Brittany and the Channel Islands
In 2011 I was away from home sailing for about 2 1/2 months. Ann joined Faustina II for most of that time but I was with others to go to and from Brittany.
(Note that all the photos can be clicked to enlarge them. Those in groups without captions can then be made to show as a slide show. Their captions, when they have them, will appear when they are enlarged - or at any time when the cursor is hovered over the picture.)
(Note that all the photos can be clicked to enlarge them. Those in groups without captions can then be made to show as a slide show. Their captions, when they have them, will appear when they are enlarged - or at any time when the cursor is hovered over the picture.)
1. Strangford Lough to Brittany - 8 to 21 June
John with Bruce Carlisle and Norman.
John with Bruce Carlisle and Norman.
Bruce on watch approaching the French coast
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Norman in charge
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My two friends and I motor-sailed to Howth on 9 Jun, where we refuelled the boat with diesel - and took on excellent fish and chips. The stay sail had lost its head strop and I managed to get the local sail maker to repair it very well overnight.
Next day, 10 Jun, with the sail returned to us, we motored south along the coast to Rosslare in dull weather. I had intended to anchor there in the bay but on a whim I called the harbour and we were invited to go alongside the fish harbour wall for the night. Then on 11 Jun we motored over to Milford Haven and stayed the night in the Milford Haven marina which has to be locked into.
We left very early next morning, 12 Jun. It was very dark and it was drizzling. Further down the Haven we had an incident with an incoming tanker in the harbour. At sea, we had a brief couple of hours sailing, and then motored the rest of the way, past Land's End, and across the Channel to Île Molène (inside Ushant), a voyage of 34 boring hours, arriving at 1430 on Mon 13 Jun. The weather was always fine and cold - and at one point foggy. No useful wind. We walked around Île Molène (which takes about an hour) and found the '8 á Huit' shop closed in the afternoon! We had a couple of beers ashore looking over the harbour but decided that the food was too expensive. The VMs at Île Molène make it a very useful arrival harbour or a POD for a channel crossing.
Next day, 10 Jun, with the sail returned to us, we motored south along the coast to Rosslare in dull weather. I had intended to anchor there in the bay but on a whim I called the harbour and we were invited to go alongside the fish harbour wall for the night. Then on 11 Jun we motored over to Milford Haven and stayed the night in the Milford Haven marina which has to be locked into.
We left very early next morning, 12 Jun. It was very dark and it was drizzling. Further down the Haven we had an incident with an incoming tanker in the harbour. At sea, we had a brief couple of hours sailing, and then motored the rest of the way, past Land's End, and across the Channel to Île Molène (inside Ushant), a voyage of 34 boring hours, arriving at 1430 on Mon 13 Jun. The weather was always fine and cold - and at one point foggy. No useful wind. We walked around Île Molène (which takes about an hour) and found the '8 á Huit' shop closed in the afternoon! We had a couple of beers ashore looking over the harbour but decided that the food was too expensive. The VMs at Île Molène make it a very useful arrival harbour or a POD for a channel crossing.
Milford Haven entrance
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Le Four LH
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Next day 14 Jun we moved on through poor vis. down the Chenal du Four to Camaret - motoring again of course. These are the sort of weather conditions and difficult waters where chart plotters and radar are really helpful.
On Friday 17 Jun the wind at last got up, but rather too much - to SW 8 or 9 which altered our original plan to move on to Benodet.
On Saturday 18 Jun the wind moderated to F6 but the sea was still rough. Faustina and several other ICC boats en route to the rally stayed put! I went for a couple of great walks up on the heights around the point where there are old forts from several eras and great views.
On Sunday 19 Jun my crew had to leave me to get a ferry home from Roscoff which sadly required them to take a taxi to Brest. As it was a Sunday, this cost them a horrendous €180. France is no longer a cheap place to be.
On Sunday too all the ICC boats in Camaret decided to go on to Benodet and we all laid our own plans to ensure we reached the Raz de Sein at slack water at about 1340. The Raz, which is a fairly narrow passage in an archipelago through which the tide has to pass, can, be a difficult if not dangerous place to transit at any other stage of the tide.
On Sunday too all the ICC boats in Camaret decided to go on to Benodet and we all laid our own plans to ensure we reached the Raz de Sein at slack water at about 1340. The Raz, which is a fairly narrow passage in an archipelago through which the tide has to pass, can, be a difficult if not dangerous place to transit at any other stage of the tide.
