Last day on Tresco before we head back East, going to see if we can get a look at the start of the Golden Globe 50th Anniversary at Falmouth.
Weather is not looking good ahead with Storm Hector approaching, time to leave our new best sailing destination.
Thanks for the hospitality IOS, we’re your latest members of the Scilly fan club, see you again soon.
Next voyage TBC
We made a timely move to New Grimsby Sound, between Tresco and Bryer. This was due to a forecast of BFT F5-6 from the North which had potential for an uncomfortable anchorage at St Helens Pool.
We motored the short distance at HW to be able to cross the Tresco Flats which dried at low water.
On entering the Sound we searched for a suitable anchorage as it was pretty busy, with all buoys taken and little room for a couple of fat bottomed deep draft cruisers.
Once we had secured the ground tackle we sat back to enjoy the tremendous vista, Bryer to the South and Tresco to the North.
Deciding to take a closer look at Tresco the dinghys we’re launched.
At the risk of repeating myself if you have never been, the IOS must be on your bucket list, an absolutely incredible location just off the end of Cornwall.
This blogger is sat below deck listening to the creaking and groaning of MBS as she competes with gust of 25 knots blasting down the New Grimsby Sound. Just seen LW pass with just 50cm to spare under the keel, may have to relocate to deeper water in the morning as Springs get a day closer.
Not sure we’ll get much sleep, have to take the rough with the smooth when sailing, all part of the experience.
Another day another Island, welcome to St Helens Pool
After a dull crossing we were welcomed to Hugh Town with sunshine and a sheltered anchorage, as all Moore g buoys we’re taken.
That pretty much set tone for visit to the Isles, as we sought out the best bays to drop the hook.
Not going to rattle on about how beautiful the Isles of Scilly are, I’ll let the pictures tell the story and you make up your own mind. But I think it’s one of the most stunning places we’ve visited, and definitely recommended.
First few days we stayed in Hugh Town, St Marys, then crossed over to St Helens for shelter from a forecast NNE 20 knots.
A bit like our visit to Jersey a few years back, we were treated to a sporting event, a swim / run biathlon, part of a World Series. Total distance 37km.
Last night before we move across to St Helens
Not a happy Skipper – no wind
A dull day with not much wind, and what there was ENE F2, so the motor was on for the first third.
Looking back at St Michaels Mount in the morning mist
After leaving Land End the wind increased F3 so the sail were out for about an hour, Sue missed this bit as she had gone to the office to catch up.
Sue checking the accounts – not sure you’ll find them under there!
Mid Channel as we passed the TSS the wind died again, so sail back in bag and motored the rest of way to St Marys.
Super Yacht Heaven, Pendenis Boat Yard, Falmouth
We left Falmouth with a BFT 3-4 E, increasing F5 at times, and with a broad reach heading further West both boats made good speed.
The passage to Newlyn was about 30 miles, but we made sure of a clean sweep around The Lizard increasing the journey to 35 miles, best to be safe than sorry.
Passing The Lizard, no dramas
Entering Mounts Bay we prepped for our arrival at Newlyn Harbour. Calling the HM on VHF 12 we requested a berth for the night. His response was, how many people and did we have animals? The look on Taffs face when he said we weren’t welcome with dogs! Advised to pick up a buoy outside Penzance until 22.00h when lock gate would open, but with a strong Easterly it was going to be a rough wait, not interested!
Approaching St Michaels Mount in search of shelter
Plan B, looking across the bay we noticed St Michaels Mount, that must give some shelter, so decision made and Mr Blue Sky left Hendrix to Newlyn, and headed off in search of a comfortable anchorage for the night.
Crew dropping Anchor behind the Mount
Turned out to be a good choice, as our spot was like a mill pond. We took the tender ashore for Fish and Chips, and walked Jim & Taff on Mounts Bay Beach.
Mr Blue Sky waiting patiently at anchor
Wind started to blow again about 20.00h, but no matter our ground tackle had dug in well and we were in for a peaceful night.
