Perfectly planned Portland Bill

Joanna Spencer-Smith

Forecast was for some pretty strong winds so we left a bit later (9am) to miss them. Came out of the river Dart only to find winds were gentler (F3 initially rising to F4 as we came away from the land) than expected and definitely from W not NW which would have helped a little. To avoid sailing straight downwind with the 1-2m swell we headed into the channel and bobbed along at about 5knots (slower than our planning speed) so we started to doubt if we would make Portland in time for the tidal gate. Luckily as the day passed the winds increased to F5 and at about 3pm we put in reef 1. At some point in the day we experimented with the boom retainer. We used a rope attached to the end of the boom and the tackline. Not ideal once released as the rope on the boom is free and ready to decapitate any crew members in the cockpit should the boom go overhead. I put my knowledge of the sheepshank knot to use to shorten the rope. Needs work as a system. Managed to navigate round the bill and Shambles all with the tide - just like we planned! Arrived and now at anchor. Sustenance required before we plan for tomorrow!