Now on my own, I cleaned the boat thoroughly, prepared food, topped up the water, put a reef in the Main - and left at 1100, rather later than the other ICC boats. The wind was SSE and that required me to motor yet again, particularly when I turned SE across the Bay of Audierne. The sea became quite rough and I was glad to get around the next corner and head up into Benodet where I arrived at 2000. I was very pleased that Ann had arrived and was there to meet me. The tide rushes down the river and past the marina there extremely quickly and 'araldites' boats to the outside of the pontoon if you are in the wrong place, so we moved the Faustina to inside the pontoon whilst we could. It was a good decision.
We spent Monday 20 Jun exploring Benodet and shopping. We were kindly given a lift with our bags to the marina. Later we had a great evening with Enigma and El Torro dining ashore in style!
We spent Monday 20 Jun exploring Benodet and shopping. We were kindly given a lift with our bags to the marina. Later we had a great evening with Enigma and El Torro dining ashore in style!
2. The ICC Brittany Rally - 21 to 30 June
John with Ann
On Tue 21 Jun we took on 113 litres of diesel fuel at Benodet before we set off at 0900 in a SW3. It was cloudy and cool. We sailed SE until 1100 off Pte de Trévignon when the wind died and we started the engine which took us to Port Tudy on the Île de Groix. There we joined the rest of the ICC fleet in the very tight harbour.
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That evening after a very jolly briefing outside the 'Pub de la Jetée, there was a rally dinner for 110 members and their guests in the town Community Centre that was very well done with girls dressed in Irish green . All very good and enjoyable.
Next day 22 Jun a few of us went for a really nice walk for a couple of hours around the east end of the island and back across the middle. Ann didn’t go on that.
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Some well desreved refreshment
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On Thu 23 Jun we slipped at 0800 and sailed SE to round Presqu'ile de Quiberon, taking the inside passage by the Barre de Chenal.
Our track around Quiberon Bay incl the Gulf of Morbihan and the R. Vilaine
We anchored about a mile off the big marina at Port Haliguen on the west side of the bay at 1330 and stopped there for an hour n the warm Wly breeze to have lunch. Then we sailed across the bay to the entrance of the wonderful Gulf of Morbihan and managed to enter against about 1.5 kts of tide. We made our way up the R. Aurey and anchored in a favourite spot of ours near Bono. (All the moorings were taken.)
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Sundown on the anchorage
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We stayed there for a another day on 24 Jun and took the dinghy up the river to Aurey where we met Stanton and Pat Adair and had an amusing lunch with them.
On Sat 25 Jun we motored down the river and then through the Gulf to Vannes where we locked into the canal that leads to the city. At 1215 we were given a good berth alongside the waiting pontoon. It really is one of the most efficient marinas we ever visit - beautifully organised.
On Sat 25 Jun we motored down the river and then through the Gulf to Vannes where we locked into the canal that leads to the city. At 1215 we were given a good berth alongside the waiting pontoon. It really is one of the most efficient marinas we ever visit - beautifully organised.
It was a fine day. We had drinks with Brian and Eleanor Cudmore in the café above the Port Control and then went off to walk around the beautiful city. This was not of course our first visit here. We had a good meal on the ramparts that evening with a great view over the splendid gardens outside the walls.
On Sun 26 Jun we left the Gulf of Morbihan and sailed across to Île Houat for the next phase of the ICC Rally. Houat has yacht moorings laid outside its harbour and these are fine in Wly winds as they are sheltered by the island. That evening we went ashore for a BBQ.
On Sun 26 Jun we left the Gulf of Morbihan and sailed across to Île Houat for the next phase of the ICC Rally. Houat has yacht moorings laid outside its harbour and these are fine in Wly winds as they are sheltered by the island. That evening we went ashore for a BBQ.
It was intended that the barbecue be held on the shore, but the sea state didn’t allow dinghies to be landed safely and so we went to the Pub de Spli on a small hill above the jetty where we were welcomed by the owners. This was a great success. We all cooked our own meals on the lawn in the glorious evening sunshine. The Fitzgeralds' took the notional prize for the most ambitious meal - a leg of lamb, but everyone ate well and had fun. The craic was great and soon some members started playing their instruments (Guitar, penny whistle, squeeze box) and a good sing-song ensued - leaving the locals at least a little amused. We returned to the boat and we all suffered a very rolly night as the wind came into the moorings from a more E'ly direction. It wasn't very pleasant.
We weighed at 0900 on Tue 27 Jun and motored north across the Bay of Quiberon to the mainland and moored in La Trinité marina. We spent the sunny afternoon at Locmariaquer to see the Grand Menhir Brise. We got there and back on a rubber-wheeled train that goes from near the marina. It was a fascinating place to visit with its huge number of neolithic stones that are thought to have been an observatory in those times.
