Hobie Challenge

Well its been sometime - in fact i think i have just about fogotten how to type let alone sail.

So what has occured?

On Thursday, having got all chores completed, the whole team squashed into the car and headed into Glasgow. I was glad to see that the weather was as forcast - raining cats and dogs and blowing a howler!

An enjoyable day was had in Glasgy - even some culture - recommend the Rennie Macintosh Lighthouse museum if you are passing, later that day Gis caught a train to London to surprise her daughter whos birthday it was, Stu and I caught a plane back to East Midlands and Pete a plane to Exter to catch up with his family. I must admit to feeling a little guilty leaving Charlie and Tony with the forcast so gloomy.

We all enjoyed our time with families and catching up on work. For me i found it very hot living in a house as oposed to a tent - seems that the body adapts after time!

At this point i want to congratulate my daughter Milly on an outstanding Speech and Sports day - well done Moo, you made us really proud!

Sunday came all too soon and Stu and i caught a plane back to Glasgow - both feeling a little low after such a good break, and also recognising that this next third of the trip is likely to be the most challenging and the novelty having worn off. We both resign ourselves to getting our heads down and really trying to crack on. We also agree that we have learnt a great deal and can safely increase the parameters we are comfortable to sail in - albeit by a small amount.

All the team were pleased to see each other and it felt as we hadnt been away. Early supper and bed, somewhat gloomily as the forcast was pretty strong - 3-4 increasing 8 later (that is force)

Having learned from my earlier oversight i checked the weather this morning and it varied depending on which source you used. The one that worried us was the shipping forcast predicting 5-6 increasing 8 later.

We decided that it didnt feel like that - so loaded up and headed to Girvan. After dithering for a while (Site assesment) we decided to go and we left at 9.30 with the Knowledge that the wind would increase behind us. Our initial target was Troon some 20 miles away.

An enjoyable sail and 4 hours later we arrived at Androssan - the next port on from Troon. On realising that the wind was not increasing as expected we headed out across the bay to the last port on the mainland next to Glasgow before heading out to the island and The Crinan canal.

Androssan was a suprise - this is where the Caledonian McBride ferries leave for Arran. We were surprised that there is a brand new marina with trendy flats and Yachts. Today was the first time that we saw a yacht sailing since Peel in The Isle of Mann.

Oh one little ditty from today - we got a coster to alter its course to go behind us - small things entertain when you spend all day at sea!

So tomorrow - yes you guessed it - Storms - forcast 8-9!!!!!!!! AGHHHHHHHHH!!!!! So another rainy day in Scotland, but it then is looking better - as it stands at least.

Till next time.......

The forcast was for 18knots of wind from the South East, meaning a gentle sail to Troon some 48 miles up the coast.

One lesson that we should hav e learned from the sail from The Isle of Mann to Portpatrick is not to sail unless you have an up to date forcast. I didnt recheck the forcast this morning......

We left the campsite at 8am arriving in Portpatrick at 9.45am. Having rigged the boat and said or farewells to our newfoud friends on Portpatrick (We leave with very fond memories of this lovely little port) we finally left harbour at 10.45.

I was surprised that there appeared to be a stiff breeze at the outset, certainly more wind than forcast last night. I asked Pete to monitor the coast gaurd on the VHF for the latest weather update - they regularly transmit updates.

Within an hour the wind strngth was such that we needed to take the aesymetric down - we had a minor submarine which is where both bows go underwater due to the wind pushing the bow down.

Pete then updated us on the forcast - 3-4 strengthening 6-7 later in the day. At the time we heard this we had just shaken a reef in the mainsail due to yet more wind. The one thing in our favour was that we were sailing in the lee of the land and the seastate was not a problem.

With about 35 miles still to run and based on the fact that we were chartless for the day (arriving today at the campsite - the RIB has a moving electronic chart - but we feel slightly handicapped without it), the wind was to increase above our comfort zone - indeed it is forcast for a force 9 tomorrow - So Stuart and i decided to shorten the day and head to Girvan - still 20 miles away.

We then had a fantastic sail - averaging 15-20 knots over the next hours and a bit - really, really enjoyable sailing. It was also walmer than it has been - 16 deg C, and although we had greay skies it wasnt raining - FOR A CHANGE!

Girvan is not known for it beauty but once again the locals greeted us with open arms - a reoccuring theme throughout the trip.

Onwardly we have a series of agressive low pressure systems tracking in over Ireland from the Atlantic with very strong winds forcast until Saturday.

Stuart and i were booked to fly home on Thursday pm and, having seen the non-sailable forcast decided that we would rather spend the extra time with our families and have managed to book flights from Glasgow to E Midlands airport tomorrow pm. We are both really looking forward to spending quality time with our families and catching up on our respective workloads. We have been away for a month but it feels significantly longer

Strange thing today - about half way dowm the coast we would have been about 2 miles off shore and there is an amazingly strong smell of Cowsh..! Unexpected.

Also some lovely seal kept popping their heads up, taking a look at us then dissapearing.

A great days sailing - perhaps the best - it will take some time to beat it.

In the end we completed 28 miles in a little under 2.5 hours - which is trucking on!!!

Charlie has settled in - like a duck to water - and is already helming the RIB with confidence. I do feel guilty that we are dissapearing so shortly after his arrival. To make up for it we are having a bit of a welcome Charlie evening tonight. - More on that tomorrow.

I will pop a couple of photos on the bog in a mo.

Till tomorrow..

