Friday, 30 October 2009
Concarneau to Bayona NW Spain
After a week of waiting for suitable weather the prospect of 4 to 5 days without near gales arrived and we set off the afternoon of 24 October. The intention was to get round Cape Finisterre but failing that La Coruna would do. Strong westertly winds made for a cracking start and 70 miles were covered in the first 12 hours. It was not to last and on the second day motor sailing was necessary in very light winds. When the wind returned it was from the SSE which was just what was needed and at times Plane Song was broard reaching at over 7 knots as the wind increased on what was by now a relatively good sea state. Within sight of the Spanish coast the wind died away and the first of a few fog patches made for interesting progress. The new radar was an essential tool.
At this point it was very tempting to head into La Coruna now abeam but given the good sea state and light winds it seemed best to get around the Cape which can be a real barrier especially at this time of the year. So the iron sail helped progress all the way to Bayona where we arrived in warm sunshine the afternoon of 28 October to moor at the fabulous yacht club.
One of the delights of the night pasages for me was the amazing night sky and to see shooting stars so clearly. On one 3 hour watch I saw 5, one of which left a sparkling trail behind it. Dolphins came at times but were no too interested when the engine was on. A small unidentified bird, not a seabird, came aboard twice for a rest-fate unknown.
The next passage is to Cascais in Portugal where I think the Atlantic lows will be less inclined to disturb progress
After a week of waiting for suitable weather the prospect of 4 to 5 days without near gales arrived and we set off the afternoon of 24 October. The intention was to get round Cape Finisterre but failing that La Coruna would do. Strong westertly winds made for a cracking start and 70 miles were covered in the first 12 hours. It was not to last and on the second day motor sailing was necessary in very light winds. When the wind returned it was from the SSE which was just what was needed and at times Plane Song was broard reaching at over 7 knots as the wind increased on what was by now a relatively good sea state. Within sight of the Spanish coast the wind died away and the first of a few fog patches made for interesting progress. The new radar was an essential tool.
At this point it was very tempting to head into La Coruna now abeam but given the good sea state and light winds it seemed best to get around the Cape which can be a real barrier especially at this time of the year. So the iron sail helped progress all the way to Bayona where we arrived in warm sunshine the afternoon of 28 October to moor at the fabulous yacht club.
One of the delights of the night pasages for me was the amazing night sky and to see shooting stars so clearly. On one 3 hour watch I saw 5, one of which left a sparkling trail behind it. Dolphins came at times but were no too interested when the engine was on. A small unidentified bird, not a seabird, came aboard twice for a rest-fate unknown.
The next passage is to Cascais in Portugal where I think the Atlantic lows will be less inclined to disturb progress
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Falmouth South
After an overnight stay in Falmouth we set off south with a possible weather window to cross Biscay. The iron sail was needed for the first few hours before a moderate breeze had us making good progress under sail. I elected to go outside Quessant as in the prospect of riding the Chanal du Four a night had no appeal. By the next day when we were just south of the TSS grib files downloaded from sailmail made it clear we needed to pause before heading out into Biscay.
The best option then was to make for Concarneau but it was a real struggle to make progress against strong winds, choppy seas and an increasingly strong tide. We put into the little port at the entrance to Audierne. Here I discovered a genoa sheet car had come appart with a vital screw missing for which I had no replacement. This meant it was necessary to make for Conarneau where we arrived late afternoon 16 Oct and in the event missed a good weather window to cross the Bay. Car now repaired we await another window which is not a real hardship in this wonderful town.
After an overnight stay in Falmouth we set off south with a possible weather window to cross Biscay. The iron sail was needed for the first few hours before a moderate breeze had us making good progress under sail. I elected to go outside Quessant as in the prospect of riding the Chanal du Four a night had no appeal. By the next day when we were just south of the TSS grib files downloaded from sailmail made it clear we needed to pause before heading out into Biscay.
The best option then was to make for Concarneau but it was a real struggle to make progress against strong winds, choppy seas and an increasingly strong tide. We put into the little port at the entrance to Audierne. Here I discovered a genoa sheet car had come appart with a vital screw missing for which I had no replacement. This meant it was necessary to make for Conarneau where we arrived late afternoon 16 Oct and in the event missed a good weather window to cross the Bay. Car now repaired we await another window which is not a real hardship in this wonderful town.
Exmouth to Falmouth
Delphine Holman joined ship at Exmouth and on 7 Oct 09 we made the short passage to Torquay where the water tanks were flushed and refilled. After another short sail in perfect conditions the following day we picked up a mooring at the Royal Western Yacht club Plymouth, conveniently on the water taxi route to the Mayflower steps. Two days later we set off for Falmouth in pretty testing conditions with 25 kts on the nose and short choppy seas. By the time we were off Fowey we had had enough and put in there for the night. The next day brought more lovely weather and after testing the cruising chute we made Falmouth late afternoon picking up a visitors buoy for the night-no run ashore as the water taxi stopped running at the beginning of he month.
Delphine Holman joined ship at Exmouth and on 7 Oct 09 we made the short passage to Torquay where the water tanks were flushed and refilled. After another short sail in perfect conditions the following day we picked up a mooring at the Royal Western Yacht club Plymouth, conveniently on the water taxi route to the Mayflower steps. Two days later we set off for Falmouth in pretty testing conditions with 25 kts on the nose and short choppy seas. By the time we were off Fowey we had had enough and put in there for the night. The next day brought more lovely weather and after testing the cruising chute we made Falmouth late afternoon picking up a visitors buoy for the night-no run ashore as the water taxi stopped running at the beginning of he month.
Friday, 2 October 2009
Progress
The weather and crew availability limited sea trials a bit but we are now loaded up and ready to go. A long fine spell of fine weather is now ending so I am waiting a window of opportunity before setting off with my new but very experienced crew. We will have a gentle introduction via Brixham, Plymouth and perhaps Falmouth before heading south.
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