Marica goes clockwise

Vessel Name: Marica
16 December 2017 | Slipper Sailing Club
08 November 2017 | South coast
07 November 2017 | Newhaven
06 November 2017 | Beachy Head
05 November 2017 | Rye
04 November 2017 | Rye
03 November 2017 | Rye
02 November 2017 | South Coast
01 November 2017 | Thames Estuary
31 October 2017 | Harwich
30 October 2017 | Southwold
27 October 2017 | North Sea
25 October 2017 | Lincolnshire Coast
18 October 2017 | Yorkshire Coast
17 October 2017 | Bridlington
16 October 2017 | Flamborough Head
15 October 2017 | Whitby
12 October 2017 | Yorkshire coast
10 October 2017 | Geordieland
09 October 2017 | England!
Recent Blog Posts
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 [...]

In to the canal basin

24 June 2017 | Bude sea lock
Calm on the canal
On the long walk to the facilities early yesterday morning I had been invited onto Dorne Mist, a Gib'Sea 282, by Mike and Dawn. They had offered tea, biscuits and sympathy for my disturbed night. A lovely couple who have had their boat in the canal basin for a year. They used to have a Westerly Pageant of the same name. I'm hoping not to stay as long as them, but a super location, £15 a night and good shower block. No tides, just like the Ionian, it's tempting!
In the afternoon the volunteers turned up to operate the lock. Huge gates, the photo shows five on one side closing one gate. A similar crew was on the other side. After they closed they started to open again, the waves were forcing them as the crew tried to hold them shut.
A large crowd had gathered, I was pleased that the reliable Honka started easily and did not embarrass me. The lock filled up quickly. I stopped the motor as a line with floats on it was caught round the front. I moved it with a boat hook and possibly saved a prop wrap. I called to the crew to offer them a beer in the Brendon Arms at 9 as we motored sedately out into fresh water. Good to get the sea water out of the Honka. I moored next to Dorne Mist, they had offered use of their electricity and hose pipe (maybe I was a bit smelly).
I slept well last night and spent today doing a bit of faffing and preparing a presentation for a conference on Thursday. I needed wifi and found my local provides it. I was disappointed to see a live singer was due on. I wanted a seat, electrickery and a little peace. However, Adam Cornford from Bodmin was excellent with cover versions of some of my favourite bands. Who needs Glastonbury? Apparently he's on YouTube, whatever that is. There was no Otter Ale again so I opted for Guinness. It was good, same as everywhere. I found a seat in the dining area. Seeking a refill I found they have Tribute, my day is complete!
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