29 July 2008
Hilary's Blog - 29 July 2008
Yesterday's sail from Salcombe to Mevagissey was tense for everyone. Although the test sail had shown no problems with the boat, there was very little wind and the sea was so flat that that it was glassy so I don't think that any of us felt that Arty had been fully tested.
We left Salcombe at 4:30am; there was almost no wind in the estuary, so I was very relieved when we reached the mouth had to find the wind blowing, as predicted, from the east. It was still relatively calm, as Sean hoisted the sails, I was pleased that our running repairs would be "broken in" gently. The wind stayed at our backs for the 8 hour sail to Mevagissey, touching at most perhaps a strong force three. Almost on cue it moved round to the south just before we reached our destination, making the entrance to the harbour much easier.
Mevagissey is the first port where we have had to use the land rover's hoist to get me out of the boat and lift me up the harbour wall. Positioning the hoist is difficult as the driver (Paul) has to keep clear of all the rigging. The conditions were not straightforward as there were onlookers, including the harbour master, so the pressure to get it right was huge. Paul, Jacqi and Helen did a fantastic job and Mike's strapping fitted perfectly. I certainly felt entirely safe the whole way up, with Mike and Toby holding me away from the wall and the rigging at the bottom.
We are now preparing for tomorrow's sail around "the Lizard" to Newlyn. It's another early start as we are staying on a campsite some 30 minutes drive from the harbour. We are extremely grateful to the owner, Keith, for putting us up at such short notice. As with everyone we meet we are constantly amazed by their generosity and their interest in the project.
Page last updated on 1 August 2008 at 17:14