That evening we walked across the harbour by the road bridge for the Commodore's generous reception, which was followed by an excellent 'fruit de mer' .
We weighed at 0900 on Tue 27 Jun and motored north across the Bay of Quiberon to the mainland and moored in La Trinité marina. We spent the sunny afternoon at Locmariaquer to see the Grand Menhir Brise. We got there and back on a rubber-wheeled train that goes from near the marina. It was a fascinating place to visit with its huge number of neolithic stones that are thought to have been an observatory in those times.
That evening we walked across the harbour by the road bridge for the Commodore's generous reception, which was followed by an excellent 'fruit de mer' .
3. On our own in West Brittany - 30 June to 11 Jul
John and Ann
We left La Trinité at 1100 on Thu 30 June and turned east across the mouth of the Morbihan and into the wide estuary of the R. Vilaine by 1430. We made our way over the shallow entrance which is well buoyed and into the river proper and went upstream to the barrage at Arzal-Camoel. We were called into the lock at 1600 and were out into the river in 25 minutes. We motored up river and were directed by the marina into a berth at La Roche Bernard.
John and Ann
We left La Trinité at 1100 on Thu 30 June and turned east across the mouth of the Morbihan and into the wide estuary of the R. Vilaine by 1430. We made our way over the shallow entrance which is well buoyed and into the river proper and went upstream to the barrage at Arzal-Camoel. We were called into the lock at 1600 and were out into the river in 25 minutes. We motored up river and were directed by the marina into a berth at La Roche Bernard.
The town lies on a high promontory above the river and we went up to explore. We had been here several times before. It's a very pleasant town with lovely buildings and quaint back streets oozing history. We had a quiet and simple meal in a nice little restaurant.
Next day (1 Jul) we left the marina and motored further upstream to anchor for lunch. It was a very hot day. Later we changed our anchorage to yet further upstream - leaving it rather late to do so, so that it was quite dark when we finally settled! We stayed put most of next day doing little or nothing before we returned to the marina at Roche Bernard in the evening. We had supper in a restaurant near the river.
On Sun 3 Jul we slipped to go down river but I realised that I had left my hat in the restaurant on the previous night. We went back and the hat was duly retrieved. We anchored in the river about a mile below Roche Bernard at 1130 and stayed there all day.
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On Mon 4 Jul we went down river, through the barrage at 0810, out of the estuary and over to Île Houat where, at 1230, we anchored with many other yachts off the famous beach on its east coast. It was a fine day but I don’t like to stay in an open anchorage overnight. So at 1400 we weighed and went around the SW corner of Houat and headed north. We had to motor-sail against the tide from near Quiberon and so it was nearly 1900 by the time that we turned into the Lorient fairway. We moored in the marina at Kernével at 1915.
On Tue 5 Jul we set out from Lorient in a brisk WSW wind with the seas quite big. Great sailing though. We made along the coast a few miles off . We reached Île Raguénet and I decided to start the engine to assist us making a tack to go outside the island. However while the engine started, there was no propulsion! I checked below and found that a couple of the prop shaft bolts had come out and the last one was broken. Nothing for it but to turn back to Lorient for repairs. It was tricky entering Lorient's narrow entrance under sail as the wind was very fluky and there was a lot of commercial traffic. I called up the marina for assistance. A couple of very helpful guys came out and guided us into a part of the marina that was easier to get alongside. They gave me the name of a repairer who I contacted that evening.
Next day 6 Jul the repair man came and it turned out to be a relatively easy job to replace the bolts which he was able to acquire easily enough.
On Tue 5 Jul we set out from Lorient in a brisk WSW wind with the seas quite big. Great sailing though. We made along the coast a few miles off . We reached Île Raguénet and I decided to start the engine to assist us making a tack to go outside the island. However while the engine started, there was no propulsion! I checked below and found that a couple of the prop shaft bolts had come out and the last one was broken. Nothing for it but to turn back to Lorient for repairs. It was tricky entering Lorient's narrow entrance under sail as the wind was very fluky and there was a lot of commercial traffic. I called up the marina for assistance. A couple of very helpful guys came out and guided us into a part of the marina that was easier to get alongside. They gave me the name of a repairer who I contacted that evening.
Next day 6 Jul the repair man came and it turned out to be a relatively easy job to replace the bolts which he was able to acquire easily enough.
