance is like ferry rush hour constantly! We dodge them n get in ok tho. We are moored by 2.00pm making it the shortest day so far and after a little wander into town a few beers on deck in the sun make us wonder if summer finally arrived?

Fifth Leg

2010-06-22T23:20:00.002+01:00

Sat 19 june
Harwich to Ramsgate
We awake to sun showers and a bit of wind but decide to go for it. We both want to get this bit over with as the Thames Estuary is a maze of sand banks to meander across. As we come out of the channel dozens of boats out, racing, cruising. There are about 10 old barges with full gaff rig gracefully cutting through them all - might is right even under sail!!
We get the sails up and decide not to put a reef in (!) and choose to go inshore of the wind farm at Clacton. Just as we got past the 1 st squall hit us. The wind shot up to 30+ kn per hour, I was down below, Ivan steering and I heard him shout 'we're going over babe' and my response was 'we ****ing not' !!!! Well we didn't and the rig and boat thankfully took it all in it's stride!! Thanks to Pip for pestering andWilliam for advising. Rob, the anchor points welded to the deck were just fine.....!! Had about 3 or 4 more big squalls and as the day went on the sea got bigger and bigger and very shallow in some places (2 metres when Ivan cut the corners on sand banks!!). By the time we got to North Foreland we were both worn out and were in the biggest sea I have ever been in, and Ivan said the last time he was in seas that big he was on the lifeboat!!
We had to motor the last few hours again. The North sea is having it's las say!! But the engine is doing really well thankfully. By the time we get to Ramsgate we have a few repairs - the AIS aerial bracket and 2 sliders on the foot of the main have failed. Ivan got whipped on the nose by the foresail sheet and Angela got bruised being thrown around in the wheelhouse so a day of rest and repair is definitely in order. But we have at last escaped the North sea !!

Fourth Leg

2010-06-22T23:01:00.002+01:00

Fri 18 June
Sorry no pics but having computer problems! Will put on lots of pics when we get a good link!
Lowestoft to Harwich. The forecast is OK. We have planned to have the flood tide with us virtually all the way but when we get out there, after dodging gas platform barges in the estuary, the sea is flat but there is next to no wind - we really can't win!!
We get the sails up and do a steady 5 kn but by 1 pm the wind has died completely! It does pick up later and we get a few more peaceful hours under sail and arrive at Harwich at out 6 pm. The biggest container ship we ever saw followed us in but no room for him in the lock to the marina!! A good day , and we are keen to capitalise so if looks good will go for the next leg in the morning.

THIRD LEG

2010-06-22T22:10:00.003+01:00

After a long stay in Wells, partly due to re-charging batteries, catching up with family and strong winds from the North, we set off for Lowestoft. It was an early start and although we had plenty of water to get out over the Wells bar it was all a bit nerve wracking, and we both felt a bit gippy. We get out and head East but its 1.30 before we can put a sail up. She sails really well in quite heavy seas, but with gusts and lulls of wind, shallow and confused seas, we decide to go back to the engine at 5.00pm til we reach Lowestoft at 8.15pm. An exhausting and long day, as soon as we are sorted out, we head into town for a fish and chip supper, but make the mistake of asking a local the way to a good chippy. We follow him at a stiff walk for 10 mins to be told the chippy was another 10 mins further on as he ducked into an off licence! We promptly turn around and head for the first Indian restaurant and come to the conclusion he just wanted company whilst he walked to get more booze!! A full on day, and we are strating to believe the weather is conspiring against us!

SECOND LEG

2010-06-11T11:28:00.002+01:00

Weds 9th June
3.00am rise, anchor up and we are off across the Humber in the fog - scary as all we can hear is a very loud fog horn behind us!. Very shallow acros Haile sands with just seals and balloons to keep us company. No wind so just motoring all the way. Take it in turns to have naps to catch up on lost sleep and as the sun comes out, the fog clears and the sea gets flatter and more oily - a perfect sea for diving, not sailing!! Balloons have found a happy place to be, at sea away from spiky things!. About an hour from Wells the wind picks up, but too late to faff with the sail now. Guided into the channel by the harbour tender and put on the new pontoons in the outer harbour. My mum and dad are here - all the way from Nottingham! We are a bit frazzled, but a quick scrub and a lovely meal and we can relax as we have made our first port of call safely!!

FIRST LEG

2010-06-11T11:07:00.003+01:00

Tues 8th June

Up early (with a hangover - cheers Bruce, Karen and Rob!!), sorted a few bits n bobs, then headed for a breakfast at Marks - but too early for him so a tea at the teapot instead! Met by Rob, Carl, Craig and Bruce. Very low cloud, rain and no wind - marvellous!!

Back to the boat with Bruce. He cast us off at 10 am. Thanks Bruce. Nice and easy we spun her round and headed out, with a few tears from me! We motored all the way to Flamborough Head and it brightened up and the wind got up, so up went the sails and the motor off - peace at last! A few more tears - from both of us this time! She is really well balanced under sail, nice and reassuring! We even left her to her own devices and went below and she just sailed herself and kept a course with no bother!

At Hornsea we tried to tack, but were heading back to Scarborough, so back under motor. We pulled in around Spurn point about 10.30pm, anchored, got some tea, and slept til 3.00am.

An emotional day and we motored more than we wanted to do, but after so many good byes from all our friends we just needed to get going!. The short section under sail was a joy, and a hint of what is to come. the engine was fine too so all should be well.

2010-05-16T16:51:00.002+01:00

Wild And Free now renamed Happy Daze is just about ready for the off and is looking fantastic in her new livery.

2010-05-16T16:46:00.002+01:00

Work continues on Happy Daze ready for departure at the end of the month.

We are having a leaving party aboard the Hatherleigh, in Scarborough Harbour on Saturday 29 May. All our friends and family are invited to come down for a beer and a boogie (live band - Ali and the Beachcombers) to bid us farewell on our trip.

2010-05-16T15:33:00.001+01:00