Thursday 2nd May
Light winds and more sun forecast for today so the gate opened at around 10am and promptly saw a mass exodus of boats out of the harbour. Leonore was towing a ferrow cement gaffer round to face the gate and by the time they let the line go poor old Alan had missed the gate but the gaffer motored straight out. Having spun himself back round Alan followed on. Peter George and Barry Kingston have all headed off to so even less boats in the harbour. Have run some reefing lines in the main ready for tonight's departure. Plan to leave on tonight's gate and sail overnight back home. Hopefully make the club for a pint at 5pm depending on tiredness. Rob doing breakfast as I scribble this whilst Doug and Chris chat to our new neighbours for the day Bob and Ruth Keys. They plan to leave on Saturday so at some point will have to swap places with us as we are inside boat. Doug, Chris and I went on Jaws 11 for a high speed trip round the bay. The driver stopped off at the place the old MFV Courageous was lost on Monday morning. Work boat gone up there to try and recover the engines. Those that have been to Padstow for May Day will know Courageous as the boat in the corner by the Shipwright. Been coming here for 25 years apparently, darn shame she came to such an end. All persons were ok tho. Looks like power nap time again judging by my return from a stroll and Rob being the only awake soul. Popped up the Shipwright to check the tables were back and that Rack of Ribs was still on the menu for our last supper before tonight's departure. There was a group of local old boys having a sing song in the beer garden which was very entertaining. Supper done and a little snooze before departing gate at 2215hrs. Very light winds from the south west so motor sailing to make some headway. Cleared Newlands island at 2300hrs and set George the task of keeping us on course home. Dolphins with us almost immediately and were a source of company most of the night. Very clear sky although the moon was hiding till mine and Robs watch at 0200hrs. We unfurled the headsail and turn engine off at half 4 cos the wind was up to 12knts by then. Been sailing ever since and now directly opposite Milford at 1031hrs. Been a cracking sail with slight seas and the forecast SW 14-17knt wind. Safely on Hobbs point pontoon and just the sorting personal stuff out to do.
Thanks to James for uploading these blogs and hope anyone who has read it has enjoyed. This is me signing off till next time. Take care all and enjoy your sailing.
Paul.