2 June 2009 - Padstow (Or was it Newquay?) to Bude
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6th June 2009 Fishguard blog
2 June 2009 - Padstow (Or was it Newquay?) to Bude
In theory this is a relatively short sail. However, we started with a 7 mile tow in the wrong direction so that I could start from Newquay, where I had hitched a lift when the wind died coming into Padstow.
True to form, a few miles into the sail, the wind died completely. We had been doing very nicely, averaging about 3-4 kn against the tide, and my heart sank as I watched my speed diminish until finally my Windex was going round in circles and the boat was bobbing on the tide.
I had a hunch that there was wind. The RIB went looking for it, but came back having found no sign. I got them to tow me about a mile further offshore, praying for wind as we moved through the water. We were in luck. The wind picked up and I started making way until we were doing 5 kn once again against the wind, but 5 kn nevertheless. We were making good progress at last, but a quick calculation told me that we were unlikely to make it to Bude before the lock gates opened at 12 PM.
14 miles away from Bude we had to make the decision to tow the Artemis the rest of the way. We were towing against wind and at 10 kn over the ground which makes for a constant shower of salt water. Simon did his best to shelter me, but despite my layers of HPX and MPX I ended up soaked to the skin after an hour and a half.
We arrived in Bude just on time to the most amazing welcome. The RNLI lifeguard came out to show us the way in, and they announced our arrival on the beach tanoy, so we had quite a crowd watching us into the lock. It was amazing to have so many people clapping as we entered the canal. Fortunately we moored up right next to an ice cream shop, so my first priority was obvious!
Lions came from Bideford and beyond to welcome us and were extremely generous, donating money for the dream trust. It is fantastic to think that we might be able to help other people achieve their dreams and very humbling.
It wasn't long before Jo and Toby decided that I had had enough for one day and needed a shower and bed. The facilities in Bude were fantastic.
Our stay was set to be far too short, but I have to thank Kevin the harbourmaster and the council for all their help on behalf of all the team. Everyone in Bude that we met was incredibly supportive and gave us all the boost we needed before trying to sail/drive the huge distance across/around the Bristol Channel.
Page last updated on 7 June 2009 at 09:52