I wonder what Hendrix is doing? Good night Bob & Lisa, sleep tight off to Scilly tomorrow morning, 09.00h for another 35 mile passage, and another anchorage.
Leaving Penzance Bay, Back with Hendrix with Scillonian passing
Time to set sail west if we are to reach the furthest point on the British Isles, as we steamed out of Fowey Sue took one last glance at Dawns seaside home, “we’ll be back” she said such a beautiful harbour.
The passage West toward our next port of call, Falmouth, was a gentle affair with just 5-7 knots behind the port beam. So Mr Blue Sky flew the kite to make the most of every breath, Hendrix too lazy stayed under white cloth alone.
On rounding St Anthony Head Falmouth and the huge natural harbour revealed itself, a welcome sight to many a weary sailor arriving from an Atlantic passage. For us it was just a 20 mile drift.
Sue soon forgot about Fowey, as we entered the Falmouth Yacht Haven, as her childhood memories came flooding back with the holiday home she stayed at as a child stared out to sea at her, such great times.
After rafting up once more, we strolled off into the town to shop for provisions ready for The Isles of Scilly. Although we think we’ll detour to Newlyn en route, as the forecast is for squally showers, and don’t fancy a 12 hr passage in that.
Mackerel sky and mares tales over Falmouth, could spell trouble according to the old sea dogs.
We set off on a broad reach F3 E, rounded the breakwater out of Plymouth Sound and headed west toward the real West Country of Cornwall.
A pretty uneventful passage with variable wind that veered from E - SW, so the iron sail was on - off, with occasional gust that saw good turn of speed.
Passing various Cornish harbours en route, Polpero where we spent a few days in early eighties, the last fisherman’s cottage going out to sea on RHS, “Willy Wilcox”
Our next stop was to be Fowey, and as we approached the hidden estuary, the red and white Day Mark guided us in, where another breathtaking English working port revealed its self, possibly even more idealic than Dartmouth!
Hendrix & Mr Blue Sky rafted up on town pontoon with the guidance of a very helpful Harbour Contoler (VHF 12) and we spent a couple of pleasant days exploring the town.
The streets of Fowey are very narrow, shared by vehicles and tourists, not sure it will end well.
View from Dawn French bedroom, Sue was back to her stalking despite the restraining order.
Sue was on the end of a precision bombing exercise from one of the locals, good shot sir!
Next stop Falmouth, where we intend to launch for the Isles of Scilly, as long as the weather holds.
Mr Blue Sky relaxing en route to Plymouth
Even as we set off a destination had not been agreed, the Yealm certainly appealed to all but with the forecast uncertain, Plymouth would probably get the vote.
The passage out of Salcombe began with a strong breeze of BFT F3-4 NE, so we made good way on a broad reach. However the further we progressed across Bigbury Bay, the wind backed N and dropped F2-3.
Final approach to Plymouth with The Yealm in the background
Not all was well on Hendrix, they may have packed a little heavy and were suffering the consequences, the fat bottomed Oceanis was struggling to keep pace with lighter yachts that slipped past.
If you look really close you can just see Hendrix
Bob & Jim discussing the finer points of sail trim
The 20 mile passage behind us, time to take a look around.
Queen Anne Battery Marina
So Plymouth won the vote, we turned into The Sound and approached Queen Anne Battery, with the Ho and Barbican in the background. A Port we had visited earlier in the year, so our interest was more on the next stop, Fowey, than the historic naval city.
Red sky at night, Taffs delight
Next stop Fowey
View from Berry Head West
One week since the Wheelers first wedding of the year, and we’re back onboard Mr Blue Sky & Hendrix respectively. Plan A was to set sail for Brittany destination l’Aber Wrach, but like all good plans it was due to change.
The day of departure however was pretty glorious, so Sue took full advantage and headed out to Berry Head to survey the passage west.