The chart plots our hat recovery manoeuvres
On 7 Jul we set off north again. The conditions were still brisk but we had a good sail. As we were rounding Pointe de Penmarc'h my lovely Tilley hat blew off into the sea. I immediately did a man o'board manoeuvre and came up along side it quickly. Ann came on deck and got the boat hook ready. Sadly we missed the hat so I went around again - several times! - to the consternation of a local fisherman nearby who must have been wondering what these mad Brits were doing. We were also marginally hampered by a large basking shark. However the hat was duly recovered (no mean feat in those seas with just two of us) and we were able to get on across the Bay of Audierne to St Evette off Audierne where we stopped overnight at anchor in the bay.
We weighed at 0800 next day (Fri 8 Jul) and ran along the coast to the west to reach the Raz de Sein at 1000 and moored again in Camaret where we stayed for two nights. I went for a long walk around the headland again on 10 Jul and later met Ann in the town. The meals we had in the town were nothing special though we had some quite good moules.
We weighed at 0800 next day (Fri 8 Jul) and ran along the coast to the west to reach the Raz de Sein at 1000 and moored again in Camaret where we stayed for two nights. I went for a long walk around the headland again on 10 Jul and later met Ann in the town. The meals we had in the town were nothing special though we had some quite good moules.
John eating his 'birthday' crab in Brest
On 11 Jul (John's 75th birthday) we motored up the Rade de Brest and took a pre-planned mooring in the Marina de Château at Brest which is a new one inside the moles in which part of the naval harbour lies. Inevitably we had to move once we had settled in but the new spot was OK. Later, when we went to pay, we found that this marina is MUCH more expensive than the other Brest marina (same company) at Moulin Blanc further into the main harbour. It was too late to move. The reason for the extra expense is that this marina is right next to the main city, and the railway station we needed to get to next morning is nearby at the top of the hill. We had an excellent meal at a nearby restaurant (Le Crabe Marteau) where we each had a complete crab which had far more meat on it than we had thought possible. It was fun finding it all too!
(12 - 25 Jul - we flew from CdeG airport, Paris, to Finland to sail with David Tunick in his beautiful yacht 'Night Watch', and then to London for my son Simon's 40th birthday)
5. Brest to St Malo - 26 July to 4 Aug
John and Ann
In the late morning (Tue 26 Jul) we slipped and motored down the Rade to Camaret where, later in the afternoon, we went off the marina and anchored out in the bay.
5. Brest to St Malo - 26 July to 4 Aug
John and Ann
In the late morning (Tue 26 Jul) we slipped and motored down the Rade to Camaret where, later in the afternoon, we went off the marina and anchored out in the bay.
Our track from Brest to Lezardrieux
There was very thick fog next morning (27 Jul). We weighed at 0945 hoping that the fog was clearing. However as we went into the bay it closed in densely again and so I went back to the anchorage. (The radar was not behaving properly and couldn’t be relied upon.) We stayed there for an hour and then the fog began to clear. It was still rather murky and we had only three hours of fair tide left. We rounded Pointe de St Mathieu at 1250 and headed north up the Chenal de Four at speeds over the ground of 7 or 8 knots. We were abeam Le Four LH at 1430 and turned NE outside all the rocks until we reached L'Aber Benoit at about 1600. We called up our friends and soon Pierre Bodeau came up in his sailing boat and guided us up the river to a mooring that they had obtained for our use.
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The small boat moorings inside l'Aber Benoit
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We were taken ashore that evening for an excellent dinner with Roy and Carol Leighton who have lived here for about 20 years and are now 'part of the scenery!' (Pierre and Christine Bodeau were there too.)
Next day (Thu 28 Jul) we were entertained by being taken out to an island (Île Guenioc) where we had a picnic in the sunshine and looked at some pre-historic ruins. We then inspected Christine's lobster pots (no luck) and later Roy kindly took me to a chemist in the nearby village to allow me to buy a brace for my back which had been giving me problems. That evening we went to Pierre and Christine's house where we played a fun game of pétanque in the evening sunshine and then had a very nice supper, served on plates that Christine had painted. It had been a great day with some very kind friends.
Next day (Thu 28 Jul) we were entertained by being taken out to an island (Île Guenioc) where we had a picnic in the sunshine and looked at some pre-historic ruins. We then inspected Christine's lobster pots (no luck) and later Roy kindly took me to a chemist in the nearby village to allow me to buy a brace for my back which had been giving me problems. That evening we went to Pierre and Christine's house where we played a fun game of pétanque in the evening sunshine and then had a very nice supper, served on plates that Christine had painted. It had been a great day with some very kind friends.
On Fri 29 Jul we slipped at 1115. No wind. Fine and bit misty. We motored out to the east and at 1250 moored in L'Aber Wrac'h marina. I walked up to the town which is a mile or two away and later that evening I persuaded Ann to come too to look at the very attractive centre.
