can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

Blonde Moment - BM blog 1



Hi All


Well it is a week since Blonde Moment left the Hamble on the first part of what we hope is going to be a great summer of sailing!!!


Paul and friends left Hamble point Marina late afternoon on Tuesday 30 th May after the completion of some late minute work - thanks Transworls yachts and   Dan for your help  - As is the norm the wind was on the nose and they had to beat out of the Solent but then enjoyed a fast sail to Studland Bay, where they anchored overnight.  Followed by every type of wind to Salcombe and then Plymouth via the Eddystone Lighthouse to show Ian what it looked like as his RORC qualifying race the weekend before unfortunately did not make it that far!


Mayflower Marina Plymouth was as always, very welcoming and we managed to catch up with friends Sara and Robert which was a great diversion from the gloomy weather forecasts being issued.

Having squeezed our 14.99 metre boat into a 15 metre space as requested at the bottom of the main walkway for all to see, (picture on WCC facebook site) the day of departure arrived and the skipper briefed the crew on our exit strategies, which involved the use of our bow thruster (we paid for it, so we might as well use it).  These were also given to the harbour master and Mark, a long standing friend from Mayflower, whose boat happened to be in the danger zone.  Both agreed the plans were good and we proceeded with plan A.  As we got to the point of no return, the skipper announced "the bow prop won't communicate" - Mark called "you're joking, right? the skipper replied "no" lets go with plan C.  To cut a long story short, thanks Mark and thanks Tony,  plan C worked!!


Dee's worst fears were realised when not one but three storms were forecast for our crossing to Bayona and all were relieved when World Cruising Club decided our first leg of the Rally Portugal should be to Falmouth, Cornwall.  Blonde Moment crossed the finishing line fourth enjoying an exciting last few miles tacking with Mischief in the evening sun having had strong winds on the nose and heavy rain for most of the trip.


Monday in Pendennis Marina, Falmouth saw gale force winds and walls of rain scudding in off the Atlantic.  It also saw the departure of Ian and many other boats crew who couldn't afford to be storm bound here until next weekend.


Today has been fairly dry and sunny but the winds continue force 6/7 gusting 38 mph.  We have had a lovely coastal walk and enjoyed lunch on the beach in Swanpool in a very sheltered spot.

All for now


P and D. ....( the other crew have done s runner!)




Previous | Next