China Girl, UK Circumnavigation - Year 1

We left Ipswich on April 27th and arrived in Preston on 2nd October, that's just over 22 weeks. In between we visited 58 places and travelled 1608 miles in 327 hours. The engine hours for the trip were 221, which seems like we only sailed for 327-221 = 106 hours, but the engine hours include all the [...]

03 October 2019 | Preston Marina

Tucked up in Preston

This year's trip ends with us tucked in Preston Marina. Good use of of great weather window yesterday between the howling gales on Monday and the strong winds forecast for Friday onwards. We part sailed part motorsailed in a weak northerly and had a lovely last tip of the season. The people in Preston could not be more helpful it's going to be a great place to spend the winter. Winter maintenance is already started, the mainsail is down, washed and rolled to be stored in Ann's Mum's garage (she doesn't know this yet!). Foresail comes down once the wind drops. The liferaft needs some TLC after an altercation with the wall of the lock while fuelling up yesterday. The first serious damage of he season on the last day, bugger. Ann is off to Leeds on the train tomorrow to fetch the car (via a meeting guiding in Birmingham) . Steve is on maintenance, and watching the rugby.

01 October 2019 | Peil Island

Bumpy night in Peil.

Ten hour trip from Liverpool to Peil Island (Barrow in Furness) yesterday in gradually increasing wind and rain. Arrived in the dark which is never easy in a place we don't know. Could not get the anchor to set so picked up a buoy and were glad we did as the wind continued to build. Very bumpy night. Photo is taken out of the saloon window in an attempt to show the waves. Still very windy now (3 pm) but due to drop soon. Cloud is getting thinner. Off to Preston tomorrow in what should be a comfortable northerly. There for the winter.

Liverpool

Been in Liverpool Marina since Sunday 22nd. Some days hiding on the boat from the rain. But also have done city centre and Beatles sites bus tours, The Beatles Experience exhibition, Merseyside Maritime Museum and the Motown Experience stage show. Highlight was he whole tour bus singing along to Penny Lane while the bus drove down that street.

Swellies conquered again

Quick motor from Porth Dinorwic marina to a buoy off Bangor this afternoon through the Swellies, this time with Ann on he helm. Wind is rather gusty but we are attached to the buoy by a substantial chain so we should be ok. Pjoto shis Bangor from the boat in the late afternoon sun. Supposed to be going to Liverpool tomorrow but the forecast is tor torrential rain. May sit it out here and go Monday.

20 September 2019 | Porth Dinorwic Marina

Porth Dinorwic

What fantastic weather!!! Legs out, maybe for the last time this year. We are in Porth Dinorwic marina, which is beautiful. Photo shows the view from the stern in the late afternoon sunshine. Went last night for dinner at the Garddfon Inn, THE place to go apparently and could not get table, so lots of [...]