Today was the plannned change over day, with Leslie leaving and Charlie arriving - both via Glasgow airport which is 1 hr to the North of our camp site.

A day of sunshine was well received by us all - allowing us to catch up on chores including washing - yes i did my own washing!!!

Charlie is settling in and i am pleased to report that all his crew kit actually fits!

Weather for tomorrow looks sailable but wet - we are aiming for Troon.

Photo of Charlie on the blog

Not much else to report, looking forward another Giz supper - of Salmon and Beetroot, potatoes Dauphinoise and chocolate mouse.

Till tomorrow

Well what a couple of days it has been - we have a few tales to tell

My apologies for not blogging sooner but the dongle (3) didnt work in the Isle of Mann or at Portpatrick - it was sold on the basis of having the best coverage of Scotland dont beleive salesmen!!!

WEDNESDAY 18TH PM

Looking back it makes me realise how we acclamitise to our environment. We ended up watching a movie, with layer upon layer to keep walm and couldnt hear the DVD because the rain was beating so hard on the awning.

THURSDAY 19TH JUNE

A non-day - waiting for the weather to clear

A realaxed moring - chores am, pm we all went down the Lleyn peninsular for a walk - bracing and remote, yet undeniably beautiful.

In the knowledge that we would be sailing on Friday we had an early night.

FRIDAY 20TH JUNE - HOLYHEAD TO PEEL (SLE OF MANN) DISTANCE 60 MILES

An early start and final check of the weather forcast - predicting force 3-4 from the East, commming round to the South East later in the day. INCREDIBLE - for once not only was the wind the right strenght but also it was in a favourable direction.

It was a sunny day and having driven the 50 minute journey to Holyhead marina we were soon on our way, finally leaving the break water at 10.40am. We said goodbye to Giz and Tony, the next time we would see them would be in Scotland - they were going to get to Carlisle this evening - staying in a B&B - then they were due to head up to the Highlands the following day.

Intitally we set off at a pace- hitting 11 Knots quickly with both Stuart and i feeling duly up beat. This was to be our biggest day, crossing the notoriuosly unpredictable and choppy waters of the Irish Sea - 40 miles of which were to be offshore.

30 Minutes in and the sea state changed with choppy conditions appearing from all directions, hand in hand with the wind dropping away - our early mood soon evaporated. We percivered and about and hour later the wind returned and we got up some really good speed, averaging about 10-12knots.

The journey was uneventful until we reached the Calf on Mann,the Southerly most tip of the Island. Our route was to take us between the Calf and a lighthouse about 1 mile to the south. Just before we reached this, Stuart was sailing and i was sitting next to him on the wing and i took off one of my sealskin gloves (supposedly waterproof - they are not - waste of money) and i wrung the water out of it and subsequently dropped it into the water. For the next minute or so Stuart and i try to call Pete on the RIB using the VHF to try and retreive said glove. Whilst this was happening Stuart must had slightly altered course and that combined with a 5-6 knot tide whipped us towards the rocks beyond the lighthouse. On realising the error of our ways and after a couple of tacks we soon rounded safely but only after having gone through a small yet exciting patch of "frizzy" water.

We continued on and arrived in Peel at 4.50 to be greeted by Frank and Jane Miles - great old friends of my parents - See photos

Frank and Jane are the absolute salt of the earth and were generosity personified. They arranged accommodation for us at King William School, took us out for an Italian in Douglas for a fantastic meal - along with Douglas and Lorraine - a really enjoyable evening. But that wasnt enough - Frank came and collected us and our clobber at 8am on Saturday morning and took us to get breakfast and lunch, refuel the jerry cans for the RIB and back to Peel on the other side of the island - giving a fantastic farwell - Frank and Jane - and Ruth, many thanks for everything - we had a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing time - you are always welcome in Rutland anytime.

The forcast was for a force 3-4 stregthening 4-6 later in the afternoon with a strom force 10 following in the next 24 hours. All the ferry companies on the Isle of Mann had said they would not be running on Sunday due to the weather. On top of this we had to get Leslie back to the mainland to catch her flight on Monday.

So based on this far from ideal forcast and having consulted with local fishermen it was agreed that we would have sufficent time, if we left first thing in the morning to reach Portpatrick ahead of the worstening weather.

There was a palpable air of tension as we said our fond farewells to Frank and Jane and headed beyond the breakwater.

Conditions were light but because the wind was blowing from behind we made reasonable progress.

Ater about and hour, it darkened over and began to rain heavily and we lost the sight of land. Gradually the seas began to increase and we were soon in a force 4 - about the edge of our comfort zone.

Over the next hour we saw a number of large Fins belonging to Basking sharks - and the wind continued to increase in strngth. We had a couple of hairy moments when we unexpectedly jybed and had to be quick to avoid capsize.

About 5 miles off Crammag Head (first landfall in Scotland) we took the decision to reef the main sail. This reduces the power of the main by about 50%. I was nervous to do this in what was by now a bit of an unpleasant seastate - perhaps 3-4m with white tops.

Stuart and i agreed on who would do what and after five minutes of being heaved too, the reefs were in place - a strearling job from Stuart!

