Marica goes clockwise
| Vessel Name: | Marica |
16 December 2017 | Slipper Sailing Club
Epiblog
I met fellow Westerly Centaur owner Tom Bedford in Milford Haven. As it turns out we also share a fondness for real ale and the band Steely Dan. Tom is a freelance journalist and when I got back to Emsworth he suggested writing an article about my trip. I agreed without too much reticence and he sent [...]
08 November 2017 | South coast
From Shoreham
I checked the live wind at Chichester Bar this morning on the Chimet web site. Force 4 northerly. Hey! we could go somewhere, Little Hampton (LA) or even further. I might just make it for the 9 o'clock lock out. I called them and they said I would be going out of the smaller Prince George lock. I had [...]
07 November 2017 | Newhaven
From Newhaven
On Tuesday morning we wake to a southerly force 6. The sea state was expected to be 'moderate' and waves were crashing over the harbour breakwater. George and I had porridge and reviewed the situation. He decided caution was the better part of valour and I walked him to the train station.
06 November 2017 | Beachy Head
From Rye
My dad joined me on a frosty Monday morning for our leg from Rye. His name is George so he is the original George according to my sister, or he is George V for this trip. I thought Eastbourne would be a suitable port to make for, and could be completed in daylight hours. Dad had suggested Newhaven so [...]
05 November 2017 | Rye
More water problems
I started the engine this morning, whilst Marica was afloat, to check the repair on the throttle linkage. It was fine but there was no cooling water flowing through the engine. I assumed that mud was stuck in the inlet pipe. All the boats settle in this soft smelly stuff to the top of their keels. So [...]
04 November 2017 | Rye
Bailing Out
This morning (Saturday) I found the cutlery drawer full of water. It's just underneath the cooker. I was wondering where the water had come in last night. The boat had obviously been heeled over at a bigger angle at the top of the tide. There had been water in the washing up bowl, that I had not tested [...]
From Dartmouth
I departed at 8:30 and probably took half an hour to get up river to the fuel barge, refuel and get back to where I started. I called Reflection on the radio and we went to prearranged channel 8. Jim said he had left but was slow so I would catch him across Start Bay. I didn't which is not surprising. If he was doing 4 Knots for 2.5 hours and I did 5 for 2 hours that would be 10 miles before Marica caught up. I suspect our speed difference was less.
Not a lot of wind but I put the sails up heading for Start Point. I encountered the overalls close to the point but stayed in close and not anything worse than wet decks. I think even closer might be better. Very light winds so motoring all day. Approaching the Yelm I checked their facilities. I badly needed a shower, use WiFi, like walk ashore marinas. The location looked fantastic, and had been recommended to be by Charles Bacon from my work at Ampthill, amongst many other spots and pub details. Sorry Charles, opted for the easy option and carried on to Plymouth. Calling the marina up they asked for the beam of Marica. I've never had that before and arriving at my berth found I was next to a rather fat Moody. Next time I shall exaggerate my girth!
Coming into the Plymouth Yacht Haven I spotted a familiar boat, Reflexion in amongst the hundreds of boats. After docking I went round, but no answer when I hailed her. The couple next door thought the skipper might be asleep. Could be, a long day and he is over 80. I left a message that Andy on pontoon G had been looking for him.
I spent some time trying to stow all the junk I have brought on board. Too many t-shirts and not enough towels. And I don't think I need the duvet. Then Jim turned up. He's heading for Falmouth tomorrow and staying for a few days. I said either Fowey or Falmouth for me. Fowey has fewer comforts but Charles, my brother Ewan and Colin all recommend it so I shall try!
Today's beer was Otter, rather nice, £3.90.
There is a re-enactment of the arrival of Gypsy Moth IV here on Sunday. 50 years on, I cannot hang around, you cannot do everything. I was very lucky to have been given a day on the boat a couple of years ago with some friends. Thanks, Deb!
A bit of an essay today, despite few incidents. The coastline has been stunning, the fog gave way to very sunny weather. I put my shorts and sandals on but luckily for you all today's photo is of Start Point.