Later update

From Plymouth we had a relatively short passage to Salcombe having taken the decision to head towards the River Dart in view of the poor forecasts we had been seeing. We have taken the difficult decision to postpone our trip to the Isles of Scilly as we have ben uneasy about the unsettled weather there and it really is somewhere that you need fairly settled weather to visit by boat. Perhaps we will make it later in the season.

Salcombe as always was it's pictureasque self and after a good walk in the morning we left there on Wednesday to catch the tide at a favourable time to round Start Point. Although I had calculated the time and checked it when we arrived at the point the seas were still rather lively and one wave crept up on us and leaping over the sprayhood landed on Sue and I (mostly on me I think) drenching us. With a good breeze and sunshine we soon dried off though.

Entering the R Dart we tied up to an island pontoon for a couple of nights, visiting Dartmouth Castle whilst there.



View from battlements of Castle looking towards town of Dartmouth with Kingswear on opposite bank.

It is now Friday and we are heading upstream this afternoon for a couple of nights on a buoy at Dittisham before perhaps anchoring further upstream to avoid the Bank Holiday crowds. With a potential Force Eight wind though we may prefer to stay on the security of a buoy.




Classic yacht sailing past in Dartmouth in evening sunshine. Previous owners have included Ernest Shackleton

Catchup time after no internet access

Wednesday 19th May

Wednesday saw us sailing from Fowey towards Looe where we had arranged to meet our friend Ian on Eonmor. Looking at the forecast it said gentle winds if any but fog also. Visibility in Fowey harbour was not good but we had arranged to meet up so decided to go. I have to admit that I would not have left harbour if we had not had complete faith in our chart plotter.

As we left Fowey you could just about make out both sides of the entrance and once out to sea we estimated that visibility was about 200 yds. That was as good as it got. We needed to head a little off shore to clear a south cardinal buoy which was warning of rocks inshore of it. As we approached it we scanned the fog to locate it knowing that it had to be there somewhere close. Suddenly we spotted it about 50 yds away. So much for the visibility. As we changed course we heard the foghorn of a (what sounded like) a large ship close astern. Hunting out our foghorn we gave a blast back and continued every two minutes until we heard it no longer. We never even saw it. We continued on our way and eventually reached Looe although we could not see it. We saw Ian on Eonmor anchored as he had arrived slightly earlier. We anchored nearby and waited the short time for the necessary tide to increase the depth of water in the harbour to allow us to enter. All the while we could hear the foghorn on the pier head but could not see it. As the smaller boat we entered first once there was enough water for us. We eventually saw the pier head and crept in very slowly just seeing both sides of the entrance that is only about 50 yds across. As we approached the visitors berth we saw a boat already there so prepared to raft up to it. Once secured we called Eonmor on the radio and he came in and secured next to us. Ten minutes later you could see the harbour entrance quite clearly. Sue very quickly cooked a delicious chicken curry and Ian joined us on board bringing a bottle of wine with him.

Next morning we awoke to fairly clear skies and good visibility. I got some diesel from a nearby garage as we were getting low while Sue did some shopping in a nearby Spar shop. Once we floated we left the harbour and motored on a flat calm sea towards Cawsand, our next destination.

Thursday 20th May

After a relatively short passage of about ten miles we dropped anchor in Cawsand. There were just a few other boats already there, one of which was Wylo II that is sailed single-handedly around the world and is a replica of the first yacht to be sailed around the world single handed by a Joshua Slocum. We went ashore for a walk round the two villages of Cawsand and Kingsand that blend together to form one and just caught an ice cream shop before it closed. We ate ours sitting on the sea front looking across to the anchorage

Twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand bathed in sunshine

Friday 21st May

After a lovely peaceful evening and night at anchor in Cawsand (such an idyllic spot in the right conditions) we motor sailed across Plymouth Sound and headed into the River Yealm to go to Newton Ferrers where we were due to meet up with other Legend owners for a ‘Rendevous’. Seven boats were due to meet up there and by Saturday afternoon we had seven tied up against the pontoon. When we arrived there were a few boats already there and very quickly we were invited onboard one for coffee. Food was provided later by various items being provided by each crew and a very enjoyable evening was had by all.