I then struggled to get the boat back onto the wind, but eventually did so without a capsize. It was at this point that i confessed to Stuart that i was "Outside my comfort zone"

The next 7 miles were the worst - we had a series of overfalls (rough water) and yet more wind to contend with. Becasue we were running with the wind we were surfing down the waves at up to 15Knots, the risk at this stage was running too quickly down a wave and either nose divin into the bottom or being skewed sideways and capsized by the following wave. I have to confess that i was also deeply cold and had been shivering for an hour or so - in no small part helped by the persistent and torrential rain the had been with us since shortly after we left Peel. This section was not good and indeed one the i hope not to have to repeat on this challenge. Seas rose yet again with some waves hitting 4-5 meters.

On rounding the lighthouse at Crammag Head we entered to lea (shadow) from the land and thankfully the seas settled down to a more managable waves but with the wind still on the strong side. Stuart and i decided to enjoy the sail and set a fast course for Portpatrick, averaging about 15-20 knots for the last 5 miles, this also thankfully walmed us up.

To say we were happy as we entered the beautiful harbour at Portpatrick would be a slight under statement, a sandy beach on the right hand side looked the ideal home for Challenger.

Stuart and i got her out of the water and no sooner had we done so than 2 local men approached us. They were inquisitive as to what on earth we were doing, we explained. On hearing this they offered us the use of their 45 foot catamaran in the harbour and insisted on taking us to their nearby house for warm showers and a hot cup of tea. We were overwhelmed by their generosity - so a Massive thank you to David (A banker) and Gordon (the local Doctor) - see a photo that i took shortly after arrival

We then all went to the Catamaran, unpacked and had a sleep to recover from the day.

That evening (last night as i write this) we met up at the a wonderful bar/restaurant called the Waterfront to repay their generosity with a drink. As well as David and Gordon and their wives, we also met the Coxwain of the lifeboat and his wife as well as a number of other great locals. We were welcomed with open arms and all of us were takenaback by it!

The 4 of us went on to have a lovely dinner in the restaurant (amazing seafood) a lovely bottle of Rioja and a good nights sleep.

SUNDAY 22ND JUNE - PORTPATRICK AND MAYBOLE

During the night, Pete and i both had the same idea. It is looking increasingly likely that the unseasonal weather we are having is set to continue, if it does we will not be able to complete the challenge becasue there simply wont be enought sailing days to get us round and back to Salcombe by the end of August. We both came up with "AN OPTION" which is to go through the Caledonian canal. This consists of 20 miles of canal and 40 miles of Open lochs including Loch Ness.

We looked into this and believe that it would save us approximately 2 weeks.

It has been agreed that we will reasses when we reach Oban because we either turn left to go round the top or right to go via the Caledonain canal. it will be a hughely difficult decision, i personally will feel that it is cheating, but better to go through the canal and get back to Salcombe than to have to stop before we complete the challenge - Watch this space!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We knew that today was going to be a washout so we could relax. Tony and Gis got to Maybold last night and have set up camp, so we arranged to meet at Campbells (where else) for lunch.
Stuart was tired and opted for a little longer in bed.

After another lovely meal we de-camped from the catamaran and headed back to our new base camp of Maybold - near Turnberry golfcourse and 1 1/2 hours from Portpatrick. It has rained all day, is grey, cold and misty - i hope things pick up or the Caledonian canal is looking more likely

Tomorrow is the day when Leslie leaves and Charlie starts his stint with us. It will be sad to loose Leslie, she has become an integral part of the team and we have had some great times together. On the plus side we are looking forward to welcoming Charlie.

I do aplogise for the lenght of this one - but a lot of water has gone under the bridge so to speak.

I will post some other photos of interest - cannot recall whats on there!

Till next time..............

A rather slow start to the day after a fun night of lashings of Rioja, Roast Lamb A La Giz, cards and Monopoly. It was lovely to be able to let our hair down (those of us that have it) in the knowledge that today was a no sail day.

The excess of wine helped us sleep through the storm that battered the awning all night. I woke at 4am with rain falling on my face - I must confess to being a little thirsty, cannot imagine why! - I got up - standing in a puddle - glugged a pint of water, swapped my pillows to the other end of the bed in the hope that it would be raining less at that end - and woke at 8.45 in need of a cup of tea

The day was taken up with getting Destiny (The RI taken out of the water at Holyhead marina, having the outboard serviced, the bottom of the boat pressure washed and returning to camp. It has been an atrotious day - non stop wind and near horozontal rain, although thank goodness it is less cold!

A quite night ahead - supper and perhaps a movie - if we can hear it over the constant thud of rain on the awning!

Tomorrow is almost certainly a blow out again - the 1725 shipping forcast has gale 8 warnings AAAHHHHH!!!!! We will take a look first thing in the morning and if it is a non sail day we will have a team day out - perhaps the Blue Planet aquarium and a tour of Chester. I really hope that we can move on soon because we will have done the remaining sights tomorrow and we need to keep moving

Charlie Leslies replacement - (Leslie filled in until Charlie had finished his exams and could join us) has booked his flight to Glasgow for next Monday - be a bit embarrasing if we are still langusihing in North Wales and he is in Glasgow!

Finally thanks to the mechanics who managed to slot us in a very busy schedule at short notice and then had to work in the pouring rain under bubble wrap - see photo!

Till next time.....

A short blog tonight - we are still in Canaerfon. Having reviewed the forcast at 6am it was apparent that the depression was deepening and comming through sooner. Faced with 46 miles of open sea a wind of force 6 and gusts of up to force 8 i put the leg to the Isle of Mann on hold.

