Should I stay or should I go?

Not just some well known lyrics but an actual dilemma for cautious sailors like me. Visiting Lundy island was one of the joys I had to forego on my round Britain trip in 2021 as the weather, or more particularly the winds, were not right for the very limited anchorage on the island. Last year did not work out either so – will it be in ’23?

Lundy Island Archive Photo

I’ve carved out a window of opportunity (and a blessing from Ruth) starting this week for a few weeks and I’m setting off, hopefully on Thursday, to see if the weather is going to be kind to me this time. I have to say the long range forecasts are not very encouraging. There are many different weather models and even a couple of weeks out they don’t agree. So I’m just hoping and keeping everything crossed!

The plan is to sail to Falmouth via Salcombe and then reevaluate. In the worst case scenario I’ll chill out in Falmouth and loiter back home via the charming ports and harbours along this part of our “sceptred isle”. If that’s the worst case scenario I can’t complain!

If I’m lucky it’ll be St Ives, then Padstow, then Lundy, then whatever! Ruth is going to come onboard (when I’m not sailing) so either in Falmouth or Padstow. Sailing singlehanded is something I really like – the sun on your face and the wind in your hair (???) – but being together enhances the pleasure of spending time in beautiful locations.

And later this summer it will be back to the Scillies again to relive the memories:

A firm favourite for the sailor in me. For Ruth it will be a short flight in a small plane to a glorious archipelago which we will enjoy as we relax and unwind. Oh and some sun will be appreciated!

As ever I’ll update this blog in due course and post something on YouTube (Voyages of Thalmia). I’m looking forward to using the drone a bit more this year so look out for even more stunning images of the Southwest.

Published by Derek

Having started sailing later in life I have migrated from a 14ft dinghy via a Sadler 26 to a 32ft Westerly Fulmar. I sail mostly single handed in the South West from the Solent to the Scillies or across to the Channel Islands and ajacent French coast. In 2020 I planned to sail mostly single handed around Britain. Due to Covid-19 this was unfortunately not possible. I finally completed that challenge starting in April 2021: finishing in early July. You can check out my journey and experiences, good and not so good in the blog posts below or my YouTube channel - search for “voyages of Thalmia” - https://youtube.com/channel/UCb4WnIlleSAbN6oNFmSTAOQ View more posts

9 thoughts on “Should I stay or should I go?”

I hope you managed to get to Lundy. Sounds like you should get some opportunities for good sailing. If you ever need a deck hand (scrubbing the deck, cleaning the toilet and cleaning all the out side even under water) would be happy to have the opportunity.Happy Sailing!

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Derek says:

15/05/2023 at 10:06

Thank you Clive! In the end we had a long set of northerly winds forecast which would not be good for Lands End, north coast of Cornwall or Lundy so I’m in Falmouth still but Ruth has joined me here and I’ll make my way back later this week going slowly along the coast which will be very pleasant. I’ll look for opportunities for you to come on board. I’ll phone sometime snd find out how your boating is going!

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1. clive hathaway says:
  
  15/05/2023 at 16:09
  
  Hi Uncle Derek, good you still got to do some sailing and relaxing. Another time for Lundy it will have to be. It will be good for an opportunity for me to come. My bigger boat is now at Lake Pier and the little boat is now at Mudeford Dinghy Park. I want to get some sailing practice on the little boat as soon as possible before my next sailing lessons mid July. Look for to hearing and seeing you soon.
  
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