A tranquil entrance to the River Yealm

Saturday and Sunday 22nd and 23rd May

Next day saw us on a fairly long walk around a nearby headland then along the coast before heading back inland to complete the circuit. Six of us rewarded ourselves with a nice cold drink at the riverside pub at Noss Mayo before returning to our boats. Thanks Paul and Lynn for inviting us along. Saturday night was at the local yacht club where a meal had been booked and 13 of us sat down to a delicious meal and good chat. Sunday morning saw boats begin to leave although we had decided to stay an extra night as the spot is so lovely and the weather was glorious. Being on a pontoon in the River Yealm is an interesting experience when it comes to modern technology. Mobile phones do work here but seem to be tide dependant. At high tide or thereabouts a good signal can be obtained. As the tide goes out and the pontoon drops in the valley signal strength gets less and eventually you lose the signal. This repeats itself each tide cycle and takes some getting used to. Mobile broadband is, not surprisingly not available there. Hence the lengthy catch up in this blog item.

Monday 24th May

Monday saw us heading off on the tide to Plymouth for a night in a marina so we could fulfil baby sitting duties for our son and partners daughter (our first grand child incase you were not aware.

Tuesday 25th May

Trying to decide where to go but watching the unsettled weather trying to dictate where it would be prudent to go to. We shall see ! In the meantime I gave myself a haircut while we had access to mains power. It works very well, sat on the side deck in the breeze all the hair blows away nicely, not that I have a lot to trim. Sue was busy washing and drying clothes and bedding while I carried out other maintenance checks etc after the haircut. Another lovely sunny day although localised flooding is forecast for Wednesday / Thursday. Perhaps we shall get some rain.

Is this summer ?

Sunday 16th May

We awoke to rain and grey skies but the forecast said better later in the day. A little bit of deck cleaning was carried out between the showers and we were undecided as to whether to stay where we were or to head off up the river. Eventually we decided that it was brightening up so decided to go as soon as the tide turned in our favour.

As we left the yacht haven the sun peeped through the clouds and grew stronger as we headed across Carrick Roads towards the narrower river at it’s head. As we neared the pontoon I had hoped was sheltered the wind eased and as we tied up the cloud dispersed to give a clear blue sky. There were two boats already on the pontoon but shortly after we arrived they left (was it something we said?). It left us with a perfectly peaceful afternoon and evening, sitting out until dusk arrived.

Monday 17th May

About half a mile further upstream from the pontoon is a landing stage where you can tie up your dinghy and after a short walk enter Trelissick Gardens. This we decided to do and what a pleasure it was to walk around the grounds and enjoy the very varied plantings there, especially the Azaleas and Rhododendrons. After a coffee in the attractive café we returned to the boat for lunch. Shortly afterwards our friend Nigel on Xenia (a Sadler 32) joined us on his way back up river after a sail, bringing a bottle of red wine with him. An enjoyable couple of hours was spent chatting and putting the world to rights. As he left for his mooring we spotted a seal in the river about 100 yds away, totally unperturbed by passing boats. Apparently it is a regular visitor around the turn of the tide.

We ate on board again as the nearest pub/village was about a mile away would not have been better food and certainly not as attractive surroundings.

What a lovely day it has been, this is what boating is all about!


Tuesday 18th May

A slow sail to Fowey, using the engine at times due to the light winds. We took a look in at Mevagissey on the way but it didn’t look too tempting to stop so we continued on. Had a good sail, goosewinged (sails out on opposite sides of the boat with the wind from behind) all the way from Mevagissey into Fowey. Still a bit rolly but more comfortable than last time. Our plan is to move on to Looe tomorrow after a leisurely morning, hopefully meeting our friend Ian on Eonmor there.

Weather still not wonderful

Thursday 13th May

Decided to leave Plymouth and head for Fowey after lunch today. As we left Plymouth sound by the western entrance we were joined by three or four dolphins (or they might have porpoises as our identification powers are not good). We were entranced by their antics until, almost as a finale three leapt out of the water side by side before swimming off on the hunt for food no doubt. Of course we did not have a camera to hand when needed. After a slow sail we arrived in Fowey and tied up to one of the visitors buoys there towards the Polruan side of the river. Within the hour we were dining on trout au gratin stuffed with crab (Sue made a dash to M&S before leaving Plymouth apparently), with new potatoes and asparagus, followed by apple pie and cream, all washed down with a bottle of red wine. Before too long we started to roll as the SW wind picked up and blew straight in the harbour. IT WAS NOT COMFORTABLE ! At least we were (well) rocked to sleep that night.

