We had hoped to set off on Sunday 10th August with Philip and Yvonne Lunnon, the owners of Saltire, however the southwesterly force 6 wind put a stop to that. We visited the met office and they showed us that there was a slight possbility of a window of calm weather on Monday.
Paul Merrit who is the skipper organised by Fairline arrived on the last flight sunday evening and after picking him up we shared a glass or two of wine while we all got to know each other. We moved Saltire to the Albert Quay at 11.00 pm sunday evening in preparation for an early start.
First impressions of crewing on such a large boat are that the ropes are much heavier and there is further to walk up the sides of the boat. There is an electric winch which helps enormously and fairleads to slide the ropes through. Thank heavens we packed sailing gloves to protect our paws!
We set off at about 7.30 on monday morning for Lorient to a grey sky and westerly force 4. We were hopeful it would be ok. Unfortunately the wind picked up and the swell increased to 5' to 6 ', Saltire was coping well but with the wind due to back southerly it did not bode well for turning the corner around Ushant into North Biscay so we took the decision to abandon until the end of the week when the forecast looked better.
Shortly after turning around we saw the Commodore Goodwill burying its bow into the swell and we realised we had made the right decision. Also a few minor faults had shown up and it was an opportunity for Fairline to come aboard and rectify them.
Paul Merrit who is the skipper organised by Fairline arrived on the last flight sunday evening and after picking him up we shared a glass or two of wine while we all got to know each other. We moved Saltire to the Albert Quay at 11.00 pm sunday evening in preparation for an early start.
First impressions of crewing on such a large boat are that the ropes are much heavier and there is further to walk up the sides of the boat. There is an electric winch which helps enormously and fairleads to slide the ropes through. Thank heavens we packed sailing gloves to protect our paws!
We set off at about 7.30 on monday morning for Lorient to a grey sky and westerly force 4. We were hopeful it would be ok. Unfortunately the wind picked up and the swell increased to 5' to 6 ', Saltire was coping well but with the wind due to back southerly it did not bode well for turning the corner around Ushant into North Biscay so we took the decision to abandon until the end of the week when the forecast looked better.
Shortly after turning around we saw the Commodore Goodwill burying its bow into the swell and we realised we had made the right decision. Also a few minor faults had shown up and it was an opportunity for Fairline to come aboard and rectify them.
7 comments:
Sorry about your delayed departure. I wish you all a happy and successful journey.
Margaret
Hope todays sailing went without a hitch
Love to all Peter & Jennie
We see from Peter's comment that you are all hopefully on your way. Bon voyage and we hope the weather stays calm. Looking forward to the next update. Bob and Maria
Hi blog readers
Just to let you know, the Saltire "crew" have safely crossed the Bay of Biscay (despite being faced with force 7 winds) and are currently in Gijon, North Spain. They will be providing you with the next instalment once they find a marina with internet access.
Selina
Good news,
Force 7!! You certainly need to sit & Tuck!!
Best
Peter
Glad to hear from Selina you are safely through Bay of Biscay. Look forward to hearing an update soon.
Love to all Pat and Tim
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