The journey back

The Journey back started early on Monday morniing in a freshening NW wind.  We had to go regardless of conditions and were glad they weren't any worse. The Prime objective was to get Louise back to Penzance for dialysis as early in the afternoon as possible.  With the Irish Sea emptying southwards and the wind from the NW at about 20/25 knots it wasn't comfortable,  We had a huge amount of leeway and progress in the 2/3 metre waves was down to about 4knots average.  The journey eventually took 8 hrs to Penzance where we ferried Louise ashore (the wet harbour was closed as it was low tide).  After dropping her off we transferred te boat to Newlyn where we got a nice pontoon berth.  for £18 the night.


Tuesday 4th

After a hearty breakfast,  we said goodbye to Lou and set off about 11.00 A good north wind meant we could make good speed under sail, our destination Falmouth with a proviso of getting as far as we could with the favourable wind.  By 15:30 we were going well and sited Fusion heading for Falmouth, we had decided to press on knowing that tommorrow was a no wind day.   By 20;00 we were only 5 miles from Plymouth and decided that we would be better off going for Newton Ferrers At 21:30 we had a close encounter of the warship kind when 2 frigates crossed our bow at a range of 300 yds and speed of 20+knots  bit scary!

At 22:10 we picked up a mooring bouy in Newton Ferrers had a quick meal and crashed into our beds.

Wednesday 5th

0700  Slip the mooring and head out under motor The sea hardly stirring in the morning sunlight.  By 1100 we had rounded Start Point encountering 3 yachts going in the opposite direction.  They were the last sailing boats we saw that day. 

We took turns to stand watch as we decided that we would try to make Swanage in the one passage.

Sleep was relatively easy on the smooth sea. 

As we passed Portland Bill the wind filled in and we had a broad reach to Durlston.  Moored up at about 23:50.  We left tidying up the boat for the next day. 

A long and tiring adventure.