As always the weather forcast first thing this morning had changed - and it wasnt ideal! Gust of up to Force 7 wind direction varying from North Westerly (ideal) To South Westerly - headwind - awful!
We left camp ahead of Tony and Giz moving for the final time to Salcombe. We all agreed that it didnt feel different to the other moves - it has become so routine, almost automatic - we are now a well oiled machine!
So we left camp at 7am, arrived at Castle cove 7.30 - amazing how quickly you can get through Weymouth when there is no traffic - not sure the Olympics will work here unless the roads are upgraded - it cannot manage with the local traffic let alone the extra traffic generated by the Olympics.
Having pumped up the tender rowed out to the RIB we finally set off at 8am.
Portland Bill is notoriuos for having massive tides and usually large seas, today was no exception! On rounding the bill the wind blew - and quite hard - perhaps a good Force 5. And it came from the West meaning a MUCH harder sail.
Because it was so lumpy out at sea we were unable to take the straight line across the bay - quite simply doing 42 miles offshore in those conditions in a dinghy - whilst exciting - would have been nutty. This meant that we had to sail into lee of Lyme bay for protection. Of course having done so the Wind was now a headwind so we had to go under tow.
We tried sailing again later - having stopped for a quick lunch off the wreck of the Napoli (container ship that the locals stole the contents from the beach) - but by now the wind had dropped away - it was hard to believe it was the same day.
Whilst having lunch the coastguard issued a weather update on the VHF (A useful source of info throught the trip except they have been on strike on and off throughout the summer) and it gave - NW Force 2-4, veering Southwest 4-7 later.
We were pleased to be able to sail the last secor! and the sunshine came out in force for our return - seeing Salcombe in all her glory. Of all the places that we have visited on this trip - i still say (Yes i am bias)that Salcombe is one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful!
Our welcome in Salcombe was great - if a little unusual in part!
Jamie Fisher - thanks for the personal welcome - a naked salute - i will blog a photo if i can get my hands on it, also Caroline and Milly as well as the Merrimans came out to greet us as did a hole host of other small boats.
Pete (RIB Skipper) nipped into salcombe and brought a load of supporters including Dad and others to welcome us in.
Having spent 10 hours on the water and managed to get ahead of the unsailable weather that is to follow - Stuart and i felt relief rather than elation, but also a great sense of pride at our achievement, and that of the rest of the crew also.
One strange comment from Caroline was - "Have you whitened your teeth"? It appears that due to the sun tan my teeth appear whiter!! An unexpected bonus i guess?
Once boats were safely stored away for the night we all ajourned to the Kings Arms top bar for a celebratory drink. It was lovely to see so many old faces - Tubes(From BVI) Trippy, Frenchie, Katherine and many more.
We The team and Mum and Dad then adjourned back to camp - Alston Farm Nr Kingsbridge for a curry fest - a takeaway from Kingsbridge - and excellent it was too.
Must admit that by this stage we were a little tired and all headed for bed by 10.30pm
All in all a great day!
SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST
We awoke to heavy grey skies and teeming rain - quite a contrast to the glorious day yesterday.
I looked out of the window over the estuary and noticed a large RIB gently slipping its mooring and trundling down the estuary! Into action - ran down the hill, jumped into my little tender RIB and retreived it!! Not quite the start to the day that i had in mind!!
Sturt, Pete, Charlie and i then set about emptying the RIB of its kit, de-rigging the Hobie and putting it on its road trailer - ready for the journey home - in the pooring rain. Remided me of getting ready for the trip, the only difference being that this rain was walm - thankfully. All of this had to be completed by 1pm. The Red Arrows are supposed to be displaying this afternoon in Salcombe and all roads were being closed at 1pm - seems a little excessive to me!
This afternoon is a quite on ahead of Red Arrows (If the weather improves), a drink in town then a final Giz supper back at camp for the team and prize giving - i will tell all tomorrow.
My aplogies for not having photos to put onto the blog - i am borrowing my parents computer to write this but will endeavour to have some within the next 48 hours.
So its done. We did it. and we didnt even capsize - sadly that is the part that amazes me most.
It has yet to sink in, we all still feel like it is ongoing. I think it will take a week or so to filter through.
Tomorrow Tony and Stuart are leaving with the caravan and heading back to Rutland, Giz is going to collect her car and drop Charlie off at a station so he can train back to Haslemere and Pete is going to ride his motorbike back to Exmouth. I am planning to stay for a couple of days and spend time with the family - having said that if the weather doesnt improve we will head for home sooner rather than later. Back to routine, back to reality.......
Till next time......