On Sat 30 Jul we slipped at 1200 and in sunny but rather foggy conditions made along the coast to Roscoff where we found a mooring at the east end of Chenal de l'Île Batz. There was a tall ships event in progress and we watched a few of them arriving. Some were able to get into the harbour but a couple stayed on moorings near us. I took the RIB in to have a look at the town and the boats while Ann stayed on board. Sunny and cool.
On Sat 30 Jul we slipped at 1200 and in sunny but rather foggy conditions made along the coast to Roscoff where we found a mooring at the east end of Chenal de l'Île Batz. There was a tall ships event in progress and we watched a few of them arriving. Some were able to get into the harbour but a couple stayed on moorings near us. I took the RIB in to have a look at the town and the boats while Ann stayed on board. Sunny and cool.
On Sunday 31 Jul at 1200 we motored along the coast in a light SW'ly to Les Sept Iles where we anchored with some other boats south of Île aux Moines at 1515. Again I went ashore and climbed up to the lighthouse from where I watched part of a display of the French 'Red Arrows' who were putting on a display on the mainland in the mist away to the south. It was a calm night.
After a late start on Mon 1 Aug we went on to Tréguier . The approach river is very attractive with all the mussel beds and interesting looking houses on either side. However the tide was flooding very fast and I got the approach wrong at the marina and managed to run over a pontoon causing a long scratch under the waterline. Not very pleased with myself! We went up to the town for an explore. It has some lovely old buildings.
On 2 Aug we moved one river to the east and motored up Le Trieux river to Lézardrieux . Here again the tide was flooding very powerfully and I decided to moor to a raft off the marina. That was hard enough but then I decided to move and to re-moor at another place when the tide was flooding even harder. It was an exciting few minutes. It probably (even certainly) would have been wiser to go into the marina (and I cant remember why we didn’t!) We were settled by 1530 but there was really no chance of getting ashore in that tide (at full Springs - the biggest tide of the year.)
After a late start on Mon 1 Aug we went on to Tréguier . The approach river is very attractive with all the mussel beds and interesting looking houses on either side. However the tide was flooding very fast and I got the approach wrong at the marina and managed to run over a pontoon causing a long scratch under the waterline. Not very pleased with myself! We went up to the town for an explore. It has some lovely old buildings.
On 2 Aug we moved one river to the east and motored up Le Trieux river to Lézardrieux . Here again the tide was flooding very powerfully and I decided to moor to a raft off the marina. That was hard enough but then I decided to move and to re-moor at another place when the tide was flooding even harder. It was an exciting few minutes. It probably (even certainly) would have been wiser to go into the marina (and I cant remember why we didn’t!) We were settled by 1530 but there was really no chance of getting ashore in that tide (at full Springs - the biggest tide of the year.)
Our track from Lezardrieux to st malo
On Wed 3 Aug we went down the river and through the Rade de Brehat, the alternative entrance to the river from the east.. At its eastern end we rounded the L'Ost Pic LH and anchored to the south of Le Grand Mez de Guelo island at 1230 for lunch. While we had that the anchor dragged gently and we arrived on the rocks on the island. Happily there was no wind and it was all very gentle and safe. I retrieved the anchor which was encased in a huge a ball of seaweed.
The huge but well run marina at St, Quay-Portrieux
We went on slowly eastwards against a strong tide and entered St Quay-Portrieux marina at 1630 and were given a berth very efficiently. As the shore facilities seemed to be good here I decided that I would try to get the radar and the refrigerator fixed. I found a radar man who said that he would come the next day. The marina staff rang a fridge man who also said that he would come.
Next day, 4 Aug, the fridge man came and with only a 2 minute look at the fridge told me that it needed a new compressor. This would have to come from Paris and would take 4 days. No fridge then. He charged me an outrageous amount of money for this consultation which all had to be negotiated via the nice lady in the marina reception as the man only spoke what I assume was Breton - or similar. (Incidentally the fault, when later discovered, was that the voltage reducer to the water pump had failed. The compressor was OK!) The radar man had been to Australia and spoke English - and was an honest man. He spent a lot of time trying to find the fault and couldn’t. He then came back next (5 Aug) to have another go but again failed. He had spent several hours trying. When he gave up he told me that I owed him nothing as he hadn't done anything - so I paid him a reasonable amount anyway.
We left St Quay on Sat 6 Aug at 0815 on a calm and grey day, and motored eastwards to St Malo and we entered the Bassin Vauban at 1330. Initially we were placed alongside the west wall but later we were allocated a berth in the marina proper where there was water and power. We were directly under the massive walls of the walls of the old city - all very impressive and also convenient to restaurants, shops and the interesting streets.
