Category Archives: Westerly Owners Association

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?”

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!”

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!”

You cannot command the wind but …

… you can adjust the sails … that’s a good motto for life but for a sailor there is also the other option …. to change the destination ! The trip to Lundy was frustrated by the wrong winds – not strong as such but coming from the wrong direction to round Lands End andContinue reading “You cannot command the wind but …”

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 yearContinue reading “Should I stay or should I go?”

New perspectives on Thalmia

I do hope you all had a good year in 2022. For Thalmia and I it has been a great year for sailing. Crossing the Channel in May to Guernsey, Sark, Jersey, St Malo and up the river Rance to Dinan. Then the Scillies in June where Ruth and I revisited many of our favouriteContinue reading “New perspectives on Thalmia”

Second best is still very good!

July and August were quieter sailing months. Family took precedence. Thalmia and I did join in a “race” to Dartmouth in August. There was very little wind so the challenge was getting there under sail power only! We managed it, singlehanded, including a fair stretch with the cruising chute – drawing well! I had hopedContinue reading “Second best is still very good!”

Do not go gentle …..

Dylan Thomas had it right! Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light. It’s been two years that we haven’t “done” the Isles of Scilly. First the pandemic, then last year was consumed by my circumnavigation of the wider Isles of Britain – well someContinue reading “Do not go gentle …..”

Across the English Channel and up the river Rance to Dinan

Early May and it was time for an early voyage! Eventually 3 boats set off from Starcross Yacht Club in company. The original plan was to sail to Brixham and leave the following morning for a daylight crossing. However with stronger winds forecast we made a late decision to go overnight. Sailing singlehanded overnight includingContinue reading “Across the English Channel and up the river Rance to Dinan”