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 Scarborough
It started very overcast, but I did see a glimpse of a rather red looking sun. The wind got stronger as we approached Filey Brigg. Passing that headland I saw what looked like some low level rain coming in. No, worse it was thick fog. I checked the AIS and kept my eyes peeled for lobster pots. A large fishing boat appeared very close, no sign of it on Marine traffic. The fog lasted about an hour, but seemed like an age. Approaching Flamborough head the sea started to get rather bouncy. The wind was now a strong Southerly so I furled the jib. The waves were pretty much from the South so I was not looking forward to rounding the corner where they would roll Marica sideways.
About a mile after passing Flamborough the seas became calmer. I called Bridlington before getting in. The berthing master/watch keeper was not around but I was told we should be OK for a berth, but little water in the harbour. We surfed a little though the entrance and did not ground on the bar. I saw a good looking pontoon and headed for it. Reeds is out of date and shows cradles, but I knew better, having now found that great resource called visitmyharbour.com.
So we didn't make my favoured pontoon as we ran out of water. I then went for another that needed reversing into. Again we pulled up short. But not too far away and I managed to lasso a cleat and start pulling us in. Bomber would be proud of me. Safely tied up a visit from the watch keeper. I knew about the £20 three day ticket, valid once a year. What a great deal!
I spent a few hours sorting out the boat for an unwelcome guest tonight, Ophelia. Extra fenders, doubled lines and I took the trusty Honka off the bracket to avoid damage. Time to visit the town for a beer and Internet. I stumbled upon the Hilderthorpe, what a great pub. Black Sheep, from Masham in Yorkshire on tap. It's 3.8% and worth every penny at £3.10. I met a couple of locals and the mum/mum in law and had some interesting conversations. The landlords Dave and Kim are also great.
Today's photo is from before the sea became confused, the wind blew up, the fog came down and the sun turned red.