Aidan Whiteley

A flat calm, windless trip down from Cawsand Bay to St Mawes. A hot day as we motored past Ramen Head and the Dodman.

After a day off in Dartmouth (as we didn't fancy headbanging into fairly strong westerlies) we pushed the tide across Start Bay to get to Start Point somewhere near slack water. We sailed to begin with but after we noticed to that the VMG had gone negative we motored past a fairly benign Start and Prawle. At Salcombe we switched the engine off, sailed offshore a bit to get some sea room around Bolt Tail and then sailed straight to Cawsand at 7 to 8 knots.

Started very early with the promise of calm seas and light breezes if not a favourable direction. In the event we managed to sail across Start Bay and Bigbury Bay just motor sailing around Start & Prawle Point and into Plymouth Sound. Berthed in QAB to allow crew Aidan to return home.

Not the most comfortable point of sail but in the event slightly less tacking than we anticipated. Winds were unbelievably variable in strength (20knts max) and direction but apart from a brief bit of drizzle it stayed dry and bright and the sea state only became more “moderate” towards the end. A great days sailing ending in a meal in good company in Dartmouth.

An eventful crossing! 04:00 exit over the sill at St Peter Port and after a brief sail it was motoring all the way. Unusually long passage as for some time we stood by another Fulmar with engine problems while a solution was found. After thunder storms off Guernsey however the weather turned fair and the sea state went from slight to smooth. Once back underway and under motor maintained 6knt SOG most of the way. Entered the Exe estuary and motored up river in the dark at mid ebb on a big spring tide (!!!) - tense and challenging but arrived safely on mooring with 2 torches in use and gladly with very competent crew. Gladly my Beta 28 did us proud!

From the calm waters of Havre Gosselin to a very busy marina at the centre of the Liberation Day Celebrations on Guersey. An energetic sail past Lower Heads in F5-6. Should have reduced canvass but it was only a short distance! Lots of weather helm gave me a good work out! It will not be a quiet evening!

We started with a beam reach in a F3-4 building to a steady 4 until past La Corbiere lighthouse on SW Jersey. Then the wind built slowly to a F5 and then 6 as we neared Sark - various reefing levels along the way! But what a glorious sail we had. Then into the settled anchorage of Havre Gosselin off Sark for a delightful peaceful evening meal alfresco! This is why we do it!

Moderate seas and fresh wind almost on the nose so motor sailing much of the way til the approach to Granville when the motor went off and the sea state diminished for a pleasant end to the passage.

Set off for Granville but aborted when Pretty Peggy had engine overheating. Problem diagnosed and then resolved! Phew!

Sailing from St Peter Port, Guernsey to St Cast in Brittany in a fairly steady F5 but occasional gust to 23knts. Good visibility was a plus big following seas not quite as good but quite manageable. Great to make the French coast in 2 day sails. Now to enjoy some culinary delights and fill the hold with wine and Ricard!!!