Love Sailing

Vicki always loved Salcombe, l think possibly because most things were on a level just above high water mark. Vicki hadn’t been able to climb hills for probably 10 years before she passed away recently. I had been sailing since 1972 but we started sailing together in 2004 and then started cruising in 2006. In the earlier years Vicki was very able but a number of health problems starting with her heart operation in 2014, never one to complain Vicki still liked to go away cruising but in post 2014 seasons wanted more rest from the sailing.

Over the last five or so seasons, it took Vicki all her effort just to get aboard Elektra, so as long as l was prepared to carry all the bags, Vicki still wanted to go cruising. When going ashore from Elektra we always needed to use the dinghy to get as close as possible to our destination as by then she couldn’t walk more than a 100 yards on the level and only using a stick and my arm for support.

So here in Salcombe things are mainly on the level, the sailing club is up a hill so Vicki hadn’t been there for about 15 years. But that didn’t bother her because of the showers by the harbour masters office, shops and 2 pubs on the same level. In resent years we had found at high water we could get close to the co-op by dinghy (just across the road).

I used today for shopping at the co-op although l walked through the town to the shop because l am able to. I also updated my mobile number at the HM office and had a shower. Once done, l went back to Elektra and enjoyed the weather in her cockpit. In the evening watching the changing sky as the sun was setting.

I knew the tide stream wouldn’t he going my way until 1300hrs but as there wasn’t much wind, l wrongly thought, l better get going sooner than later.

The forecast was westerly force 2-3, increasing force 4 later, l thought Elektra would be on a reach to Start Point and with the tide going my way l could of sailed on in the same direction before tacking back into Salcombe.

But at Berry Head the wind was from the south-southwest, which was the direction l needed to go! Being that the wind force was only 2, after 1.75hrs Elektra had only logged 5.25nm under full sail in the wrong direction! So l decided to motor her in the right direction, by the time we were off Dartmouth it was upto force 3 but l continued to motor Elektra towards Start Point. Picking upto force 5 for a time, l continued to motor Elektra towards Start Point way point. Rounding the point l thought that l might have been able to set the sails but again now heading west and still a head wind. I motored on into Salcombe and up river to Frogmore Creek to drop anchor at 1645hrs having logged 27nm.

Another hour to pack away the yacht before putting on dinner, which l had eaten by 1900hrs following this on with a bottle of red, by 2100hrs l was drunk, something l hadn’t been for a very long time. I hadn’t been drinking anything while Vicki was I’ll and this one bottle had done it! When the harbour master arrived for his money just before dark, l nearly fell over when l climbed out into the cockpit, that mainsheet dose come in handy sometimes!

On Saturday l had arranged to meet up with Philip Kirby in Brixham. Before l left Elektra l removed the dinghy outboard to Elektra’s pushpit. I had arranged to meet Philip at 1030hrs by the Golden Hind. Of course l wasn’t entirely sure what l was looking for, thinking it was a statue and looking at Google maps, l thought l had identified it. But when l got to the place the statue wad just a spike of granite! Walking on and looking for another statue. Philip spotted me first and said hello. I explained to him what l thought l was looking for, and Philip laughed 😅 it’s that ship he said, it’s meant to be a replica of the Golden Hind! Actually it’s built on a old barge.

Philip gave me a tour of Brixham, took me down to the fishing harbour viewing platform. Philip had been a fisherman out of Brixham in his younger years. Then we walked around the harbour, and when we arrived at the visitor pontoon the guys where offering tours of the sailing trawler. Both being sailor’s we went for a look. And it was very interesting. Afterwards we sat on the wall of the quay and just chatted.

Then Philip said, it’s time for a pastie, so we back round the harbour to the shop. Guarding our pasties very carefully from the seagulls we eat them while seated looking out over the harbour. Afterwards Philip suggested walking around the shops, but l suggested having a pint, which is what we did.

Afterwards we said our good buys, it had been nice chatting with Philip over the day before we went our own ways.

But l had the feeling that Philip thought l needed company after losing Vicki so recently (about a month ago). Upsetting as it was, l really lost Vicki back at the end of April when she was first taken to hospital. Yes l had visited her most days but she was dopey with morphine most of the time because of the pain she was in. Losing Vicki still upsets me from time to time, until losing her, l hadn’t ever experienced grief before! And because of that fact, in the past l had always thought there was something wrong with me, as l didn’t understand what grief was.