Next day, 4 Aug, the fridge man came and with only a 2 minute look at the fridge told me that it needed a new compressor. This would have to come from Paris and would take 4 days. No fridge then. He charged me an outrageous amount of money for this consultation which all had to be negotiated via the nice lady in the marina reception as the man only spoke what I assume was Breton - or similar. (Incidentally the fault, when later discovered, was that the voltage reducer to the water pump had failed. The compressor was OK!) The radar man had been to Australia and spoke English - and was an honest man. He spent a lot of time trying to find the fault and couldn’t. He then came back next (5 Aug) to have another go but again failed. He had spent several hours trying. When he gave up he told me that I owed him nothing as he hadn't done anything - so I paid him a reasonable amount anyway.
We left St Quay on Sat 6 Aug at 0815 on a calm and grey day, and motored eastwards to St Malo and we entered the Bassin Vauban at 1330. Initially we were placed alongside the west wall but later we were allocated a berth in the marina proper where there was water and power. We were directly under the massive walls of the walls of the old city - all very impressive and also convenient to restaurants, shops and the interesting streets.
(6 Aug to 11 Aug - In the Bassin Vauban, St. Malo)
Ann went home.
I had a few days to myself and used them to do various jobs that were required on the boat. I ate out in the city each evening and had some good meals. I walked quite a lot around the old city. I also arranged to go by ferry through the huge barrage and up the river to Dinan. Very sadly they changed the time of the departure of the boat by 15 mins and I hadn't noticed and so arrived to see it leaving the quay. Too late. I was very disappointed as I wanted to see the barrage (and because it was quite expensive!) Nevertheless I took a bus to Dinan - and the journey was certainly worth it as these pictures show.
Ann went home.
I had a few days to myself and used them to do various jobs that were required on the boat. I ate out in the city each evening and had some good meals. I walked quite a lot around the old city. I also arranged to go by ferry through the huge barrage and up the river to Dinan. Very sadly they changed the time of the departure of the boat by 15 mins and I hadn't noticed and so arrived to see it leaving the quay. Too late. I was very disappointed as I wanted to see the barrage (and because it was quite expensive!) Nevertheless I took a bus to Dinan - and the journey was certainly worth it as these pictures show.
6. St Malo to Lymington - 12 - 20 Aug
John was joined by Lara with Chloe and Lydia, and Neal with Megan
John was joined by Lara with Chloe and Lydia, and Neal with Megan
The girls prepare to defend St malo
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Lydia, Megan, Neal, Lara and Chloe
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Melissa sadly didn't come as she gets seasick.
Our track on this leg
We slipped from the marina at 0600 on 12 Aug. The plan had been to visit Les Minquiers en route to Jersey but with a fresh west wind that didn’t seem sensible, especially with a young sensitive crew on board. We therefore made straight for St Helier in Jersey on a cloudy day with the sun trying to break through. We passed the eastern edge of Les Minquiers between 1030 and 1130 and by 1215 we were on the waiting pontoon outside St Helier marina waiting for the tide to rise. We were able to enter at 1600.
We spent next day Sat 13 Aug, exploring St Helier and shopping. I left my crew to enjoy themselves.
We left St Helier at 0800 on Sun 14 Aug and on another cloudy but 'sun trying to come out' day we motored along the Jersey south coast and rounded Pt Courbière at 0900. Once round we were able to sail north in a gentle Wly wind to Dixcart Bay on Sark where we arrived and anchored at 1130. We had lunch and then we all went ashore and had a long walk to the village and down to the cliff. It was now a lovely day and we had a nice tea at the Dixcart Hotel. Back on board we thought that the sea was looking a bit rough, so we moved (as we had done many years before!) round to the NE of the island to La Chapelle Bay. There we had a very rolly night (as we had before!).
Next morning 15 Aug, we went round to Derrible Bay (next to Dixcart Bay) for a smoother breakfast and then at 1130 we went around the south of Sark and anchored in Havre Gosselin where we all had a (very cold) swim and lunch. This is just to the south of Brecqhou island and after lunch we went through the narrow (80m) Gouliet Pass and made over to Herm.
We spent next day Sat 13 Aug, exploring St Helier and shopping. I left my crew to enjoy themselves.
We left St Helier at 0800 on Sun 14 Aug and on another cloudy but 'sun trying to come out' day we motored along the Jersey south coast and rounded Pt Courbière at 0900. Once round we were able to sail north in a gentle Wly wind to Dixcart Bay on Sark where we arrived and anchored at 1130. We had lunch and then we all went ashore and had a long walk to the village and down to the cliff. It was now a lovely day and we had a nice tea at the Dixcart Hotel. Back on board we thought that the sea was looking a bit rough, so we moved (as we had done many years before!) round to the NE of the island to La Chapelle Bay. There we had a very rolly night (as we had before!).