I am glad that i did we have had to last the awning down as it is constantly trying to fly away. Tomorrow is also a no go with gust of up to force 11 - heres to hoping that we still have an awning but the end of tomorrow

This delay has meant that i have managed to get the RIB engine service organsied tomorrow at Holyhead - thanks to a kind local Yamaha engineer putting us at the front of the queue and also Susan (Lesles friend at the Mariana) arranging for a lift of the water for the RIB as it is too big to work on the engine whilst in the water.

I aslo took the oportunity to drive over to Prestytyn to put some flowers on my grandmothers grave which i took great pleasure from. I had the misfortune to drive through Rhyll, not one of the most enjoyable sites that i have seen to date whilst travelling round GB!

The crew have enjoyed a day of chilling out - reading and generally preparing onwardly. Pete has ordered some charts because we have been struggling to buy them as we progress - well done Pete.

So i have decreed tonight Party Night - i apologise for a poor blogging performace tomorrow.

As it stands Thursday is looking fine for a sail to the I.O.M - fingers crossed.

Till then.......

It has been a cold 24 hours!!!

We had a super evening with Pat and David joining us for dinner - see photo on blog.

I havent complained about the temerature at night in part because we must be getting used to it but also we thought that it was greadually gettting less cold - How wrong we were!
I went to be lightly dressed in a full set of Marino Wool thermals (thanks Corry) and snuggled happily into my technical sleeping bag that is comfortable to freezing in the sure knowledge that i would be more than warm enough.

I woke an hour or so later and pulled a Muston fleece on. and again an hour later and just managed to get warm havin pulled a duvet on top of that. In fact we were all cold and slept badly - not what its cracked up to be this camping!

Anyhow we returned to Porth D. (cannot spell it) having had to blag our way through the middle of the Welsh Ladies National golf championships to get back to the boat. Having prepared we were just pushing off when the landlady of the pub - Ty-Coch Inn, ran over and thrust a very large donation into our soggy mits and wished us all the best - Many thanks Bryony - you are a star!

Sailing today was a game of 2 halves - sailing slowly for a long time, and finally having frozen again for what seemed an age being towed the remainder - yes the wind is still in the NW and our direction of travel was - yes you guessed it - North West to Holyhead.

We were greeted by Susan, Leslies friend (they met on the boat Barclays on the Global Challenge), susan had kindly arrange a moring for Destiny (RI and a space for us to pull Challenger out.

After thawing out with a cup of tea we headed back to camp

We are almost certainly going to leave early in the morning and head across to The Isle of Mann, the wind is going to be a SOUTH WESTERLY - cannot believe it, and is forcast to strengthen during the day - so we will leave first thing from Holyhead to be ahead of it - all being well.

Take away curry tonight - V exciting - hope no ill effects when at sea tomorrow as a dry suit doesnt allow for much lattitude - and is a shade under 50 miles of open sea..

Till then.......

A latesh start - everybody having apparently slept very well including me. It was the first night that i didnt need a full set of thermas in the sleeping bag - is it correct to assume that just perhaps summer is upon us?

Giz drove us over to Abersoch after stopping a couple of times for petrol for the RIB (tankers drivers Pah!) finally leaving Abersoch at 12.30.

Our thanks to all of those that were so helpful at South Caenerfon Yacht Club (abersoch), especially Paul Proctor who lives next door to the Cutters who although i have not met him set all the wheels in motion - many thanks from us all.

We had an uneventful trip past Bardsey Island (another tide race and overfalls) and battled tide and wind again until we had about 9 miles remaining and finally it became walmer and we cracked on enjoying the lastn hour or so.

Wildlife today consisted of seals and Dolphins. I can see why seal were confused for mermaids by abcient mariners - one had us in hysterics - it had a totally pink face and when seen from a distance took on human qualities.

On arriving at Port Dinllean - we were, once again surprised by the beauty of this tiny little port - pure history, a crescent shaped bay, a small pub and a few cottages fronting the beach. In the middle of the bay the fishermen unloading their haul of cockles onto a tractor.

It was a pleasure to me greeted by a smiling Pat and David Bell( my aunt and uncle) and to catch up - they drove over from Cheshire to come and catch up! We are just about to all (including Pat and David) to Gis's roast chicken - smells great.

So apart from being very cold - 12 degrees! a relatively easy and sucessful day.

Tomorrow we are planning on heading over to Hollyhead on Anglsea and - fingers crossed - on Tuesday we head over to the Isle of Mann! The forcast is looking favourable - with the wind comming round to the South West - which if correct would enable us to have a cracking sail

Stuart helmed a large part of today - and has been promoted from crew to assistant skipper - although i am yet to tell him incase he make a bid for skipper!

Thats about it for today - must tell you about the amazing coastline next time.

Till then.......

A very unusual day!

The weather forcast predicted a force 3-4 with the wind commming from the North West, and accordingly we planned our day - a pleasant sail from Fishguard to Aberwystwyth - But it was not to be!!!

We arrived at the Fishguard RNLI station at 9am to find the crew soaping Challenger down! A nicer group you couldnt wish to meet - so our thanks go unreservedly to:

Roger Strawbridge
Paul Butler
Stephen Phillips
Die Kehoe
and
Colin Dune

Without whom Fishgaurd would have been nothing special, Roger had even packed some snacks for us on our journey!!!

On leaving Fishguard to was as flat as a millpond so we started under tow.
At this point i need to highlight our strategy on towing V's not sailing........

We have a finite time to complete our journey around GB - namely 10 week with a small extension of time if needed, if we cannot acheive this some of the crew have to leave us - including Stuart. So faced with the facts it was decided early on in the trip that we all wanted to get round even if that entailed some towing to keep us on schedule..... or when the wind died at the end of the day.

