Judith Hedges

This was our big passage, leaving at 16.30 after a slap up Sunday roast in the pub. As ever the wind gods like to test us so we had to sail due north and hope the wind veered east later. Our sacrifices to the wind gods worked and we managed to point more Easterly over the passage. So no tacking required (hurrah). However the wave gods were less happy and the waves and point of sail made for a very rough passage with the odd sea water shower. You will see from the pictures we had to be creative in finding places to sleep. A few Pods of Dolphins swam with us and the stars were lovely. Locked into the marina at 18.30 in time for dinner at the pub.

The wind direct changed again so we relocated to New Grimsby, Tresco. We had a nice sail in 15 knots of wind and picked up a mooring. Explored both Tresco and Bryher including Cromwell's castle (pictured).

We made a short sail to get to anchorage with better wind protection so we could enjoy the next couple of days. We picked up some weed so I had to brave the cold water to check we had lost it all. Had a good walk around the Island of St Agnus and enjoyed a nice pint in the Island's pub.

The wind gods did not smile on us for this passage as the wind was more westerly than we had hoped. This ment we had to motor from off Lands end to the Isle of Scilly. After a couple of rain showers the weather brightened. We could not find space in our first choice anchorage so ended up in St Mary's bay. We ventured ashore for a meal with the dinghy ride back to Nomad being a little tricky in the dark.

We had to leave Plymouth due to forecast high winds. So left at 8.30 and had a very enjoyable sail, with easterly winds 7 to 18 knots. Arrived in Falmouth in time for a pub meal and to watch the big match (It's coming home!!). We passed our friends on Samos on the way (see picture).

A very short trip to Plymouth today with a plan to stop for a couple of days but the forecast is for high wind in a couple of days so we will move on tomorrow to our leg end port of Falmouth. The weather is extremely hot but a nice pizza salad hit the spot before a quick explore of Plymouth.

Another day without wind. We motored out of Salcombe and down to Newton Ferrers, mooring up on the visitors pontoon in time for lunch. After the traditional battle with the outboard, we went ashore for a walk around the village and a leisurely pint at The Dolphin Inn. Nice game of rummicubes with a G and T in evening.

Dartmouth was hosting a clasic yacht regatta; a spectacular sight as they all went down the river this morning. When we left for Salcombe at lunchtime, there was not a breath of wind so we motored past the 'racing' clasic yatchs becalmed in the bay. Salcombe was very crowded, with yachts, dinghies and assorted watercraft to dodge. We rafted up on the visitors pontoon before enjoying live music and a pint at the yatch club.

A lovely sail down from Exmouth to Dartmouth. Tacking down the coast with a relaxing 10 knots of wind building to 17 knots later. We were even able to use the big blue sail at times. So a great introduction to the leg 3 crew. As always, arriving in scenic Dartmouth is a real treat.