Salcombe
In an unusual twist the forecast for SW England was superior to the French coast, so a plan B was devised, new destination The Isles of Scilly, Brittany will have to wait.
Hendrix crew steaming ahead, extra 1/2 horsepower
First stop Salcombe for a night on a swing mooring in The Bag. We had a good close haul with tide making 6kts with just a BFT F2 SW. As we approached Start Point the wind dropped and the iron sail was deployed to help us round, an hour later we were tied up on a buoy. Time for the first J&T of the sailing season.
Next stop could be the River Yealm, but with thunder storms now in the forecast we may head to the safety of QAB Marina, Plymouth.
What a fantastic feeling, we had sailed the Atlantic Ocean, one small boat with 6 crew, and finished 61st out of 174 entries in the 2017 ARC, not a bad effort for our first attempt.
First night ashore, can’t remember much about that, but I know we have made friends for life.
Rodney Bay Marina, St Lucia.
Looking forward to the next voyage back on Mr Blue Sky.
As we drew close to St Lucia there was an air of excitement, three weeks on a small boat with the same few people was enough, and we were ready to get off and enjoy the fruits of the land.
Land ahoy; 35 miles out and there is St Lucia, such a fantastic sight. Three weeks, just over 3000 miles and we were nearly there, a very emotional time.
Mobile phones were out, and we patiently waited for the signal strength to build for the first call home.
Routine maintenance was a necessity everyday, as chafe is the biggest problem with downwind sailing, so we kept a keen eye on the pinch points and anywhere sheets could rub.
The sleeping arrangements were basic as you’d imagine, when I say sleeping I mean lying down, braced against the hull and strapped to the lee cloth with eyes shut.
Life on board was never dull, although three weeks at sea did drag a little toward the end, so we had to make our own entertainment.
Øyvind was not left out, he was along for the ARC as ships lucky mascot.
Of course you have to take time out of the race for sight seeing, so when we had a day of little or no wind, we kept lookout for any activity on the surface and hunted them down for a photo shoot.
The amazing creatures we encountered were; Sperm Whales, Pilot Whales, Dolphins (several types) Sharks, Sea Turtles, Flying Fish, Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Marlin, and various sea birds.
We even took a dip mid Atlantic, but didn’t stay in long as had just encountered a shark feeding on a dead tuna.
One of the amazing sights out in an ocean is the sky, day or night there is something special about an undisturbed horizon in every direction.
Sunrise and sunset are incredible, a different scene is provided for drifting sailors every day.
Storms build, your senses are really alive as the wind gathers strength, the sails harness the power and the boat takes off on the increasing swell.
South until the butter melts they say, then turn right. We went as far south as Cape Verde (867miles) and then headed west, had the added bonus of a mobile signal so took advantage and called home.
Boats slipped their lines and headed out in turn to prepare for the start, 3000 nautical miles to Rodney Bay, St Lucia in the sunny Caribbean Sea.
The race began with light wind so most, if not all flew kites and spinnakers. This proved to be a test later as the fleet rounded the South Coast into the WAZ (wind acceleration zone), where a few sails blew out, and later Rapido, the race favourite, was diss-masted.
The first night tested the metal of all crews, with a NE F6-7 and confused sea state for 60 miles, but by sunrise it had settled to a gentle F4 and moderate swell.
The ARC had begun, and the crew of Just Joia settled down to begin the routine of sail trimming and changes, maintenance, watch keeping, galley duties, fishing etc etc etc.
08.00hr clouds continue to form over Las Palmas, as second low develops out in the Atlantic.
Last blog for a few weeks, we leave today at 12.30h Sunday 19th November. We will turn SE out of Las Palmas and when past the bottom of Gran Canaria, we will bare off toward the SW, next stop Rodney Bay, St Lucia 2700 nautical miles.
10.00hr clouds getting organised
Boat is fully provisioned, crew are briefed, ship shape and good to go. If you want to follow our progress, download YB Tracker App and then follow Race ARC Gran Canaria to St Lucia 2017. Search teams and we are ‘Just Joia’. World Cruising Club have Facebook under Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, no doubt they will have ongoing news of the teams.
