15/07/2009 Fowey
The forecast for today was SW f5-7 decreasing f4 or f5 then f3-4 later, sea rough becoming moderate, showers squally at first. The outlook for tomorrow was SW becoming cyclonic f3-4 becoming NW f4 or f5 occasionally f6 later in west, sea moderate becoming slight, showers becoming rain later.
We decided that rather than battling straight into the teeth of a sou'wester to get back to Falmouth we would have a day off sailing, have a walk into Fowey and try to dry stuff out between the showers. The boys had a great time fishing from the pontoon and managed to collect a bucket full of tiny shrimps and baby fish with their nets before we had lunch and then walked along to the Bodinnick Ferry and crossed to Fowey.
We walked through town until we could see the rough open sea whilst we ate an icecream each. Some things have to be done - even if it is cold, wet and windy! The boys improved their armoury of fishing gear, replacing a lost hook on their crab line and buying a drop net but unfortunately we were too late to get some fish heads in the fishmonger. On returning back to Mixtow pontoon the boys found however that a tiny pollock had taken their bait and the drop net proved a big success with the crabs virtually falling over themselves to get into it. Even a starfish joined in being caught!
16/07/2009 Fowey to Falmouth
0929 N50 20.771 W4 37.791, departed Mixtow pontoon in continuous light rain.
1000 N50 18.217 W4 39.089, just south of Fowey Approach waypoint. Raised sails however there was very little wind but what there was was from the south so it helped us on the way. Logged passage with Brixham CG.
1100 N50 14.762 W4 42.538, approaching Gwineas Rocks waypoint.
1200 N50 12.044 W4 46.750, approaching Dodman waypoint. Wind veered to the SW but still very light. Altered course to the west to keep the sails filled but soon after furled the headsail and continued with the main up to reduce rolling. Still raining virtually continuously.
1300 N50 09.928 W4 53.170, 1.5NM SSE of Gull Rock.
1400 N50 08.237 W5 00.784, just south of St Antony's Head.
1433 in channel approaching Flushing. Advised Falmouth CG of safe arrival.
1443 alongside at fuel pontoon, Falmouth Marina.
1510 tied up alongside, Falmouth Marina.
Distance run today 25.2NM, total 71.1NM
Soaking wet, freezing cold and not very happy we had to cheer ourselves up with a good old fashioned Cornish cream tea!