As predicted today was a no sail day - wind from the South West - meaning a head wind, so we took the oportunity to enjoy a relaxing day here in what turned out to be sunny Dorset.
Having looked at the weather forcast first thing - ish - we realised that the optimum time to sail tomorrow is 8am. The issue we had was that the Hobie is securely locked in the Castle cove sailing club and we dont have a key.
Pete called the Sarah the vice - commodore who kindly agreed to meet us so we could take the Hobie out to the mooring with the RIB.
Because the forcast rain had failed to materialise and it was a clear sunny day, we siezed the oportunity for all of us bar Stuart (who had to write a baord report for work) to hop in th RIb and explore this amazing coastine. I wanted to see Lulworth cove from the sea!
I promise to upload some photos when in Salcombe, the speed here is such that it would take 20 minutes for each photo, suffice to say the scenery was stunning.
On arrival at Lulworth cove we grabbed a sanwich and sat at anchor in the bay lapping up the hot sunshine and enjoying the view - and to be honest not being on the pebble beach with the day trippers.
Having refulled the RIB from jerry cans for the very last time - we headed back to camp via the local supermarket to vital up.
This evening was a jolly affair, remeniscising about the trip, peoples highs and lows and enjoying another delicious Giz feast - one thing is for sure the waistline will not miss her cooking!
Tomorrow the forcast is still for a 4 from the North west, there is talk of it being a westerly which will cause us to head south way off shore and tack all the way back - adding significantly to mileage - just have to wait and see! Its a 60 mile day - in a straight line.
So we plan to leave camp at 7am and be sailing by 8-8.15. All being well we aim to arrive in Salcombe for mid afternoon. There is a chance that marco, the Salcombe lifeboat Coxwain may come out to greet us which would be lovely, also i have to do a couple of interviews for local radio and papers - i hate it but it goes with the terratory. I am also rally looking forward to seeing Caoline and Milly again.
Tomorrow is an early evening drink at the Kings Arms then head back to campsite for a takeaway curry with the crew plus my parents and hopefully Milly and Caroline.
Saturday is a day of preparing everything for home - Take the Hobie out, de rig etc, clean out the RIb and caravan etc.... We hace acquired sooo much kit i am afraid it will take an age.
Saturday evening has been titled - "The last Supper". Giz is going to wow us with her final ensemble and i have a couple of awards to present to the crew.
Sunday then is the day that everybody heads off - not one that i relish. We have formed a really special bond and often it is not until you reflect on these events that you realise how special it was - i think this will be no exceptioh.
So tomorrow is Lyme Bay a biggy - one of the biggest offshore legs - hitting circa 25 miles offshore - i hope that the winds are favourable and we have a great sailing day - no towing PLEASE.
I may well struggle to blog tomorrow due to other demands - but i will blog on Saturday and hopefully have time to upload some photos.
Till next time...................