6/8 or there aboutsRound the corner and nearly but not quite going round the twist..Lost track of time and tired.
Saw slot in forecast - as another Low coming in.
Departed for Land's End and Newlyn an hour after HW @ 08.00.Alan (Tarby) arrived in the nick of time to spring us out off the harbour wall and the small gap.We'd met a couple last night out of brighton who'd tied up alongside.We discovered that their home port was now BOC and Gllin and Ann knew people i knew from Limehouse and South Dock in East and South London respecively.Small world or???Anyway,they stoodged around whilst we motored out of the sluice gate and waved our goodbyesI'll miss my friends but padstow was tooooo busy with Steins fish n' chip eaters!
Andy strted to remove the fenders and we discovered that we'd still got the fender board Smithy lent us!Had to stow it in the saloon,where it took up all the space!Hoisted the main and took out all my fog implements.A brass fog horn, a hooter,an air horn and gas horn!Dib,dib etc.
Sailed close-hauled for some hours on a great course past Trevose Head,when it got rolly and picked up to a F6.S/y Spirit passed us and I reefed the genoa and eased the main.I like a flat comfortable ride.
Slowed down too much when the ebb met eddies down towards St.Ives Past many old deserted tin mines as we drew neare the coast to pick up the eddies.Past the Brisons and picking up speed again,though the SSW and choppy,rolly seas slowed us now and then.Passed the incredible rocky outcrop known as The Brisons and thought of going inside the Longships rocks, but thought better of it in the huge Atlantic swell.
Finally past Land's End and into Penzance Bay now in the dark,towards Newlyn, a thankfully easy entrance.However,bound on all sides by fishing boats hard to find a berth.Alan had called ahead to the Penlee lifeboat mechanic (Patch) and he'd said he'd find me a berth.As it was late we found one next to a fishing boat.Unbeknown to us the last berth left.Another yacht came in and Andy tried to get his attention with the torch (was it SOS ,I asked 'No',just On and Off!) and then called on the VHF 'Yacht in Newlyn harbour looking for a berth?' I said he sounded like the HM!Anyway,we were trying to let him know he could tie alongside us as there was a huge space.But he left the harbour,probably to anchor,or moor outside (in Guavas Lake).
We crashed out after I assessed the numerous jobs and repairs to do the next day,including a broken toilet seat (Don'¨t ask!), a swivelling table and broken step. The deisel leak seems better though.
Awoke to a greeting from Patch and offer of showers and toilets at lifeboat station.
This is fishing harbour and the pontoons were installed by DEFRA,therefore (understandably) fishermen have priority.
Had alovely walk around this gorgeous town.A real fishing community and some beautiful old cottages which shuoldn't be missed behind the town.Reminiscent of Spainish ,or Italian villages, with a regalia of outdoor pots and planting and washing in the street.
Took the bus to Penzance,after i bought local mackerel @ 2 for £1.70!!then,bought some rocket and cougettes from local greengrocer to get change for the bus and nearly missed it!The driver and patient passengers waited for me to finish my shopping!
Walked around Penzance and out onto St.Michael's Mount.
Had a bit of a 'to do' with a fisherman when we returned from town, as he'd unplugged our electric cable and I didn't notice immediately. He was very grumpy and wanted an argument.I nearly invited him to dinner - but didn't.Another fisherman though had moored and tied his boat to ours whilst we were away! We need to leave at 6 and hope he leaves before.The boat must weigh 100ton.The HM came along and asked if we wanted to move.I said 'not really', but could we put springs on the fishing boat to stop him pushing down on us with the NW'erly blowing tonight.Andy and the HM set t,while I hoisted my £1.50 Cornish flag I'd found in the shell shop.
Dinner was a delight and the HM came along and chatted some, as we sat in the cokpit watching the fishing boats go out through the glow of the paraffin lamp in the cockpit.The HM promised to take the fender board (it had PHC marked on it as well!)and put it on a boat for it's safe return to Padstow Harbour Council.
Bound for the Lizard and Helford River tomorrow,then hopefully on to Falmouth.
More weather coming! |
