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 Eyemouth
I left around 9:40, a bit later than planned. The sea was slight and wind a useful westerly. However, we were punching the tide for half the journey. I was keen to travel in daylight as there are a huge number of lobster pots in the area. Between Eyemouth and Berwick on Tweed we entered English waters again. Goodbye Scotland, it's been an experience, and fun.
A few miles later we passed Lindisfarne (or Holy Island). I camped there as a kid and would have anchored for a day or so if it was earlier in the season. The late start meant that the tide was turning as we approached the Farne Islands. A lifeboat man had advised me to stay outside the islands. With time against and tide with, I opted to go for the shorter inside route. It's spring tides at the moment and there can be close to 3 knots running. I was a bit early to get the full benefit, but we were still doing around 7 knots.
Shortly after the wind increased and backed south west, on the nose. I furled the genoa, but kept the main up in case the wind changed again. I called the marina as it looked like I might be there after closing time of 5. Good call, berth C3 starboard side to, assigned and told where to pick up visitors pack on pontoon B. Excellent! I had to put my waterproof trousers on to take the main down as it was getting a bit blustery. Always a pain in a strong wind.
I arrived at Amble just before 5. Coming in to the pontoon I heard a call on the radio for a 'Mercia'. Obviously me but I had my hands full. I waved an acknowledgment. Approaching the berth it was occupied. A man waved me in to the adjacent berth, port side to. My lines and fenders were on the other side. I had put a couple of fenders on port and threw the stern line to the man as I came in rather too fast. I said I was expecting starboard. Aye he said, he may be the boss but he forgot there was a boat there. I would have been better off not calling and just coming on to the visitors hammerhead on B pontoon.
The boss did come past and offered his apologies. Not the first time I've been given a bum steer by marina staff. The welcome pack on pontoon B however was excellent, what a good idea. I had checked the prices in case I leave before the marina staff arrive at 9 tomorrow morning.