I must point out that aside from feeling like a cheat at school, Staurt and i HATE towing because we get absoloutly soaked with the spray ( this doesnt happen when sailing) and when combined with 14deg C water and 14deg C air and a substantial wind chill - it really sucks!!!

So towing was the order of the day, with the view that as soon as the wind came up we could continue on our journey under sail - I HAVE POSTED A PHOTO OF THE SEA CONDITIONS - 15 MILES OFFSHORE FFROM FISHGUARD!!!! In short the wind came only at the end of the journey allowing us to sail the last leg only. For Stuart and i an awful day, the only real advantage was that on realising that the forcast wind was not comming we changed course to Abersoch, adding 12 miles only and saving a whole day.

Wildlife - a great love of mine on this trip - we saw lots of seals off Fishguard, A swarm of beautiful jelly fish mid way (Photo) and finally a school of Dolphins playing about 10 miles out from Abersoch - made up for an otherwise miserably cold day!

Abersoch was a joy- i came here a number of times when younger - and never remember it being as lovely as it was today (perhaps it wasnt?) We finally came ashore on the beach where we used to come as a family - (see photo) - If David and Mary Cotton are following - i was thinking of you!!!

Tony and Gis had a long day - and a re-route to contend with - as well as a puncture(sorry Tony but i had to mention it) so realising that they would be running late we caught a taxi across from Abersoch to near Caenarfon to help then erect the awning and get sorted

Just finished a fab Spag bol and off to bed to walm up.

We are hoping that we can make Porth Dinlaen on the North of the Penninsular...

Till then.....

Luckily we are not suspicious - tackling one of the most dangerous tidal races on Friday 13th!

An arduous day - head winds, strong at first and 3 sets of overfalls. The bitches were in fact absoloutly stunningly beautiful and mezmeric - a mixture of heavy swirling currents and rolling white horses creating a tapestry of smooth and textured water. We saw a pair of dolpins at this stage - we all agreed it was very special and not at all scary as billed.

On arriving in Fishguard we were able to leave both boats at the RNLI station and the crew were so helpful and great fun - see photo, indeed they even helped us to repair a bend in the boom to mast fitting - thanks guys really lifts us after a cold day at sea - both water and air temp were 14 deg C!!!

Hopefully we get to Aberwystwyth tomorrow

Till then

We spent a very relaxing day in and around St Davids head - again!

In the morning we drove the 1 1/2 hr drive back to Dale with the aim of getting to Fishguard. This next leg it a particularly tricky leg, both in terms of wind direction but also because we have to negotiate our way through a series of islands and probably the largest overfall in the country - called "The Bitches"

On arrival in Dale it was apparent that the wind had strengthened and we all agreed that we had to can it for another 24 hours - a dissapointment - but that is the nature of the weather.

After a quick stop at Tescos to vittal up - we headed back to the camp site. Stuart crashed out and the rest of us enjoyed sitting in the sun for the first time on the trip.

HUGE congratulations to Tony who after 4 days of trying to get the gas working(our main form of cooking) finally worked out that a section of rubber piping was on the wrong way - we now have proper cooking facilities again!

Later in the afternoon Pete and i walked to the top of a nearby outcrop of rock overlooking the bay and were able to see the route of all but our entire next leg. It was spectacular up there, gin clear blue skies, amazing fauna and to cap it all Highland cattle also.

Early evening we popped to the Sloop Inn at Porth Gain - a recommendation by Gis - an unassuming little pub located overlooking a tiny inlet and harbour, a real gem and well worth a visit if you are in this area.

An excellent meal (as always) rounded off a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing day.

Plans onwardly - Well the wind is forcast to continue blowing from the North for as long as we can reliably see - NOT great

Assuming we get to Fishguard today (i write this on the morning of Friday 13th) we then plan to head to Aberystwyth and on to Abersoch were the RIB is going to be serviced and hopefully we have a real bed for the night. After that we stop off somewhere for a night before arriving in Hollyhead and from there on to The Isle of Man - but for this leg we really need to wind to change direction!

Must dash - hopefully next time i will confirm that we have made Fishguard

Till then......

We had a great night out in Tenby and slept in a bed for the first time in days - comforable but hot - we have aclamatised to the cooler climate of the awning.

After breakfast we took a taxi, refulled the jerry cans and headed to the port. Route planning for the day took place on a bench besides the boat. We noted that there were a few obstacles to overcome - 2 sets of overfalls (likely rough areas of sea), stongish winds and 2 military firing ranges to cross (or supposedly go round!)

We left in a bit of a rush - a lesson we will not repeat in a hurry! Stu and i paddled out to the moored RIB to collect our wet gear and the mainsail. At this point i noticed that the back of the boat was sitting really low in the water - and a small thought drifted into my mind - I WONDER IF WE PUT THE BUNGS BACK IN LAST NIGHT - APPARENTLY NOT!!!!

Swiftly we sailied to a handily close beach and with the help of Geoff and James - who happened to be on the beach with their families - beach the boat and, after 20 minutes finally drain the bilges - WHAT RANK AMATEURS WE FELT!! Still no harm done and we learned an invaluable lesson in the safe confines of Tenby harbour.

We had a good but hard sail round the coast - the wind is STILL comming out of the north - so unusual for the time of year and making it all "uphill sailing" for us - seriously hard!!

On rounding our second headland we head across one of the military firing ranges - a local had said to ignore and save the journey time - so we did!

