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”
Tag Archives: Westerly
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”
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!”
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 …..”
Voyages of Thalmia 