Last year Vicki and l managed to get as far as Torquay for a few days, but we never got to visit Brixham. So after the night anchored off Torquay Harbour, l pulled up her anchor and motored her over to Brixham side of Torbay. Three local sailors had recommended Fishcombe Cove, they also said the moorings there were free because of eel grass but normally full.

Well going early at 0700hrs, l hoped to get there before the rush and when l arrived at 0800hrs l had the pick of them all.

What a lovely spot l thought 😀

The weather turned into a wonderful day and  by 1300hrs l had to escape the heat into Elektra cabin with the odd half hour in the sun, l really love hot weather but far to hot for me today! It was 27C in the shade 😎

At 1330hrs Peter arrived just to say hi, it had been just over 2 months since l had last seen him in the Precuil River. He had told me of his plans to sail to the western isles in Scotland but he had to get back by July, l had thought at the time he would be lucky! But Peter had done exactly what he planned to do, and now in his home waters having logged 1750nm. He didn’t stop, took a couple of photos and went on his way back to his mooring which l used off Starcross Yacht Club.

Having and another rest day in the Exe, l planned to leave and sail back south to Torquay. Over night and in the early morning the wind was westerly force 5-6, but forecasted to die away to northwest force 4. Until the tide started going out again l was staying put, so slowly got Elektra ready to leave.

I was thinking about 1000hrs but by 0900hrs Elektra had swung around to face the tide and wind so l started her engine and switched on the instruments. Dropped the mooring at 0920hrs having first replaced Elektra’s anchor to her bow.

Motoring Elektra back down the river, l realised there was 1.2m more depth than there was when we had arrived, so if l followed the same track back out that l made coming in we would be safe. It struck me how far out to sea the channel buoys went, they seemed to go on forever, but even just after high water Elektra only had about 3m under her keels, this far out to sea. We passed the last buoy at 1010hrs having logged 4.5nm.

From there l unrolled the genoa and Elektra was soon logging over 5kts, but the tiller pilot couldn’t cope so l rolled in the first reef. Elektra sat up better and had only dropped her speed by 0.2kt, but the best bit was the pilot could cope.

I had been heading for the seaward side of the Ore Stone but l remembered reading in the pilot book that there was a passage between Hope’s Nose and the Ore Stone, so changed the heading a bit to pass inside the Ore Stone, as we entered the gap the wind died away and l started Elektra’s engine at 1210hrs having logged 13.5nm from there l motored Elektra around to Torquay Harbour and anchored her to the west of the harbour.

I had been in contact with my friend Philip, who happened to be aboard his yacht in Torquay Harbour. After arrival and putting things away, l launched the dinghy, fitted the outboard and went in to see Philip. What followed was a nice afternoon with a beer and chatting with Philip. I also went to the co-op for some shopping.

Having sailed along the cost of Devon and Cornwall for over 20 years, with my limited holiday time until last year we hadn’t ever got north of Dartmouth. With Vicki last summer we had managed to make it as far as Torquay Harbour but having visited there once, we wouldn’t be interested in returning anytime soon. This year l had set my sights on visiting the River Exe.

So today was the day. I had planned to get away at 0600hrs but over slept a little 😴 and it was 0625hrs when l pulled up Elektra’s anchor, motoring back out of the river 3nm, l reached the entrance 0710hrs. The tide stream around Start Point was with us until 0940hrs. With good wind and favourable tide we passed Prawle Point NCI station at 0730hrs and Start Point at 0810hrs having logged 9nm.  Turning northeast Elektra was now running down wind. It was lovely sailing and by 1010hrs she had covered 20nm.

By 1110hrs, it was obvious we would arrive at Exmouth over low water and we needed to arrive 2-3hrs after low water. At which point off Berry Head, l decided to stop for a few hours north of Torquay in Babbacombe Bay. Now heading north to clear the Ore Stone to port before turning northwest into the bay. Then looking back south l could see heavy rain coming, so went below for my coat, back in the cockpit, l only just got it on in time. What followed was about was a squall and 10mins of very heavy rain. Then as quick as it came it was gone again. I rolled away the sail at about the end of the rain and motored Elektra into the cove, where l dropped anchor.

An hour and a half later, l pulled up the anchor again and headed out of the bay towards the Exe. With the wind almost dead behind, l had to gibe down wind a few times then off Teignmouth gibed again onto starboard tack. Just then another squall was approaching from the south, l grabbed my coat again but the this ran up the coastline and totally blocked out Teignmouth before moving on over Exmouth. By now l was only 2nm south of Exmouth entrance and l couldn’t see any land, l am glad to say it cleared off before l started Elektra’s engine to motor her into the river.