A short while later we are caught - one of the range boats (see photos) then sepends the next 2 hours taking us 3 miles off shore and accompanying us to the end of the range - they were nice about it and apparently glad of some form of distraction - thanks guys for your help.

We had winds of up to force 5, and under full sail into some "frizzy" seas. Stu took the helm for a while to give me a break - it is really full on when that strong, and sailed really well - great for me to be able to hand over when knackered!

We just beat our speed record yesterday hitting 19knots close hauled - 21mph which is always good news

Our final port of call was Dale (as in Winton) which is in Milford Haven sound - a surprisingly attractive setting.

We planned on a short day due to the accumalative effects of the last few days - which have taken their toll on all of the crew and so we arrived in Dale at 3.45, hoping to get back to the camp site reasonaly early. Tony and Gis were struggling with gas supply ( we have had no cookin for the last 4 days) and as a result we had a 3 hour wait to be collected - not ideal at the end of a full on day - but it happens - and always more bearable when it is a beautiful sunny day as it was!

We are now camping at St Davids head which is a beautiful part of Pembrookshire - amazing beaches, scenery and friendly locals. I am wrting this on Wednesday in St Davids itself, a charming small city - yes it has a cathederal

Today - Wedsnesday 11th is a no sail day - forcast for up to 35 mph winds and with more overfalls and big headlands to round it really is well beyond our comfort zone. Sadly tomorrow looks much the same - we may be here for some time.

The weather has clouded over and colled off somewhat and rain is forcast. Nonetheless we are enjoying a day of washing clothes, ordering spares and relaxing.

I called a team meeting because the shore crew are struggling with the moves, meaning that the rest of the team have to help at each move - this would be fine but we are always seriously tired at the end of a long day. We need to find a soltion to this one way or another.

I need to get on with other bits - there are a load more photos on the photo page - apologies for them not being in order - they have come from 3 seperate cameras.

Till next time..........

A really enjoyable day - indeed our most enjoyable to date!

On seeing the weather forcast late on Sunday night after we returned from Waterford Bay we were aware that there was coastal fog forcast for Monday am but it was then predicted to burn off and leave a light westerly wind with Very good visibility - perfect for a 40 mile crossing of the busy Bristol Channel shipping lanes.

We left the camp site in Camelford at 8.30am and finally arrived in Waterford Bay at 11am having stopped to re-fuel the 6 jerry cans for the RIB en-route.

The final semblence of fog could be seen hanging off the coast - i will post a couple of photos later to show this.

We finally left at 12.45 - having taken quite a while to re-fuel the RIB and get Challenger ready for the day as well asdressing ourselves.

Destiny took us under tow for the first section because we had to wait for the wind to materialise and it soon did.

We had a calm and uneventful crossing stopping only for a BLT mid channel (thanks Gis they were excellent) and enjoyed a relaxing and easy sail hitting 15kts in light winds!

Having never been to Tenby we were surprised by the natural beauty of the place (I must add that we are seeing it at is absolute best)having said that the town itself is very long in the tooth and full of old grannies.

Having anchored Destiny in the bay and run Challenger up Quay beach we walked and found a B&B - Stu and I staying next door to Leslie and Pete - not enough room to stay at the same one. Ours is really comfortable and has a very cheerful landlady called Liz - as i write this we are had a great nights sleep - IN A BED!!!

Last night we bought fish and chps and took a bottle of wine and sat overlooking the beach watching the sun set over the bay it really was quite lovely!

Breakfast is about to happen(full cooked - very exciting) follwed by route planning for today.
Tony and Gis took the caravan ahead to St Davids Head on the west coast so we are planning on heading that way and the forcast loks OK for today at least.

Finally i am aware that the sat tracking is not great,i have asked Adam our amazing IT chap to put a map on the web site that he can update daily with our progress where we have no mobile service - i hope this is more easy to follow. Last night on arriving in Tenby the web site still had us mid Bristol channel.

Till nest time - when i will have the kit to download.

Till then.......

I am writing this the morning of 9th June 8am ahead of a 1 1/2hr drive back to Watermouth Cove (next to Ilfracombe.

Yesterday was a mixed day - sailing and towing due to mixed winds, despite this we managed to cover a great distance - 56 Miles - our longest to date. We have been pushing on to ensure that we get ahead of target in case the weather closes in again.

Leaving the beautiful Padstow estuary yesterday we were soon greeted by the site on lots of dolphins and this joy was to last for the first few hours - they were playing with the RIB and Challenger. I coluld have had the perfect shot - 2 dolphins lept clear of the water and allbut hit Stuart sitting on one of the wings - a wonderful sight and it brought smiles to all. Regardless how often you see them they still retain the same enjoyment as the very first sighting

I forgot to mention that between St Ives and Padstow saw the first Sunfish - a rather strange large fish, round in diameter and about the size of a dustbin lid that swims on its side and has a large fin - resemling a shark! - No photo though

We stopped for a lunch break off Hartland Point and then had a decent sail into Watermouth cove, although we had to wait until 8.30pm to get the RIB onto a morring and did not arrive back at the caravan in Camleford until 11pm - a long day

Today (Monday 9th June) we are planning to sail from Waterford Cove to Tenby in South Wales crossing the Bristol channel(busy shipping lanes) - a distance of aprox 40 Miles. The forcast is light winds veering to the west - so reasonably favourable.

Till next time..........

