3 boats from Starcross Yacht Club decided to make an early crossing to Guernsey and possibly beyond. What transpired was an excellent excursion with some brilliant sailing on some days, revisiting some lovely locations and ending with spectacular celebrations in the Victoria Marina in St Peter Port. We take the smooth with the rough andContinue reading “Early Season Jaunt across the Channel”
Author Archives: Derek
The final blog of 2024!
I have finally got around to publishing the last video in the series from my adventures in Southern Ireland. Here’s a brief resume of what is covered in this final video, now published on my YouTube channel. Having been stymied in my aspirations to sail up the Wild Atlantic Coast of Western Ireland I enjoyedContinue reading “The final blog of 2024!”
The final chapter?
My summer cruise to Southern Ireland was completed in July. After a pleasant stay in Padstow inner harbour onboard Thalmia, with Ruth, walking the coastline and meeting up with friends, I made the long passage west along the north coast of Cornwall and around Lands End. This time the conditions were not favourable for anContinue reading “The final chapter?”
The waiting game
I was really pleased to have conditions leaving Milford Haven that allowed me to do something I couldn’t do when sailing round Britain. I stopped overnight in the very small anchorage on the East side of Lundy. I inflated the tender and went ashore for a short walk and brief (!) visit to the MariscoContinue reading “The waiting game”
Solo for so long!
I came back around Mizen Head on Monday 17th June and it was rather nice seeing headlands, bays and harbours that were now familiar. Not the surprise element this time but like meeting old friends! In very calm conditions, albeit with some leftover swell from the strong winds that had passed through, I mostly stayedContinue reading “Solo for so long!”
King Canute
Like King Canute I have had to recognise the supreme power of the elements, whether that be the tides or the winds! On Tuesday 11th June I left Baltimore and in light winds and almost smooth seas I motored out to the iconic Fastnet rock. This is the turning mark for the annual Fastnet raceContinue reading “King Canute”
Slow progress but happy days!
After the delayed start the winds continued to hinder progress being mostly westerly i.e. where I was heading and sometimes strong. So I spent some time in Cork, Kinsale, Courtmacsherry and Glandore. I’m not regretting those stops. I’ve enjoyed exploring and had some fast sailing in short hops including the last hop when the windContinue reading “Slow progress but happy days!”
We made it!
Finally a fair forecast encouraged us to depart. Aidan arrived after Ruth departed and we set off for Newlyn. We anchored overnight outside Newlyn harbour which I have frequently used before a departure to Scilly. The harbour welcomes visiting yachts but is primarily a fishing harbour and very busy early morning and you can beContinue reading “We made it!”
It’s not a challenge!
My primary objective on this trip was to enjoy a voyage to Ireland. It was not intended as a challenge and I was certain I was not going to push myself. As a 73 year old who came late to sailing I was keen to stay within my comfort zone. Well that nearly worked! TheContinue reading “It’s not a challenge!”
New adventures in 2024!
Efforts over winter changed Thalmia from this: to this: As well as the usual stripping, cleaning and storing, winterising, painting and oiling and then refitting, there were a couple of upgrades. A new switch panel and additional battery power were installed. Lithium batteries now act as an extension to my standard lead acid domestic bank.Continue reading “New adventures in 2024!”
Happy New Year!
So that was 2023! Not a bad sailing year overall when I look back, considering the somewhat unusual weather patterns we had. So what does 2024 have in store for you? I have some sailing ideas for Thalmia and me ….! Whatever your plans I wish you all fair winds and following seas in 2024.Continue reading “Happy New Year!”
In search of fair winds!
The return from visiting the Isles of Scilly was somewhat challenging for a solo sailor. While on the islands we study the many weather forecast models continuously and, when looking at the forecasts around the time of Ruth’s planned departure by Skybus to Exeter, I could see just one particular day which would give aContinue reading “In search of fair winds!”
Voyages of Thalmia 