Top line is race route, lower Just Joia planned track.
Crew gathers for morning briefing, the new low on left of screen is the main topic. The race division will no doubt go straight for it, but Just Joia is heading South to skirt around toward Cape Verde Islands, before we head West for St Lucia.
The crew are looking forward to my galley duty.
Watch rota drawn up, we all have our time on duty indicated by A for Ad & B for Bob etc etc, mother is galley duty.
11.00hr clouds are clearing
Final check aloft, Skipper Ollie has one last inspection of the fleet!
Just Joia heads out of Port with the fleet, next stop Rodney Bay.
Able seaman Bob & Ad – game face on
We’ll see you the other side, farewell from Bob & Ad. 🤢
Bob doesn’t like the sound of that, “they promised us flat trade wind sailing”
Final day of prep, Ollie & Richard discuss the weather forecast, which is not good news, and work out the watch rota.
Latest grib file shows a low pressure developing in our path, possible 30kts on the nose day 2
Jim & Taff, if she can do it so can you!
The Marina is now a real buzz, crews dashing around washing boats, tweaking widgets, final shopping trips and and air of forced calm.
Nice new bait, can’t fail!
Skipper is checking we don’t go hungry, plan A is fresh fish everyday.
Cumulonimbus gather over Las Palmas, just to add to the excitement
Halberg Rassy 64 - very yachty, think I may have to jump ship!
Just Joia sat between a Moody 66 and a Frog nail Clipper 72.
20 days X 6 crew plus a few for compass error, basically fill the larder, stuff the cupboards, cram the lockers & fingers crossed.
Just Joia has 3 x 150l water tanks, a water maker of 80l/hr which will be run every morning for an hour when the generator is charging the battery pack. We plan to always have 2 tanks full and isolated to prevent any contamination.
A visit to the local market and recommended whole salers, who deliver to the boat. All fresh produce checked and carefully stowed.
Last seminar of the week was how to use a sextant, with Chris Tibbs, just in case of a lightening strike and all navionics are lost. We had a practice and managed to establish that we are currently in central London. 🤔. The classroom continued with the Skipper detailing emergency procedures, very professional approach.
Notes so the older crew don’t forget
Friday night and our final visit ashore to bid farewell to our new friends, couple of beers, a sing song and firm hand shake -
Our new friend Doug Marshall single handed circumnavigator, ex Royal Marine and good lad.
Having made decision to leave our ship mates on shore Bob & Ad headed south to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, to join “Just Joia” a Mystic 60 to make our first Atlantic crossing. Owners Richard & Tina Hubbard, skipper Ollie Machell, and first mate Nick Burgess, welcomed us onboard as their able seaman.
Our slightly larger than usual small ship, is one of only 12 originally made, with a further 2 made later. Designed and built by Argentinian Herman Frayers, of Swan Yachts fame. Displacing 35 tons and drawing 2.7m, a centre cockpit and fittings more suited to a Challenger Tank, she is very Ocean worthy.
Our host Richard & Tina are recently retired, Richard a Geologist and Tina a Physics Teacher. Their plan is to sail toward NZ via The Caribbean, Panama Canal & the Pacific. Our Skipper Ollie is only 22 at time of voyage, but has 35,000 miles under his keel and an old head on young shoulders. First mate Nick is mile building for his CV to help expand his career in the Maritime industry.
L to R. Nick, Bob & Ollie finishing final boat scrutiny, then Richard & Bob making a plan.
We joined Just Joia for the final few days before start day of the 31st ARC 2017, much had been done to ensure the ship was Ocean worthy, but some last minute tinkering was ongoing, (engine and leg Service as new Yanmar had been installed, rig inspection and a few cracks welded, large shop to fill the larder, and finally a deep clean inside and out.
Bob is back in school learning the dark art of celestial navigation with Chris Tibbs.