Sunday 8th June

We had our most enjoyable days sail yesterday to date. Stuart was Skipper for the day (a break for me) and did us proud.

Due to tides we left St Ives at 11am, in light airs, passing along the North Cornish coast to arrive in the beautiful Padstow estuary at about 5pm.

Distance travelled 34 Miles -averaging about 5-6 knots

It is still really cold at sea (and at night in the awning - down to 5 deg c!!!) the water temp is 13 deg c and at sea the air temp is the same!

Mid afternoon we turned on the waterproof radio and listened to Radio Cornwall and the latest Epsom and Cricket news whilst drinking tea - bathed in glorious sunshine - bizzare

We were joined in Padstow by Gis and TOny who had had a sucessful move of the caravan and awning - a relief to all, and we headed out to St Padrocs bistro - one of many restaurants owned by Rick Stein and had a fantastic meal - the Ribe eye steak (yes i had fish as a starter) was the best steak i have ever had. All in all a lovely evening out.

I write this at 10am having decreed a lie in for all - what a pleasure to wake at 9am and we are planning to sail to Instow near Biddeford. The weather forcast is sun all the way with light winds.

Tomorrow is one of the bigger days, we have to cross from Instow to South Wales - a long crossing across a busy shipping channel and the winds appear to be comming from the North (on the nose)lets hope they change before then.

I will post a couple of photos in the next 24hours including the one of Witham bear at Steins as promised for Milly

Till then

6th June 2008

I write this at 11am having had a very long day so please forgive the brevity

Finally the weather looked just about OK. The forcast was a NW 16-20mph with reasonable swells. We had to cross a number of overfalls that had the potential to be tricky however the advice was that it was OK

Setting off from Newlyn at 1pm (to make the best of the tides) we had a good run down to lands end enjoying the magnificent turquoise waters and white sandy beaches under a clear blue sky. Having said that the wind was a biting north westery and felt cold especially comming over 13 degrees C water.

Lands end was calm and we managed to enjoy a brief lunch before continuing.

Cape Cornwall surprised us all as to how beautiful it was and to be accompanied by numerous basking sharks was a treat. One swam under the wing of the Hobie and was longer than the boat which is 18ft - i have a good photo and will post it in the next couple of days.

We finally arrived in St Ives at 6.30pm to beautiful sunshine and a calm and warm harbour.

Tony collected us and we headed back to camp at St Mawes - about 1 hour away.

I will not be able to blog tomorrow as we are breaking camp at 7.15,driving to St Ives and have to leave the harbour by 10ish or we miss the tide and are stuck for the day. We then are aiming for Padstow ( and have booked a table at Mr Steins bistro - a real treat in store)
BUT we cannot get into Padstow until 7pm due to the tide. Luckily table booked for 9.30pm

Tony is moving the caravan to Camleford - so we are getting a little more back on schedule

I will upload some photos after Steins - I have promised Milly that we will take a photo of our mascot - Witham bear at the restaurant!

Till next time........

We were anticipating strong but sailable conditions today. The first of the team were up at 6.30, and early breakfast and Giselle drives the 4 of us (Hobie crew and RIB crew - Fin, Stuart / Pete and Leslie) back to Newlyn - about 1 1/4 hrs south west of our current camp site near St Mawes. We are becomming rather familiar with the spendour of the King Harry ferry that crosses the River Fal and shortens ourjourney time considerably.

As we head South West it becomes apparent that the wind is stronger than forcast. We check with the St Ives harbour master and the RNLI at Newlyn (Actually the new Penlee lifeboat station) and both concur that because the wind isblwing from the North West as we round lands end the sea state on the North Cornish coast will be too much for the small Hobie Cat!!! Another day ashore. It really feels that time is sliping through our fngers, even at this early stage thoughts of running out of time are creeping in to all of our conversations.

I am aware that f this continues for sometime,we will be well behind schedule and the pressure is starting to rack up. We have just checking the forcast and it is not looking great for the next couple of days - at least!!

So we decided to use the time as best we could - we stopped on the way back and spent some time enjoying the beautiful gardens at Trelissick - a must for anybody passing! Feels odd to be wandering around a spectacular National Trust property rather than batting with the elements.

Sturat and i took the oportunity to undertake some minor repairs and tweaks to the boat back at the camp site - all a bit mundane!

Fingers crossed that we can sail tomorrow although i really dont hold out much hope.
Till next time.......

MY APOLOGIES - for not udating this sooner!

It has been 4 days since my feet have hit the floor and sadly the one thing that has had to wait has been the blog - but sailing has taken 24hours a day all but

So where do i begin?

Final preperations went really well, but inevitably we had numerous items to attend to - sonewhat last minute, including re-rigging all the standing rigging and having a rather brief fine tuning lesson on aesymetric sail flying! My thanks go to both Steve Beard MD of Hobie Cat UK who just happened to be on the same beach that we were tweaking Challenger on (small world!) and also Ben from South Sands watersports who has been incredible with his knowledge and enthusiasm - Ben thanks for everything - i am about to start the book!

We have a great drinks party send off in Salcombe on Saturday 31st May - top bar of the KA - beautiful weather and pimms - all a bit surreal really. A few of us then had a great - although not altogether sober evening at the Winking Prawn - SEE PHOTO of Stu and i in wigs!!

Sunday can and we were blessed with not only beautiful sunshine but also wind - i was so worried that we would have paddle out or be towed out - especially as the Salcombe lifeboat agreed to acompany us out of the estuary! - Our thanks to the crew for being so encouraging and gracious to us amateurs.

