A few panics getting everything fixed on board on time, and a temporary fix with the lifelines (still waiting for the custom lifelines to arrive). But the good news was that everything is working well….except email via the satellite phone which I continue to work on.
So 6th - 8th of August Miss LIz and Bernie the sea dog were able to have a short break on Miss Liz II.
Everyone working hard as you can see below.
Miss Liz with the Bernster….what's happening over there??
Wot, no drink for me?
Bernie the night Watchman
Good news was that Miss Liz and Bernie enjoyed it - so bodes well for the future….the great weather helped too!
The aim of the weekend was the first overnight sail for the crew to Plymouth and the Mayflower Marina. The bad news was that the remnants of Hurricane Bertha was on its way and heading directly for us, so we had a tight deadline. It also meant that we would be beating all of the way and with short choppy seas it was not going to be the most comfortable of trips.
The boys, Chris, Jon and Rob all arrived at 9.30 pm on the friday evening just as the heavens opened….a great start. Bags quickly stowed and kit on and we departed Hamble Point in the dark with the rain, but with wind from the north, it meant we could at least start off with a good sail.
We passed out of the Hamble River to the sight of the Esso Fawley refinery in all its glory.
The Fawley Refinery at night
As we turned towards Cowes up Southampton water we were met by the fireworks display marking the end of Cowes week, followed by hundreds of Lunatics in fast boats heading home to the Hamble, many with no lights and many, thoughtlessly cutting across our bow (too close for comfort) with the wake throwing us about.
Fortunately, we were soon clear and sails up we broad reached, achieving 14 knots over the ground with the tide in our favour. This made sure we had a fast journey out past the Needles and on to Portland Bill.
By the time we got into Poole bay the wind had changed to a WSW blow at force 5, this built during the night to a 6 and a 7. A few lessons learned about reefing at night and which ropes to pull (and not to pull!) followed. Rob and Chris learning that reefing at night is not so easy as in the daytime. Also, the topping lift caught on the new insulators on the back stay which we could not clear until the morning. Wind managed to gust unto 30 Knots on occasions, but MLII managed well with just one reef in.
Testing out the water maker and genset we made 100 liters of water in 2 hours. All well!
As morning broke we found ourselves entering Lyme Bay facing a long day beating, with the tide in our face. The good news was that the wind had dropped to a force 4 so to keep to our schedule we motor sailed for most of the day.
Chris at the mast managing the topping lift as we sort out the back stay tangle.
Lesson learnt!
Impressed! hydrogenerator at work. At 8 knots we did not lose any batter power, despite loading up the power draw.
The fun of a long run, Jon assuming his usual pose, after the bacon sandwich breakfast. Staple foods!
Time to learn some knots. Rob "tie a sheep what!", David "Bend!", Rob " I thought we were talking about knots!"…..basically sums it up….
Self checking all is well… 8 Knots, that will do.
Look Ma! No Hands! Who needs a crew?
The SSB Radio aerial set up. Note insulators on the backstay to isolate the upper section of the mast so it can act as the aerial. The lower isolator is what we wrapped the topping lift around. Normally it would fall off the backstay but the aerial connection proved a great snagging point. Just need to watch it in future.
The day passed and eventually we sighted land at Start Point. Seen here from Astern as we continued to beat.
Passing the final headland we entered into the bay and we finally had Plymouth in Sight. BY this time wind was increasing again, heading north of F6.
Rob and Jon. Excited about seeing land again….
As we approached the breakwater, we dropped the Jib and Main and motored in past the breakwater and its light. Thoughts on the history of the place, and significance to us crossed our minds. We follow in the wake of many famous sailors! If only THEY knew who would follow…..
Chris looking thoughtful - first time we had seen this expression.
As we motored into the harbor we called into the Mayflower Marina and let them know we would be there in ten minutes…..little did we know! As we turned into the bay a kayaker lay dead ahead, we called a welcome….and found out that he was sinking and needed help. so, Man overboard procedures came into play and we under took our first rescue! Laying alongside we threw a line and pulled him to the transom and loaded him (Lee) and towed the Kayak. He was pretty exhausted and thankful for the help, he was just about to call the coastguard. So feeling good about the good deed we entered the Marina and berthed at Foxtrot 2. Tying up, and helping Lee to shore we pondered on the passage we had just made. The crew - and Miss Liz II had passed with flying colours. Not only that we had made approximately 150 miles in under 19 house at an average speed of almost 8 knots - beating most of the way, but also the night sail and the experience that had added to the crews repertoire. All of a sudden the next trip - across the Bay of Biscay didn't seem so daunting.
View from the Berth at the Mayflower Marina. The old Naval docks
Our neighbors at berth had actually just crossed from a Corunna, with no wind, motoring all of the way….we can hope!!
That evening the wind rapidly increased to an F8/9 and even at berth we could feel the force as Bertha came through. As we tucked into our curry we were happy to just listen to the wind in the rigging!!
The next day we cleaned up the boat and went for supplies ready for the bay trip in 11 days time. Also loaded up with diesel and 100 liters of back up fuel just in case. Jon set up the lee cloths in the quarter berths ready for the next trip and with Chris, set up the netting in the main cabin so we could store items without them flying all over the place! The rest of the day was spent organizing and packing gear into the new scuba boxes. All now ship shape. Good job guys.
Later on the Sunday my Dad and brother Malc arrived to stay for the evening and see Miss Liz II.
Dad enjoying the comfort of MLII after a long journey down from Cheshire.
Malc…."where's the whisky!!"
On the whole a great trip, even better to have shared a stay with Dad and Malc, even though we couldn't sail due to the weather.
Now, ready for the Bay of Biscay….watch this space!
No comments:
Post a Comment