Allan Stibbs

Another lovely summer evening; too good to miss for another trip around Drakes Island.

Ideal conditions for a trip from Plymouth to the river Yealm, and back. Rendezvous with PP24 Oyster Catcher and owner Huntley, at the Yealm up-river visitors’ pontoon. Spent an hour alongside. Temporarily, 3 Plymouth Pilots rafted together , Oyster Catcher, Mananui and the Yealm Harbour Master’s PP18. Must be the prettiest harbour on the south Devon coast?!

Another lovely afternoon in Plymouth Sound. Just a short trip on the water “ because we can”! Checked-out the ‘new’ Mayflower visitors pontoon at the Barbican landing stage. Took advantage of “5 mins free” for crew drop-off and pick up - to grab a coffee ( ice cream shed was closed !!). Brisk westerly making the open Sound a bit choppy against the last of the ebb; but circuit of Drake’s Island part of the adventure.

Beautiful conditions in Plymouth today. A nice westerly breeze with to cool the heat of a brilliantly sunny day. Ideal racing conditions for the gigs in the lee of Drakes Island.

Gusty SW’ly causing a big swell outside the breakwater. Good sailing in the Sound. Anchored off Kingsand for lunch - delightful haven sheltered from the westerly wind.

Bright afternoon with a little bit of NW breeze . Lovely conditions out in the Sound. Unexplained engine overheat meant an unscheduled stop at Mayflower Marina. Coolant topped-up and engine fine back to Plymouth Boatyard at Laira

Another fantastic day at Plymouth. Light breeze from SE clear blue sky, record-breaking sunshine. Interesting visitors anchored in the Sound.

Barbican to Milbay Marina and tour of Plymouth ALB. Return to Laira via the Barbican to drop-off fellow Plymouth Pilot owners

Beautiful conditions in Plymouth Sound. Watched Waverley depart , and then cruise in company with Static (electric PP) to breakwater fort.

Out beyond Plymouth breakwater to have a look at HMS Queen Elizabeth. Not allowed too close courtesy of MOD police! Cool northerly 3 to 4, giving a bit of a chop the further out you went.