I was not planning to do any sailing in December but an email from Halcyon Yachts dropped into my inbox looking urgently for crew to do a delivery from Plymouth to Brightlingsea in Essex. I promptly replied saying I was available, in Devon and could be down at the boat two days later. Almost by return I had a reply saying, great I was on the crew list and to await instructions from the skipper.
On Wednesday 07/12/2022 I hopped on a bus, jumped on a train to Plymouth and walked down to Sutton to meet the boat, Phil was already onboard and the skipper was on his way from Southampton.
It turns out that the delivery had been started, but due to technical reasons had to turn back at Start Point. Then the skipper and one of the crew had run out of time. Phil from the original crew was still onboard and we were to be the replacement delivery team.
While waiting for the skipper to arrive Phil and I popped to the Barbican for some fish and chips, and very good they were to.
Ismail arrived just after 2030 hrs and we set about with introductions and briefings before turning in for the night.
0700 hrs An early start as we needed to vital, water and fuel
Rhapsody, a Jeanneau SO 379. Ismail and I popped up to the CO-OP to do the food shopping while Phil went on a hunt for a chopping board and jerry can.
On return to the boat I found Andy, one of the Ocean Youth Trust's Relief Skippers, had arrived from Cowes and tied up next to us. While loading Rhapsody with stores we caught up on news and chatted about conditions out at sea. Cold, very cold was the message.
0930 hrs Filled with diesel and headed to the lock and the start of the 290 NM trip to Brightlingsea in Essex.
Sutton Lock
After a short wait the outer locks opened and we motored out into Plymouth Sound. A stunning, but cold December morning.
As Plymouth is my home port Ismail passed me the helm and I steered Rhapsody through the Sound. It felt a bit odd as this was the first twin wheel boat I'd helmed, quite sure twin wheels don't work for me as you need to move between wheels to get a good view of what is going on.
As is customary I called up the
National Coast Watch station at Rame Head for a radio and AIS check. They replied and wished us a good trip.
Without a formal watch system agreed I remained on the helm as we motored in zero wind past the Mew Stone and SE towards Start Point our first tide gate.
1400 hrs Ismail took over watch as we settled into a 2 on 4 off watch routine as it was bitterly cold and doing the usual 3 on 6 off was going to lead to very cold people and poor decision making.
1600 hrs Phil came up on watch and I got my head down for a nap before my watch.
1800 hrs A arrived on watch. EEEK, it is dark and rather cold. At this point I discovered I had left my thick winter buff and charcoal hand warmers on Aphrodite. Hood pulled well up and hands planted firmly in pockets to keep warm I started my first of three dark hours watches.
All times are UTC.
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Crew: Ismail Tezdiker (Skipper), Phil Kingerlee and Sandy Garrity.
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Sunrise: 0803 hrs
Sunset: 1613 hrs
Weather: The shipping forecast issued by the Met Office, on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, at 23:30 (UTC) on Wed 7 Dec 2022 for the period 00:00 (UTC) on Thu 8 Dec 2022 to 00:00 (UTC) on Fri 9 Dec 2022.
Wight, Portland, Plymouth
North or northeast 3 to 5. Smooth or slight, occasionally moderate in west Plymouth. Showers. Good
© Met Office Synoptic Chart 08/12/2022
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Trip Stats: Distance: 75 nm, Under way: 13 h 50 m, Moving average speed: 5.00 knots, Maximum speed: 11.00 knots.