Following the navigation buoys into the river and watching the depth sounder. The tide stream was fast and remembering what l had been told about the tide wanting to push you over Bull Hill Bank, so l cut close to the port can buoy no12 around Warren Point. Only to come head on to 2 ferry’s and moved over to get out of their way. Then followed the channel upstream to Starcross Sailing Club, where my friend Peter has a mooring which l could use. Peter was back on the south coast of Cornwall having sailed his Sadler 26 from Exmouth to the Lewis in Scotland since the end of April.

I arrived at his mooring and hooked it first time but it was tangled having not been used for 2 months and couldn’t lift it’s pick up buoy.  Hanging on but the tide was rushed past at 2-3kts, l tried to unhook again l couldn’t and l didn’t want to let go of the boat hook, in the end the boat hook couldn’t hold the weight of Elektra anymore and the top end parted company. I wasn’t happy because I had only bought it last season.

But no good crying over spelt milk, l had to find my spare boat hook and once retrieved l picked up another empty mooring. Once onto a mooring l jotted down the end of day writen log and switched off the instruments. Then l launched the dinghy and fitted the engine. Then motored dinghy over to Peter’s mooring and entangled it and cleaned it. Back to Elektra, l then moved her onto Peter’s mooring by which time l was wanting a rest!

I put on my dinner, while covering the mainsail and other jobs. It was now 1900hrs as l sat down to eat. The numbers were, we had done 42.5nm in 9hrs

Having had an interesting passage the day before, l was having a rest day on Monday. I had been in contact with a CA member who was looking for crew to sail his 50ft yacht to South Brittany at the end of July. And we had agreed to meet for coffee to discuss at 1000hrs. Peter is an elderly gentleman with masses of sailing experience, he had owned his yacht for 20 years and taken her across the Atlantic twice. His wife didn’t sail anymore and didn’t like the idea of him sailing alone. Peter had regular crew but he had been ill and wasn’t able the come this season. After a long chat with questions from both sides, l think we were both happy when we parted to go our separate ways.

Then l had some shopping to get and had shower before going back to Elektra to while away the afternoon in Elektra’s cockpit.

In the evening l had arranged to meet family in Salcombe and the Victoria Inn had been booked for a meal. They wanted to see Elektra, not a problem l said just a 20min dinghy ride in both directions. I timed it on the way down river to meet them and it look 23mins. Anyway, it was a nice dinghy ride in both directions on a sunny evening in Salcombe.

Once back in Salcombe town, the table had been booked for 1830hrs. We sat down, it wasn’t looking that busy but the service was very slow, we did get our drinks after half an hour, but a starter of bread no butter and olives did come out half hour later. After more waiting. We were hungry and wanted to eat. So Patti asked how much longer to get our order? When the waitress came back and said 45mins! We said we will pay the bill and have fish and chips along the road. We had eaten our fish and chips and said our good buys before we would have been served in the Victoria Inn! My advice is don’t go there! Apart from anything else, if you book a table for 1830hrs, you don’t think you will need lights to get back to your anchored yacht.

Having done Fowey or back three times now since Vicki passed. I had realised passage making isn’t difficult on own, it’s the ports and mooring which is difficult.

With a good strong westerly forecast for Sunday l had decided to head for Salcombe 40nm east of Fowey. I looked at the tides and the stream wouldn’t be going my way until 1500hrs, but l couldn’t wait that long because l estimated the passage would take 8hrs and as most of the flow was between Plymouth and Salcombe, it was important for me to have the stream going with us upto Salcombe.

So l dropped the mooring at 1100hrs, it took 20mins to motor Elektra back down the river to Fowey entrance, where l set the genoa. Set up the chart plotter for Bolt Head 32nm away.

Slowly at first but speeding up though the day. As we passed Rame Head at 1500hrs well offshore, Elektra was logging 5kts plus just on her genoa. The sea was building but all seemed well at the time. The sea continued to build to a short 4-5ft swell from the southwest. As Elektra’s track was east-southeast this swell made for a corkscrew ride and the tiller pilot was having problems keeping her on course so l was helming more. The bigger swells would push Elektra’s stern around and she was beginning to broach. So l decided it was time to reef the genoa, but for some reason the furling line was jammed!

