Derek Hathaway

Bit of a mixed bag! Bridport was noisy overnight due to slight swell, noisy pontoons and fenders. Cruising chute for a couple of periods but a lot of motoring as well with winds variable from 4-10 knots but slight seas and lots of sun so happy with that. Back to the Exe with lift out approaching soon. Synchronised entry to the Exe with fellow club member and friend on Tela. Thanks for the photo Aidan!

Arrived at the top of the Bill following recommendations from Fishwick. Motor sailing to control arrival time then inshore at the 5m contour and throwing distance to the shore. Pot buoys visible with little current at the point although strong getting there and afterwards. Then superb sailing on what varied from a beam reach to close hauled requiring lots of sail trimming. Variable (!) 4-14 knots of wind but a helpful current. Moored up in Bridport Harbour (aka West Bay). Only tenable in light offshore conditions which is what I have now and is forecast for tonight 🤞

Some excellent sailing F3-4 after a mixture of sailing and choppy downwind motor sailing to St Albans Head. Inshore there meant just a very short period of overfalls which Thalmia took in her stride. Then range safety allowed short distance offshore rather than the outer range - phew! Weymouth for the night alongside the harbour office pontoons. Round the Bill tomorrow lunchtime.

A short hop across the harbour to Pottery Pier - choppy still to the north but south side reasonably sheltered by the pier for a trip ashore this afternoon hopefully. Maybe overnight here depending on wind direction and strength later.

My nephew has done a little training and sailing in dinghies and small keel boats. He was keen to have another go on a bigger yacht. The winds were a bit stronger than hoped for gusting 21 knots and the easterly winds had kicked up swell and waves - but we said hello to Old Harry where it was the most turbulent and then beat back into a calm harbour.

Another early start at first light - as soon as I could spot any pot buoys! But wanted to make most of the currents and get into port before the forecast strong winds and heavy rain. It was gnarly around St Albans Head even offshore - fresh onshore winds against tide so inshore passage not a good idea! Mostly sailing but motor assisted around St Albans Head with wind on the nose (not what was in the forecast!) Not sure how much it will cost me here (😖) but it’s a convenient place to meet brother and family.

Winds not quite enough to just sail so motor assisted for much of the way to be sure of reaching the Bill at my target time. Passed just 30mins early but current with me around and up the East side of Portland. Anchored in the harbour. Slight seas til I reached Portland - warm and partly sunny - that will change!

Hoping for wind aft of the beam and to fly the cruising shute which was ready on the bow - we were disappointed to find we would be close hauled getting back - and then the wind dropped to zero! So motor sailed most of the way.

Needed a check on the engine after damage to a breather tube - repairs agreed for the winters layup. Great sailing close hauled to Anstys Cover in shifty wind but a slight sea. Good to enjoy the continued warm sunny weather and beautiful setting for an afternoon break at anchor.

That was all ok! End of a short cruise before family commitments. With a SW wind shifting to WSW I was able to sail with Genoa only at between 150 & 170 deg off the true wind. 12-16knts but gusts to 21 and a choppy sea at times but the autohelm steered to a wind vane heading throughout with occasional changes by 10deg to make the Exe estuary. Could have used the cruising shute but this time I was happy with the modest speed and well mannered boat! No rain out at sea!