Friday 14th May

We were woken early by the infamous Polruan cockerel who insists on crowing from before first light onwards. Many complaints have been made about him over the years but he lives still to continue his crowing. We must be attracting birds calling as we had listened to owls while on the mooring in Salcombe only a few days ago. After breakfast we headed out, joining the procession of boats leaving Fowey for more comfortable surroundings. We were headed for Falmouth and had to pass ‘Dodman Point’, a great big slab of rock that looks intimidating on a nice day, today was not a nice day though. Big seas and an increasing wind saw us motorsailing to get past the headland as quickly as we could. Once past it the rain showers started so we were very glad to reach Falmouth after four hours and tie up at the Yacht Haven where were had the treat of hot showers and access to power on the pontoon to recharge everything again, oh and internet access using our clever little wireless dongle. No such luxuries at Fowey! A couple of friends who live near Falmouth arrived in the evening and we spent an enjoyable few hours catching up with them.

Saturday 15th May

After waking to sunshine we had a leisurely breakfast before doing some necessary shopping as some stores were beginning to run low. Lunch time arrived and with the sun still shining we decided to walk along the coast path and enjoy the shelter from the chilly wind that is still with us. We walked as far as Swanpool, about two or three miles along the coast. We found the pool but no swans on it. After an ice cream sat on the beach we strolled back before eating on board.

When is it going to warm up ?

Monday 10th May

Monday saw us heading off to Salcombe, leaving Dartmouth at just about low water to get to Start Point at the right time. I would hate to get there at the wrong time. To say it was boisterous would be an understatement although we did not get wet at all.



We moored up in Salcombe about three and a half hours after leaving the Dart on a buoy about 100yds off one of East Portlemouths (opposite side of river to Salcombe) several fine sandy beaches. On cue the sun came out and it was one of those rare (so far) occasions when you could sit in the cockpit and enjoy the sun. In fact we ate dinner in the cockpit and sat there enjoying the tranquillity until the sun set.

Tuesday 11th May

Despite originally deciding to head on for Plymouth today, when we woke to bright sunshine decided to remain where we were for another day. Unfortunately by the time we got up the sun had disappeared and it was decidedly grey. We headed to Overbecks (a lovely National Trust house overlooking the Salcombe Harbour entrance. How interesting the museum is here with its eclectic collection of stuffed birds and animals ( I wouldn’t want to be ‘pooped’ on by an albatross after seeing their size) to dolls and marine artefacts. Following this by a walk around the grounds then back to the town for lunch and return to the boat for a good read with the heating on as it has turned colder again. Better than some friends on a walking holiday in Yorkshire experiencing snow. We are forecast a frost tonight!



Wednesday 12th May

Not sure whether we had a frost or not but there was certainly a heavy dew on deck when we got up. After a swift breakfast we headed off to Plymouth to get the maximum benefit from a favourable tide, arriving in Plymouth at about 13.30. Busy afternoon ahead with washing, drying and ironing clothes and checking over the boat. Our decks were filthy so they were scrubbed off making full benefit of a hosepipe. Inside was thoroughly cleaned and all mattresses were aired in the cockpit until rain arrived. Evening saw us visiting our new grand daughter again. It was so calm in Sutton Harbour, Plymouth that we slept in late and after having breakfast completed our tasks before heading off to Fowey about lunchtime. Weather sunny but cold still, when will warm weather arrive?

Update on Grand Daughter

Emma Louise was born this morning, 9th May at 01.55, weighing in at a healthy 7lb 5oz. Mother and baby both doing well. Hope to see her later and will add a photo at some time when we are again able to get on the Internet.

Had an interesting day yesterday getting from Dartmouth where Half Time is to Plymouth where the action is using public transport. Not an experience I would want to repeat too often.

Back to the River Dart

Wednesday 5th May

Some shopping in the town in the morning left us free to leave Torquay around lunchtime and we left just after one o clock. After the wind being from the North East for the previous couple of days and even earlier in the morning, ten minutes before we left it swung round to the South East, exactly the direction we were headed. We left anyway and motorsailed (a combination of sail up with engine propelling the boat as well) to Dartmouth arriving mid afternoon.