Next morning 15 Aug, we went round to Derrible Bay (next to Dixcart Bay) for a smoother breakfast and then at 1130 we went around the south of Sark and anchored in Havre Gosselin where we all had a (very cold) swim and lunch. This is just to the south of Brecqhou island and after lunch we went through the narrow (80m) Gouliet Pass and made over to Herm.
Chloe and Lara on Dixcart beach
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Chloe takes the plunge. John also went in - but Neal didn't!!
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We anchored as close to the shell beach as I could. The tide was low (as intended with this plan) and we all went in Poppy (the RIB) to the sand banks off lying the famous Herm shell beach. Here I had hoped to find many shells for the kids (not accessible to the average tourists) but sadly there were very few. Never-the-less we had a good time wandering around looking in rock pools as the tide crept up on us.
We returned to F2 and went across the north end of Jethou over to St Peter Port on Guernsey. The waiting pontoons outside Victoria marina were very crowded but the marina staff, efficient as they ever were, were relaxed and we entered the marina at 1715 and had a fine berth. That evening we walked quite a long way along the seafront to a restaurant famous for its fish and chips - and we all enjoyed that.
Next day (16 Aug) we spent to the whole day ashore exploring. We went to a WWII museum and the kids went into the aquarium and we went for a long walk. A good day for everyone.
We slipped at 0900 on 17 Aug, refuelled (111 litres for £80) and left St Peter Port. It was cool and misty and we had to motor sail north into a NE'ly 2, around the SW corner of Alderney, through the Swinge, and into Bray harbour where we were lucky to find a free mooring buoy not too far from the jetty. We all went ashore and climbed up the hill to St Annes and then back along the beach.
The weather next day, Thu 18 Aug, was less good with an Ely 5 blowing. I was in two minds about leaving but we slipped at 0900 and an hour later we were having a good sail with two reefs and half the Yankee against the tide. By 1045 we had cleared the north end of the Alderney Race and were off Cap de la Hague with the engine on. We reached Cherbourg and moored alongside in the marina at 1250. Here Neal and Megan left us (as Megan was not permitted by her mother to cross the channel with us) and they went off to catch a ferry to England. We left immediately and with the wind more northerly than not we motor sailed north across the English Channel. By 1900 we were half way.
Shortly after midnight, 19 Aug, we were off The Needles at the west end of the Isle of Wight and just before 0100 we took a mooring buoy off Yarmouth. Later that day we sailed over to Lymington and by an arrangement made by David and Valerie Codling took a berth in Lymington marina.
On Sat 20 Aug Neal arrived and everyone left to go home, leaving me alone. I had supper with the Codlings (who live quite nearby the marina) at the Lymington club and we met Vicky as well.
7. Lymington to Strangford Lough, 21 - 28 Aug
Ed Wheeler joined
We returned to F2 and went across the north end of Jethou over to St Peter Port on Guernsey. The waiting pontoons outside Victoria marina were very crowded but the marina staff, efficient as they ever were, were relaxed and we entered the marina at 1715 and had a fine berth. That evening we walked quite a long way along the seafront to a restaurant famous for its fish and chips - and we all enjoyed that.
Next day (16 Aug) we spent to the whole day ashore exploring. We went to a WWII museum and the kids went into the aquarium and we went for a long walk. A good day for everyone.
We slipped at 0900 on 17 Aug, refuelled (111 litres for £80) and left St Peter Port. It was cool and misty and we had to motor sail north into a NE'ly 2, around the SW corner of Alderney, through the Swinge, and into Bray harbour where we were lucky to find a free mooring buoy not too far from the jetty. We all went ashore and climbed up the hill to St Annes and then back along the beach.
The weather next day, Thu 18 Aug, was less good with an Ely 5 blowing. I was in two minds about leaving but we slipped at 0900 and an hour later we were having a good sail with two reefs and half the Yankee against the tide. By 1045 we had cleared the north end of the Alderney Race and were off Cap de la Hague with the engine on. We reached Cherbourg and moored alongside in the marina at 1250. Here Neal and Megan left us (as Megan was not permitted by her mother to cross the channel with us) and they went off to catch a ferry to England. We left immediately and with the wind more northerly than not we motor sailed north across the English Channel. By 1900 we were half way.