Looking over the sprayhood l could see the the furling line was caught in the bow fairlead, l needed to go on deck to free it. Now l wasn’t happy with the idea of doing so, but l was alone and someone had to! So l went below and found a safety line and clipped onto my lifejacket and the jack stays. Then went out onto the pitching deck, once forward of the sprayhood l was on all fours making my way upto the bow. Easy problem to solve once at the bow and l headed back to the cockpit the same way l came. Once back in the cockpit with total relief l quickly reefed the genoa! And things were easier for a while.

But the sea continued to build, as we approached Bolt Head way point the sea was now 5-6ft and l needed to reef the genoa again. It wasn’t because she was going too fast, it was because of the damage which might be caused if she broached badly. After reefing again she was still logging 5kts. Although l like speed, who doesn’t? I am more interested in arriving safety than speed!

Elektra carried on passed the Bolt Head way point, now heading for Salcombe. At the right moment l gibed her around onto a port tack and headed into Salcombe. In passed the Mew Stone and turned north Elektra still logging 5kts. When she slowed, l started her engine and rolled away her genoa and headed for the leading lines over Salcombe Bar. It was then Elektra was hit by force 6 and bare polls healed over very hard. I was glad it was short lived as it disappeared as fast as it came.

Motoring into Salcombe the mooring officer came along side to take my money on the way into the moorings. I said l was going up to Frogmore creek to anchor, he said l will take your money now! But at £18.40 for 2 nights, l didn’t think that was too bad. He asked where  l had come from what the sea was like? From Fowey l said and not very nice, especially the last 3hrs. He said they hadn’t had any others in for 2hrs and the last one said it was bad then!

Motoring on upto Frogmore Creek, l dropped anchor at 2000hrs having logged 39.5nm.

My original plan had been to stay in Place two nights because of the forecast of southerly force 4 gusting 6. But looking at another forecast, it suggested force 4 gusting 5 which wouldn’t be bad for the passage to Fowey in a northeast direction. I pondered on this during the day, kept on looking at the forecasts but both of them still said the same.

I couldn’t leave anyway until Elektra was floating again around 1300hrs by which time l had decided to go. The forecast said southerly but the actual direction was southwest which seemed to work well upto the Dodman but not so good afterwards.

I motored Elektra out of St Mawes and south out around St Anthony light house and set the genoa from there. There didn’t seem as much wind as forecasted southwest so l pulled up the main and spent the next hour reefing it once then twice before pulling it down again. Because the tiller pilot just couldn’t cope with all that sail and being alone l couldn’t helm all the way with other jobs to do like keeping the ships logged adjusting the sails.

Once the mainsail was down again, the next 2hrs Elektra creamed along at over 5kts average. But going down wind after the Dodman Point Elektra slowed and as we passed Cannis Buoy 4.25hrs after leaving Place we had logged 19.5nm.

With no free swing moorings in Fowey harbour, l motored Elektra north to Wisesman’s Reach where the harbour master had placed no mooring tags. So l picked up a local mooring on my third attempt,more difficult than it looks on your own! Lol 😆

I had to hang around all day on Friday 26th June for Cornwall Council to pick up Vicki’s hospital bed. They told me it would be between 9am and 6pm, updating later to 12 to 4pm. And the guy turned up at 4pm and it took him an hour to dismantle, remove and leave.

I spent the day getting ready to leave, so 15min after he left, l was also ready to leave home. Of course by the time l had driven down to St Anthony and launched the dinghy, unloaded the car into it and motored the dinghy out to Elektra and got stowed and ready to leave, it was quite a bit later. I dropped Elektra’s mooring at 1820hrs, l had sailed Elektra across Falmouth, but now a mile south of St Mawes with a ebbing tide and less wind the SOG had dropped off to 2kts. So l started her engine and motored her to Place,  only just making it in. Elektra grounded before l could drop her anchor, so l let her anchor go and enough chain for high water. Packing away, l looked at something for dinner but the meals where still frozen. So l had cheese and biscuits.

I was wacked and went to bed early, then about 10pm l heard fireworks, so stuck my head out of the fore hatch and what a wonderful display it was, for some reason it only made me sad that Vicki wasn’t here to see it.

At low water l had climbed down Elektra’s boarding ladder and pulled her anchor out and set it by hand, to avoid me worrying about it dragging in the night when the tide came back in.