Weymouth to Dartmouth

We awoke to an overcast day which was distinctly chillier than we had become accustomed to. We made an early start, leaving the harbour about 8 am and turning south to beat round Portland. THe sea was distinctly lumpy but luckily this leg was quite short.

Soon we were rounding Portland Bill, with its lighthouse perched above foreboding stone cliffs. As recommended, we were only a few hundred yards off the point to avoid the very strong overfalls that it is infamous for.

The course turned west and the wind gods had not forsaken us. We were broad reaching across Lyme Bay in a Force 5 wind with our speed regularly exceeding 10 knots.

As the sky darkened, the wind built up and we welcomed aboard a passenger - a very tired racing pigeon. Soon the rain started and the last couple of hours were miserable with torrential rain stinging our faces.

The beautiful town of Dartmouth looked grim as we entered but, soon after we tied up, the skies parted and we enjoyed a glorious evening.

Dartmouth to Plymouth

We had time to motor up the Dart before catching the tide for Plymouth, setting off once Graham returned from the early service at St Saviours, Dartmouth.

A beautiful river with the iconic Royal Naval College sitting on the hill above to the west. We passed the upper ferry; paddle driven; cable guided.

The passage to Plymouth offered few opportunities for sailing. Light winds meant more motoring than all the previous legs combined.

The famous 'Start Point' stood imperiously at the western end of start Bay.

We motored in to Plymouth's Sutton Marina alongside the Barbican; enjoyed a pint on the quayside followed by fish and chips.

The weather forecast for tomorrow was not inviting so we decided to lay over and liaised with Mike Berry who is coming to join us for the next part of our cruise.

Day Run 42nm

Total 375nm

Tue 9 Jun

Plymouth to Fowey (via Polperro)

Mike arrived early the previous evening. Swift pint on the Quayside followed with 'liver & bacon' on board for supper.

Light but chilly wind on Tuesday morning saw us out of the Sound and Chappie dipped the ensign to a naval gun boat.

Polperro was enchanting from the sea but breakers around the entrance at low water ensured viewing from a safe distance as we pressed on to Fowey.

The wonderful fresh fishmonger provided the essentials for a delicious fish pie cooked on board ready for after our pre-supper drinks at the Royal Fowey YC.

As ever, Mike chatted up one of the members, Dick Doidge-Harrison, the Hon.Sec at the RFYC whom he introduced to Graham, the Hon.Sec at the WMYC.

Dick was delighted to reveal that his wife, Ann was a 'Mersea Gal'; cousin to Jill and Barry Keane.

Day Run 25nm

Total 400nm

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