Norse from Caledonia

 Having settled into the easy life in Neyland Marina we took advantage of their modern luxuries such as shore power, good internet, launderette, shops, showers.  Ahh, the easy life! We also had to wait out the forecast strong winds on Sunday. Brunel's statue at Neyland My walk back from the shops took me to Brunel Quay,  built by Isambard Brunel as the place for his rail passengers to board his ship the 692ft long Great Eastern, bound for America.  This did not come to pass as Brunel died before the Great Eastern entered service but it created the town of Neyland. A Stormy Sky from Brunel Quay Brunel Quay We considered setting sail north again on Monday but I was still not quite over my cold and more fierce weather was on its way for Tuesday, so instead we headed up the Cleddau River to take refuge at the picturesque Lawrenny Yacht Station. Sailing up the Cleddau River We had been warned to keep to the outside of bends so as to avoid the shallow water! After followin...

On Thursday 23rd June the weather forecast promised us a windshift to push us northwards, so it was time to be off again.   The wind was predicted to steadily increase during the day from N F3 to SW F5, carrying on through the night to a more lively SSW F6 by Friday evening.  Our trip across the Bristol Channel to Milford Haven was 120 nautical miles and would therefore take us into the following day with a night at sea. Leaving the Isles of Scilly behind us We started with a reasonable but N wind that meant we could sail but not quite in the desired direction!  We tacked to stay outside the Traffic Separation Scheme that directs ships round Lands End. By early afternoon, the wind had backed to NW F2/3 and we found ourselves making rather slow progress. So we decided to start the engine to help us along. The seas were lumpy and confused from past strong winds and it was rather annoying to be slopping about in the seaway with our sails constantly slapping. We motor-sa...

First it was the new anchor windlass, and the solenoid, which refused to work.  But after many travails, it goes! The new solenoid, fully wired. Then to Falmouth for the shanty festival, which was fun as ever, although our last act was cancelled due to a bit of wind, rain and lightning. And so to sea once more and out into surprisingly bouncy conditions.  Unusually, we needed two reefs as we ran before a fresh wind, which gusted to force 7 for a while.  I found it quite exhilarating.  Rosie would have liked it a bit quieter! Rosie working hard at the helm, running down the seas With a big swell running from the East, we picked up a buoy in St Mary's for the first night, then went back around to one of our favourite anchorages, in the Cove by St Agnes.  Here it was as beautiful as ever except that the Turks Head pub was closed for the evening, which messed up our dinner plan. The Cove, St Agnes and Gugh Luckily, as we rowed back to Rapport, Phil and Liz invited u...

We had a gentle sail under the genoa from St Mawes to Falmouth and then began preparations for the long awaited Sea Shanty Festival.  It's been 2 years since this event has taken place due to Covid and the Tars are still feeling a bit rusty from the lack of performances. Doug practiced his tunes while I went ashore in search of some charts we will need for our journey northwards.  Then we took the afternoon off and visited the National Nautical Museum. View of the harbour from the Nautical Museum tower We enjoyed the lovely sunny weather as we cleaned the boat, did some laundry and awaited the arrival of our temporary guests and fellow Tars members, Bruce and Carol Horner. Breakfast on deck at the anchorage in Falmouth (including newly baked bread) On Friday afternoon, we moved across to Port Pendennis Marina for a Tars song practice along with boat-baked scones, clotted cream and Bruce and Carol's home-grown strawberries.  Then it was full steam ahead with the Tar's perf...

  Place House (in Place of course) We decided to spend a day in this lovely weather exploring the Roseland Peninsula opposite St Mawes. So we took the ferry across the estuary to a place called Place, where we passed the impressive looking Place House.  This was first built as a country house in 1288 and then remodelled and extended in ~1840.   It has been owned by the Spry family for 400 years, including Admiral Thomas Davy Spry, who served with Nelson and retired to live here. We also visited St Anthony's Church next door and found this a peaceful and beautiful place. Doug examining the lectern in St Anthony's Church We found a memorial to Admiral Thomas Spry, overlooked by a young jack tar and a scantily clad maiden. Our path then took us to St Anthony Head and its lighthouse and some amazing views of the coastline. The Lighthouse at St Anthony Head The Coastal Path After stopping for a  well-earned picnic lunch on a bench overlooking the sea, we found oursel...

Rosie at the helm, crossing St Austell Bay We are on our way and heading first of all to Falmouth, so Doug can take part with his fellow members of the Tavy Tars in the Sea Shanty Festival from 17th - 18th June.     Doug practicing for next weekend Anchored alongside Pilgrim at Gorran Haven At St Mawes and visiting the interesting Tudor castle St Mawes harbour, viewed from the castle We're taking it easy for now, while waiting for the Shanty Festival to start and enjoying some great sunny weather.  Once that's over, we shall make haste northwards!