The big day finally arrived, Stuart and i rigged Challenger in the dingy park - we were both amazed at how totally normal it felt having rehearsed so many time - none of the expected butterflies at all. We moored her at Normandy Quay in the centre of Salcombe and were totally amazed at the number of well wishers and supporters who had turned out to send us on our way - again many thanks to you all, it really gave all the crew a huge boost.

So we set sail and to my huge releif managed so sail out of the estuary with a flotilla of small boats following and even moored boats full of well wishers waving us off.

On ronding Bolt tail there were only a few remaing boats and then only Carline and Milly (my wife and daughter and friends in our trusty old "Slap N Tickle" - not named by us i must add!
Finally David Isherwood who was aboard popped a bottle of fizz, Stuart caught the cork - must be a good omen - a sip of Fizz, they turned back and we were on our own - the team that is to attempt to sail around GB - Myself and Stuart in Challanger, Pete the RIB skipper and Leslie RIB assistant - heading across the bay out of site of land.

We had a good sail generally to Fowey in Cornwall, about 40 mile which is the daily mileage that we hope to acheive or 200 miles per week allowing 2 days for unsailable conditions. The only mishap was that as the sea breeze kicked in and the wind freshened we blew out the spinnaker (asymetric). It was our old reserve not the number one but we chose to use it because its colours matched the main sails - better for the photos - serves us right for being vain.

Tony - head of shore base agreed to leave the caravan and awning at the Salcombe site and collected us from Fowey, however after a long sail - we arrived at 7pm we then had a 1 1/2 hr car journey back to Salcombe, making for a long day.

Stuart and i spent our last night in a decent bed and were met at 8am on Monday by the crew to head back to Fowey.

The journey from Fowey to Helford river was uneventful - all going to plan although the wind was pretty non-existent. We managed to moor up outside a wonderful little pub, pulling Challneger ashore on the Cattrax(small, light, portable launch trolley that is carried about in the RI. We then took the RIB to Falmouth to visit the chandlery for more bits, then headed across to St Mawes where the caravan had been moved by Tony and Giselle (assistant and TOP CHEF). Sadly they had struggled to get everything done so at 8pm we all set to to finish putting the awning up and getting our bedding sorted - another really long day! We also needed to re-think the set up we had as Tony and Gis were clearly struggling with their work load - i must confess to feeling very low at this point. I went to bed wondering what i had set in montion!

TUESDAY 3RD JUNE

We awoke to a windy, blustery day. After checking the weather and a quick assesment at St Mawes it was agreed that today was a "GO" although it was forcast a force 3-4 on the nose - i the wind would be comming from the direction that we wanted to go. In sailing parlance this is known as sailing up hill - and boy did it feel like it.

The first leg was downwind pretty much until we rounded the Lizard Point - this took about 1 1/2 hours and during this we hit 20 mph whilst close hauled - we know this because Stuart and i are the proud owners of a Garmin GPS that is waterproof and you wear on the wrist- a great gadget!

Having replaced a lost bolt on the tiller extension that worked loose and a frayed cord on the cunningham we rounded the corner to run 20 miles across the bay to Penzance and Newlyn. This leg into the wind took a further 6 hours. We were slamming into short steep seas with icy water constantly immersing us, this was a tough day. We arrived in Newlyn at 7pm having left the Helford river at 11am. An hours journey back to the St Mawes campsite, a delicious dinner and bed. It was really cold last night - I slept in full thermals, a baby grow (crewsaver all in one fleece designed to be worn under our dry suits) a fleece and thermal socks and was not in the slightest bit warm! Corry i need to buy some decent warm sleeping bags from you ASAP!!! Having said that we all slept like logs!

WEDSNESDAY 4TH JUNE

A no sail day - winds are forcast at rising to force 6 from the North West - which would mean another head wind as we round lands end.

So we are spending the day de-cluttering the caravan and Dad has kindly agreed to come and collect it and store it - thanks Dad. Pete and team have headed back to Newlyn to refuel the RIB using jerry cans - it takes 250 litres!!! but there are no ports that sell petrol for miles to come so no choice. Tony had gone to help and Gis to shop at Tescos as again these are few and far between.

Sturt and i are in Falmouth sorting decent sealskin waterproof gloves and other items that are becomming essentials as we progress. i must admit to enjoying a leisurly day.

I would like to thank a all those involved in supporting us to date and during the days in Salcomebe including

Mum and Dad
Caroline and Milly - Huge thanks for being supportive and understanding
Neil at the Kings Arms in Salcombe
Explosures for taking excellent photos
Simon and Issi for being great
Rupert and Dianna for being great fun and a great support - Rupert keep up the running it suits you sir!
Mike - my business partner for understanding and being totally supportive and excellent
Marco the Coxwain of the Salcombe Lifeboat
Farmer Sheppard - Alston Farm for letting the van stay
Will and Jim for the Quba bags
Al Parker-Swift for the Crew Kit
Musto and Crewsaver for the technical gear

there are many more - my thanks to you all

THE TRACKING SYSTEM

I do apologuise for this not working - it seems to be a little bit unreliable. I tried it today and as you can see i was walking about Falmouth - Ummm! Hopefully it will work a little better but it does rely on a mobile signal so please be patient. Also i noted that if it looses signal and the picks it up again it puts a straight line between the two points!

We are unsure about tomorrows weather a bit hit and miss, i will update the blog as soon as i am able - till then...... FIN