Shortly after midnight, 19 Aug, we were off The Needles at the west end of the Isle of Wight and just before 0100 we took a mooring buoy off Yarmouth. Later that day we sailed over to Lymington and by an arrangement made by David and Valerie Codling took a berth in Lymington marina.
On Sat 20 Aug Neal arrived and everyone left to go home, leaving me alone. I had supper with the Codlings (who live quite nearby the marina) at the Lymington club and we met Vicky as well.
7. Lymington to Strangford Lough, 21 - 28 Aug
Ed Wheeler joined
Ed Wheeler checking his mail
Next morning 21 Aug, Ed Wheeler arrived and after some essential shopping and showers we slipped. First we went up the river to explore the Town Quay at Lymington. Then with the Main set we motored into the Solent and passed Hurst Castle at 1400. We crossed Bournmouth bay and anchored in Studland Bay at 1845.
We left at 0415 on Mon 22 Aug in order to get the west going tide. We rounded Anvil Point at 0510 and at 0610 the sun came up and the wind went to the N 3/4 and we set all sail. We were abeam Portland Bill at 0815 (about 3 1/2 miles off). At 1700 we set the cruising chute!! but only for about 2 hours. We were 13 miles east of The Lizard at 2300 and at 0200 on Tue 23 Aug we were 4 1/2 miles SW of it. At 0430 we were 8 miles south of Land's End and at 0900 we took a mooring in St Mary's, Isles of Scilly. We spent the day ashore exploring and took a old bus ride around the island which was interesting.
We left at 0415 on Mon 22 Aug in order to get the west going tide. We rounded Anvil Point at 0510 and at 0610 the sun came up and the wind went to the N 3/4 and we set all sail. We were abeam Portland Bill at 0815 (about 3 1/2 miles off). At 1700 we set the cruising chute!! but only for about 2 hours. We were 13 miles east of The Lizard at 2300 and at 0200 on Tue 23 Aug we were 4 1/2 miles SW of it. At 0430 we were 8 miles south of Land's End and at 0900 we took a mooring in St Mary's, Isles of Scilly. We spent the day ashore exploring and took a old bus ride around the island which was interesting.
At 1100 on 24 Aug we went across the 'Flats' to Grimsby Harbour from where we set a course to go directly to Milford Haven in South Wales. It was a fine day with a good SWly breeze which needed only the Main to be set (as it was rather rolly). We made excellent progress all day and in the evening the wind came round to put us on a dead run. The seas were now very rolly but the weather stayed fine.
We entered Milford Haven at about 0600 on Thu 25 Aug and tried to anchor in The Dale but failed to get the anchor to hold. In the end we took a mooring. Later that day we had a meeting with the DepHM who came to F2 in his launch. Apart from that we had a very quiet day relaxing.
We slipped from The Dale next morning 26 Aug at 1100. It was cool and cloudy with a NW3 wind. We crossed St Brides Bay and were 2.5 miles NW of the Bishop's Rock LH at 1430. We had to use the engine all day because the wind was to OTN and because we needed to make good time to get the tide off the Irish coast. At 1900 we were able to set all plain sail but the wind went to N at 2030 when we reduced to Main only. During the late evening we were able to stop the engine and make good speed under sail…
but at 0130 on Sat 27 Aug the wind increased from the NW to 6 or 7 and by 0600 we we were under Main only with two reefs. We entered Howth marina at 0730. We were well entertained by friends during the day.
On Sun 28 Aug we slipped at 0615 and with a forecast of NW 5-6 we made our way under engine and Main with two reefs northwards to Portaferry where we arrived at 1620
We entered Milford Haven at about 0600 on Thu 25 Aug and tried to anchor in The Dale but failed to get the anchor to hold. In the end we took a mooring. Later that day we had a meeting with the DepHM who came to F2 in his launch. Apart from that we had a very quiet day relaxing.
We slipped from The Dale next morning 26 Aug at 1100. It was cool and cloudy with a NW3 wind. We crossed St Brides Bay and were 2.5 miles NW of the Bishop's Rock LH at 1430. We had to use the engine all day because the wind was to OTN and because we needed to make good time to get the tide off the Irish coast. At 1900 we were able to set all plain sail but the wind went to N at 2030 when we reduced to Main only. During the late evening we were able to stop the engine and make good speed under sail…
but at 0130 on Sat 27 Aug the wind increased from the NW to 6 or 7 and by 0600 we we were under Main only with two reefs. We entered Howth marina at 0730. We were well entertained by friends during the day.
On Sun 28 Aug we slipped at 0615 and with a forecast of NW 5-6 we made our way under engine and Main with two reefs northwards to Portaferry where we arrived at 1620