A couple of hours on a pontoon in Dartmouth meant the current in the river had changed direction and we headed upstream to Dittisham where again, we had a choice of buoys although there were many more boats than on our previous visit. A nice chicken stir fry with wine settled us down for the night.

Thursday 6th May

Election day apparently, we voted before leaving home by post.

We woke at about half past seven, astounded at the tranquillity. Despite being afloat the river was so calm that we could have been ashore, the boat was not moving. We could hear sheep baaing in the distance and the occasional call of a pheasant, nothing else at all. Our first man made sound came at about ten to eight when we heard the bell at Dittisham summon the ferryman across to take his first passenger of the day, possibly the gardener on his way to work at Greenway.

Shortly after this we heard the pat, pat, pat as rain started to fall on the deck above our heads. It seemed a good idea to stay in bed where we were and see whether the rain would soon stop to enable us to visit Greenway. It was still raining when we got up an hour later.

Never mind, at least we have mobile broadband here. No grand daughter yet though!

May Day Bank Holiday weekend and beyond

Friday 30th April

Took our final loads down to the boat and loaded them onboard after two trips out on the dinghy. On the second return trip I discovered that the propeller was not going round therefore no drive. This ws caused by a broken shear pin which fits behind the propeller to protect it should it hit something in the water. After rowing for a while and deciding the tide was stronger than I was I tied on to a friend’s moored boat and replaced the broken pin, not easy with no tools but achieved using just a key ring – result. No more rowing.

We decided to head off to Paignton for a night despite rain being forecast. What a good sail we had, almost keeping up with friends on a larger boat (Eonmor, a Legend 33 who left at the same time) despite putting a reef in the mainsail. A night in Paignton (a drying harbour) was very tranquil with the SW winds blowing above us. Fish and chips with our friends off Eonmor and two friends who joined us by road were delicious despite a mix up with orders at the fryer.

Saturday 1st May

We left Paignton at 10.00 as we were well afloat and headed across to Torquay harbour where we were due to meet some more sailing friends who were already there having abandoned a longer cruise due to bad weather forecasts. Four boats were there with two more arriving later. To make the most of the muscle power available I persuaded and cajoled some assistance to winch me up the mast to replace a blown anchor light bulb. I explained the new method I had thought out (convinced it would work) and up the mast I shot. Arriving at the top I opened up the light fitting to be met by a bulb nothing like the new one I had bought. As I fiddled with it to see how it fitted, on it came. A dirty connection was all that caused it to fail. I dropped a long line down to the deck and explained what I wanted in the bucket to pull up so I could do a proper repair. Five minutes later it was finished. Unfortunately in the meantime it had started to rain (and rain) so while those on deck sheltered or put on the jackets I was swaying at the top of the mast getting rather wet. Such is the life of a skipper. As soon as I had finished down the mast I shot to get changed and put all the lines back in their proper places.

Later that day 20 of us sat down to a meal at the Marina Restaurant, overlooking the Torquay inner harbour. A good time was had by all. After the meal several of us retired to another boat that had just been bought by its proud owner and sailed back from Falmouth. You have to toast these important occasions.

Sunday 2nd May

Sunday was a lazy day. Some friends departed, others went to Brixham to a used boat show, only to be disappointed at the lack of sailing boats there. We did a little shopping, a little boat maintenance and some reading. All quite relaxing. Evening came and we met friends again for a drink and a bite to eat.




Monday 3rd May.

All the boats that had friends on returned to their home ports. Shortly after the last one departed we had a phone call from our son asking where we were and whether we wanted some visitors. His partner was due to have a baby last Monday so we were concerned about the stress of travelling by rail but said yes, we’d like to see them and Jake, Tanya’s son. We met them from the station and after having a meal and a walk along the seafront the day had vanished and it was time for them to return to Plymouth to await the arrival of their daughter.

Tuesday 4th May

Tuesday was spent enduring travel by bus to pick up our car from our friends drive and parking it in our garage at home to leave it before returning to our boat in Torquay. It seemed to take most of the day. Tomorrow we hope to head on again to the River Dart and maybe visit ‘Greenaway’, Agatha Christie’s home overlooking the river. Now owned by the National Trust, it is one we have yet to visit.