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Our evening was enhanced by sailing with the dolphins.

North of Hartland it became a tough sail. We had 16-24 knots on the nose, the waves were against us, and had that typical Bristol Channel shape: frequent and steep – although not that large. The conditions were definitely worse than advertised on the weather forecasts, and we had to tack to prevent the waves from slowing the boat.

After a fairly uncomfortable night, things did not improve around Porlock.

We made an early start and were around Land’s End by 0900. We followed our outbound track inside the Longships as conditions were good.

Conditions were more difficult once we had to face the NNE wind and waves up the west coast to Padstow. We had to tack the boat to prevent us being stopped by the waves, and this lengthened our day from 11 to 13 hours – so we were glad to round Trevose Head and reach Stepper Point.

As the tides were neaps, we had plenty of water in the river, so we went up the river to the anchorage opposite Saint Saviour’s Point (near where the channel to the town starts) and dropped the anchor for a rest, and to wait for high water.

I am very pleased to have helped Tim achieve one of his bucket list items – to sail round Land’s End.

Tuesday 31 August 2021

We had a well earned rest – as well as a couple more pasties! We changed crew in Padstow, with Mike replacing Tim for the final legs of the passage.

We had a quick look into the Helford River before heading out around the Lizard.

A smooth sail across Mounts Bay and into Newlyn at around 1600.

On the way up to the Red Lion for a fish supper.

Another classic sail, and the weather was really spoiling us. We started with a short motor up the river at Fowey, past Mixtow, as far as Wiseman Reach.

Day 1 of our return to Portishead cruise had to start early to catch a good tide around Portland Bill. We would have headed for Dartmouth, but as it was Dart Week, we needed an alternative. We were lucky to get a berth in Torquay Marina which none of us had visited before.

There and back on the west side.

It was good to see Lou, Niv and Steve on Molia in Portland again this year.

Saturday

A trip to see Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Now traditional apparently!

Sunday

Jo, Caroline, Anna and James arrived Tuesday.

Wednesday, 11/08/2021

Anna enjoying helming Molia on our trip out around the cruise ships – there are only a couple left this year. Anna is vey pleased to have achieves 7 knots!

Thursday, 12/08/2021

A short walk on Portland Bill.

Another fine Molia sunset.

With a good tide in the evening and in the daylight I was keen to get round the Bill of Portland today if possible. This is a long sail (90NM) and took us 15 hours. The sea was still quite rough around the Bill – perhaps we could have stood off further, but that would have made the passage even longer.

We passed about 4.5NM from the lighthouse and then turned towards the Shambles bank. Once in the lee of the headland, the sea was much calmer.

We had lost the days for a gentle cruise to Portland because of the strong winds. So we made a long passage (71 NM) in 13 hours round the Lizard and directly to Plymouth.

The wind was moderate, but the previous days had left quite a big sea state.

We enjoyed a meal at the Jolly Jacks bistro.