Saturday 24th July Salcombe to Plymouth
It was still pretty windy the next morning but with a forecast that it would ease come later in the day. We had to make a decision based upon the state of the tide as low tide was around 13:00 and in the current conditions there was not a lot of enthusiasm to talk the bar on a falling tide. There was also hope of kinder winds in the afternoon. There was a dissenter with one of the team keen to ‘get on with it’. But consensus was reached and we decided to depart around 1400hrs until …… The Harbour Master came knocking on the window to let us know that the permanent berth holder on their 90′ motor boat was due to arrive around 1330hrs. So another change of plan which did create some difficulties as we would now be leaving dead on low water. We made as slow a passage as we were able to make going down the channel hoping for those extra inches over the bar. Drawing 2m I was the one at greatest risk. We wasted more time putting up the main and tinkering with it – partly because we were trying find a work-around for the slipping main halyard clutch – which was not very sophisticated – just tied it off on the rear cleat. The moment came when having done ‘slide rule’ calculations, taking into account the high pressure and banking on luck, we went for it. Gillian guided me onto the transit and ensured I sailed all the way down the line. We had 0.6m beneath the keel as we went over the bar.
Once this was done we cracked on. The other boots were taking a close line inshore around Bolt Head. We went a mile or so out mainly to get a better line to Plymouth Sound. Purrfect Tale is not the greatest down wind sailor with a smallish self-taking foresail. Inevitably this would place us last – but it would provide a much more enjoyable sail. Winds varied considerably from 8kts to 18kts – but in general they were friendly and gentle. This was Gillian’s last sail of the Summer Cruise, as she was returning home on Sunday morning. So I was keen that we ended on a high – even making lunch which was not too challenging – cheese and ham sandwiches. I suppose I should have been a little more inventive!
We had a berth booked at Sutton Marina. We were already impressed with their efficiency with having received an email welcoming us, providing details of our berth and whether port or starboard side to, codes for the gates and details of the facilities as well as instructions for the lock. Fortunately we arrived on free flow for the lock but there was a need to call up the lock keeper as there is a pedestrian bridge that goes across the entrance which has to be closed and then the bridge moved to enable entry and exit. There was plenty of manoeuvre room outside whilst we waited for green light enter. Having got inside the directions to our berth – D33 – were clear and as we turned in two marina staff were there to take lines from us much to our relief. Before they went they went through all the facilities, where to find them and encouraging us to just ask if there was anything we needed.
We had Liz joining us for diner as well as drinks with Colin and Naomi on Boysterous. We had met Liz a number of years ago when looking for a Dartmoor walking guide. Having spent a lovely day with her we become friends and kept in touch, finding the time each year to meet up. Last year it was in Greece (Keflas) which we were both sailing. Colin and Naomi were truly outstanding hosts. They had a selection of gins (4 I think) plus nibbles and we congregated on the flying bridge settling down for a couple of hours of chat and catch up.
By the time we left it was too late and we had too many gins(!) to start cooking on board so it was a dash across to the Barbican for take away fish and chips. Well…..the Barbican certainly looked like pre-pandemic partying! Definitely no social distancing, we had to push our way through crowds of people who were intent on enjoying themselves in the summer sunshine. There were a number of people who were narrowly avoiding a visit to A&E walking on cobbles in shoes that had not been designed for that surface.
The intent once Liz had gone was to sort out the boat and for Gillian to pack ready to catch the coach back to Oxford. But after such an enjoyable evening we just hit the sack. After a sleepless night in Salcombe we were ready for some serious zzzzz time.
Sunday 25th July – Plymouth
Up at 0645 to make the last coffee in bed for Gillian prior to her travelling back home. Bags packed, final instructions to me on where everything was stored, what I needed to buy and washing to put in, we walked up to the central Coach Station around 1/2 mile away. Upon returning to the boat I followed Gillian’s instructions – washing, shopping and tidying up! I did manage to insert breakfast with Pat, Linda and Ken whilst the washing was completed. Pat kindly (and bravely) took the washing out and put in the direr whilst I finished breakfast. There was a moment of confusion when I received a message from Pat saying my snacks and then smells were in the drier – that was later corrected to smalls. The rest of the day was spent pottering, including getting a refill for the gas bottle which the marina was able to supply, collecting a bottle of Plymouth Gin (Navy Strength) and re-organising the boat ready for Mark Spice joining.
Up until now we had used the rear berth as additional storage – being a little bit lazy. As Mark would be using this area, I had to find room for everything that until now had no need for another home. Had a wander around the Barbican and across to Force 4 Chandlery resisting the urge to spend more money. On the way back chatted to a couple who had just arrived in a Hanse 315 who had sailed down from Burnham-on-Crouch exchanging notes on our respective boats. In the evening we went out to a Greek restaurant which was okay but not quite the gastronomic delight I would have hoped for! On the way back to the boat, the additional crew member with Dudley, Emma, had arrived having caught the train down to Plymouth. In her haste to pack bags and catch taxis an important piece of kit was forgotten – a sleeping bag! Overhearing a discussion on what warm coats she had brought with her I guessed what had happened and was able to assist as we had a spare double sleeping bag on the boat. The original intention was to use this on long passages to slept in the saloon berth – but we could manage without it.
Purrfect Tale 